Greetings, my dear friends!
Not only is October celebrated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October is also celebrated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Lu-Ann Farrar of the Lexington Herald-Leader has a Question of Faith segment of the newspaper. For this month, she asked about movies that offer the best life lessons. I wrote on Tyler Perry's, "Diary of a Mad Black Woman". See the below excerpt from this article:
Lu-Ann Farrar, Manager, Lexington-Herald Leader wrote:
Therese Warrick, Sisters Road to Freedom, Lexington: My favorite movies are Imitation of Life and To Sir, With Love, from my childhood and youth, and now Diary of a Mad Black Woman. These movies offer the best life lessons (love for family, love for God, forgiveness, believing that one can do all things).
However, the best life lesson is revealed in Diary of a Mad Black Woman. This movie portrayed a Christian marriage that fell apart due to greed and adultery, but most importantly, it showed the power of forgiveness.Other life lessons in this movie are love for family and portrayal of intimate partner abuse (emotional, physical, financial).
The lesson we get is that no matter what we have done to someone or what someone has done to us, we must forgive, just as Christ has forgiven us. Movies portray spiritual life not only by exposing the wrongs and the strife and struggles that families encounter, but by showing how to deal with the strife and the struggles. Movies now have pastors, choirs and spiritual counselors getting significant parts. We see people expressing their love for God, praying and testifying about deliverance by God, and people showing forgiveness and love despite what has happened to them.
Friends, this movie has so many life lessons for us, especially for Christian marriages. One, thou shall not commit adultery; two, only God knows what tomorrow holds; three, forgive others as God has forgiven us; four, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us; five, salvation is for everyone, Jesus gave HIS life so you and I can have life.
This movie also deals with abuse within the marriage, which is taking place in numerous Christian marriages today. It is important for women to keep in contact with their families, important for women to recognize abuse verbal/emotional, physical, financial, spiritual) and seek help, to not be ashamed, but most importantly to seek immediate help. Abuse can get violent from emotional/psychological to physical (as we see in this movie) and can even result in death.
Some statistics for awareness:
Nearly one-third of American women (31 percent) report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. Source: Commonwealth Fund survey, 1998
Studies by the Surgeon General's office reveal that domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44, more common than automobile accidents, muggings, and cancer deaths combined. Other research has found that half of all women will experience some form of violence from their partners during marriage, and that more than one-third are battered repeatedly every year. Source: Journal of American Medical Association, 1990.
May God bless women and men everywhere suffering from any kind of abuse, in the name of Jesus.
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INVITE THERESE WARRICK TO YOUR EVENTS!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Good Habits To Develop
My friends in Christ:
I am getting into the "habit" of saying something kind or actually performing an act of kindness for someone each and everyday. Usually when we refer to someone having a "habit", we are usually referring to something bad--habit of gossip, habit of eavesdropping, habit of smoking, habit of drinking, habit of overeating, habit of lying. I am pretty sure if I ask you to write a list, you can come up with a long list of "habits", most of them would probably be behaviors that are not good. In Belize, we say someone has "bad habit" when they ask for something they knowingly do not want, but they just ask for "ask-sake".
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, habit is "a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance." As Christians, we know that we should develop certain habits; habits such as praying often and daily, reading the Bible regularly, helping others, encouraging others.
Pastor Max Lucado, acclaimed Christian author and pastor, had a study lesson on "Habits". Pastor Lucado wrote that as Christians we must develop habits, and the habits that are worth having are: one, the habit of prayer; two, the habit of study; three, the habit of giving; and, four, the habit of fellowship. Friends, these are excellent habits we must develop as followers of Jesus Christ. How do we develop these habits? We develop these habits by repetition and performance. Pray regularly. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. Prayer is a very important part of our Christian walk. How can we profess to be Christians and not pray? We must pray giving thanks to God for all that He is and all that He has done for us. Study, as disciples, we must stay in the Word, how can we bring others to Christ if we do not know what the Word says? And, if someone asks us a question, we must be confident in answering, leading them to the scripture. We must study to keep our minds and hearts alert and in good form for Christ. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us that we must always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have. Giving. God loves a cheerful giver, as believers we must give to our neighbors and to our enemies. To whom much is given, much is expected. 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us that each one should give as you have decided in your heart to give. You should not be sad when you give, and you should not give because you feel forced to give. God loves the person who gives happily. Fellowship. Fellowship requires practice and unity. We must come together with other believers in praising, worshipping and honoring God. Being around fellow believers will strengthen our walk with Christ. 1 John 1:7 tells us that if we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each other.
My friends, let us develop the habits God wants us to have. Let us get into the habit of reading our Bibles for at lest 30 minutes each day, let us get into the habit of sharing our testimonies with one another; let us get into the habit of joining the company of other believers; let us get into the habit of giving and sharing.
May God bless you today and always,
Therese from Belize
I am getting into the "habit" of saying something kind or actually performing an act of kindness for someone each and everyday. Usually when we refer to someone having a "habit", we are usually referring to something bad--habit of gossip, habit of eavesdropping, habit of smoking, habit of drinking, habit of overeating, habit of lying. I am pretty sure if I ask you to write a list, you can come up with a long list of "habits", most of them would probably be behaviors that are not good. In Belize, we say someone has "bad habit" when they ask for something they knowingly do not want, but they just ask for "ask-sake".
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, habit is "a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance." As Christians, we know that we should develop certain habits; habits such as praying often and daily, reading the Bible regularly, helping others, encouraging others.
Pastor Max Lucado, acclaimed Christian author and pastor, had a study lesson on "Habits". Pastor Lucado wrote that as Christians we must develop habits, and the habits that are worth having are: one, the habit of prayer; two, the habit of study; three, the habit of giving; and, four, the habit of fellowship. Friends, these are excellent habits we must develop as followers of Jesus Christ. How do we develop these habits? We develop these habits by repetition and performance. Pray regularly. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. Prayer is a very important part of our Christian walk. How can we profess to be Christians and not pray? We must pray giving thanks to God for all that He is and all that He has done for us. Study, as disciples, we must stay in the Word, how can we bring others to Christ if we do not know what the Word says? And, if someone asks us a question, we must be confident in answering, leading them to the scripture. We must study to keep our minds and hearts alert and in good form for Christ. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us that we must always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have. Giving. God loves a cheerful giver, as believers we must give to our neighbors and to our enemies. To whom much is given, much is expected. 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us that each one should give as you have decided in your heart to give. You should not be sad when you give, and you should not give because you feel forced to give. God loves the person who gives happily. Fellowship. Fellowship requires practice and unity. We must come together with other believers in praising, worshipping and honoring God. Being around fellow believers will strengthen our walk with Christ. 1 John 1:7 tells us that if we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each other.
My friends, let us develop the habits God wants us to have. Let us get into the habit of reading our Bibles for at lest 30 minutes each day, let us get into the habit of sharing our testimonies with one another; let us get into the habit of joining the company of other believers; let us get into the habit of giving and sharing.
May God bless you today and always,
Therese from Belize
Monday, October 17, 2011
A Prayer of Deliverance For Women
Greetings, my friends, in the name of Jesus. I am a member of Jesus Saves Ministries Network and this month's focused is on "Focused Prayer". Min. Angela Lee Price asked members to pray about specific issues and this is my prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, this prayer is being lifted up on behalf of women everywhere in the world who are broken; women who have fallen and cannot lift themselves up; women who are suffering from depression and anxiety; women under the bondage of shame from divorce, bankruptcy, abortion, prostitution, sexual exploitation, low self esteem; women suffering from addictions of shopping, alcohol and drugs (over the counter, prescription and street); and women who are being abused by intimate partner (psychological, physical, spiritual and financial); women who have one foot in your House and the other in the world; women who are unemployed; women who are looking for love in all the wrong places; women who have lost all their self respect and self worth. Lord God, in the name of Jesus, please have mercy on us and extend Your mercy and grace to women lifted up in this petition.
Father Lord, it is only by Your grace and mercy that I have been delivered, released and redeemed from bondages, guilt and addictions, and for that I say, thank you Lord. Lord God, please have mercy, please extend your grace, please touch each and every woman being lifted up under this petition every where in the world. As Romans 5:5 tells us that hope maketh not ashamed, and Father God, you did it for me, and I know you will do it for these women because I have hope and faith in You and am not ashamed of the things You have delivered me from. Lord, You have redeemed me, and as Psalm 107:2 declares, let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy. Father, your Word in Psalm 120:1 also tells me that in my distress I cry unto you and you hear me.
Father, I know you have heard my cries often and have answered my requests. So dear God, I am humbly asking you to please,
please, please deliver and release these women, in the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus. We know that after 12 years You delivered the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5. Lord God, I am thanking You in advanced because I know, yes I know that women will be delivered, released and redeemed, all in the name of Jesus. Thank you precious Father, thank you dear God. Thank you Father. Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, this prayer is being lifted up on behalf of women everywhere in the world who are broken; women who have fallen and cannot lift themselves up; women who are suffering from depression and anxiety; women under the bondage of shame from divorce, bankruptcy, abortion, prostitution, sexual exploitation, low self esteem; women suffering from addictions of shopping, alcohol and drugs (over the counter, prescription and street); and women who are being abused by intimate partner (psychological, physical, spiritual and financial); women who have one foot in your House and the other in the world; women who are unemployed; women who are looking for love in all the wrong places; women who have lost all their self respect and self worth. Lord God, in the name of Jesus, please have mercy on us and extend Your mercy and grace to women lifted up in this petition.
Father Lord, it is only by Your grace and mercy that I have been delivered, released and redeemed from bondages, guilt and addictions, and for that I say, thank you Lord. Lord God, please have mercy, please extend your grace, please touch each and every woman being lifted up under this petition every where in the world. As Romans 5:5 tells us that hope maketh not ashamed, and Father God, you did it for me, and I know you will do it for these women because I have hope and faith in You and am not ashamed of the things You have delivered me from. Lord, You have redeemed me, and as Psalm 107:2 declares, let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy. Father, your Word in Psalm 120:1 also tells me that in my distress I cry unto you and you hear me.
Father, I know you have heard my cries often and have answered my requests. So dear God, I am humbly asking you to please,
please, please deliver and release these women, in the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus. We know that after 12 years You delivered the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5. Lord God, I am thanking You in advanced because I know, yes I know that women will be delivered, released and redeemed, all in the name of Jesus. Thank you precious Father, thank you dear God. Thank you Father. Amen.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Have That Conversation Today
Greetings!
Please forgive me for not writing for so long. I am sure you would agree with me that sometimes there are just not enough hours in the day! I am still thankful and grateful for every hour of the day. God has been good to me; every time I look around HE is blessing me and the ministry. For that, I just say, thank you, Father.
Friends, as I get my feet wet in ministry, I am finding that there are genuine people and fake people who will want to see you succeed and some who secretly wants you to fail! The devil is lie because what man fails to realize is that when God appoints, HE also anoints! God never lets HIS children just go out without the tools they need to win souls in this dying world.
As Saturday approaches, “Conversation Among Hannah’s Sisters”, I will continue in my time of prayer and praise. God always wants us to be prayerful in anything and for everything. Philippians 4:5-6 tell us, “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (KJV) Please pray for me as I pray for you. Please pray for people who are living in darkness, people who have seen the light, but have chosen to turn off the light.
Hey, I do not know if I am talking to you or about you, but it is not too late to get things right with Christ. I was once lost myself, but now found, thanks to God’s redemption plan for my life! Thanks to God’s free gift, Salvation, which HIS only Son paid for with HIS life. Lord have mercy on us.
Friends, it is not too late to have that conversation with God. HE is waiting to hear from you today. Tomorrow is not promised. Do it today.
God bless you today,
Therese from Belize
Please forgive me for not writing for so long. I am sure you would agree with me that sometimes there are just not enough hours in the day! I am still thankful and grateful for every hour of the day. God has been good to me; every time I look around HE is blessing me and the ministry. For that, I just say, thank you, Father.
Friends, as I get my feet wet in ministry, I am finding that there are genuine people and fake people who will want to see you succeed and some who secretly wants you to fail! The devil is lie because what man fails to realize is that when God appoints, HE also anoints! God never lets HIS children just go out without the tools they need to win souls in this dying world.
As Saturday approaches, “Conversation Among Hannah’s Sisters”, I will continue in my time of prayer and praise. God always wants us to be prayerful in anything and for everything. Philippians 4:5-6 tell us, “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (KJV) Please pray for me as I pray for you. Please pray for people who are living in darkness, people who have seen the light, but have chosen to turn off the light.
Hey, I do not know if I am talking to you or about you, but it is not too late to get things right with Christ. I was once lost myself, but now found, thanks to God’s redemption plan for my life! Thanks to God’s free gift, Salvation, which HIS only Son paid for with HIS life. Lord have mercy on us.
Friends, it is not too late to have that conversation with God. HE is waiting to hear from you today. Tomorrow is not promised. Do it today.
God bless you today,
Therese from Belize
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