Thursday, July 27, 2017

DON'T QUIT...RISE!

DON’T QUIT…RISE!

Lebitso Mtshali wrote the following inspirational story.  It seems appropriate to share it with you. 

One day I decided to quit.  I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality.  I wanted to quit my life.  I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. 

“God,” I said. “Can you give me one good reason not to quit?”

His answer surprised me.  “Look around,” He said.  “Do you see the fern and the bamboo?”

“Yes,” I replied.

“When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.  I gave them light.  I gave them water.  The fern quickly grew from the earth.  Its brilliant green covered the forest floor.  Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed.  But I did not quit on the bamboo.  In the second year, the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.  And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed.  But I did not quit on the bamboo,” He said.

“In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.  But I would not quit.  In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed.  I would not quit,” He said.  “Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.  Compared to the fern it seemed small and insignificant.  But just six months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.  It had spent five years growing roots.  Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.  I would never give my creations a challenge they could not handle.”

He said to me. “Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots?  I would not quit on the bamboo.  Neither will I ever quit on you.”

“Don't compare yourself to others,” He said.  “The bamboo has a different purpose than the fern.  Yet, they both make the forest beautiful.”

“Your time will come,” God said to me.  “You will rise high!”

“How high should I rise?” I asked.

“How high will the bamboo rise?” He asked in return.

“As high as it can?” I questioned.

“Yes,” He said.  “Give me maximum glory by rising as high as you can.”

Keep moving forward, child of God, and always remember:

Happiness keeps you sweet.
Trials keep you strong.
Sorrows keep you human.
Failures keep you humble.
Success keeps you glowing.
But only GOD keeps you going.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

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