All posts by Treva Williams

About Treva Williams

She is the mother of 3 beautiful girls, a mentor, an inspirational writer and a minister in the gospel.

In the Midst of Tragedy

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Photo by Isabella Mariana on Pexels.com

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;”

1 Corinthians 1:27

I did a follow up call with someone that I was talking with earlier today. She was concerned about whether she was going to get paid or not due to school closings. I found out the information that was needed and as a courtesy, I wanted to follow up with the call. In doing so it opened up a door for conversation. I didn’t know her and she didn’t know me, but we talked as if we had known each other forever and we talked on the phone for at least 15 minutes.


Do you sometimes wonder why does it always take a tragedy for us being a little more kinder, to show more love and support, going the extra mile, for us to be doing more of what we should have been doing already?

It would probably be safe to say that sometimes we forget, we lose sight, we lose touch or allow the cares of this life to cause us to be disconnected.

Though things are so uncertain at the moment and they have changed so many times in the course of a day. As people are hurting and in turmoil they grow weary causing them to be unsure of what to do next. It is in these moments in the midst of tragedy everywhere, that I still feel that there is hope for humanity. 

God knew us before we were even formed in our mothers womb and knows actually what it takes to get us back on the path that he has called for us to be. Just like the ingredients it takes to bake your favorite cake or meal, it is those ingredients of life that God uses to create us into who he has called us to be. Unfortunately, he uses a little of bit of tragedy, sorrow, along with joy, happiness, peace and discomfort, etc. and he mixes them all together to mold us an make us.

” Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am they God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will up hold thee with the right hand of my righteousness”

Isaiah 41:10

Sometimes things have to die, so that other things can live.  Dying to old habits, old mindsets, our selfish ways, so that we can birth to new habits, new ideas, create a better path that others may follow. It’s up to each one of us to be willing to make the necessary changes so that we will become better as a result of it. There is still life even in the midst of tragedy.

In this time of quarantine we should all be willing to do a self examination of the things we need to change within ourselves. What are the areas where we need to heal?  Is there someone we need to forgive? As much as we want things to go back to the way they used to be, things will never be the same again. 

Yet I still have this hope that we will all be better after this, as it is causing us to change and have a different aspect on life.  Only those that remain the same are the ones that refuse to change.

Here I am Lord, let the work begin in me!

“Create in my a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit with me”

Psalm 51:10-19

Song List

Holy Spirit by Kim Burrell https://youtu.be/hpOjwb9w1cU

Holy Ghost, fall down on me
Let Your spirit fall down on me
Holy Ghost, fall down on me
Let Your spirit fall down on me

Create in me a new heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit within me
Cast me not away from thy presence, oh God
Take not thy Holy Spirit from me

Holy Ghost, fall down on me
Let Your spirit fall down on me
Holy Ghost, fall down on me
Let Your spirit fall down on me

Holy Spirit help me to walk right
Talk right, live right, help me to be right
I’ll never do anything without
Your leading spirit, Holy Spirit

Cast me not from thy presence, oh Lord
Take not Your spirit
Take not Your spirit from me
Take not Your spirit from me
Take not Your spirit from me

Something Higher Than I

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Photo by Adam Kontor on Pexels.com

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.”

As a result of COVID-19 we are now working from home, and as the Adminstrative Assistant, I am on call for our Human Resources Department for the City of Asheville. I am having to triage calls that come in from all over the City, as well as other local governments from other City’s who are calling for advice or to see what we are doing in this situation. Though some of these calls had nothing to do with local government I tried to give as much assistance as I could and directing people to the correct place.

Currently our phones had been rolled to my phone because we weren’t able to get my City phone up and working in time. We were finally able to get it up today, so that means that I will have to go back into work to roll the phones over to my City phone.

For work we have been doing virtual stand up meetings. Some how trying to keep things as normal as possible in light of what is going on. Yesterday was a bit overwhelming to say the least, but it pushed me out of the house to take a much needed walk. I walked for an 1 hour and 45 minutes. Some much needed time to just be and be able to breathe some fresh air.

A couple of days ago I had a Pastors wife calling to see what was the status for churches. I could hear it in her voice, her over all concern and worry. Though we don’t have all the answers, I gave her the information that was known at this time and then I tried to offer some other options for her church. More than anything to give her hope.

This morning we were in the middle of a virtual stand up meeting and my work phone started ringing, and I felt the need to answer it. I turned away from the virtual call and answered. It was the Pastors wife calling back from the other day. By that time we were ending our stand up meeting, so I disconnected from it. She said do you remember me and smiling I said yes ma’am. She said, I was praying that you would answer again. She was wanting an update and then God showed up. In most cases I wouldn’t, but I was led to give her my number, so if she needed any further assistance and to stay connected. I really felt like it was a God connection. She was very grateful and before getting off the phone she expressed her hoping to meet me someday.

This is uncharted territory for us all and we are all trying to navigate our way through this. Even as ministers of the gospel and people of faith, we are human first. Yet, we still have to be the source of light and encouragement that is needed for such a time as this. Sometimes that means lifting each other, even at the moment you might need some encouragement too.

This is an opportunity for the body of Christ to rise up. Don’t get it twisted God is still working.

I see now more than ever the scripture from Mark 16:15 which says, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature”. It is being manifested through this COVID-19.

People don’t need more fear, but hope in someone greater than themselves. Offer them Jesus!

Song List

Shana Wilson “Give Me You” https://youtu.be/uC0UHJagWNE

Strength To Stand On My Own

Inspirational

“When I am weak thou art strong”

2 Corithians 12:8-10

There was a plant that I received awhile back that was drooping and almost seemed lifeless. The stem on the tree was very small, but yet it looked hopeful. It reminded me of the woman in the bible who was bent over for 18 years and could in no wise lift herself up, until she came in contact with Jesus.The Cripple Woman

In hopes to help the plant regain its strength,  I attached a stick behind it and then I put it on a consistent water regiment. I would make sure to water it once a week. Then I would check it each week to see if I noticed any change. After a couple of weeks I noticed it’s color coming back, as if it were coming back to life.

After about a month or so I decided to take away its props to see if it was able to stand on it’s own. And to my surprise it did. It had actually grown enough and had straighten itself out. All it needed was a little love, attention and assistance.

Life happens to us all and every now and again we need a little extra help along the way. There have been times when I haven’t been at my best, have been weak or not strong enough. Grateful to my squad who in those times have held me up and held me accountable. And of course to God who has always had me regardless.

But there comes a time in life when you should be able to stand on your own. Not always looking for a hand out, not always needing assistance or crutches to stand on. Sometimes we can become so dependent on to other people or things that we become stagnated.

Take the time you need to heal, to be strengthen, to mature and grow. You will know when it is time for you to stand on your own.

Song List

Johnathon McReynolds “Lover of My Soul”
But what I lack
You are full of
Where I’m broken
You are whole
What I’m doubting
You are sure of
So I’ll trust the lover
Lover of my soul

Underneath The Layers

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3 John 1:2

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth”

Today’s Word

Uncover

bare, discover, exhibit, reveal, expose, display, encounter, find, discover, find, extract

The other day I was working in my garden, wondering where I was going to plant some flowers. When I first moved into my home almost 6 years ago my sister Danielle had bought me some flowers and bulbs. Every year the bulbs had come back accept for last year. Not thinking anything about it, I decided to plant the flowers in their place. As I started tilling the ground I saw what looked like baby bulbs that had new roots. Well look at that, it was.

When I got through pulling them out, I counted them and there were 13. They had dirt and layers of dead skin on them. So I thought that I would take them in the house, wash them off, put them in water to allow the roots to grow some more, so that I could replant or water culture them.

After 2 days I decided to take them out to see if there was any progression. In the 1st picture you can see how muddy and dark the water was. You could barely see the bulbs and in the 2nd picture is how the bulbs actually looked.

As I was taking the bulbs out, I could smell the decay and the rot. I ran cold water over them so that I could start taking off the access layers in the places that had began to decay and rot. As I was taking the layers off I could smell the rot and in certain places I could see the decay. Some bulbs had multiple layers and some did not. I had to be very careful in taken off the layers so that I wouldn’t destroy or damage them in the process. I noticed at the bottom there was a darkness and a hardness, almost like a blockage to keep the roots from growing.

Once I had taken as much as I could off , you could see the difference in the 3rd and 4th picture. I ended up with more than I started with, 18 to be exact. Though some of the rotteness was still visible the bulbs still has potential to grow. Look how clear the water is now.

Psalm 147:3

“He healeth the broken in heat, and bindeth up all their wounds”

In life, if we do not continually shed the unnecessary layers such as pain, rejection, unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, jealousy, bitterness, resentment, pride, fear, doubt, etc. it will start to eat at us and cause us to become sick and will began to rote.

Our inner turmoil or peace will always reveal itself within our lives.

The great thing about the love of God is that he want throw you away just because of what you look like or what you have done. Even underneath the layers you still have value and worth. If he has to reach way down to get you, he will. He is a healer, a deliver and a restorer, but we have to allow him to complete the work.

Trust me, with both my hands up, I know how hard it is at times. The process is long and it is hard, but when you get to the other side of through you will be able to grow, blossom, bloom and produce more than when you started.

Song List

Worth It by Lecrae

Necessary

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“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statues”
Psalm 119:71

Already at the beginning of this a New Year most of us if not all of us have already experienced some type of loss, hurt, pain, betrayal, and disappointment. With extreme anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and fear.

By the end of January people were ready to give up and throw in the towel. I had seen post that said, “Thank you January for a good year.” Because of the magnitude of their afflictions, they have already counted out the rest of the year.

Today’s Word

af-flic-tion
suffering, distress, pain, trouble, misery, hardship, misfortune, adversity, sorrow, torment, anguish, grief

“We are troubled on every side, yet not destressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken, cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body”

2 Corinthians 4:8-10

In life we will experience things coming from all different directions and sometimes several things all at once, yet God will give us peace even during our storm. Life happens to us all and there are somethings that will throw us for a loop, have us scratching our head, baffled, puzzled, and confused. But because our hope and our faith lie in Jesus Christ, we don’t become desperate, thirsty and hungry after the wrong things.

Have you ever been talked about, lie on, cheated, used, and abused, but when you look around God was still there? He promised that he would never leave us nor forsake us, and He is always true to his word. Even in times when things are not going well in your life know that God has not forgotten about you. Though we are tossed to and fro, thrown away, disregarded, and rejected, I find the strength to push through because I know though the weapons may form, they want to prosper.

As Jesus hung on the cross, he had a moment where He questioned God, but he said not my will, but thine will be done. He said, “IT IS FINISHED”, hung his head and gave up the Ghost. Now as a believer we have to walk out the finish work on the Cross. So, in the end we still win. God will complete the work that he has started in us, but we must participate in the plan that he has for our lives.

NECESSARY…

Despite our afflictions when we trust in Jesus Christ, we are able to overcome and conquer the very things that should have taken us out. Through these scriptures I found encouragement and strength of some of the things that I will experience even while going through, if I faint not.

Psalms 34:19 Deliverance
2 Corinthians 12:9 Grace
1 Corinthians 10:13 Way of escape
Romans 8:18 His Glory revealed
Roman’s 5:3-4 Patience, Experience & Hope
Philipians 4:13 I can
James 5:11 Mercy
Psalms 22:24 Continual Praise
John 16:33 Peace

So why in the world would a God want us to go through affliction?

NECESSARY…

When David the Psalmist talked about “it was good for me that I have been afflicted” he was referencing to the fact of the change that it was rearing within him. No, it did not feel good, no he didn’t like it, nor appreciated it initially, but yet it allowed him to know God in a different way.

There were 3 continual prayers throughout David’s journey which were:

1. Psalms 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in my mine heart, that I might not sin against thee”
In order for God’s word to be hidden in his heart, meant he had to learn it, study it, meditate, contemplate, ponder, consider, reflect, digest on it day and night. Because of his love for God, his desire more than anything in the world was to know him and to please him by keeping his commandments.

2. Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”
Through God’s word it will give us clarity, direction, a guide and a light even when the path seems dark. In Psalm 23 it talks about the Lord being a shepherd, so even if you were to get off the path his word will be like a GPS system and put us back on track. We must be willing to follow his direction and his plan for our life even when we don’t understand, or the way seems is unsure.

3. Psalms 119:133 “Order my steps in Your Word: And let not any iniquity have dominion over me”
He wanted God’s word to guide him, to align him and to not allow anyone’s wicked, sinful, evil, scandalist, unjust, and unfair actions of man to overtake him.

NECESSARY…

It is through the pressing together that the oil in your life is manifested. So, when you feel the pressure or the fire might intensify, it is because God is pruning and refining you into something greater. Do not be overcome but overcome through Christ Jesus.

Song List

I am who I am today
Because God used my mistakes
He worked it for my good
Like no one else ever could
God told me to tell
It was NECESSARY

Necessary by Fantasia & Dennis Reed

Uniquely Me

Inspirational

“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands”

2 Timothy 1:6

I was sitting in a training class the other day and we were given these pipe cleaners. At break time we were asked to use them to be creative if we wanted to. I looked at them, got an idea and went with it. I have never used them before, but my artistic juices started flowing.

Everyone was looking in amazement. It’s not perfect and I wasn’t doing it for anyone’s approval, but it was mine and I was proud of it. I activated what was pulling on the inside of me.

In each of us we have been given the power to create and especially as women to make whatever is given to us better and to reproduce. What has God placed in your hands?

Many times we have been given the chance and the opportunity to use what God has placed on the inside of us. But because of fear, doubt, insecurities or whatever the reason that may cause us not to take that step of faith we take a backseat instead.

In this season don’t ignore the thing or things that you know that you should be doing, even if you have to do it afraid. Somebody needs and is waiting on what you have to offer. It could be the very thing to save their life.

Song List

Lord I’m Available To You by Melinda Watts

Looking Beyond What I See

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” We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;


It is only 23 days into the New Year and yet some if not most of us have already experienced some type of loss, hurt, pain, trauma, heartache, disappointment, misunderstanding, betrayal, etc. So to the point that you are already trying to rush the year through, throwing your up your hands as a sign of giving up or even wanting to throw in the towel already. Even in the midst of all of what seems to be a year that has already not started on the right foot, yet there is something on the inside of me that is pushing me to keep moving forward.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things that are not seen”

I was reminded this morning in a song by John Lakin that says:

Things are going to get better
Things are going to get better
Don’t be discouraged by what it seems
God gave me a promise if I just believe. Things are going to get better, better for me.


This is going to be the year where our Faith is really going to be tested and challenged to see if we truly stand and if we truly. Though we say it out of our mouth, does our life exemplify the very thing in which we speak. We aren’t going to be able to say it and not live it, speak it and not be in alignment. What got us to this point will not be the thing alone that will keep us or take us to the next level in God. We are going to have to “Man Up” as they say and increase upon the things that got us to this point.

I am encouraged in knowing that because God gave me a promise and if I would just believe and trust his plan for my life, that he will complete the work that he has began in me.

Refocus your eyes and your attention back to God and watch him work it all out for your good. Follow his plan and His instructions. It is going to cost you something in this season, but don’t worry it will be worth it in the end.

Song List
“The Promise” by John Lakin

https://youtu.be/SUJKG5fjQE8

The Bump In The Road

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Read

Galatians 5:7

“Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth“

Thought For The Day

Friday Night I was traveling to Richmond, V.A. and we had just passed the state sign saying, “Welcome to Virginia”. I had yelled out, “Yes” because I knew we were almost to our destination.

Maybe 30 minutes or so after that Pastor Lacy said, what is that and as I looked all I saw was the tail end of something as it hit the front of the car and heard the bumps as it went underneath the car. I looked back in my rear view mirror, but I didn’t see anything.

It all happened so fast. It was as if someone literally threw something at the car. We were trying to figure out what in the world did we just hit. It had to have been a deer or something. It threw me for a loop because I wasn’t expecting that at all.

When we finally got to the hotel we got out and looked at the car and we saw the evidence of what had to be a deer. The front of the car was damaged. I was grateful to God that he spared our lives, because had we not been in a bigger car it would have been a little different. But yet, my heart was sad.

Needless to say I didn’t sleep well that night. I started thinking about the what if’s. I also wondered if the deer made it out ok. I had never hit a deer before, so I was a little traumatized. I prayed that it was ok.

When I woke up the next morning I was still trying to analyze what had happened and I heard the Lord say,

Don’t panic, it’s just a bump in the road

One of the things I dislike most about speed bumps is that I feel they are so unnecessary. Especially if I am in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes there are just too many in the same location. I even sometimes forget they are there until I run up on them. However, I do realize that those speed bumps were created in areas where we need to slow down.

Even though the speed bumps are permanent fixtures within the road, they only cause you to temporarily slow down. The only things that becomes permenent in our lives are the ones that we choose to.

Have you ever had anything happen in your life that caused a slight delay. It caused you to stop, pause, think and reflect. Maybe it even has caused you some discomfort, some pain, some heartache, some scars and some bruises. There are some things that can happen to us in life that will totally catch us off gaurd and if we aren’t careful it will keep us from moving forward.

God simply reminded me that the bumps I am experiencing in my life are only temporary and he’s using them to create a greater purpose in my life. As hard and as challenging as the process can sometimes be, we must remain focused and keep going.

Reflection

What are some of your bumps in the road? Have some of those bumps hindered you from moving forward? Are there areas in your life where you might need to slow down?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for who you are in all of your glory. I am grateful that in spite of the detours, delays and mishaps they didn’t cause me to check out before my time. Thank you that you have a purpose for everything that happens in my life and that you are causing them all to work together for my good.

Song List

“It Is Well” by Tori Kelly

GET BACK UP AGAIN

Inspirational

READ

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes”

Proverbs 24:16-18

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT

Several weeks ago my two youngest children had their last track meet. My baby girl, came in 4th place for the season and she was heartbroken. After she calmed down, I asked her to re-evaluate her performance. She admitted to not starting off good, she wasn’t focused and she didn’t give her best. I then had her reflect on the track season as a whole. She concluded that she did a very good for her 1st year and had something to be proud of.

Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down

and got back up again.

Nelson Mandela

Sometimes we can be very hard on ourselves when we feel we’ve missed the mark, made a mistake or failed in some way. We forget about our accomplishments as well as others which at times will keep us from trying again. It is not, however, how many times you fall, it’s how you get back up from the fall that will determine where you go next.

It takes a lot of courage to get back up and to keep going, but that’s what overcomer’s do. Though the weight seems heavy at times and the crowd dies down, there is someone that is depending on your survival. Your survival gives instructions or is used as a guide for someone else to win.

Quitters never win and winners never quit. Get back up and keep going.

PRAY

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for not judging me when I haven’t always gotten things just right. I am grateful that you have never given up on me. When I stumble and fall, I am grateful for your grace and mercy that allows me to get back up again.

REFLECT

Where have you fallen in life? How might God be encouraging you to rise again?

Song List:

Appeal by Kirk Franklin – Hero

Beloved Women Daily Devotions

https://www.belovedwomen.org/get-back-up-again/

MOVING FORWARD

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READ
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ” Philippians 3:14

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT

One day I was driving in the pouring rain and I could barely see. People were pulling onto the side of the road but I kept going. By the time I got home, the rain stopped. Storms, no matter how bad, don’t come to stay, they will eventually pass over.

Have you ever found yourself in a place where every time you take a step forward, you seemed to get knocked two steps back? Life happens to us all and sometimes it catches us off guard, but no matter what, you have to keep going! Press on toward the goal of hearing God say, “Well done!” Giving up could mean that we would not fulfill all that God is calling us to do.

PRAY

Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes I admit it seems easier to quit than to keep moving forward. The thing that causes me to keep going is knowing that your will for my life is best for me. On my darkest days, help me to remember your promises for me. In Jesus Name Amen!

REFLECT

What are some obstacles in your life that are keeping you from moving forward? How might God be leading you to surrender them to Him?

Song List

Moving Forward by G.I.