Lynn Pinder’s Testimony/Statement of Faith

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

Almost three months ago, I sought shelter at a 30-day, temporary Christian shelter in Baltimore for women and children. Fresh out of a relationship with a Christian man and pregnant, I was mentally, spiritually and physically exhausted. At 39, I expected my life to be so different. I mean - I am a Christian, a college graduate, a social entrepreneur, an author, and a small business owner.  I have traveled the world, launched organizations, helped make a difference in my community and accepted the call of discipleship on my life. How did I end up in this dark place?  Why, Lord, am I in this dark season?

I could stick my head in the sand, wallow in self-pity and put all the blame on the baby’s father for rejecting me and the little life God blessed me to carry or I could place the blame on insensitive family members who I often felt were never available when I needed them most or I could even pass the blame onto “the system” for not working on my behalf.  Yet, I know deep in my heart that I am where I am because of the decisions I made in my life. I accept the fact that although I love the Lord with all my heart, I did not trust in Him as I should have nor did I walk in full obedience to His Word.  There are consequences for my actions and my inaction. 

Four months ago, I made the decision to move back to Baltimore, MD from Savannah, GA to provide support to one of my sisters whose husband was seriously ill and to be in close vicinity to a man I thought I was going to marry. That decision humbled me especially after realizing that neither one of them wanted or needed me the way I thought. Through it all, I was forced to accept and learn some difficult and tough life lessons. I was forced to acknowledge and accept my own shortcomings as well as those who I choose to love. Things have definitely not turned out the way I planned. However, I can say that things have turned out the way God planned.

Through the ups and downs, through the misunderstandings, through the disappointments, through the anger, through the embarrassment, through the shame, through the miscarriage, through the depression, through the back pain, through the frustrations...through it all, I have learned to trust – I mean really trust – in God. I have learned to shine even in the face of adversity. I have learned to love even when I feel unloved. I have learned to accept people where they are, but most importantly I have learned to accept me for who I am – realizing that no matter what state or condition I am in that God will use me if I let Him.

My testimony that I would like to share with you is that God is a provider. No matter what you are going through. No matter what you have done. No matter what you didn’t do. No matter what! If you accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior and confess that HE is Lord over your life, HE will provide. The question is how much do you trust Him.

Do you trust Him just a little or a whole lot? Do you trust Him as long as you are in control? Do you trust Him as long as you can figure out a solution to your problems? Do trust Him as long as there is money in the bank? Do you trust Him as long as your relationships are fruitful? Do you trust Him as long as your book is selling?  Do you trust Him for as long as you have a job or a viable business?  Do you trust Him only for as long as you can maintain the front?

Can you trust God in blind faith? Can you trust Him even though you lost the house? Can you trust Him even when the job doesn’t come through? Can you trust Him in the sorrow of an untimely death?   Can you trust Him when it looks like all hope is gone? Can you trust Him when it seems everything is going wrong in your life?  Can you trust Him in the dark seasons?

The experiences I encountered in this dark season of my life helped me to realize that I was guilty of trusting God to the point of when I thought I needed to step in and take action to do things my way. This dark season was my breaking point. This year has become a life-changing year for me. A year where I learned how to trust God fully and rest in Him. It is a year where I learned to surrender fully to God. It is a year where I learned that my actions, my life, and all my decisions must be predicated on God's Word (The Holy Bible) – and His Word must be an active and daily part of my life and work – not just a book I hold in high esteem, but a strategic plan that guides my every thought, action and deed.

This year, I have come full circle in my walk as a woman of God. I may not have everything I want. However, I certainly have everything I need. I am blessed to live in a country where social services are available to provide emergency shelter, money for food, free cell phones, transportation and free Internet usage. I am blessed to live in a city where programs like the Karis Home, My Sister’s Place, People on the Move, and the Baltimore Center for Pregnancy Concerns exist to offer hands-on support to people, like me, who need and want help. 

I am blessed to have people like Jacinda, Lela, Robert, Kim, Cathy, the authors from CAOT, Melissa, Chaplin Smith, Elizabeth, Shantress, Denise, Chanel, “Grandma” a.k.a. Vanessa, “Ms. Pat,” “Ms. Toni,” “Ms. Shirley,” “Ms. Che,” “Ms. Debra,” Tanya, Qeyana, members of Calvary Baptist Church/Dundalk, Robin, Janel, Morning, Kevin, Alex, the staff of The Power Magazine, “Mrs. A.J.” and a host of other people (including relatives, friends and complete strangers) in my life who prayed me through and whose direct actions during my time of need demonstrated God's love - helping to nurture and heal my broken spirit back to wholeness.   I also thank God for those friends and churches in Savannah whose love, hospitality, teaching and nurturing strengthened me for almost two years prior to my journey back home to Baltimore. I even thank God for those people in my life who I felt fell short of my expectations of them, and I thank God for revealing to me how I fell short of their expectations. I bless God for wisdom, revelation, favor, grace and growth.

I have to admit I prayed earnestly regarding the decision to share this testimony publicly. I struggled with how it would be received, and I obtained confirmation after attending a Bible study at my home church (Restoring Life International Church). I was reminded by my pastor during the study of how important it is for the saints of God to be real. As someone who is sometimes in the public light, I understand that people see me or a situation and base their perception on what their limited eyes allow them to see. To them, seeing is believing. In my season of darkness, God taught me that believing is seeing. He reminded me that mustard seed faith is all that is needed to turn any situation around. Yet, great faith – having the ability to walk or stand in blind belief in God - has the power to transform lives and communities. 

Can you imagine living your life daily with a blind belief in God – trusting that He will provide and make a way in every situation? What is so remarkable is that God is so gracious and merciful that He will love us even when we doubt, waiver or fall short in our walk with Him. The Bible provides example after example of God’s faithfulness to believers. As a believer, I am as my pastor taught in Bible study a living testimony – living proof – of God’s love. I am living proof of His faithfulness. But it doesn't stop there; the buck doesn't stop with me.  Hallelujah! You, too, are a living testimony - living proof - of God's love.  You are living proof  of His faithfulness. 

If you are experiencing a season of darkness in your life, it might be difficult for you to see beyond the pain and to accept God's love.   It may take time for you to learn that even now, you are precious to God.   Even now, you have a destiny and a purpose.  Even now, there is hope.  Take hold of that revelation and cling to God.  Seek out His face.  Trust in Him.   Don't give up!  P.U.S.H (Pray Until Something Happens) and if nothing happens - change your prayer, but keep praying.  Keep trusting in God.  Keep reading His Word. 

The Word of God encourages us to work out our faith in fear and trembling.  This is a ready reminder that life will produce those moments where terror, dissention, fear and contrite spirits wreck havoc in our lives.  Yet, God's indwelling spirit inside of us makes it possible for each of us to be steadfast and grounded in the promises of His Word.  Life might knock us down, but it won't take us out if we use the Holy Bible as our sword and compass.

Excerpted from Speak Life: Psalms of Hope in a Season of Darkness, a collection of inspirational poems written by Lynn Pinder and scheduled for release in 2012

I'm seeking out a full-time job to help offset my entrepreneurial ventures which are not doing as well as I hoped.  The prayer below written by Mark Herringshaw really blessed me.   CLICK HERE to read the full article written by Mark Herringshaw which also includes the prayer.

“God, I’m about to face a challenging interview for a new job. First, thank you for this opportunity. Thank you that you care about providing for my needs, and fitting me in the right employment situation is something you yourself are working to complete. I know I have you on my side in this matter. You are looking out for my best interest and I know you have a perfect job fit for me. If this is that perfect fit, then make it perfectly clear to me and to those who are making the hiring decision. Begin now to prepare the time and place where we will meet. Set the tone in the room. I know that first impressions matter a great deal, so help me to be the natural “me” that you have created, so that they can see through my nervousness and anxiety to the person you have created me to be. Give me a peaceful and sharp mind. Bring to my memory all the knowledge and wisdom that is already there. Let your joy and contentment flow out through my words. And whatever the result, let this process be a blessing to those who review my case, and also to me and my family along the way. Lord, right now I receive your “shalom” peace. I trust you to work in and through this interview process. I trust you to provide for all my needs. And if this is your perfect fit, then let nothing stand in the way. If it is not right, then close the door and lead me quickly to the right next step. In your name I bless those who will be conducting this interview. Give them wisdom, peace and rest as well. I receive now, ahead of time, your promise – ” I will never leave you or forsake you!” I believe this and oh, do I need it. I don’t go into this interview alone. You are with me. And with that confidence, I am at peace. Help me now to feel that peace. In Jesus…”

Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/prayerplainandsimple/2010/03/a-prayer-for-anyone-preparing-for-a-job-interview.html#ixzz1VO7pOg4c

My Testimony

Content Whatever the Circumstances

 I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you're again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don't mean that your help didn't mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.

You Philippians well know, and you can be sure I'll never forget it, that when I first left Macedonia province, venturing out with the Message, not one church helped out in the give-and-take of this work except you. You were the only one. Even while I was in Thessalonica, you helped out—and not only once, but twice. Not that I'm looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.

And now I have it all—and keep getting more! The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God no end. You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes."

Philippians 4:10-20 (The Message)

An Awesome Reminder!

An Awesome Word!

*Video shared by YouthontheRock1 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDEvXMzZWUs

AMEN!

*video from kylebacon29 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHtaBXIIs0w*

Amen!

*Shared by the Generalofwarfare at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91yAauH_m5A*

Calm Down...

*This was emailed to me today by a friend. I'm not sure who wrote it, but it is on point!*

Psalm 46:10 'Be still and know that I am God.' So many times we make situations more than they are due to our anxiety, CALM DOWN !

God has your life under control; he knows how to handle even the seemingly complex situation with ease. SHUT UP ! Stop having pity parties and talking about your business all the time; don't you know that the power of death and life is in the tongue! Stop speaking negative things into existence in your life and in others. QUIT TRIPPIN' ! When you look at your situations through your eyes, you often read more into the situation than what is there. It's not as bad as you think particularly if God is in your life; Stop over analyzing your life. Be courageous!

2 Timothy 1:7 - 'For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of Love, and of a sound mind. Fear is not of God. Have the courage to step out on faith and do the seemingly impossible. Start your own business; go into the ministry; apply for that promotion; anything that you've been afraid to do and you know that God has called you to do - JUST DO IT! Have confidence!

Philippians 4:13 - 'I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.' Remember, greater is He that's within you than he that's in the world. You have the power of the most High God working in you, and you have His Son steadily making intercession for you. You have nothing to worry about! Walk with your head up! You say you have low self-esteem; somebody told you that you'd never amount to anything; the devil is a liar! Know that you are somebody not because Jesus said it, but because you are a child of The King! Walk in the VICTORY!

Romans 8:28 - 'And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.' Does anything else need to be said? The jury has been out and the verdict is in - YOU WIN! In your finances - YOU WIN! On your job - YOU WIN! In your relationships (married, single, divorced, family, friends) -YOU WIN!! In your health - YOU WIN! God has already worked it out for you. It may not come the way you think it should come (or when you think it should), but remember - CALM DOWN, SHUT UP, AND QUIT TRIPPIN! He's working it out for 'YOUR' good (in His time). Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps, if you are not willing to move your feet. Be Blessed TODAY !!

RECIPROCATE PLEASE! God determines who walks into your life, it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go. I need this back. If you'll do this for me, I'll do it for you. When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need. Father, bless all my friends in whatever it is that You know they may need this day! And may their life be full of your peace, prosperity and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with You.

My Testimony

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jaejdz5o8c

My Testimony

FREEDOM MEANS RESPONSIBILITY

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Freedom is the right to live as you wish.
If you wish to free yourself from enslavement, you must choose freedom
and the responsibility it entails.
There's a price for every freedom, something to be given up for every liberty.

It's up to you to weigh the price you must pay for each of your freedoms.
And everything you want has a price.

Freedom is the opportunity to make decisions.
It's the capacity to take a hand in your own development.
Freedom is the right to choose.
It's the right to create for yourself the alternatives of choice.

No one is free who is not master of himself.
You are free to do whatever you like.
You need only face the consequences of your actions.

--Author Unknown--

An Open Letter to President Barack Obama

Nov. 5, 2008

Dear Brother Obama,

You have no idea, really, of how profound this moment is for us.

Us being the black people of the Southern United States.

You think you know, because you are thoughtful, and you have studied our history. But seeing you deliver the torch so many others before you carried, year after year, decade after decade, century after century, only to be struck down before igniting the flame of justice and of law, is almost more than the heart can bear. And yet, this observation is not intended to burden you, for you are of a different time, and, indeed, because of all the relay runners before you, North America is a different place. It is really only to say: Well done. We knew, through all the generations, that you were with us, in us, the best of the spirit of Africa and of the Americas. Knowing this, that you would actually appear, someday, was part of our strength. Seeing you take your rightful place, based solely on your wisdom, stamina and character, is a balm for the weary warriors of hope, previously only sung about.

I would advise you to remember that you did not create the disaster that the world is experiencing, and you alone are not responsible for bringing the world back to balance. A primary responsibility that you do have, however, is to cultivate happiness in your own life. To make a schedule that permits sufficient time of rest and play with your gorgeous wife and lovely daughters. And so on. One gathers that your family is large. We are used to seeing men in the White House soon become juiceless and as white-haired as the building; we notice their wives and children looking strained and stressed. They soon have smiles so lacking in joy that they remind us of scissors. This is no way to lead. Nor does your family deserve this fate.

One way of thinking about all this is: It is so bad now that there is no excuse not to relax. From your happy, relaxed state, you can model real success, which is all that so many people in the world really want. They may buy endless cars and houses and furs and gobble up all the attention and space they can manage, or barely manage, but this is because it is not yet clear to them that success is truly an inside job. That it is within the reach of almost everyone.I would further advise you not to take on other people's enemies. Most damage that others do to us is out of fear, humiliation and pain. Those feelings occur in all of us, not just in those of us who profess a certain religious or racial devotion. We must learn actually not to have enemies, but only confused adversaries who are ourselves in disguise. It is understood by all that you are commander in chief of the United States and are sworn to protect our beloved country; this we understand, completely. However, as my mother used to say, quoting a Bible with which I often fought, "hate the sin, but love the sinner." There must be no more crushing of whole communities, no more torture, no more dehumanizing as a means of ruling a people's spirit. This has already happened to people of color, poor people, women, children. We see where this leads, where it has led.

A good model of how to "work with the enemy" internally is presented by the Dalai Lama, in his endless caretaking of his soul as he confronts the Chinese government that invaded Tibet. Because, finally, it is the soul that must be preserved, if one is to remain a credible leader. All else might be lost; but when the soul dies, the connection to earth, to peoples, to animals, to rivers, to mountain ranges, purple and majestic, also dies. And your smile, with which we watch you do gracious battle with unjust characterizations, distortions and lies, is that expression of healthy self-worth, spirit and soul, that, kept happy and free and relaxed, can find an answering smile in all of us, lighting our way, and brightening the world.We are the ones we have been waiting for.

In Peace and Joy,
Alice Walker

© 2008, Alice Walker

A Night at the Movies - Cadillac Records

I spoke to two friends of mine and each of them encouraged me to see the movie, Cadiallac Records. Both of them spoke highly of the actors, the acting, and the story. I treated myself last night to a movie after vending at the mall. It was a hard choice. Me, being the movie buff I am had a difficult time choosing which movie to see - Beyonce's Cadillac Records, Will Smith's Seven Pounds, or Will Smith's son's The Day the Earth Stood Still. In the end, I chose Cadillac Records. I figured it had been out the longest and this might be my last opportunity to see it on the big screen.

I must admit the actors, the acting, and writing were exquisette. Cadillac Records was just as good as my friends said it would be minus some of the nudity. Yet, I wasn't prepared for the sadness I felt after watching the stirring performances by Columbus Short, Gabrielle Union, Beyonce Knowles, and Jeffrey Wright. As I left the movie, I was overcome with a heaviness that hit me like a ton of bricks. I literally had to fight back tears on my ride home and was a little perplexed as to why the movie put me into such a serious funk of depression. Then, my Christian mind kicked in and I realized that all of the characters in the movie struggled with their own personal demons - drugs, sex, infidelity, anger, alcohol, hate, and rejection - wandering lost without any hope or any understanding of the love of Christ. I was reminded of how at times in my life I, too, was reckless and living without hope. I realized that I, too, had once felt the similar hurt, longing, and rejection. The only difference is that I have now surrended my life to Christ who continues to wash away all of the pain, the hurt, and the longing. I can only hope that the actors who played the parts and the real individuals whose lives are portrayed in Cadillac Records who are still living find peace of mind and solace in God. I pray that Ms. Etta James walks into her healing in Christ and that she is healthy, wealthy, and healed. I also pray that viewers gleam the other messages of self-determination and economic independence in the movie that the character Howlin Wolf represents.

In the end, I think Cadillac Records is an adult movie - worth seeing. It could serve as a dynamic ministry tool for those of us who see what the darkness in the movie truly represents and who have the calling to share God's light.

A Prayer for Christian Entrepreneurs

Father God,
You are so awesome and great.
Lord, I thank you for your Holy Spirit, your love, and your grace.
I come before you today asking for covering and protection as a Christian entrepreneur.
Lord, help me make wise decisions.
Help me to walk in discipline and diligence.Guide my hands, my mind, and my actions so that I act responsibly professionally and personally.
Give me a gentle and honest spirit that draws people for your glory.Help me to be hospitable and just.
Never let me forget that my businesses stand as a testimony of your mercy and power.
Lord, you are my rock and fortress.
I take your shield of faith and I quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
I stand on your Word and your promise.
I will study to be quiet and to do my own businesses and to work with my own hands as you commanded.
I will walk honestly toward them that are without and I will lack nothing.
I will receive your mercy, God, and faint not.
I will renounce dishonest business practices.
I will not walk in craftiness nor will I handle the word of God deceitfully but by manifestation of the truth commending myself to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
I will be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, and in patience.
I will walk in excellence and remember that pleasant words are like as honeycombs - sweet to the soul and health to the bones.
In all I do, I will make the voice of Thanksgiving heard and tell of all your wondrous works.
I will seek peace and holiness in all I do.I will give you the first fruits of my business.
I will be a lender not a borrower.
Lord God, I ask that like your servant Abraham you bless my children and my children's children.
I ask that like Jabaz you enlarge my territory.
Extend your favor to me Lord so that I might prosper in the natural (economic) and supernatural (spiritual) realms.
Release the fear, doubt, and hesitation.
Give me the courage to stand on your Word and walk in faith.
In Jesus name, I pray. Amen

I Voted Today!

I voted today.
I stood in line.
I wasn't the only one.

I almost bought into the lie
that the people in my community didn't care...
that they were unconcerned...
apathetic.

But as I stood in line today,
my heart beamed with pride
as I looked around and saw so many people
young and old,
some with children,
others with friends and family members -
all in line, like me, to make history.

I heard the influx of complaints from people about the long lines.
I heard the worried cries of those concerned about being late for work, and
I offered them a warm smile and a gentle reminder
as to why their presence and their vote was so important.

I gave up my space in line to let an elder -
who was there to vote for the first time in years
and who was late for work - cast her ballot before me.

I stood in line and laughed with my neighbors,
encouraged strangers and thanked God
for the presence of mind and spirit
to be part of this day in history.

I stood in line today and I voted
for the first Black man nominated for the U.S. Presidency.
I stood in line today - not alone - but in solidarity with my community.

No cameras...no news reporters to witness this amazing sight
of hundreds of people from my crime-ridden and drug-infested neighborhood
wait patiently to use the privilege that our ancestors
died to make available to us.

I, as I know everyone else who stood in line today,
will cherish this memory in our hearts.
We will be able to tell our children and our children's children
that we made history.

We stood in line today and cast a vote for a brighter America -
a place where hopes and dreams still abound.
A place where people can stand in line and change the course of history.

I stood in line today and my country is a much better place
because of my action and the action of all those who stood in line with me.


Copyright 2008 by Lynn Pinder

U.S. History in the Making in My Lifetime!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Prayers for the Hudson and Pressly Families

Father in the name of Jesus, I come before you today with a heavy heart. I am so thankful for your love and mercy. I am so thankful for your grace. I am so thankful for your Word and Holy Spirit, but my heart is grieving over the vicious attacks again these two families. My heart is grieving for that son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, father, cousin, uncle, grandmother that was snatached away from us.

Lord, I know that you have a plan for every situation and action. Lord God, I ask that your Holy Spirit provide comfort and peace to the Hudson and Pressly Families. Lord, I ask that you be with them in this time of grief and sorrow. I ask, also, that you compel the perpetrators of this crime to come forward. Lord, don't give them peace...make them uncomfortable...make them restless until they take responsibility for their actions and turn themselves in for committing these crimes. Lord, I ask that you soften the heart of those who know the perpetrators. Lord, give them the courage to come forward and speak out against the viscious attacks. Lord, turn what the enemy meant for tragedy into a blessing for these families. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

A Prayer for the Hudson Family

*This video was shared by Truustar at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzhCul8oNG8&eurl=http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home *

Father God, in the name of Jesus, we come before you today in thanksgiving and praise for all the blessings that you have bestowed in our lives. Lord, we are so thankful for your enduring love, mercy, and grace. Lord, we ask for a special prayer of mercy and protection for the Hudson family. We ask that you extend Your Holy Spirit to be with them - around them and in them - during this time of grief. Lord, we don't always understand the circumstances of life or why bad things happen to good people, but we do know that you are a loving and awesome and good God and we ask that you send your angels to comfort this family. We ask that you soften the hearts of those who perpetuated this violent act against this family and that you compel them to do the right thing, even now. And we ask that even in this tragedy that your will be done. God, let your light and love and goodness shine even in this hour of sorrow for this family. Equip the people closest to the Hudsons to be steadfast in your Word and filled with Your Holy Spirit. Equip the family with individuals with their best interest at heart and with counselors and spokesperson with a mind stayed on you, God. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.