A Women’s Tool for Self-Empowerment (Encouraging Yourself)
By Perdita Meeks
A Women’s Tool for Self-Empowerment (Encouraging Yourself) Copyright 2004 by New Born Publications
New Born Fellowship Christian Center This book can be ordered by contacting New Born Publications P.O. Box 1109 Webster, NY 14580 585-342-5020
Printed in the United States of America
All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. Contents and/or covers may not be reproduced in whole or part, in any form or by any means, without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface Acknowledgements Confessions 1
Attitude...………………………………………………………………….. 1
2
Self-Image…………………………………………………………………17
3
The Battlefield of the Mind………………………………………………35
4
Rising above the Mentality of Others………………………………….51
5
The Power of Words……………………………………………………..69
6
Encouraging Yourself…………………………………………………...87
7
Will Power……………………………………………………………….101
8
Planning to Win………………………………………………………...111
Confessions
126
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PREFACE As a woman of God, you have been called to fulfill a divine purpose and destiny. There is no insignificance in you. God has given us all gifts, talents, and abilities to use to glorify him and add to his kingdom. When you have chosen to fulfill your destiny in God, you must understand that adversity will rise against you. It comes to dissuade you away from the things of God. If you would only allow God to direct your path, He will lead you to those seemingly hidden opportunities, and guide you in the midst of all opposition. For He knows the plans that He has for you.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NKJ God understands you better than anyone else does. He knows you better than you know yourself. Therefore, if you are to be successful, you must allow God to direct your path and be obedient to what he has given you.
As a young woman, I knew God was calling me to a divine destiny. I loved God from an early age and wanted to be pleasing to him. I learned more and more to obey his voice, and he has given me good success. I have experienced a lot in my life, and I know God has been with me along the way. I had to set my face as a flint. I had to separate myself from some friends who I was very close to, and there were even times when I had to walk alone. It was not always easy and yes, there were times when I was afraid, but during those times, I always go back to the Word and stand on it. I’ve had to encourage myself and deal with the struggles in my own mind. I have chartered my course and planned for success. This is not to say that my work is finished, but as I continue to do according to the Book of the Law, I expect good success, in all of my endeavors.
This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8 NKJ
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Woman of God, it is time for you to take those things that God has promised you by force. It is time to recognize the gifts that God has given you. Don’t settle for less. Reach out and take hold of those things that He has promised you. You are responsible for your own destiny. Only you can make it happen. You will have good success using the principles in this book to assist you, as you journey toward your destiny.
Dedication To my wonderful husband, Warren (Honey), the love of my life. God has blessed us to grow together and to become best friends. Thank you for pushing me to achieve excellence in everything I do. You have helped and allowed me to become the all-powerful woman. Life with you, since 1982, has been absolutely wonderful. To my kids Warren Jr., Pamela Marie, Kaulana, Kamika, Warren III, and my grandson, Ky’mere, you have all supported my vision. I’m thankful to God for allowing my children to see the awesome power of God in my life. To my parents, Pastors Wilbert & Celestine Harley, for instilling the fear and reverence for God. Mom, you are my greatest hero. Thank you for pushing me, even as a young girl, to be everything God wants me to be. You never gave up on me. Dad, thanks for teaching me how to give and how to pursue my dreams & goals. To my grandmothers, Dorothy Clark, Eunice Howard and my mother-in-law, Bernice Meeks for all your effort & support. To my former pastors, Bishop Jerry & Maggie McCullough, Thank You for your spiritual guidance.
Acknowledgements To my editor and friend, Pauletta O’Neal- Becoats, Morgan & April Randolph, without you this book would not be possible. Patricia Fields for my computer. Sabrina Willis for your encouragement. To ALL the Covenant Ladies that assisted, Thanks! Also Dr. Bridget for her inspiration and mentoring from afar. You all helped to make it happen. Love ya!
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Confession Woman to Woman God you are my strong tower For you have been a shelter for me Even against my enemies I stand tall like the trees in Lebanon Unmovable, Firm, Solid, Unshakable Woman to Woman I will not be denied I won't give up I will fight until the tide changes Woman to Woman Common is our ground Strength is my name Conquering is my game
Confession The Price Of A Woman Who can find me, the virtuous woman? For my price is far above rubies. I will not sell myself cheap. Nor will I discount myself. For I am fearfully & wonderfully made. Strength and honor are my clothing. My husband is known in the gates because of me. My children rise up and call me blessed. Many have tried to duplicate me, but I surpass them all. My price speaks for itself. That my soul knoweth right well.
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Attitude “Attitude Dictates Altitude”
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A Women’s Tool for Self-Empowerment
Chapter 1 Attitude Attitude, as defined in the American Heritage Dictionary, is “the position of the body, or manner of carrying oneself, indicative of a mood or condition.”
A positive attitude can help you become successful in life. Positive thinking really makes a difference in your attitude. It allows you to be confident in who you are.
A positive attitude says, “I know where I’m going.” It also helps you to look at life in a positive way. When you make mistakes, a positive attitude lets you know it is okay. I can correct any mistake in life. I have realized, the better my attitude, the more favor I will attain from both God and man.
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Attitude
Your attitude dictates your altitude in life. This means your attitude regulates the height of your achievements. The way you see yourself is vital to your future.
How you view life determines whether your dreams will be fulfilled. Dreams do come true to those who believe. Our attitude is developed early in life. Some of us grow to love life, and take situations in stride, while others hate life and blame everyone for their failures, except themselves. Golden Nugget: Attitude Dictates Altitude
Have you ever heard someone say, “Why me?� Well, why not you? We all have a cross to bear. How we choose to handle our cross is of the utmost importance.
Every cross should push you to a place of empowerment. Carrying your own cross is not an easy task. The cross may get heavy and weigh you down at times. You must be determined to get the victory. Just as Jesus had to carry his own cross, we must do the same. We must realize that there 2
A Women’s Tool for Self-Empowerment
will be victory.
He went a little further and fell on his face, and prayed saying, “O my father if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will but thou will be done. Matthew 26:39 KJ This was tough for Jesus, but He realized that this sacrifice was about more than just him. It was about redeeming mankind back unto God.
Life is about the decisions we make; these decisions can cause us to live life in either a positive or negative state. Jesus said, “Let not my will be done, but thine will be done.” Here, Jesus was talking with the Father. Once He remembered that the Father knew best, He submitted himself to the will of God.
This is key in the development of a positive attitude. God always knows what is best for us. Therefore, if we submit to His will and His way, we can’t go wrong.
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Attitude
We can always display a positive attitude, because God’s end result is always in our favor. Praise God!
Our self -worth must come from knowing that Jesus died and paid the price on Calvary for us to have life. If Jesus had not completed his journey, we would not have the opportunity to have everlasting life.
On the cross, He paid for every situation we have ever had to deal with in life. He carried the cross of uncaring people, being talked about, unforgiveness, being used and abused, feeling inadequate and defeated, and physical pain. Whatever your situation is, you must claim victory over your life. Golden Nugget: Adjust your attitude.
A positive attitude hinges on how you handle life, as well as people. No matter how much you may want to get away from people, you cannot. You must deal with life and the people around you. 4
A Women’s Tool for Self-Empowerment
Changing your view about life is possible, if you cast down ungodly thoughts. Begin to adjust your attitude and your view on life will change.
Often times, when we have poor or negative attitudes, we begin to make excuses by telling others and ourselves that this is just our character. But through Christ and the Holy Spirit, our lives can be transformed. This requires work on our behalf. Desiring change is key.
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. II Corinthians 10:4-5 NKJ This alone gives us the right to change our behavior. Our behaviors are learned, and can be corrected with much effort. First, we must recognize our behavioral patterns and be willing to correct them using the proper wisdom and knowledge. 5