 This week our focus has been on learning from our affliction. More often than not we repeat our challenges in life, because we failed to learn the lesson the first time around. As adults if we're not careful, we can create generational curses that are passed down to our children, and so on and so forth. They repeat the same mistakes we've made. When we go through the storm, learn and change our perspective and attitude, we're more likely to not repeat the process. Instead, we can teach our children to not repeat our mistakes and how to grow through the challenge. Naomi Chanel Blankenship knows a little something about learning from her mistakes and gaining spiritual maturity and growth through it all. Now she's ready to share the wealth of knowledge with her daughter.  Convincing Sasha to give her father half a chance was not easy. She wanted no parts of it and let me know she felt betrayed by the fact that I was even speaking to Jaime, let alone wanting her to spend time with him. “Maybe you fell for his story, Mom, but I didn’t!” “Sasha Kennedy Blankenship, get back down these stairs, now!” I was standing at the island chopping vegetables for the grilled steak burritos I was making for our dinner. My tempestuous daughter had stomped up the stairs at our latest disagreement about her at least calling her father. This had been going on for almost two weeks now. I was getting worn down and ready to give up. Jaime had called again this morning asking if I had made any progress. It took everything in me not to get angry with him. Here I was picking up the pieces once again where he had failed his daughter. It seemed as if I had been doing that ever since the day he walked out. I was tired, but I had to know that I had given it my all before I gave up. She marched back down the steps with her arms crossed over her chest and her lips poked out. “You know, you look like you did when you were four and I told you that you couldn’t wear your tutu and ballerina slippers to school.” Sasha didn’t so much as crack a smile. I blew out a breath and set my knife down. I walked to the sink and washed my hands, dried them on a paper towel, and walked over to where my daughter stood. I pulled her into my arms. “What are you scared of, baby? All these years you wished you had gotten to know him. All these years you visualized him in your head, and now that he’s here, you won’t give him half a chance. Are you worried that he’s going to take you from me?” Sasha shook her head no, not saying a word. I felt her shoulders shake and knew that she was crying. “Then, baby, what are you afraid of?” She still refused to say a word, and then it began to dawn on me. I don’t know how I didn’t see it before. Sasha was so much like her father in so many ways. I had told her that throughout the years, and in her head, she had made him up to be fabulous and convinced herself he had died. Now it had to be a blow to her knowing he was alive and not as fabulous as she first thought. I realized my daughter was projecting Jaime’s failings onto herself, and it was impacting how she felt about herself. She was worried that getting to know him would reveal all of his flaws. And if they were revealed, she would be disappointed. That was scary to her, because to her, she was him. “Come here,” I said, pulling her into the family room. I sat her down on the couch and went to the bookshelf to grab a photo album. I showed her picture after picture of herself at the various stages of her life. She saw pictures of herself as an infant with me, Ambiance, Paige, and my parents. She saw her at dance recitals, soccer games, swim lessons, award programs, birthdays, and so much more. I had shown her these pictures throughout the years at various times when she just wanted to sit down and look at them. But this time was different. “What do you notice about all these pictures, Sasha?” “I don’t know. He wasn’t in them?” “No. That you were beautiful, and you were strong, and you were loved, and you were cared for. You even see yourself having a tantrum in some of them. But what you notice above all is that I was there. Your family was there. And no matter what, love was never withheld from you. But more than that, you have to notice that Sasha was Sasha. You were who you were then, and now. No matter who comes or goes in this life, you will remain you. He cannot break you or make you baby. Only you have the power to give someone else that type of control over your life. And it’s up to you how you decide to be happy, how you decide to live this life, and how you decide to move forward. No one has that power but you. In all these pictures and stages of your life, you dictated your outcomes. We could want the best for you, but we couldn’t reach those goals, create beautiful art through dance on stage, or win those awards you won in life. Only Sasha could do that. Only Sasha held the power all those years ago, and only Sasha holds that power now. So, if your father isn’t who you wanted him to be, if you find that you’re disappointed in the image you created in your head, it’s your choice. You can continue to carry around an illusion created by you all those years ago, or drop the image you’ve held all these years and get to know the man he is. Learn the other part of your culture and what makes up Sasha. It gives you more power, more freedom, and more control over your life.” Sasha took a deep breath within my arms and sat up. “I don’t know, Mom. I have to think about it.” “That’s fine. It’s better than the resolute no and the shouting you’ve done the last couple of weeks. Just remember this, regardless of what your answer is, I love you and I support you. But keep it real with yourself.” “Okay. I love you, too, Mom,” she stated, wrapping her arms around me. Read Chapter 2 of Naomi's Story...  Buy The Book... Thanks for joining me for another #writerwednesday. Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner. For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter. About Chelle Ramsey... Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle 
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 Over the last several weeks we have focused on the topic of affliction and its varied impacts on our lives. We discussed the numerous sources of our afflictions, the unhealthy and healthy coping mechanisms we deploy, the guilt and the shame of our afflictions, and the sources of comfort during the affliction. This week we will take a look at learning from our afflictions. I honestly believe that although they can often seem unfair and burdensome, some of our afflictions are bestowed upon us for the spiritual maturity and growth of ourselves and others. Take a moment to think back on a time when you handled an affliction in your life. Now recall honestly how you handled it. Come on…keep it real with yourself, there’s just you and me here…and I can’t read your thoughts. Did your attitude in the affliction reflect faith or disbelief? When others from your inner circle, or even those on the outside looking in watched you, what did your actions state to them? They were either inspired by your faith as it ministered to them, or discouraged by your lack of faith. It’s not always going to be easy managing an affliction, but you can truly learn to trust the Lord and allow Him to guide you through. Your test turned into your testimony can be a message ministered to someone who needs it. Don’t discount the trial or the lesson to be learned in it. What words are coming from your mouth? Are you affirming your faith through the words that you speak, or are you poisoning your atmosphere with negative energy? My husband often reminds those around him, “Remember whatever you put out is what you will receive.” He has drilled this into my head quite often, and even as I write this I’m laughing internally, because all day long, I was not focused on this vital lesson he has taught me. I’ve put out negative energy about being tired and having too much to do, instead of thanking the Lord for the opportunities and the blessings that lie before me. The thought process my husband teaches us, aligns with my Bishop’s favorite Scripture, Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Sometimes it’s easy for us to get stuck in the past on what happened to us, what we’ve been going through for a while, and how things will ever change, if at all. We have difficulty believing that there is something greater in store for us on the other side. Yet, allowing your faith to grow and learning to trust in Him will allow your spirit of expectancy to grow. Almighty God does not want you to suffer, but to look forward to what He’s able to bring you through. Sometimes it’s done for His glory, but you must raise your level of expectancy, which allows Him to open doors and do great new things on your behalf. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:18-19) Understanding why you have been burdened with an affliction may not always be easy to comprehend. Yet, you can choose to know the Lord knows what He’s doing even when you don’t. It’s at these times that you have to deposit a token of faith into your faith bank account. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6). No matter what situation you’re going through, it won’t necessarily last forever. It’s been placed in your life for a specific time and purpose. Learn what you’re supposed to learn while going through, and believe that it’s going to work out for your good. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) While going through and being delivered from your afflictions there are a few things to learn.
I hope that you have enjoyed this four-part series on afflictions. If you have missed any portion of the series, you can read them by clicking the links below. Thank you for joining me on this journey. My latest release, A Woman’s Design: Afflictions deals with three best friends, Ambiance, Naomi and Paige, who are dealing with afflictions they have been burdened with in different ways. While some try to hold on to their faith in the Lord, others will see their faith tested. They are dealing with infidelity, sexual promiscuity, and single parenthood. Their stories are the stories of many women across the land. How they handle it will define their outcome in the end. As a way to thank you for following this teaching series on afflictions I am offering the book for sale this week for $0.99. Click the link below to purchase it. A WOMAN’S DESIGN: AFFLICTIONS Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner. About Chelle Ramsey... Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle   It's another Fab Friday Feature and today's spotlighted author is Mrs. Melody S. She's sharing a bit of suspense with a dramatic cliffhanger, that leaves you begging for more. Read on... He walked unassumingly toward the side of the residence and quickly cut off the electricity to the home. He then used his own key to let himself in and once inside, made his way to the master bedroom. He quickly changed his clothes and sat on the bed to wait. As he’d suspected, he didn’t have to wait long. “Nicole?” Brent shouted as he entered his home and called out to his wife. The intruder smiled to himself as excited butterflies filled his stomach and he positioned himself behind the bedroom door. “Baby?” he called out as he stepped into the bedroom and attempted to turn on the light. The intruder nearly gave himself away as he fought to keep himself from laughing aloud at the obvious confusion in Brent’s voice. As Brent stood in the center of the room wondering where his wife was and what had happened to the lights, the intruder crept from behind the door. He moved swiftly and soundlessly until he was standing right behind his target. He raised the butt of his unregistered .9-millimeter pistol and bought it down on the back of Brent’s head. Brent collapsed at his feet, and the stranger struggled to drag his limp body into the bathroom. He dumped Brent into a chair he’d already positioned in the center of the spacious room, and then secured him to it with zip ties. He left the unconscious man alone while he went outside to turn the electricity back on. He wanted his father to see every bit of the surprise he had for him. Brent awakened to find himself tied to a chair and with a splitting headache. Oddly, he couldn’t remember what had happened, only that he’d been looking for his wife. “Well hello there, Brent. I see you finally decided to join me.”  Melody S. was born in Brooklyn, New York and later relocated to Suffolk County, New York where she graduated high school. At the age of 19, Melody S. became a young single mother of a set of twins. Six months after the birth, one of the twins passed away due to S.I.D.S. After such a traumatic experience, Melody S. struggled to understand her pain and how to pick up the pieces of her life. She became homeless and was forced to live in homeless shelters until she met who would turn out to be her abuser. She endured physical and emotional abuse until she could no longer take it. Melody S. found herself living in shelters once again, this time for domestic violence. At the age of 29 years old, Melody S. met a retired military veteran who would later become her husband. Together they battled his Lupus SLE disease until it caused his kidneys to shut down. While her husband was on dialysis, Melody S. offered to be tested in order to see if she was a match to donate a kidney. The pair was overjoyed to discover that not only was she a match, but she was a perfect match! The kidney donation took place in January 2014. Melody S. is currently a college student studying Business Administration and the CEO of Dream Cloud Publications. She is the author of Murderess Obsession, Marrying The Family, Intimidated By Love, Lust For Revenge 2nd Edition, Forbidden, and Hellfire From The Pulpit 2nd Edition. She has contributed to the anthology Murderess Obsession 2. Forbidden (Amazon Link) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074N3QGQK www.Facebook.com/melodytheauthor Twitter: @melodytheauthor Instagram: @melody_s_writes Thanks for joining me for another #writerwednesday. Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner. For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.   A woman's heartbreak may not stem from the man or men she's been with in the past. It can stem from her very first love, the man who was supposed to protect and cherish her the most. Yes, her father could be the first heartbreak a woman ever experiences. Deception, control, or disappointments can be at the root of her real heartbreak, all stemming from her daddy. Paige is one such woman. Her heartache had never been truly acknowledged nor dealt with. As a result this woman/girl with "Daddy issues," managed them in the most inappropriate way possible. As a result she finds herself in the center of issues like the one I'm sharing today. Read on...  Madison had been found safe just a few blocks from the Manor. She was hiding in the restroom of an all-night convenience store. The shift clerk, who was familiar with the Manor and the work that went on there, had alerted one of the volunteers who worked at the manor. He watched as she snuck into the store while he was busy with customers and then looked around surreptitiously before creeping into the bathroom. Initially, he thought she was coming in to steal something. But after cautiously watching the bathroom door for her exit, he thought something else might be going on. When she didn’t leave after twenty minutes, he dialed the number to the Manor to see if they were missing a child. He reported that she had gone in there about twenty minutes prior and had not come out. He thought it was odd for a child of that age to be out that time of night. Because this was her first offense with running away, she got off lightly with a stern warning and a revocation of her household privileges. She was placed under all-night supervision until we could send her to the Angela Simms home. I explained to her the consequences of all future attempts to run away, as well as the fact that any privileges she would have had going into the home would now be suspended. Everyone else looked at her and saw an angry and sullen child. I saw a child who was afraid of change and tired of being sent from one place to another. I had come back home around four-thirty in the morning. Most people were just getting up to start their day, and mine had already begun. I tried to lay down for at least a couple of hours to get some sleep. I knew I would be running on empty for most of the day, but I would get off early and come home to catch up on my sleep. No sooner than I laid down, my phone started ringing. I tried to ignore it, but whomever it was hung up and called back two more times. I stared at the phone on my nightstand as if it were some evil entity. Finally, I rolled over to that side of the bed and looked at the caller ID, David. Really? What did he want this time of morning? I was not up for his foolishness, now. I hit ignore; he started calling again. The next time I turned the phone on vibrate, and rolled over to go back to sleep. A light buzzing like the sound of a bee was going off in my ear. I began swatting at it, but it wouldn’t stop. I was finally pulled out of my sleep by the incessant noise and realized it was the doorbell. Who in the world would be ringing my doorbell at…5:45 in the morning! What the hell? I threw the covers off of me, and stomped to the front door. Whoever it was at the door was about to feel the wrath of a sleepless woman! I peeped through the peephole and was furious. This man had the audacity to come to my home. Didn’t he get it when I didn’t answer his phone calls? I thought he had lost his mind and was starting to act like an obsessed man. “What do you want, David?” “Open the door, Paige!” he roared. “I’m not opening the door. I just got back from checking on that child, and I need my sleep. Now, please leave, and I will call you later.” Why did I think it would be that simple? He started banging on the door again. “Open the damn door!” “I said I’m not opening it and I’m telling you to leave now!” I commanded in a forceful voice that I didn’t quite feel. “I ain’t going no damn where until you open this door!” he hollered. “If you don’t leave, David, I’m calling the police,” I threatened. If he didn’t leave, I wouldn’t have to call the police. My neighbors would be calling the police on him for disturbing the peace. I didn’t want him to get in any trouble, I just wanted him to leave. “So, that’s how it is now, Paige? That’s the game we playing?” he asked. “Yes, that’s the game we’re playing. When you left here, you called me a whore, remember? So why would such a respectable man as yourself want to be laid up with me, rather than at home with his wife?” “Come on, Paige. I’m sorry; let me in…pullleeezzz?” he begged. I started walking away from the door, determined to ignore him. I had only gotten a few feet away before he started kicking on my door. “Let me in before I break this muthafucka down!” he screamed, and began a new round of banging and kicking on my door. He wasn’t going to leave, and I knew I had a decision to make. I ran to the kitchen and grabbed the cordless phone off its station and dialed a number I had memorized by heart, after blocking my number. After it rang a few times, I walked back to the door and listened to the sleepy voice answering on the other end. I placed it on speaker phone, muted the part on the other end, and laid it down on the table next to the front door. I turned on the intercom so that David’s voice would come through the house on the speakers installed throughout. He was still banging on my door, screaming my name. “Open up, Paige, I’m not playing!” “Why, David? Why do you want me to open the door? If you’re acting like this now, how do I know you’re going to act right if I let you in?” “Paige, baby, please let me in. I promise I won’t hurt you. I miss you, baby…I was just upset, because you had to leave me tonight. Please, let me in. I just want to be with you again…feel your body up against mine. I need to make love to you, Paige. Please, open the door!” “David, where does your wife think you are right now, honey?” “I told her I had to leave for an earlier shift at work. Come on, baby. Let me in; we can take a day off and make love all day. Please let me in, Paige.” “No, David. I can’t take a day off. I have so much going on at work, and I need to get some rest. Please leave before I call the police.” “You bitch! I’ll kick this door in!” he shouted. “David, I’m begging you to go home to your wife. If you kick my door in, I promise you I’ll have something waiting on the other side for you. And I’m not afraid to kick start a little fire. Trust me!” I picked up the phone and placed it to my ear. I could hear frantic hellos on the other side. “Hello, Victoria. This is Paige.” “Paige, who? What is my husband doing at your house?” she cried into the phone. I didn’t wish her no harm. I really didn’t. Most women might think that I did, but not only was I tired of David’s foolish ways, I was tired of him making a fool of his wife. She needed to know about his misdeeds. “He’s going to be locked up if you don’t call him and tell him to come home. I don’t want him to come visit me anymore. I’ve been sleeping with your husband for a year and a half now. He’s angry because I’m breaking it off.” “What kind of woman are you to sleep with a married man?” she sobbed into the phone. “A woman who is hurting and running from the truth. A woman who just doesn’t give a damn.” I hung up the phone and slid down onto the floor in front of my refrigerator and sobbed. I could hear his phone ringing outside. I assumed his wife was calling him, and a couple of the men that lived in my building had come out to address him about the noise. Somehow, they convinced him to leave. I headed off to bed. I would definitely be taking the day to work from home. I had to catch up on my sleep. My job required that I make life-changing decisions for children. I refused to make a decision that I would later regret or that could damage someone’s life. I had damaged enough lives, and I was tired. From this moment on, I would never sleep with a married man again…not knowingly. I was not out to tear my sisters down. Just because I had my own issues didn’t mean it was okay to take it out on them. Every other sister deserved the love and support of her black sisters. My actions had done everything but that. Yes, I was done with married men.  Buy The Book... Thanks for joining me for another #writerwednesday. Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner. For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter. About Chelle Ramsey... Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle   The weight of a burden that we carry around can be oppressive and keep us from our destiny. It changes our attitude towards life and our expectations about life. Last week’s blog post focused on the guilt we allow ourselves to carry during affliction, and how it moves us to cut off those closest to us. We discussed how to manage our attitudes through it, even if we were the cause of the affliction. This week we’re taking a look at comfort in the midst of our afflictions. Where have we typically found comfort, where should we find comfort, and how can we be assured of comfort, are the areas I’d like to address. As women we have different ways of handling affliction that we believe helps us to cope with the pressure while we go through. It’s not always what is in our best interest; however, in those times it feels like what’s best for us. No matter how much someone tries to dissuade us from doing the wrong thing, we’re often hell-bent and determined to do what we believe is best. Some of the coping mechanisms we employ are:
There are more valuable and reassuring sources of comfort that we can seek, to find encouragement and strength. These comfort mechanisms are designed to breathe life into us and build us up, and not tear us down. PRAYER - We don’t have to succumb to destructive attitudes to seek and find solace in the midst of our afflictions. Instead, we can look for inspirational and uplifting methods of seeking comfort. The greatest comfort you may find when burdened with an affliction is through prayer. Staying in the presence of Almighty God will give you strength to make it through the greatest trials, and He will give you peace in the midst of the storm (Mark 4:39). Talk to the Lord, as though you were talking to an old friend. Don’t just stop there, but make sure that it is reciprocal. Listen to what He wants to say to you. When you’re in the quiet, all distractions from the outside world are shut down, you can hear Him best. Whether through a remembered Scripture, a verse of a song, a thought, or even a little whisper, He’ll guide you in these times. Be mindful not to pull away from him in adversity, as we oftentimes do. He’s where we gain strength and peace. SCRIPTURE – Reading God’s Word will engrain righteousness and encouragement in your heart and mind. The Bible gives guidance for righteous living and overcoming trouble in times of difficulty If your affliction is one of health, find Scriptures related to health (Psalm 118:17, Isaiah 53:5), if it’s a spiritual battle find Scriptural passages to empower you (James 4:7, 1 John 4:4, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Isaiah 54:17, Ephesians 6:11-17). Whatever your affliction is there is guidance for you in the Bible to help you stand strong and overcome. CONVERSATION – Talk with someone who you can trust that will give you sound and wise counsel or advice. Make sure that it is someone you can trust to hold your most sacred issues close to their heart, and that they will pray for you. Sometimes when you talk out a problem with someone else you’ll realize that it is not as bad as you thought. Or maybe you’ll find a plausible resolution or resource to help work your way out of the situation, or get the assistance that you need with the adversity. PRAISE – Your praise is surely your weapon! Lift up your voice to praise the Lord for what you’ve gone through, what you’re going through, and what you will go through. Use the gift the Lord has given to you to chase away the enemy, and to declare the good works of the Lord. Don’t be afraid to tell the enemy to get out of your life, while you sing praises to the Most High God. Praising Him will instantly change your perspective and your attitude. It will place a barrier against the enemy, and draw you closer into the presence of Almighty God (2 Chronicles 20:22). You can trust that in your praise the Lord will surely deliver you (Psalm 18:1-6). SOURCES - There are other ways to find comfort that are encouraging and motivating when you’re dealing with an affliction. Surround yourself with trusted people who will speak a positive word over your life, and give you reassurances that will comfort you and help you find peace during these times. Inspirational music is also a method of finding comfort and peace during your afflictions. The music and the lyrics are soothing and will bring you peace. It allows you to reflect on positive thoughts and penetrates deep within your heart. Your attitude can change your outcome, perspective, and mood. Try documenting your trials to review later, so that you can see where Almighty God has delivered you from and what He has given you the victory over. Finding comfort in the right places and right means in your affliction will strengthen and empower you for future times. These times are also meant to allow you to be a source of comfort for someone else who may face similar challenges later in life (2 Corinthians 1:4). So be comforted in knowing that your affliction has a purpose and an end. In my novel, A Woman’s Design: Afflictions, Paige succumbed to promiscuity and an insensitive attitude towards others. Her best friend Ambiance allowed doubt to take root within her, and she looked to sources outside of her marriage for comfort. Even still, her other best friend Naomi’s insecurity allowed her to become mildly depressed. Read about their story and how these women overcame their challenges here. If you missed the last week’s blog post in the Afflictions series, The Weight of Affliction read it here. Read week one’s blog post The Afflicted Woman. These teachings will guide you in living empowered in the midst of an affliction. Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner. For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter. About Chelle Ramsey... Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle   This week's topic for our Motivational Monday Moment message was dealing with the guilt of our afflictions. More often than not, we don't deal with past issues in our lives, and as a result they lead to an even greater problem, as we try to carry the affliction on our own. Sometimes, we point the finger at others, as my character, Paige does in A Woman's Design: Afflictions. Check out today's #writerwednesday excerpt.  “Mommy, I’ve told you that I don’t like you driving anywhere. How come you can’t just wait for me to get over here?” I was furious. I had called my mother and told her that I was on my way over after work. I guess I didn’t get there fast enough, because she drove herself to the store. Problem? She didn’t make it back to her house before I did. I was waiting in the driveway when she pulled up. My mom, Helena Yvonne Dougherty, wasn’t supposed to be driving anywhere. She was an alcoholic, and the last thing that she needed was a DUI. “Look, girl, I’m grown. I do what the hell I wanna do. I don’t owe you no explanation, and that’s what the hell I gotta car for. If I need to go somewhere, I go. What I look like waiting on you when I have a vehicle that’s working just fine sitting in my drive?” my mom replied, rolling her eyes at me and then sucking her teeth. She was a little woman, but she was so feisty. That feistiness had come from her having to deal with my father and his abuse all those years. Instead of moving on, she had become stuck in the past somewhat. Never becoming involved in another relationship, alcohol had become her method of dealing with her hurt and pain. She simply shut the world out. “You look like my mother, who’s playing it safe, that’s what you look like. I don’t have time to be bailing you out of jail, nor the funds,” I declared. “Well, hell, if I did get locked up, you can bail me out, and I’d just pay your ass back when I get out,” she retorted. “But why even play that game, Mommy? I have no problem taking you where you want to go,” I stated. “I know you don’t. But instead of babysitting me, you need to get out and get a life of your own. It’s time to start planning a family. You’re not getting any younger. You’ll be thirty-three this year, and honey them eggs are getting older. I don’ told you, I ain’t gon’ be babysitting no retarded grandchild,” she said, screwing her face up at me. “Mommy! That’s mean. Why would you say something like that?” I asked. I was going through her refrigerator, counting her beers. It didn’t matter, because I knew she had so many hidden throughout the house that I could never account for. “Because it’s true. You sitting up over here worried about me driving instead of getting a man and some babies. I ain’t going nowhere but around the corner. It’s not like I’m driving to the other side of town. Hell, ain’t shit gon’ happen to me around the damn corner. You need to get a life and quit popping up at my house all the damn time anyway,” she fussed, taking another sip of beer. “If I didn’t, Mommy, who would check on you?” I asked, firmly shutting the cabinet doors underneath the sink. I had completed my exploration of her kitchen. “For all you know, I might have a man.” She stood up and joined me in her kitchen, pulling a container with leftovers from her refrigerator. “But you don’t, and why would you?” I folded my arms across my chest, waiting to see what smart remark she would have next. “You don’t know what the hell I got! And what you mean, why would I? I need to get my chimney swept just like the next woman. I need some good lovin’ between these legs just like you do,” she commented. Eeww! Now that was just disgusting as hell. Why’d she have to go and say something like that? “I’m not out here getting anything done, Mommy. I’m career-oriented. I don’t have time for foolishness from no man,” I argued.  “Is that why you sleeping with all those different men, including the married one? Girl, yo’ ass betta be careful. You always worried about me; your life in more danger than mine. Something gon’ catch up to you if you keep doing wrong. Paige, you mark my words, one day one of these diseases is gonna get you in the ass, somebody’s woman’s gonna catch up to you, or some crazy ass man gon’ take you outta here,” she predicted. She straightened up from where she had been pulling a pot from underneath the counter to warm her food in. I don’t know why she just didn’t use the microwave I had purchased her. My mother began laughing at the expression on my face. I hated when she called herself warning me about my future because of my lifestyle choices. “Look, I’m careful with what I do and with whom I do it. My life isn’t as wild as you make it out to be. I think that you just do that, because you’re bored and it makes for interesting conversation with Aunt Laura. You two need to stay off the phone gossiping and find something productive to do with your lives,” I reprimanded. “Mm-hmm, like laying on our backs and spreading our legs for random men, because we couldn’t face our life challenges?” she said, turning her back on me to place her food in the pot. “Why do you have to be so mean? You make me out to be some whore, and that’s not what I am. I just decided I’ll use men before they use me. I won’t go through the hurt and pain you and Aunt Laura suffered. I’m just saying, there’s some things for you older ladies to get into that will keep you out of trouble. Discussing your fallacious tales about my life isn’t one of them. Get it together, Mommy.” “No, Paige Antoinette Dougherty, you need to get it together before something happens to your little hot-tailed ass,” she warned. I was beyond pissed and wanted to tell her about herself. But I got tired of arguing with her all the time. “Mommy, we need to get you into some rehabilitation center. You’ve got to start dealing with your drinking. It’s getting out of control the older you get. Do you know your speech is slurred during the middle of the day?” I asked in disgust. “You’ve got to start dealing with your freak bone. Do you know a man doesn’t respect a whore in the morning?” she asked, as she placed her glass cup on the countertop a little hard after taking a swig of her favorite malt liquor. I was done. I couldn’t talk to this woman. I hadn’t come over here to discuss my personal life. If she hadn’t been so damn difficult while I was growing up and set such a horrible example of how to deal with relationships, I wouldn’t be in the situations I found myself in most of the time anyway.  Buy The Book... Thanks for joining me for another #writerwednesday. Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner. For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter. About Chelle Ramsey... Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle   Last week we discussed the topic of Affliction and its numerous sources and coping mechanisms women employ, which typically are unhealthy. We looked at Biblical women who dealt with various afflictions and how they received a blessing through it. This week let’s take a look at guilt and shame resulting from the affliction. When trouble weighs us down or presses in upon us we can feel oppressed from the burden of it, or cut off from the life we once knew. No longer are we drawing near to family and friends that have meant so much to us. This attitude can derive from the fact that our family and friends are the source of our affliction, or it can be attributed to embarrassment or shame. Perhaps your concern is that if someone were to find out what you were going through it would be humiliating, or you might feel guilty because you “allowed,” whatever the situation was to come into your life. More often than not, people take on the burden of their affliction and they feel responsible for it or guilty that it is in their life, or mushroomed to the magnitude that it has. People believe “well, maybe if I had done something at this stage of the game, it would not be so catastrophic.” Or “maybe if I had called upon someone for help, or employed a specific technique I would have it under control.” I have learned that there are some afflictions we cause ourselves, but oftentimes no matter what route you take in life you cannot avoid the affliction. What you can do is manage your attitude through the affliction and how you feel about it. If the affliction is something that came about as a result of your choices or decisions, and you know that you could have avoided it, own it. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The Lord will forgive you for whatever wrong you have committed. Take on the responsibility of owning it by confessing to Him what you have done wrong, and allow Him to cleanse you from that behavior/attitude. Don’t continue to make the same choices if you know where that road will lead. You may have made a mistake that has brought affliction on you or into your life, but you don’t have to beat yourself down over it. There are no perfect people and we’re all going to make mistakes. Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” but just as well as we have sinned, we are vindicated by God’s grace through the redemption that we have in Jesus. You don’t have to wallow in your misery or mistakes, you simply have to accept his grace, because he forgives you. The burden that you bear is not forever, He will save you if you call upon His name (Romans 10:13). Your guilt is given to you by the enemy to keep you burdened, and to create a wedge between you and the Lord. The guilt is sent to keep you from walking in your destiny and to prevent you from fulfilling your purpose. Your mindset changes and you believe that you don’t deserve to prosper, be blessed, or be anointed. However, nothing can be further from the truth. Jesus said that He has come that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). The enemy’s mission is to destroy you. Your salvation and deliverance in your trials come from the Lord (2 Peter 2:9), and you don’t have to wallow in misery, nor be weighed down by the guilt. Simply turn your heart to the Lord and seek His guidance. When you continue to pray and read His Word, He provides the answers to all of your situations. Trust Him, and be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). The guilt that we have over certain situations we have allowed to occur in our lives, can lead to more troublesome decisions if we do not focus on them. If we avoid dealing with those obstacles, our affliction will be further compounded. Paige, is a character in my novel, A Woman’s Design: Afflictions. She has a lot of hurt and pain resulting from her parents’ decisions, and the impact they had on her childhood. Carrying that pain throughout her life, has allowed her to hide behind their mistakes to justify the decisions she is now making. She struggles with promiscuity and has brought pain into the life of others because of it. When faced with this problem, she tries to rationalize her behaviors rather than dealing with her affliction or the resulting guilt. Unfortunately, she has now blocked those who love her out of her life, and it leads her down a disastrous path. Read more of Paige’s story here, A Woman’s Design: Afflictions. Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner. For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter. About Chelle Ramsey... Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle   Hello. I’m Excited. This is one of my stops during the two week tour for Put It In Ink by Danyelle Scroggins. This virtual book tour is organized by Write Now Literary Book Tours. This tour runs August 7-18, 2017. Follow the tour here Book your own tour here Genre: Inspirational Fiction ASIN: B01FP5TZC8 ISBN-10: 0996003878 ISBN-13: 978-0996003872 About Danyelle...  Pastor/ Author Danyelle is the Senior Pastor of New Vessels Ministries North in Shreveport, Louisiana. She studied Theology at Louisiana Baptist University, has a Psychology Degree from the University of Phoenix, an Interdisciplinary Degree in Psychology /Biblical Studies from Liberty University, and is presently working on a Master’s in Religious Education from the Liberty University. Pastor Danyelle owns Divinely Sown Publishing LLC and is the author of “His Mistress or God’s Daughter, Not Too Far Gone, Destiny’s Decision, Evonta’s Revenge, & The Power Series: Pain, Restoration, Love, & Forgiving”. She is the wife of Pastor Reynard Scroggins, the mother of three by birth and two by marriage.  About Put It In Ink... Nikiya Barnett aka Nikki, is still secretly suffering in silence concerning losing the love of her life, Raja Abrams. She desires total healing from God, but somehow seems to be stuck in her heart and mind. She alongside her two best friends who happens to be her coworkers, are trying to make Salon Select the new ‘it’ spot but this does not happen until they invite God in, by way of Sappora Ink. Sappora Ink is the new blog talk show host with a show entitled, RFRT~Real Folks, Real Truths. Sister Ink is a straight to the point, raw, doctrinaire Christian girl trying to help her friends in this sinful world. She is changing the world one show at a time, and taking Shreveport by storm with the help of Nikiya Barnett, the owner of Salon Select, who has opened her salon as a hosting spot. Little does Nikki know, Sappora is closer to Raja than she thinks? Raja is stuck in a world wind of adversity that he seems to have created for himself. Through R.A.B.~ Raja Abrams Broadcasting, he is trying to secretly make Nikki aware that their time together was not a waste, but will his method be the same method used to change his life forever? Things happen when we choose to let God in. Whether we appreciate His ways or not, we must remember, His ways are not our ways. Will life change for the better for Nikiya and Raja, or is the plan that has been laid before them all a part of God’s plan? Excerpt... Nikiya “Nikki” Barnett Nikiya Barnett, known to shop patrons and friends as Nikki, was eager to tune in to RFRT with Sister Sappora Ink. The blog talk show previewed for the first time the past week, rating high and considered a hit by reviewers. As far as Nikki was concerned, the world needed someone who would tell the truth, live the truth, and share the truth, even if it were a blog talk show host. As explained, Sister Ink answered questions about relationships, and although honest, she was raw. Against her will, Nikki listened to blog talk shows often blaming the desire to be a good best friend for this phenomenon. A couple of them were worth listening to, but some were uninformative and a useless waste of time. The hosts were inexperienced or too pretentious to explain life’s circumstances with realness and clarity. They failed to solve problems or share foundational truths from the Gospels, as Chelle declared Sister Ink did. For the first time, Nikki’s curiosity about a show’s review ignited interest and Nikki refused to miss it. Intent on judging for herself perhaps sparked the motivation. It may also have been the desire to understand how she lost the love or her life or the need for spiritual advice. Either way, Nikki would be in the front of the computer, with an open mind centered on Sis. Ink. The only dilemma was making it home on time. Nikki’s solution may not have been perfect but it was plausible. She drove 85 in and 70 mph zone, praying the angels would blind the police. The inability to afford another speeding ticket should have detoured Nikki from breaking the law, not to mention how dumb it would be to get a ticket resulting from rushing to hear a talk show, but it didn’t. With long hair weave blowing, as the wind whipped through the windows of the car, Nikki uncaring and unconcerned bobbed and sang along with the music. We are conquerors, conquerors. Driving fast, the “zooming” of the other passing vehicles warranted a rearview mirror check. Dang Nikki! The thought was not a result of a police approaching, but the reality of looking at a calescent mess. Nikki snickered, but noticed the children in the car to the left laughing and pointing their fingers. Nikki licked at the children and then sped past them. Connect Socially Twitter: https://twitter.com/PastorDanyelle Website: http://www.danyellescroggins.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/danyellescroggins Purchase a copy Barnes & Noble link: http://bit.ly/2w05e49 Amazon ebook link: http://amzn.to/2wfJ3pT Amazon paperback: http://amzn.to/2f2yGTa  Please leave a comment below. Danyelle would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner. To read my novels, visit Chelle's Book Cafe For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.   I kicked the week off with a motivational message on Monday for women and how we deal with our afflictions. Today is #writerwednesday and I'm following up on that message with a piece from my girl. She's one of my characters, Ambiance Lorraine Caldwell, and she's talking about the affliction that she has been burdened with: an unfaithful husband and an unfaithful heart. She's keeping it real and raw, about how she lost herself and fell away from her relationship with Christ because of her affliction. If you've dealt with this burden or know someone who has, or if you've ever been tempted, join us...  Hi ladies, It's Ambiance here and I just want to sit down and chat with you for a moment or two. I've had a heavy heart, and trying to hold it all inside and keep my secrets to myself have become too much for me to bear. So, if you don't mind, I'd like to unload my afflictions with you. Let me start off by saying, I never meant for things to get so out of hand the way that they did. I did not set out to have an adulterous heart, and I did not set out to justify my actions by the wrong my husband was doing. It happened because I had made Eric my entire world. After all, isn't that what a woman was supposed to do? I did everything by the book, saved myself for marriage, submitted to my husband, and trusted him to lead me in the right direction as the head of my life. It still didn't stop my entire marriage from being a farce! So, Eric and I met in my last year of college when I was home from UGA on Christmas vacation. I had dated other guys, but I knew the man who was getting my body, would be my husband. Why? Because my daddy and step-mother raised me to keep the cookies locked in the cookie jar until I said "I Do." Now, I know many women say you need to test it out and all of that stuff, but not me. I trusted God to give me everything that I needed and wanted as a woman in my husband. I'm not just talking about a good provider and someone who loved me. I'm talking about someone who could put it down in the bed and please me, too. God gave me that. It wasn't God who failed me, it was my husband. Eric started cheating from the first year. We didn't even get into the marriage well, before he started jumping in bed with this trick named, Kendra. I'm sorry, but I don't have patience for a woman who doesn't have enough confidence in herself to get her own man. My friend, Paige included, but that's another story...literally. Anyway, we tried to get help. I did everything that I could think of to please my man, including not nagging him and being a freak in the bedroom. It just wasn't enough. Eric was bound and determined that one woman would not be enough to satisfy him. I thought we survived the first year after counseling, but not long after he was up to his old tricks again. I couldn't keep that man out of the strip clubs nor out of Kendra's bed. He told me every lie he could think of and I fell for them, because I wanted my marriage to work. I knew the truth. I knew that he wasn't hanging out with his brothers late nights until the early mornings. I knew he wasn't working late on some case, even if he was a practicing attorney. I prayed and prayed and prayed, and I read the Word of God. I declared and decreed everything I could think of. Finally, I got fed up with that man and I got fed up with God. He wasn't answering my prayers so my career became everything. I worked my butt off during the day at Vanilla Rose, the fashion boutique I worked at. And I worked my butt off at night on my own fashion consulting business, Bleu Diamante Fashions. My world revolved around my work and I was available when and if Eric needed me, because he was quickly forgetting I was his wife. He was no longer available to perform his husbandly duties, or he was too tired to do so. So, if he wasn't doing that, you know he wasn't giving me emotional support.
Women, I don't care what you say, we want to feel love, desired, and beautiful. We want a man to look at us when we pass by like he can't live without us. We want a man's head to turn even if we're with our man. We want to be wanted, bottom line! So when he stepped to me and I know I wasn't on my A-game that day, I was all for it. Now don't get me wrong, I played it like I wasn't interested. But from day one I could not get that man out of my head. He was so sexy and good-looking. His grooming was on point, and he drove a nice ride! I decided one day to go to lunch with him, even though I told him I was only interested in friendship. I stood my ground on that for a long time. I had to know that at some point I would fall. When a man pays you the attention your husband doesn't, and he's never to busy to talk to you day or night; when he accepts your calls in the wee hours of the night, because you're scared from being home alone; when he talks to you on the ride home and on the ride to work; and when he's the last voice you hear as you lay down in your empty bed at night; and when he makes you feel you're the axis of his world...you can't help but fall head over heels in love. That my ladies, is how I fell into an emotional affair with Nicholas "Nick" Jackson. It was not an easy entanglement. He wanted to show me what it really felt like to be loved, but he was always a gentleman. Even when I was angry at Eric, he would advise me as a friend in a way that I knew was in the best interest of my marriage. He always kept it real with me, and told me that eventually I'd have to tell Eric about him. I thought I had it all together until that fateful day that we had lunch at Flaming Rio. Everything changed, and my world would never be the same again. Ladies, if you find yourselves in such a situation, the desire to feel that attraction from a man can be tempting and overwhelming. I simply suggest you tie up your loose ends first. Be real with yourself, stay prayed up, and stay in the Scriptures. When the Word of God says, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour," that's the Truth! That's first Peter five, verse eight. My life, my soul, and my world was devoured in one single day. It did not matter if I was only engaging in an emotional affair, it still led to more, and it always will. There's no way around it, so don't trick yourselves. The main message I want you to get out of all of this is, if your marriage is afflicted, don't give up on God. He might not answer when you want Him to, but He has a plan, and He'll step in just in the 'nick' of time. Pun intended. ;) I wish that I had waited on the Lord. If I had I would not have created the catastrophe I found myself in, nor would I have experienced the tragedy that was on its way. All I wanted was to be free of the nightmare. Yes, I simply wanted someone to say, "Woman, be free." Read Chapter 1 of Ambiance's Story...  Buy The Book... Thanks for joining me for another #writerwednesday. Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner. For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter. About Chelle Ramsey... Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle   Merriam-Webster defines the word “affliction,” as “a cause of persistent pain or distress,” “great suffering.” Then dictionary.com defines it as, “a state of pain, distress, or grief; misery,” and “a cause of mental or bodily pain, as sickness, loss, calamity, or persecution.” Affliction can also be the result of persecution from those around you. Family, friends, co-workers, or those you live around may cause mental distress. This type of suffering does not always come at the hand of a declared enemy. Trials come in various forms whether they be from the loss of a loved one, divorce, financial challenges, or physical or mental ailments. Most women are innate nurturers who are naturally strong, but sometimes the pressure of life and unanswered prayers can be burdensome. We are expected to hold it together, especially for our families, which isn’t always easy. When we find ourselves afflicted with physical or mental distress, we find ourselves employing coping mechanisms that are not always healthy. Just as the affliction may come by way of countless sources and attack different facets of our lives, so do we also learn to handle them in various manners. Sometimes we avoid those who love and care for us, or block ourselves off from the outside world altogether. To escape the pain, we may sleep more, or eat more than normal. Some women deal with afflictions through:
All of these methods are unhealthy for our mind, body, soul, and the relationships we form with others. The Bible shares many stories of women who suffered some form of affliction. Yet, their suffering was to draw them and others closer to God, that He would be glorified. I am reminded of Mary the mother of Jesus. Can you imagine being engaged and your fiancé is expecting to marry a virgin, and you have to tell him that you’re pregnant? People in the community were surely talking about her. Here is this young girl who is suddenly pregnant and she isn’t married. Her fiancé thought about breaking off the engagement (Matthew 1:18-19). Everything he expected changed into something that may have been difficult to conceive. It was a blessing, but Mary and Joseph had to go through the test. Her obedience to God and trust in Him led her to be a vessel for a gift to be endowed on future generations, including you and me. Read her story (Luke). Ruth, the Moabite experienced affliction. Her husband died prior to having children. She pledged to her mother-in-law, Naomi that she would go wherever Naomi went and make it her home, and that the God Naomi served would become her God. In the midst of her bereavement, she left her home and set out on the road to a strange land. Meeting Boaz was a blessing to Ruth not only in the way of provision for work, but also finding a husband who was compassionate and kind. Read her story (Ruth). If ever there was a woman who faced persecution it was Esther. She married King Ahasuerus, learned that one of his trusted counsel, Haman, had planned to kill her and her people, and risked her life by approaching the king who had not called her. Despite the persecution of her and her people at the hand of Haman, Esther was able to turn the attack back on the enemy. She accomplished this through her and the people praying and fasting (Esther 4:16-17). Read her story (Esther). Sometimes our afflictions come at our own hand. Take Eve for instance, her every need was provided by the Lord. She was blessed with a life of abundance. Yet, her lack of obedience and bad decision caused her to lose it (Genesis 3). Eve recognized God’s grace and favor on her life despite her sin, in the birth of her son (Genesis 4:1). Elizabeth was barren until her old age (Luke 1:7). Women often desire to conceive and nurture life. Many women become hopeless and depressed when they can’t procreate, and it affects every area of their lives. Elizabeth and her husband, Zechariah, were righteous people, always serving the Lord. Despite her failure to reproduce, she did not turn away from Almighty God. In time, she conceived and gave birth to a son, John the Baptist. It did not happen when she wanted, but in God’s own time He brought it to pass, because He had a plan for the family. Hagar, Sarah’s servant, faced abuse, injustice, prejudice, and despair (Genesis 16:6) after she became prideful for giving birth to a son for Abraham when Sarah could not. When she was sent away to the desert, God saw her distress and provided for her and her child. Hagar was promised that she would become the mother of a nation (Genesis 16:10), a parallel of Abraham’s promise. Regardless of what your affliction may be, or whatever burden you’re carrying the Lord will see you through. It may not happen in the timeframe that you expect, but He will do it in His time, Kairos. The Lord is faithful to deliver you. Although it may be taking a long time, continue to keep your focus on Him. Psalm 34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.” He has a plan for your troubles, suffering, and pain. Allow Him to work in you, through you, and for you. I have learned in life that whatever my circumstance and whatever challenge I face, there is always someone else who’s going through worse. It’s difficult to consider something worse, when you’re in the midst of your pain. The burden can be so heavy you don’t care if there are people going through worse. You simply want your misery to end. Trust that it’s not over and you will survive. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 “8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” When afflictions arise in your life stand on the Word of God and pray. If you already have a prayer life, go deeper, if you don’t, it’s never too late to start. His Word will be your strength and His presence will be your fortress. When the pressure becomes too much, and you’re overwhelmed immerse yourself in what His Word says. It will bring you out and draw you closer to Him. Psalm 119:71 “It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.” In my recent novel, A Woman’s Design: Afflictions, three best friends are suffering because of choices they have made, or those made by their loved ones. They don’t instantly turn to prayer and the Word of God. They struggle to find themselves in the midst of the darkness and pain. Their afflictions lead them into deeper struggles. Read more here: A Woman’s Design: Afflictions. Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner. For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter. About Chelle Ramsey... Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle   Write Now Literary is pleased to announce Maybe, Book Blast Tour with Joy Avery. August 3, 2017. @wnlbooktours @authorjoyavery Genre: Contemporary Romance ASIN: B072VJ9P6K  About Maybe... Sometimes, all it takes is the right motivation… Artist Rana Lassiter has sworn off men. After being hurt, she prefers painting passionate scenes of love on her canvas instead of the real thing. But when she meets Mount Pleasance’s newest arrival, sexy and suave fireman Dallas Fontaine, she envisions a different kind of stroke than the ones she performs with her brush. To say she’s attracted to the debonair man is an understatement, but she refuses to fall victim to his good looks, charm or persistence. Dallas has never had a problem getting any woman he wants. And he wants Rana. In a way he’s never wanted any woman before. There’s just one problem…she doesn’t want him. But she will. By the time he’s done, she won’t be able to resist his blazing kisses. But nothing is easy, especially love. When a life-altering event occurs, it will test them both. Are they strong enough to forge through the catastrophic storm, or will they allow it to destroy their chance at happily-ever-after? About Joy...  By night, the North Carolina native travels to imaginary worlds--creating characters whose romantic journeys invariably end happily ever after. Since she was a young girl growing up in Garner, Joy knew she wanted to write. Stumbling onto romance novels, she discovered her passion for love stories; instantly, she knew these were the type stories she wanted to pen. Real characters. Real journeys. Real good love is what you'll find in a Joy Avery romance. Joy is married with one child. When not writing, she enjoys reading, cake decorating, pretending to expertly play the piano, driving her husband insane, and playing with her two dogs. Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America and Heart of Carolina Romance Writers. Connect Socially Website: http://www.joyavery.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorjoyavery Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorjoyavery Purchase link Amazon: http://bit.ly/maybeitslove Tour hosted by Write Now Literary www.wnlbooktours.com  Follow the tour: http://wnlbooktours.com/joy-avery/ Please leave a comment below. Joy would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner. For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.   Have you ever met a man who was so tempting, and so delicious? Yet, his ways can be a bit controlling, even though he says it's in your best interest. Temptation comes in many facets and if we're not careful we'll succumb to something that will pull us under. It's another #writerwednesday, my reading friends. I enjoy sharing with you what's in the works. Here's a snippet of A Woman's Design: Redemption. This is part 2 of A Woman's Design... “Come on, baby, let’s hit the water,” Larry jumped up from lying on the towel he had spread out for us. “Well, um…I, uh—” “You can swim, can’t you?” He placed his hand over his eyebrows, shielding his eyes from the sun. “Yeah. I can swim.” I gulped apprehensively. “Then what’s the problem?” “Nothing,” I mumbled. I was not ready to remove my sarong and reveal all this woman pouring out of my bathing suit. I looked around the beach at all the women and young girls in their respectable and not-so-respectable swimwear. Most of the young girls around Sasha and Sabrina’s age ran around in thongs, butt cheeks jiggling everywhere. There were a few my age dressed the same way, too. Even those not showing off all their goods looked wonderful in their bathing suits. What I had not seen were many women who looked like me. I had seen a few of them strutting along the beach, but I didn’t possess that same confidence. Larry lowered down on the towel and rested a hand on my lap. “Naomi, I brought you here to have fun. Let go of your reservations, and just live today. Okay?” I looked into his eyes and wondered about the laughter I saw there. Was it happiness or ridicule? I was unsure, but wanted to believe in his words. Larry kissed me sweetly on the lips as he stroked my arm. I looked in his eyes and tried to calm my breathing pattern as it quickly increased. He smiled at me and kissed me again, this time urging me to open my lips as he put pressure on them. I opened up, hesitantly allowing his tongue entrance. I was so caught up in the kiss and the way he was making me feel that I didn’t notice he had released my sarong’s knot. “Come on, baby,” he said, breaking the kiss unexpectedly. I held his hand tightly and allowed him to pull me into a stand next to him and he grabbed me in his embrace. He kissed me again and this time I wished we were in private somewhere rather than on the public beach. His hands rubbed my back up and down and before I knew it, I felt a cool change. My breath caught on a hitch in my throat as I realized what he had done. I looked back at the blanket and saw my sarong lying there. “Larry!” “It’s okay, baby. Come on, let’s hit the water.” He pulled me behind him. My pleas fell on deaf ears as he continued to the water’s edge. I wanted to fly away on the wind as I felt every roll and wrinkle jiggle and shake as we ran to the water. I knew my thighs and hips were smiling at the beach goers. I continued to run, because I only wanted to disappear into the water now. Hoping no one had seen what I had worked hard to cover up. When we got to the water he began splashing me no sooner than I started fussing at him. I swam away and pouted at a further distance. He quickly caught up with me. “Baby, what’s wrong,” he asked, pulling me into his arms. My resistance did nothing to stop him. “I didn’t want to take that off, Larry. You didn’t ask me you just did what you wanted to do, without any concern about how I’d feel.” “I cared about how you felt. But I also realized you’re a bit self-conscious and have no reason to be. If I’d let you, you’d sit on that towel the rest of the day reading a book. We’re here to have fun, baby. I don’t know what you’re worried about. I think you look sexy and that’s all that should matter. What the rest of these people think out here don’t matter to no one. You’re here with me and that’s all I care about.” He ran his hands over my hips before letting them easily slide down to my bottom. I reached behind me and pulled them back up. Larry smiled and winked at me before pulling my lips into another sensual kiss. This time when his hands slid back down there he gripped me tightly and bit my lip each time I attempted to remove them. I finally gave up and let him hold me there if it made him feel better. Larry moaned and groaned in my mouth as if he were making love. I was thankful for the cool water, because I knew if it wasn’t for that we would spontaneously combust. Or at least I would. Lord, please help me resist the temptations this man brings. I’m thankful for such a good man who finds me beautiful, but I don’t want to step out of Your will, I prayed silently. A Woman's Design: Redemption Coming Soon Download A Woman's Design: Afflictions  Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner. For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.  |
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