Luke 11:15 says, One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Today in response to my morning devotion stat: "How often do you thank the people who serve you on the Lord’s behalf? Give thanks for the Believers' who minister to you. [Romans 16:4]" We must be like the man that was healed from Leprosy, never forgetting to go back to those that has had an impact in our life to say, "Thanks!"
Periodically, I go back and read some of my own stats, and this one pierced my heart. So I wanted to go a step further and publicly thank the Top 10 people that has impacted my life in a powerful way since my new birth around 2001. You know, it is common to wait for people to pass on to the afterlife to give them their roses. However, I would like to take the time to publicly acknowledge and thank a few people that GOD has used to be positively effective in my walk with the LORD. No, I may not literally have roses to give but, if I did it still would not exemplify my gratitude to these people. @}:------
- Reverend Charles L.Williams, Jr., First person is my dad, yes GOD is my Father which art in heaven, but there is noone in earth like my biological dad. I am who I am because of the values that was instilled in me by this great man of GOD. Daddy, I don't know if I have said it lately, but I am thankful for your place in my life. And there are no words to explain my gratitude for GOD allowing me to be your daughter. I love you!
- Deandra Jenee' Skillman, man what can I say about this small but powerful yield vessel, so devoted to her family and just sold out for the LORD! I knew when I first saw you at BTFW on 64th & Troost that we would have a connection that was going to last a lifetime and when I told you. The LORD said, "I want you to connect with her". I still can hear those same words as if they were yesterday. And I am so glad that I was obedient to the voice of GOD, the prayers, the friendship, sisterhood and spiritual counsel has been such a blessing and I do not take it lightly, let's continue grow together unto the LORD.
- Lyne't C. Smith, my ride or die partner, when I needed someone down I know who I can call. Hahaha...girl I love you so much, thank you for having my back even when sometime I was a fool. Thank you for allowing me to open up to be a friend when I didn't want to be vulnerable to being a friend. You are not only my sister in Christ, you are a homegirl’s homegirl, so down to earth and willing to help anybody you can, with a no nonsense approach. I could go on and on but this space would not be able to contain my heart towards you, Thank you for being my Jonathan, you always had my back. ;)
- Shemekia Trotter, my sissy until the end, man I don’t even know how it happen but I am glad it did. Just think I was so against social networks until I was introduced to Myspace around 2006. I am so happy that I pulled down the walks of religion to open up the doors to meet someone like you. Such a great person you are, our chats were so fun, always made my day. Enjoyed our sisterly talks even if it was about cherry, cherrie sours, “birds in the house” and “burnt frozen pizza'”. It never took much for us to delight in one another. I have seen how the LORD has elevated your life in these last six years, and I only have to say, look out because He is going to continue to finish a GOOD work in you, love. The best is yet to come!!! I love you…
- Marlon D. Hester Sr., wow! What can I say, about my great friend, you were there for me when the going got SO tough, you spoke life into me when I felt dead, and you believed in the call upon my life when others overlooked me for someone that better fitted the part. Not to mention the word that you share in that little space called Paltalk, that blessed my life beyond comparison. I am so thankful to GOD that thru the rough and smooth times we still managed to maintain such a godly and brotherly connection. I actually am getting teary-eyed as I type this. With so much more to say, the word that I can only say, is THANK YOU, thank you, thank you… I love you!
- George Tyler Straughter, you know when I first saw you, I was a little bit intimidated on how you was going to take me. But after observing and listening to you, I realized how much you are the brother I never had. Not to mention my little brother… lol…I love to rub that in. Ha! Seriously, I am grateful for you, I can talk to you without “church talk” like a brother and that is a blessing to me. You are a person that you can be yourself and get practical fellowship and your funny which is a wonderful thing in such a tight society. We don’t get to speak often but when we do it never feels distant. I appreciate you brother in the LORD and I have a special brotherly love for you. I pray that GOD only deepens our bond, for His glory sake. Thank you, sir!
- Pastor Tyrone Smith, it did not take much to think about your place in my life. And it is so amazing how GOD sent you, and I really appreciate all not only GOD counsel but how you was like a spiritual father to me. I was able to share with you without being judged so that the LORD was truly able to minister unto me what I needed. Because I felt safe, like a daughter when she is with her father. That was very abnormal for me being so introverted, but GOD used you to give me a heart to trust again. Wow! More tears…I think I better stop here before I put my laptop out of business with the raindrops streaming down my face. I just want you to know you are significant for a time such as this, thank you!
- Pastor Carolyn J Vaughn, thank you for showing me you care, it may not seem like a big thing. But I tell you the truth, for me it was. I never had that, you may not have said much but you can bet your lifestyle spoke volumes to me. And I thank GOD that your character is your reward… I love you so… thank you!
- Kelly Crews, my sister of a different mother, I say this all the time I know. But, if you knew how much an impact you was on me when I first started ministry, it probably would dumbfound you. You were the only one that I can remember that actually took the time and wrote me and called me and instructed me when I knew not. That was really a turning point for me, and what made matter better you were a woman of GOD, that GOD saw fit to use to break the boundaries of woman preachers. I heard the LORD say that, even though I never shared that with you. And He has continually manifested that word by showing Himself strong in your life. Keep fighting the good fight of faith, for your rewards in heaven and earth are SO GREAT!!! =)))
- Shawn Taylor. My first lady until the end. There is nothing like saving the best for last. A powerful woman of GOD that I have a personal connection without setting up “meetings” just to talk to you. So down-to earth and loving, a Michelle to her Obama, loving and passionate with a no nonsense approach, not to mention can put in down in the kitchen. And we will not even talk about those Dassia rolls, mmm…mmm..mmm! It is funny because I use to come in the café on 39th St to get change for the public transportation, when I was a teenager, even before I was saved, I always use to think she has such a sweet spirit coming off of her. Who would of known years later you would be an intricate piece to the puzzle on how GOD would mold me into becoming more into His image. Thanks for showing me you care, Thanks for being there, Thanks for that person you helped me to be, Thanks for black memories you helped me to remove, Thanks for character that you have proved, Thanks for the smile you put back on my face, Thanks that loneliness now has no more space, most of all thanks for your patience when the times I was a fool. If it were possible, I'd thank you forever and still it wouldn’t be enough , for the best person ever. Even now, I may not have the same access to you but, even though you may be far I still feel so very near. I love you so!
There is so many ways to say it but it all narrows down to just saying, Thank you all! Know that your presence in this life has affected so many others as well! I am grateful unto the LORD for you all…. ELIAS
Courtesy from the Facebook Notes of LaTonya
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