Compete vs. Complement

What if we were never born to compete with each other, but to complement one another?

What if your beauty was meant to highlight my flaws with grace, and my strength to support your weakness with compassion?

Wouldn't life be more peaceful than the noise we’ve made of it?

I spend hours trying to outdo you, to boast and brag about who's best. But doesn't it drain more from us than it gives?😒

What if competition is taking more than it's ever given?😱

Think of a bouquet—its beauty isn’t in a single flower striving to be more vibrant than the rest. It lies in how each flower, in its own hue, shape, and scent, complements the others. Together, they create something breathtaking. And none of them had to outshine the other to do it.

Each flower just is—fully itself, flaws and all—and yet essential to the whole.🙌

There’s a truth here that humbles us, a truth that is both freeing and valuable: Competing limits us to self. But complementing brings us into something bigger, something greater than ourselves.

We become one with each other. A bigger “one.” A beautiful whole.💕

We free ourselves from the fight we created. We break out of the isolation we caused.

So today, ask yourself: how can I complement those around me?

You don’t need to be what someone else is. You don’t need to have what someone else has.

What you have is enough to make all of us more.

It’s not about you or them. It’s about what we are together.💓🙌🙏

by: Nathlee R. Grant

When the Well Was Always There

“Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water.” —Genesis 21:19

I often find myself returning to the story of Hagar—rejected, abandoned, hopeless, and ready to die. And yet, there it was: the well. A well that had always been there. So the question remains—why didn’t she see it?

Was it hidden from her? Or was she blinded by what she carried inside—anger, bitterness, hatred, pride? I want to put it to us that these internal storms often blur our vision, distorting our ability to see what God has already provided.

Could it be that Hagar was angry with Abraham and Sarah? Could she have felt used and discarded, filled with bitterness so deep that it clouded her reason and shut down her hope? In such a state, even water—life—was invisible. All she could see was death.

I look back on seasons of my life and realize how I, too, was blinded. Opportunities, solutions, blessings—they were right in front of me. But I couldn't see them because my eyes were clouded by pain, my vision distorted by pride, resentment, and frustration. The well was there... but I wasn’t still enough to see it.

“Be still and know that I am God.” —Psalm 46:10

Stillness reveals. Stillness aligns our hearts with God's. Stillness creates room for peace, and with peace comes clarity. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.” (John 14:27). I now understand how essential that peace is. When God's peace governs our hearts, we begin to see again. We begin to hear. We begin to receive.

The angel Gabriel greeted Mary with, “Peace be with you.” Those were not just words of comfort, but keys to reception. The peace that flooded Mary’s heart opened her up to ask probing questions, not prideful ones. She didn’t resist; she inquired with humility, and she received divine clarity.

Contrast that with Zechariah. The same angel brought him a message earlier that year—a promise of a child. But instead of believing, he doubted. I imagine that bitterness, disappointment, or even spiritual fatigue may have dulled his faith. And though the promise was still fulfilled, I wonder if he was robbed of fully enjoying that miracle in the way Elizabeth did.

I now see in my own journey times when I was so miserable, so full of resistance, that I couldn’t participate in God’s goodness. I couldn’t rejoice in it. I was quick to complain, challenge, criticize—even condemn the very people God placed in my life for my good.

Don't get me wrong—people can be cruel. Some situations do feel like hell on earth. But even in those moments, when your spirit is sober and your soul anchored in God’s peace, you will see the solution. You will see the well. Because it's not about the absence of trouble; it’s about the presence of clarity, peace, and faith in the One who cares for your whole being.

God wants you well. Not just physically. All of you.

By Nathlee R. Grant

It's a Family Thing with Sharlene

 

A Mirror in the Message

 "Let all that you do be done in love." – 1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)

Reflection:
There are moments when God chooses the ordinary to reveal the extraordinary, when a simple interaction becomes a mirror for our soul.

Recently, I was in a meeting with a manager to address an unresolved issue related to my salary. The matter had been escalated to the head office, and the response came through a voice note. While the content of the message was clear, it was the tone that struck me the most. It was sharp, defensive, even hostile. But what pierced my heart was not just the sound of the words, but the fact that I could hear myself in them.

It was as if God used that moment to hold up a mirror to my heart. I felt exposed, ashamed. My heart sank as I listened. I realized that the same hostility I heard had often lived in me, especially in moments of disagreement. The pain I felt wasn’t only because of the message itself, but because I saw the impact of what I had unknowingly projected onto others over time.

The voice note was short, but the conviction it brought lingered. I wept within, recognizing the hardness that had taken root in me. I also saw how my past behaviour may have pressured the manager to justify themselves, to play that voice note as proof, perhaps because I had not cultivated an atmosphere of trust.

This experience left me humbled. I saw, perhaps for the first time, how deeply our words and attitudes matter. Hostility, whether subtle or overt, wounds. It goes against the very nature of God, whose will is rooted in love, peace, and human flourishing.

If I claim to love as Christ loves me, then even in disagreement, I must speak with kindness. I must reflect His love, not just in what I say, but in how I say it. This moment reminded me that love is not optional for the believer; it is the command that governs every interaction.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for loving me enough to reveal the hidden parts of my heart. Forgive me for the times I’ve spoken in ways that hurt others, for the moments when my tone did not reflect Your grace. Help me to speak with love, even when I disagree. Teach me to be slow to anger, quick to listen, and tender in heart. May my words build, not break. Heal the wounds I’ve caused and make me an instrument of Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God Wants Families to Be Well

God desires for our families to be whole, joyful, and thriving. His plans are filled with goodness—He wants us to enjoy a life that is full and abundant. Jesus Himself said, “I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). In stark contrast, Satan—the enemy of our souls—has a destructive agenda. That same verse reminds us that he comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. That’s the opposite of what our loving Creator desires for us.

But stop and think—why is Satan so determined to ruin our lives and tear families apart? It must be because of the immense value our lives hold. We are precious to God. We matter deeply. Our purpose is powerful.

Now that we know this, how will we choose to live? Will we walk in God's will—that we be well, prosper, and live abundantly—or will we, perhaps unknowingly, allow the enemy to pull us toward a path of destruction?

How do we know God wants only what’s best for us? Look at what He commands. His Word is not a list of restrictions, but a blueprint for abundant living. Take the Ten Commandments—they’re not about control; they’re about community, love, justice, and harmony.

Is there anything God has asked us to do that isn’t ultimately for our benefit? Even when life gets tough, Romans 8:28 reassures us that “all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”

God has nothing to prove. He is already great, all-powerful, and sovereign. What He asks of us is never for His gain—it is for our healing, our peace, and our joy.

So, the question remains: Which path will we choose?

God’s way that leads to life, or the enemy’s path that leads to ruin?

Which Kingdom Are You Living In?

 Are you living in the Kingdom of Light or the Kingdom of Darkness?

When you begin to live consciously—truly aware of your choices—you become more intentional and alert in how you speak, act, and move through life. You recognize that there are only two realms in which we operate: the Kingdom of Darkness or the Kingdom of Light. There is no neutral ground.

To live outside of God’s will is to live in darkness. But what does the will of God really mean? It’s God’s original intent for you—to live well, to thrive, and to flourish in His presence. So why would any of us want to step outside of that? To do so is to walk deliberately toward destruction, away from the rest and wholeness God offers.

Jesus spoke of a narrow road that leads to life and a broad road that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). The broad road is tempting because it promises everything—freedom without boundaries, truth without conviction. But it is chaotic. Everyone is welcome on it, not because it's right, but because it lacks the discipline and direction of God’s will.

God’s path, by contrast, is specific. It’s not vague. It’s not “do whatever you want.” It calls you:

“Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

“Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

It’s a narrow path—not because God is restrictive, but because truth is precise. Purpose is not found in endless options but in divine direction.

Think about it like someone who is intentional about their health. They don’t eat just anything because they understand that not all food is good for their body, even if it satisfies them in the moment. In the same way, someone intentional about their spiritual health won’t just consume any teaching, chase any desire, or follow every voice. They discern what leads to life and choose accordingly.

So I leave you with this question:

Are you living in the Kingdom of Light, where God's intent and peace guide you?

Or are you operating in the Kingdom of Darkness, where chaos, compromise, and self-rule dominate?

Your answer matters, because your direction determines your destination.

By: Yonique, Zowayne & Nathlee

What Are You Hungry For?

There are always two roads in front of us. Every day—honestly, every moment—we’re making choices. One road offers you something specific, something real and lasting. The other promises anything and everything your heart desires… but it never really delivers.

The truth is, we choose based on our appetite. So let me ask you—what are you hungry for?

It’s not always easy to see it, but we’re always choosing between two things: life or death. And I don’t mean physical death—I’m talking about the kind of death that slowly drains your joy, your peace, and your purpose. The crazy part? That path doesn’t look dangerous at first. It actually looks exciting, glamorous, and full of opportunity.

You think: If I just get married, I’ll be fulfilled. If I have enough money, I’ll finally be at peace. If I try this one thing, I’ll be satisfied. But after the high wears off, you realize it wasn’t enough. It never is. You need more. And more. And more. Because the things we chase outside of God only offer temporary satisfaction. They're like spiritual junk food—tastes good for a moment, but leaves you empty and craving something real.

But then Jesus steps in. And He says, “Come to Me, all of you who are tired and burdened, and I’ll give you rest.” He doesn’t just say, “Try harder” or “Fix yourself.” He says, “Let me carry that for you.” He invites us to walk the narrow road—the one that leads to real life. A life filled with peace, freedom, and purpose.

It’s wild because we’re so used to being sold lies that when truth shows up, it feels unfamiliar. But when you say yes to Jesus, when you choose that narrow path, everything changes. You’re no longer being drained—you’re being filled. You’re no longer sold out—you’re bought with a price.

Just look at our world today. Wars, division, greed, fear—it all flows from what we’re hungry for. But what if we flipped the script? What if we started hungering and thirsting for Jesus? What if we craved the things of God more than the things of this world?

I truly believe our homes, our communities—even our nations—would begin to reflect the beauty of Christ. It starts with hunger. What are you craving today?

- Nathlee R. Grant

The Gift of Seasons

The gift of seasons,
Often comes without reasons.
Whether here or there,
Today or next year.
We can't hold on to what was, is or has been,
For there are greater things to be seen.
 
Like the ebb and flow,
Seasons come and go.
Summer turns to autumn and winter to spring,
There are times of silence and times when we hear the birds sing.
 
Being trapped in a season is the worst place to be,
For what you have now you cannot even see.
To desire a season only wears you out,
You are wearing winter clothes in the middle of drought.
 
Seasons are beyond man,
They exceed all we can plan.
But they are a beautiful thing,
Given all of us by the Highest King.
 
So let go and embrace,
Don't hold on to tomorrow when today you must face.
And whatever is whatever come what may...
Rest assured no season is here to stay!

 
By: Zowayne O. Williams
 

The World Within

Our minds create the world we live in.

It becomes evident that the way we think — and what we consistently dwell on — shapes how we experience life.

If we are consumed by fear, we live in fear. Not necessarily because fear is all there is, but because fear clouds our vision. It limits our perspective. When our minds are gripped by it, we cannot see another way — and so, we believe there is no other way to live.

I imagine someone I love, locked behind bars — but not physical ones. And even if I were to break open those bars, they wouldn’t step into freedom. Because the truth is, unless a person recognizes the bars within, they’ll remain imprisoned, even in open spaces. Worse still, they may recreate those bars elsewhere — affecting others in the process.

Freedom doesn't start on the outside. It begins in the mind.

This is why the Apostle Paul urges us not to conform to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). He didn’t ask that the world be changed — but that we be changed in how we think. That says something powerful: it is not necessarily the world that determines how we live, but the kind of mind we bring to it.

So I encourage us today — pause and reflect:

What kind of life do you truly want to live?

Then, ask: Does your current mindset support that life?

If not, renew it. Align your thinking with the life you desire.

Because ultimately, the life you live will always reflect the mind you have.

By: Nathlee R. Grant

What Went Wrong?

Our beings were created to receive and give love. That is our design. Anything outside of that—anything contrary—breaks us. Sin, for instance, was never meant for us. It wasn't made for the human soul. It shatters us from the inside out.

We were never meant to live in fear, or frustration. These emotions stir chaos within our systems, making us sick—mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and even physically.

Think of a vehicle. It’s designed to run on a specific kind of oil. Use the wrong oil, and you damage the engine. It may still move, but not for long. It begins to wear down. Malfunction. Breakdown.

We were made in love, for love. So what went wrong?

Somewhere along the way, we veered off course. We took a path that wasn’t meant for us. And the further we traveled that path, the more lost we became. We drifted farther and farther from the original blueprint—the original purpose.

What went so wrong that our eyes became blinded and our hearts corrupted?

We need cleansing—deep cleansing—before new oil can be poured into us. Fresh oil will never reach the areas corroded by the old. The residue of sin blocks renewal. It robs us of our identity. It distorts our vision. We begin to see through the lens of brokenness and bondage. Sin's goal is to keep us from even recognizing that we’re lost. It whispers lies until we believe them as truth.

We don’t even realize that something’s wrong.

What went wrong, that we can’t even see the wrong?

We’ve lived in this mess for so long that it's become our normal. Dysfunction has become familiar. Darkness has become comfortable. But this isn’t who we are. This isn't who we were created to be.

It’s time to return. To realign. To rediscover love—true love. The kind that heals, restores, and makes whole.
 
By: Nathlee R. Grant

Divine Protection in Disguise

Scripture: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28 (NIV)

As I reflect on all that God has protected me from, I am in awe. There were times when life didn’t go the way I hoped—doors closed, plans unraveled, relationships ended, and opportunities slipped away. At the moment, I was frustrated, disappointed, and even questioned God. I couldn’t see what He was doing behind the scenes.

But now, with clearer eyes and a heart full of gratitude, I understand: those “unanswered” prayers were answered in the most powerful way—through protection. God saved me from decisions that would have led to destruction. He shielded me from detours that looked good but would have stolen my peace, purpose, and joy.

Today, I walk in a life I never imagined—one filled with peace, clarity, and alignment with His will. Had those situations turned out differently, I may have been living in regret. Instead, I am living in grace.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for every “no” that was really a greater “yes.” Thank You for protecting me even when I didn’t know I needed it. Help me to trust Your plan, even when I don’t understand it, and to walk forward in peace, knowing You are always working for my good. Amen.

By: Nathlee R. Grant

Gratitude: A Form of Worship

Would you agree that appreciating and being truly grateful for what you have is a form of worship? Gratitude has the power to shift the very atmosphere. Try it—right in the middle of pain, when your body aches and everything feels heavy. Pause. Search for something—anything—you can be genuinely thankful for. Then, from that place of sincerity, whisper a word of thanks to God. Watch the shift that happens in your heart and mood.

And what about those moments when you feel miserable, irritated, ready to complain? Stop. Take a timeout. Look—intentionally—for something good that’s happening, no matter how small. Speak it out, acknowledge it, and tell me your heart doesn't begin to soften. That shift in your heart changes the entire atmosphere. Glory to God!

The Word of God is undeniably true—it says, “Out of the heart flow the issues of life.” The circumstances outside of you didn’t create the issue—they merely affected your heart, and your heart created the issue.

If we truly understand this, and begin to take control of our hearts—doing as the Scripture commands, “Guard your heart with all diligence”—then it becomes far more difficult for external circumstances to hijack our peace or stir up trouble in our lives.

Could it be that this is Satan’s strategy? To manipulate our circumstances in a way that shifts our hearts—so we end up generating all kinds of chaos, confusion, and pain, thinking it’s the situation that caused it? When in truth, the issue of life came from within us—from our own hearts.

By: Nathlee R. Grant