Inflation and Prices Rant

The world is changing at an alarming rate. A dollar doesn't go as far as it once did. Some days, I find myself in shock and awe at the cost that the average costumer in the United States is contending with. It cost $6 for a gallon of milk; a tray of chicken wings can run you $25 easily and $7- $8 for a large bag of chips. This year has been rough for many of us that once believed in the America dream. 

While I believe things will improve eventually... the lack of funding for social programs like food pantries has created a major gap for those enduring financial insecurity. It seems though scrapping by has become a regular expectation in this society. Social media was once used to show lavish lifestyles but as of late it has become a venting place for everyday people enduring changing. 

For instance, TicTok was primarily used for trendy dances, but a sentiment has taken hold on the platform that once focused on good times. Many users are now coming online to express their dissatisfaction with the economic turmoil and inflation. Users are showing themselves in their most vulnerable moments which includes but are not limited to eviction, homelessness, hunger, layoffs and financial strain. There is a part of me that longs to say were living in the last days but that would be too easy. 

Instead, I will speak to the situation that many of us currently find ourselves in. According to 2 Timothy 1:7, God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. So, no matter what you're going through or hard the wind may blow you will not be moved. Because God planted you in good soil. Not only will you endure. You will prosper and live a full life. There is no limit to what you can do and achieve in Jesus Christ. 

This is a time to focus and lock in. Because many people panic but this is a time for those who are determine, prayerful and eager to see miracles. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. There have been so many times in my life when I wanted to give up. When I assumed that the way was too narrow or the journey was too steep but little did I know that God was building me. Even now he is encouraging my soul and making a way for me out of no way. 

I will close with a short story. Towards the end of covid, I was having financial problems, and I didn't know how I was gonna make it. I spent the last of my money fixing my car and due to job loss, I wasn't working. Bills were overflowing and I was at a loss for words, but I kept on believing that God would make a way. One day, I received money from the bank because they said I was over changed. I started receiving random jobs here and there that pushed me along and before you knew it, I was in the clear. 

This experience taught me that no situation is too big for God. He owns cattle on 10,000 hills He made the universe, and I know he will provide for his children and then some. I will leave you with psalm 37:25, I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

This is my poetry book if you would like more inspiration quotes and hopeful words: https://amzn.to/4mXitLS 

Please like, comment, follow and share. It makes all the difference in the world to me.

Best, Ayesha 

Inspirational: Small Flame

Image by Andreas Lischka from Pixabay 

It starts off small 

A flame 

That the cold, wind and rain 

Can't extinguish 

Then it grows 

Questions follow: 

Can I be redeemed? 

Does Christ love me? 

Is faith enough? 

What is love? 

It can be kindled by prayer 

Maintained by hope 

Nourished by the pages of a Bible 

That are ever turning 

You lose some battles and win some 

But to believe 

Your growth is tied up in learning 

And yearning for the grace of God 

No matter how hard you fall 

He will pick you up 

The Holy Ghost will comfort you 

And Jesus will clean your wounds 

You are not alone 

You are not abandoned 

And most importantly you are not forgotten 

You are the sheep that the Shepard refused to leave behind 

Every hair on your head counted

Every need you have supplied 

You will have a friend in Jesus for the rest of your life 

So when the world resents you 

And casts you aside... 

Just know that you are aided by the King of Kings 

And you shall live and not die 

It starts off small 

A flame 

That the cold, wind and rain 

Can't extinguish 

Then it grows 

Love always, Esha 

Fortress

 

Photo by Pixabay

The storm won’t last

You will prevail

God is in the midst

He is your fortress

Love always, Esha 

Dream Work

I do my Father's work

Foraging my dreams from clay

Breathing the breath of life into dirt

No matter how long it takes 

I'm gonna hustle till it hurts  

And even in the midst of battle 

I will put God first 

 

Love always, Esha  

A Smile

This poem is read on the Hope Speaks Podcast Season 2 Episode 3 

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

It's important 

Rarely is it unnecessary 

You can put it in your back pocket 

And pull it out when you need 

It is equivalent to sunshine falling in the evening 

A smile goes a long way 

God blessed you with the ability to press forward on a rainy day 

Never let the cloud cover get in your way 

Be hopeful that even in the midst of your storm 

Everything will be okay 

Love always, Esha  <3

Key

 

Photo by haalkab

You can feel the pressure but not succumb to the heat 

Be hopeful and steadfast no matter what you see 

Because the path is narrow

But that doesn't make it absent of debris 

God can open doors no man can close 

Because He has the key 

Love always, Esha<3

Good Soil

 

Listen to Hope Speaks Podcast: Episode 15 for poetry reading and conversation 

Image by 경복 김 from Pixabay 

Thank God for the morning 

Another opportunity to be awake 

The grace to breath a bit longer 

When I am weak in spirit the great I AM is stronger 

Pushed to the limit 

I don't give up, let go or stop 

There is no glass ceiling on my top 

Only heaven 

When people throw rocks 

I am unmoved 

Because the farmer sowed my seed in fertile ground 

So my endeavors are fruitful year round 

The Holy Spirit dwells in me 

So when the lightening strikes I am in no need of company 

I have a trusty steed 

He is a true friend and confidant to those in need  

I don't have to worry 

About what the world thinks about me 

Because when times were hard 

They couldn't spare groceries 

 

There is only joy to be found in my Father 

So when the chickens gather to cluck 

I don't even bother 

It's the nature of the world to talk ill of the chosen ones 

And fight over meaningless pearls 

To look only at the physical that dissipates in due time 

To forget about eternity that stands when all the temporary has faded 

To look towards mankind for answers 

But when it comes to the matters of God they are jaded 

Some people are built that way 

To only look at present circumstances day to day 

But I think about the present, tomorrow and yesterday 

So I can build a legacy that gives my children roots 

In order to defy the eagerness to go with the flow 

When the enemy recruits 

Earlier in the morning 

They were planted in good soil 

Love always, Esha 

God is Shaping Me for Sunshine

Warning: These are my thoughts and feelings about my journey thus far.

As of late, I have endured one difficult situation after another. But one thought always creeps into my mind at moments like this... I remember that God will never give me more than I can bear and I know that He has made me to be a conqueror. So no matter what I face, I know that Jesus is mighty in battle therefore I already won.

For decades, I was under the belief that God forgot about me. That somehow the hard times were meant to return me into the dust from which I came. But it never occurred to me that the very things that I thought would kill me were only meant to smooth out my rough edges. There are areas in my soul that God wanted to take a sledgehammer to so that I could be used for His glory.

While I am in the middle of being formed into someone I couldn't become on my own I realize that... all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). Because I am stubborn but the changes that are happening in me are out of necessity. And I have to be okay with knowing that one day this will all make sense when I look over the totality of my life.

The hardest part about believing in God is trusting in Him completely. Yesterday, I felt like the world was out of whack. I looked in the mirror and questioned, how I could live a life that lacked stability? I wondered if I could survive without the presence of my wonderful Father and his witty yet crude remarks? Who am I without my Dad's 6 foot shadow towering over me and restricting my outlandish nature?

Relying on the unchanging hand God without the comfort of a patriarch to guide me is hard. Even though I see myself as an outspoken woman the truth is... I always had a strong male role model in my life. So I trusted in his judgement more than I should have at times. I ran to him for advice like a child running to an arcade game. Now I have no choice but to let go and let God.

My heavenly Father will have to replace the one I lost on earth. But life has taught me that there is no friend that can compare to Jesus. He died for me while I was in sin so I will live for Him. Despite the challenges, I encounter, my heart will endure as a result of my faith. In time, all the things that once made me cry will make me smile. And my crazy life story will become a testimony that encourages all those who wait for the break of a new dawn to rise in their bleak sky. Hopefully, I will lead people to remember that all children of God were made to shine. 

Love always, Esha <3

A Thank You to My Readers

I'm just gonna get it off my chest... My grandmother died last week. This is the third death I experienced in 10 months. First, my Father then my Auntie now this. So I stopped writing for a little over a week. I needed time to think. I needed time to take it all in. Ultimately, this grief has given me a new lease on life. But I needed to focus on something bigger than me and my worries and finally I found the spark to keep going. It's all my readers, God and laughter. 

I want to thank you all for supporting my dream and reading my work. You make this all worth it for me and I am eternally grateful. The craziness of unplanned shock melts into the scenery. Like warm chocolate easing into a cup of milk that turns sweet and brown whenever you click like on a post or follow my blog. You're the best. 

There are times when I come close to forgetting why I started this blog in the first place. I began this journey because I wanted an outlet to express myself. And most importantly, I wanted to encourage all those who frequented this website. Underneath every rock is a whole new world. As a child, I used to lift up rocks. I was always shocked to discover that worms, snails, ants, moss and other insects resided in the cool weight of their heavy gray bodies. 

How could anything thrive under a rock I would think? Many of us have spent our lives carrying around boulders but instead of being crushed by them we learned how to survive. And in that vein I intend to find a way out from under the monolith of mourning. As I do so, I would like to inspire you all to pound your slab of rock into gravel so you won't have to live underneath it anymore. 

Love always, Esha <3

Thoughts: Does Age Matter?

Gray hair matters not. The silver strands leave salt and pepper across a head that once touted black and brown youth. Nevertheless, wisdom is not determined by age. It is found in the knowledge that someone gained through trial and tribulation released by the hand of God. But the outer appearance does little to determine the insight of the individual. Much like wrinkles, gray hair adds character to the physic of the person but does little for the soul if no lessons are learned from the life lived. 

Love always, Esha 

Short Thought: Breath of God

I see it 

In the curve of your eyes 

A longing for a touch 

Just the breath 

The presence of God's love 

It ushers you 

To unknown paths 

In search of a blessing 

That no one can grab 

It must be given, relinquished, bestowed 

On willing, humble hands 

Love always, Esha 

Overflowing Love

 

The fire burns to light the dark corners of the world. To replace unbelief with power. To give birth to the truth of a sinner's prayer. Laying open the damage inside the human soul that many never saw was there. His hand is never changing. A love that overflows like running water. Turn the faucet to the max so it pours out. And thirsty hearts are able to bathe in the overflow of God. Drenched from head to toe in favor and mercy that goes beyond human comprehension. Vulnerable before the King who loved you no matter your condition. Because He cares just that much.  

Love always, Esha 

Listen to Hope Speaks Podcast Episode 10: Overflowing Love

God's Door

Photo by seth0s

For every closed door I have faced. God has opened another. So I don't worry about tomorrow. It's already in good hands. And I'm not talking about Allstate. Everyday hasn't been easy but to wake up to the light of the rising sun is a blessing. In every mistake is a lesson. Because I always lean and fall into the warm arms of his mercy and grace. Delighted in the beauty and mystery of His unseen face. Even when I had no home in His kingdom there is space. 



Love always, Esha <3

Forgiving the Naysayers

Photot by kieutruongphoto

 

Let the naysayers talk? 

What do they know about you? 

Have they walked in your shoes? 

Have they embraced your struggle? 

You're made of flesh previously molded from clay 

Pay no mind to the things haters say 

They didn't create you 

And their remarks and tidbits won't save you 

So let the words multiply 

Like smoke clouds darkening polluted air 

Blackening clear sky 

Taken in by unfortunate souls 

What others call life 

Is made inevitable 

When negativity without hope takes control 

People focused on the dislike of others 

Lose sign of their goals 

You were blessed to fly free 

You're bigger than the adversary you face 

Because when God is for you 

It's easy to forgive others for their mistakes  

Love always, Esha 

Careers & Passion

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

In many ways, writing gave new meaning to my life. I know it sounds like a ridiculous notion. But I feel like God put a pen in my hand and a vision in my heart. In hopes of giving me something worth fighting for. We all have a talent or ability worth exploring. A desire to accomplish dreams that make us feel excited and joyful inside. So I would like to encourage each and everyone of you to do your thang… Don't be held back by the naysayers. Hold your head up high and face the obstacle of climbing an uncharted path. 

Be the fearless individual that carves a conspicuous trail in the mountainside. This is your season, this is your time. If it’s not hurting anybody and it gives you a natural high. Why not give your goals a try? Have a little faith that wonderful things are possible and they can happen for you. Sometimes, we give up our passion to chase after jobs that don’t respect our needs and ignore the demands of our spirit. Often times they determine the hours worked, vacation time and skimp on the benefits package. Leaving us to fend for ourselves despite contributions to the company. 

Years ago, I was at a youth seminar and the speaker insisted that we pursue the reason for our why. It's the driving force behind your inspiration? It encourages you to hold head up in the midst of adversity. We all need a motive to exist in this world. We need a reason to wake up in the morning and push forward. For me, it’s writing and my faith in God but for you it may be something entirely different. Since graduating from college, I have learned 3 critical things:

1. Life is too short to follow another person's plan for a happy life. 

2. Hope is a cascading river that never ends. 

3. There is no cap on passion, ambition and creativity. It flies free like sparrows hovering over the deep blue sea.

But with all that being said, following your dreams is never an easy task. There are days when the road gets rocky and I can’t see the way forward. So I rely on my faith to get me through. In times of desperation, I reflect on God’s promise. According to Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And that is a constant comfort. Because I don’t always have the wherewithal to address the challenges I encounter in my career or personal life without breaking down. As a writer, I spend my time trying to cultivate an audience that enjoys my writing. But if I can help one person with my words, make them feel like their not alone in this world then it’s all worth it.  

Thank you for reading. It means the world to me. 

Love always, Esha

Short Commentary: Shackles

 

Photo by Aidan Jarrett from Pexels

Destroy the shackles of bondage they aren't strong enough to hold you. Break the yokes of iniquity through the living word of God. Let the chains fall off like water rolling off a duck's back.



Love always, Esha 

God's Love

Faith has been known to move mountains. It is the substance that dreams and blessings are made of. Just a bit of it is enough to garner God's love. 

Till next time, Esha 

Freedom Sings

I wanna hear the loud banging of a new day dawning 

Let the tambourines shake 

Let the bass drop 

Let truth clash against lies like strong tides,

Hitting the desolate shore 

We need the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob 

We need freedom like a plant requiring soil 

Like a lamp with a plug but no power source 

We bang against the drum of hope 

Praying that the friction of our hands 

Strike fire in the heart of the oppressed 

If the illusion of democracy is over... what's next?

Let the burgeoning dreams of tomorrow sing a new song 

Love always, Esha <3