Today I'd like to welcome guest blogger Jerryana Williams. Already a
wise young woman at age 13, Jerryana was the youngest student at my
recent Christian Devotions Writing Workshop. I think you'll find her
post challenging and insightful.
Like a whirlwind, I swiftly demolish my room searching for
my beloved glasses.
Sadly, this is a common tragedy in my life. I often misplace
my perfectly clear, nerdy glasses. I usually find them lying on my desk after I’ve
destroyed everything in my path in a searching rampage. To most people, losing
something like glasses doesn’t seem very important, but to me, who is very
dependent on my classes, this is almost as scary as a life or death
situation.
My heart pounds as I slump on the edge of my bed, surrounded
by the mayhem I have created. Seriously,
If I didn’t know better, I’d think trolls were stealing my glasses in the dead of night, perhaps in cahoots with the ones who
steal my socks from the dryer.
As I examine my feelings, I think pride is holding me back--internal strife. Should I ask for help for something that
would seem so small to others? I don’t want to admit defeat on my own accord,
but casting aside my pride, I begin to pray.
One of the biggest lessons God is teaching me
through this almost daily battle of finding and losing my glasses is that I need to
rely on him, and not on my own strength. And that I can come to him with my
struggles, even if they seem minute.
If I ask for it, he will provide the
guidance I need. Nothing is too difficult for God, and nothing is too big or too
small for him. Proverbs 3:5 says
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own
understanding.”
What about you? Does pride ever keep you from asking God or others for help? If it does, will you join me on this difficult journey of surrendering
our pride to Christ?
Jerryana Williams is a homeschooled middle school student. She
lives happily with her younger brother Joseph and loving parents Morgiana and
Jerry Williams. After two years of IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing)
training, she has been published in both end of the year publications. Jerryana
has also been featured in the yearly Kids In Print publication from the
Richland County Public Library. She has collaborated in “A Woven Journey” which
was published on the blog spot, Students
Publish Here. When she isn’t writing, she is singing in the Greater
Columbia Children’s Choir or active at the Home School Swim & Gym.
If you're interested in hosting a
devotion writing class at your church, ladies or men's ministry event,
or other venue, contact Lori by clicking on the Speaking
Ministry/Contact Me tab at the top of the web page or click here.
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Jerryana, you nailed it! Pride keeps us from asking for help from others and God. I do surrender this day...Help me Lord, I need you!
ReplyDeleteWonderful devotion. Good job.
ReplyDeleteJerryana, you have a special gift. I am very proud of you keep up the great work.
ReplyDeleteJerryana, all to often my pride gets in the way. Thank you for your wonderful article and perfect reminder to ask God for help even with the seemingly small things.
ReplyDeleteGreat job! Thank you for reminding me that I can always turn to Him.
ReplyDeleteI often pray about the little things, but am embarrassed to let others know! Thanks for helping me to reflect on my heart, Jerryanna, and spur me on to be a witness to God's amazing, personal love. May God give us all boldness! Thanking God for you and your example today, Amy T.
ReplyDeleteTruly enjoyed the reading. I too have those conflicts of misplacing items that I swear at times there is someone who took. Look forward to your next writing.
ReplyDeleteKaren Woods
Jerryana, I am so very proud of you. This was a great devotion and has inspired me. I love you and keep up the good work. Love Samuel
ReplyDeleteVery insightful, Jerryana. I enjoyed reading your writing.
ReplyDeletejerryanna, the next time i loose my glasses, I will think of the encouraging words God gave you to share with so many of us who go through the same or similar experiences every day. You are a very talentd and gifted young lady. Never stop believing in yourself and your dreams.
ReplyDeleteNever once while reading this did it occur to me that a teenager wrote this! It was so mature and spot on! This girl needs to keep working on her craft as she has a gift from God.
ReplyDeleteOh, if we had only been as wise at such a young age! :) Thanks for your kind words of encouragement.
DeleteI just wanted to thank everyone who has taken the time to leave me a comment, it really means alot to me. Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteGirl you are so sweet and so wise I enjoyed reading this I needed this lesson tonight
ReplyDeleteJerryana you are and always have been an amazing child of God. Your love and devotion to Him is evident in your writing. God bless you abundantly with even more of His wisdom in your walk with Him.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how she's doing after all these years...
ReplyDelete