Saying "Thank You"

First, I thank you for following me and supporting the work I'm doing! I am so grateful. Thank you! When I was growing up, most of the people I interacted with learned to say "thank you” when someone did something for them, gave something, or demonstrated a gesture of kindness in any way. This practice that many of us are accustomed to was and still is a way to express appreciation and gratitude. I often think about it. How often do we give God thanks? Or even say "thank you" to the person we’re talking to on the phone or standing before us at the moment? Although we shouldn’t do things for people just to get something in return or to hear them say “thank you,” when it is not said or expressed in any way it could feel as if what was done or given was overlooked or not good enough. Honestly the absence of a "thank you" may feel like being dishonored in some way. Have you ever felt that way? In the Bible, Luke 17:11-19, a situation happened where something extraordinary, actually a miracle was done for ten people and only one returned to say "thank you." Jesus healed 10 lepers, but only 1 went back and gave Him thanks. Jesus asked about the whereabouts of the other 9 people who received the gift of wholeness (verse 17). Are you one who always makes time to give Him praise for what He’s done? Are you in the majority who take things for granted and go on about the day almost forgetting about the answered prayer, the unexpected blessing, healing, special gift, etc? Let’s learn to say, “Thank you.” Let’s do it every day, from the time we wake up until the time we go to sleep. Did you know that over time gratitude can improve your mood and eventually improve your well-being? Yes, research has proven it. Many of my patients have discovered the benefit of faithfully using gratitude journals, apps and from just becoming more grateful regularly. If you don’t believe me, give it a try. Start right now. I’m sure you can think of some people who would love to hear how grateful you are about something they did or said. If not, prepare yourself for what others can and will do in the very near future. By the way, if you wake up tomorrow, God’s compassions are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Psalm 150 gives us countless reasons and ways that we can praise the Lord. Verse 6 says “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” If you’re reading this, you’re included. Let’s say, “Thank you” more often. I promise, you will never regret being more grateful to God and to others.

I Have a Faith Memory

It is November and Breast Cancer Awareness is behind us. We are preparing for the upcoming holidays, and I need to share a praise report that cannot wait until Thanksgiving. By the way, we should express our gratitude year-round. Just before the last day of October, I went in for my annual mammogram. Praise God, I am still cancer free! Thank you all for the love and support. I am reflecting on the fact that during the first five years, I went in for those appointments every six months. Then, after that five-year mark, I “graduated” and now I am going annually. I have a confession. I really had to pray and work through fear and the thought: “Oh no, I have to wait a whole year this time! What if the cancer comes back?” I have questioned myself. Am I depending on the results of the mammogram or am I depending on God? It’s ok to rely on my doctors and medical professionals to do what they are trained to do, but as a Christian, I must remind myself that my main Source is God, the Great Physician. I stated in my first blog last month that I am very grateful for early detection. Yes, and now that I’ve had the appointment and I heard them say that there is no cancer, I am grateful for God’s protection and His power to heal me and take care of me! I am so thankful that I have good health care providers. I want to commend them for the fantastic work they’re doing. While I wait to go back and see them, I refuse to live in fear and worry. I am believing as I am speaking what God’s Word says concerning my health. “I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord” (Psalm 118:17) and “…with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5). I am doing my part to help take care of myself, and I can rest knowing that I will not depart from here until I have accomplished all that God has called me to do. He is ALWAYS awake, and I will not lose sleep and be anxious until my next appointment in October of 2022. My life is in God’s hands. I trust Him. I depend on Him. No matter what you’re going through, I want to encourage you to do the same. He’s able. To read any of my previous blogs, visit www.charlenestevensjenkins.com/blog. I’m praying for you!

Are You Wearing a Mask?

Years ago I realized that I was wearing a mask, pretending that everything in my life was fine. I wrote about it in my first book, When I was 40, because I don’t want that to be anyone’s reality. Is that you? If you can be honest about it, then I urge you to put your pride aside and ask for help. At that time in my life I didn’t think my relatives or church family could handle the truth about what I was dealing with. Maybe I really didn’t know how to express it. Maybe I didn’t want them to be disappointed and think less of me. Whatever the reason, wearing the mask kept me from being honest and working through my issues. Unfortunately, at that time in my life I thought it was easier to just act like I was all right, and not be open and vulnerable. Aren’t those the main reasons why people wear masks? Of course, I’m not talking about the masks we’re wearing to help protect our health during the pandemic. I’m a supporter of those, and since I work for a hospital, it’s a part of my daily attire. I also choose to wear a mask when I shop, go to a restaurant, and attend worship services. I’m referring to the mask or facade we wear to try and hide our personal issues. I wore a mask, presented a facade, so that people looking at me didn’t know how I sincerely felt because I chose to act like there were no problems at home and like I had no issues. I’ve learned from what the Bible says in James 4:2c (Amplified), that ‘you (we) do not have because you (we) do not ask. Truth is, God will not force upon us what we won’t accept. That could include anything: Forgiveness, love, grace, mercy, salvation, and so much more. Imagine this. The most skilled physician in the world cannot help me if I am not forthcoming with all of my symptoms. That person cannot accurately diagnose and treat what is not made known to them through my verbalizing, appropriate tests, labs, images, etc. This hits home with me because I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Master Addiction Counselor. I do my best to build a rapport with my patients during the first session. I make sure they understand my willingness to help, within my scope of practice, and the need for complete honesty so that they would get the most benefit from our therapeutic relationship. In other words, so we won’t be wasting our time. I always share that being honest first with themselves about what they want to accomplish, makes it easier for them to be honest with me or any of their providers. To reflect back on what I wrote in my book, what if I had told myself back then, “Charlene, no more masks!” It’s impossible to speculate and rewrite my history, but I am sure that one of my loved ones would have tried to help or point me in the right direction. I invite you to examine yourself right now. Only you know what masks you have been wearing and why. What’s the point? Aren’t you tired of doing that? It’s so exhausting. Those closest to you may already know the truth, but it is not easy to help someone who chooses to live in denial. By the way, God already knows where you are and who you really are 24/7. One more thing, Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44), and while I was acting like I was ok when I really wasn’t, I was living a lie. Have you done that too? So glad I no longer wear any of THOSE masks or pretend to be someone I’m not. Just like the father welcomed his son back home in Luke 15:11-32, God is waiting for you to come to yourself. Take off those masks so you can be blessed, free, and move forward. God has so much waiting for you.