Michael, movie

As I was watching the movie *Michael*, I noticed something in the beginning that really stood out to me. When his father said to him, “If you want to cry, go on and cry, big nose,” I felt like that was the beginning of why Michael slowly and eventually quickly—started changing himself.

Sometimes, the wounds that shape us the most begin with the words spoken to us by the people we love and trust the most. A child may not understand the weight of those words in the moment, but they can carry them for years, allowing those insults to become the way they see themselves.

The Bible says, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger” (Ephesians 6:4). Children need correction, but they also need love, encouragement, patience, and words that build them up rather than tear them down.

What we say to a child can become either a wound they spend years trying to heal or a foundation they stand on for the rest of their life. Words matter, especially when they come from a parent. -CM

Three pieces of advice

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

1: The one piece of advice my stepfather gave me was, “Save as much as you can while you’re young; it will pay off later.” It’s advice I’ve carried with me ever since.

2: Another piece of advice: when someone gives you something with a genuine heart, receive it. Don’t immediately say no or push away a good gift. If someone says, “I’m giving this to you with gladness in my heart; please take it,” then receive it with gratitude and simply say, “Thank you.”

Sometimes, refusing a blessing that someone sincerely wants to give you isn’t humility—it can prevent them from experiencing the joy of giving.

So, receive what is given to you with a grateful heart, and don’t try to take away the blessing God has placed on someone else’s heart to give. What is given in love should be received with love.

3: The advice I give myself is this: being beautiful on the outside means nothing if you are not beautiful within. True beauty is found in the condition of your heart, the peace within your spirit, and the way you walk with God and treat others.

When you are at peace with yourself, at peace with God, and at peace with those around you, there is a beauty that no mirror can measure.

I remind myself that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. With my right hand, I receive every good and perfect gift, every blessing, every opportunity, and every purpose God has placed before me. I receive it with faith, gratitude, and an open heart.

What God has for me, I will receive. What He gives me, I will honor. And where He leads me, I will walk boldly. -CM

Mm, fictional..

Who is the fictional character you relate to the most?

For those who don’t believe the Bible and consider it a work of fiction, Christ is the “fictional” character I relate to most. But because I believe the Bible is the living truth and that everything written in it is real, Christ is not a fictional character to me. He is, and always will be, the one and only character I relate to most and the One I strive to follow every day. I am a non-fiction type of person. 😊 -CM

Reputation

Your reputation should never be placed in someone else’s hands, nor should it be defined by their opinions. You earn your reputation through the life you live—by building yourself up, holding your character to the highest standard, and choosing to do what is right regardless of the circumstances.
Live in such a way that every decision you make reflects the legacy you want to leave behind, as though it were the final piece of wisdom you could pass on to the next generation.
—CM

Life pill

Your life’s purpose is the breath that keeps the soul alive. It is the reason you are still here. No storm, no sorrow, and no season of darkness can erase what Heaven has spoken over you.

The enemy wants you to believe your story is over, but God says your purpose is greater than your pain. If you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ, keep your eyes on Him. Keep seeking the things above. Keep walking the narrow path, even when it is difficult, because God has not abandoned you.

Today, I pray that every spirit of despair, hopelessness, and death flees from you. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I rebuke every lie that says your life has no value. May the Lord renew your mind, strengthen your heart, and remind you that your life is precious and your purpose is not finished.

Don’t quit before God finishes writing your story. You are not an accident. You are not forgotten. You are not finished.

Find your “life pill”—your God-given purpose. Live with courage. Live with faith. Live with hope.

Choose life. Choose Christ. Choose to keep going. Yes, you! Keep going, for you are almost there! -CM

I hope

I hope you’ve learned the important lesson about those who are never grateful. If not, pay attention to the signs. If you constantly expect gratitude from people for all that you do, you will often find yourself disappointed. The truth is that not everyone will appreciate your hard work, your sacrifices, or the time and energy you invest in them. Some people will come to expect your generosity without ever acknowledging it, developing a sense of entitlement rather than gratitude.

Don’t spend your life pouring into those who watch you struggle without offering a helping hand. If someone sees you laboring but won’t wipe the sweat from your brow, offer you a drink of water, or show genuine care for your well-being, they aren’t seeing you, and they don’t appreciate your efforts. Invest your time and energy in people who appreciate your heart, reciprocate your kindness, and never take your presence for granted. All ❤️ -CM


I shall not

I shall not leave this earth until I have fulfilled the purpose God has given me, for He will not call me home before His work in me is complete. I will not surrender my life, nor lose hope, but will continue to trust Him through every season.

Find your purpose, hold tightly to your faith, and keep pressing forward. No matter how difficult the journey becomes, remember that your life has meaning, your story has value, and God is not finished with you yet. -CM