Gardenias have a fragrant scent. The flower comes in different colors. Even today, many people find “Gardenia” as difficult word to pronounce. On the other hand, I have more become appreciative of what the name means. Gardenias will thrive under different weather conditions. By now, you can guess why I now embrace the name as a podcast. It is to bring you hope under different conditions- our season one of positivity and love.
Gardenias Garden Podcast “I Am Not Built for the Pit” Isaiah 53 is a reminder that we have hope. The pit is not your destiny.
This podcast episode was first published in 2021. It is still relevant, right now. Today, this is a reminder of your rightful position. You have a calling in this life to live abundantly. Do not fret. Get up and rise.
This is a story about the love of a farmer for his pet. What a tragedy to lose what you love to the darkness of a pit. There is one who loves you more than the farmer in this story and He does not want to lose you. Per Isaiah 53, Jesus was wounded and bruised for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace; he was lashed—and we were healed! (Isaiah 53:5)
Will you live beyond the pit? As that wise goat did, use the opportunities, to change your position and live.
Fate of Your Enemy
Consequently, the one who works overtime to create your demise, will lose. As a deceiver, the evil one will go into the bottomless pit (Revelation 30:1-3).
A punishment to last forever. In the end, destruction is for the evil one. It is for the one who seeks to deceive. A lake of fire is his reward. There is a future of torment that awaits him (Revelation 20:10).
A Greater Reward
Your future is greater. Yes, 3 John 1:2, are the thoughts towards you – to prosper and be in health. Even the more, for those who have Christ, you will receive a far better reward (Revelation 21:1-3).
You are not built for the pit. You are made to rise up and live in Him. Do you believe that?
Even though, in our story, the farmer and the goat may recall the pit experience, the pit was not their destiny in life.
For your encouragement, we pray that these blog posts reach and bless you from:
What is the Real Mindset? Listen to this audio recording for pleasuring your mind and spirit. Who is the man in the mirror? Do not close your mind.
Modified Date: July 25, 2026
The scripture of Philippians 2:5 says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ.” Let us simplify this statement. This means to have the mind of Christ that aligns your thoughts, attitudes and actions with the Creator. Remember that signpost, “What would Jesus do?” Well, a person who has the mind of Christ demonstrates humility. That person seeks spiritual discernment and operates in that domain. The transforming light is from the Creator.
How to Operate in that Light
The scriptures are quite clear about how to operate in the mind of Christ. One scripture that leans into that light is Hebrews 13 -from darkness to light. The mind transforms. That is, the mind of Christ will be the revelation of how to keep loving each other as brothers and sisters through Him, in ways as this: (1) Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers. (2) Remember those in prison as if it was you. (3) Remember those who are mistreated. Comparatively, the human mind is not capable of this transformation with the Spirit. Only the Holy Spirit can stir up the mind with these principles of operation in this life.
Famous Quotes
Consider such inspiring quotes as an extension of the brilliance of God. Enticing people to treat with respect, especially strangers, showing humility. One such individual was Mahatma Ghandi (d. 1948) who said:
Keep your thoughts positive, because your thoughts become your words.
Keep your behavior positive, because your behavior become your habits.
Keep your habits positive, because your habits become your values.
Keep your values positive, because your values become your destiny.
Michael Jackson (d. 2009), Man in the Mirror song, still is a popular one of today. Looking at yourself is a powerful tool in your toolbox. Bringing your thoughts into alignment to make a difference is electrifying and nourishing.
I’m gonna make a change For once in my life It’s gonna feel real good Gonna make a difference Gonna make it right
As I turn up the collar on My favorite winter coat This wind is blowing my mind I see the kids in the street With not enough to eat Who am I to be blind Pretending not to see their needs?….
I’m starting with the man in the mirror I’m asking him to change his ways And no message could have been any clearer If you wanna make the world a better place Take a look at yourself and then make a change…
You gotta get it right While you got the time ‘Cause when you close your heart
…….Make that change…Stand up and lift yourself now…Man in the mirror
You can’t close your your mind (Then you close your mind!)…
You got to stand up! Stand up! Stand up! (Yeah. Make that change) Stand up and lift yourself now (Man in the mirror)
Bringing your mindset into alignment with the way you wish to live, is fruitful. We invite you to think on this. More blog posts like this one from:
Here I am. Part of my healing process is to reread these letters. My thoughts of these moments are overwhelming but God…
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
There are Proverbial Moms all over this world. They take the time to care. When they child(ren) grow and leave the nest, those mothers are still there. Praying, cheering, counseling, and listening.
From her notes:
James is 40 years old. He is a family man who believes in God. For the last twenty years, he returns to his hometown to spend time with his dear mother. During that time, he makes it a priority to be the handy man around her home. This gives him time to reflect as he works with his hands.
Returning Home
As always, on his return trip, he is greeted by his wife, Laura, of 15 years. “Was the trip all you wanted it to be? she asked. James hugs her and says, “That and more. Mom sends her love to all. And of course, she sent her famous apple dumpling.”
“We have been waiting for that dumpling more than for you,” Laura laughed. “The children will be back shortly, so I had better set up now so we can dive in.”
“Sounds great. In the meantime, I’ll unpack and get ready to join you guys when they get here.”
James retreated to the master bedroom and carefully placed his suitcase on the bed. As he opened it, he knew that something special was awaiting him. There it was, carefully laid on top of all the clothes. It is another letter from Mom.
Mom’s Past Letters
For the last twenty-two years, it still is the one thing that is consistent in his life. Ever since James left home at the age of 18, Mom always would place that letter in his suitcase. As he picked up the letter, he recalled the first time he found letter number #1. Truly letter #22 will be just as precious as that first one. How is it that each letter was different? Similar in substance, yet so timely. Somehow, Mom had managed to make it seem that way. In fact, he had nicknamed her, His Proverbial Mom, for those timely words.
James’ eyes landed on the first words as he took a comfortable seat on the bed. He drew an image of himself as a young son, leaving home, for the first time. Now, venturing r into the world on his own. He was a child who had been nurtured by strong parents and now it was time for him to leave as a young adult. He remembered the day he left. Most memorable, was that of his Mom waving good-bye. Dad had gone back into the house for it was even harder for him. He caught a glimpse of his Mom in the rearview mirror as she waved with one hand and wiped tears from her eyes with the other. He made himself a promise that he would do good and make her especially proud of him. One day, he thought, I will be able to repay them for all they had done for him; I will be a blessing. Dad passed away three years ago; so the times spent with Proverbial Mom was even more precious and so was letter #22 – to be read with as much anticipation just as the 21 letters before.
Mom Instructs from Proverbs
My Son,
In times like these, hear instruction and be wise, and do not object it. Blessed is the man who listens to me (says the Lord), watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors (Proverbs 8:33-34).
Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding but a rod is for the back of him who refuses and lacks understanding. My son, I continue in prayer for wisdom and understanding from God for you.
He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray. The man who walks with integrity walks securely. The Lord will allow the righteous soul to flourish but he casts away the desires of the wicked and the heart of fools is made known.
I continue to pray that God protects you and give you a discerning spirit to be aware of the wicked man who walks with a perverse mouth. He winks with his eyes; he shuffles his feet; he points with his fingers; perversity is in his heart; he devises evil continually, he sows discord (Proverbs 6:10-14). The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3). The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasant. Do not tire of doing good. The righteous will NEVER be removed; the wicked will not inhabit the earth. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death (Proverbs 14:12).
Wisdom of Proverbs
Mind your home. The Lord says who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but the man who hates bribes will live. The heart of the righteous man studies how to answer; this is not so for the man who desires and puts forth evil. Call upon God continually for the Lord hears the prayers of the righteous. The Lord is far from the wicked. It says so in Proverbs 15:29. Always you are in my prayers.
A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19).
Remember! Always teach your children the way of the Lord. Be swift to teach that there are seven things that the Lord does not like:
As the Lord strengthens you, strengthen your brethren.
Legacy
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children; but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous (Proverbs 13:22). I continue in prayer for your hands to produce good summer fruit for he who has a slack hand becomes poor; but the hand of the diligent makes rich. May you gather in summer knowing that the seasons of time changes; speak harvest times in your life of abundance, and saving for bitter, lean winters. The labor of the righteous leads to life.
Remember that one who oppresses the poor upsets the Lord, our Creator, but the one who honors God has mercy on the needy. Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established (Proverbs 16:3).
Finally, my son, better is a little with righteous than vast revenues without justice. When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with that man. A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
It has been a while since I have read these letters. My thoughts of Mom are overwhelming. This is part of my healing process. It is time.
Another year and James returned to his mom’s home, the place where he first learned his values of life. It was his annual retreat; this time, he was even more determined to make this trip. So much had conspired during the pandemic. The children were being home schooled. Laura, his wife, was working from home while he worked 12-hour days with little time off. These life changing events had not been much different from others that they knew. Throughout this, he stayed in contact with Mom through telephone conversations. This week off, would give him that physical check on Mom. He could already taste his Proverbial Mom’s cornbread, greens, and candied yams.
Revisiting Time with Mom
James was grateful for Mom’s church family who had provided an additional support system, during the pandemic. Even though James and Mom could facetime each other, it was not the same. Looking in her eyes would tell him all he needed to know – that she was well.
The list of chores that normally awaited him were quick, simple, small tasks. Their talks, on this trip, varied from conversations about his Dad, job, family, college days, and world events. Like all the other trips, this one was filled with good talks and even better eating. The only thing that troubled him was having to leave.
As I Slept
The night before James was to leave, he fell asleep in the den watching TV. Mom dared not awake him; she watched him snore with the “lungs of his father.” She smiled. She thought, “When you were seven years old, when Dad and you fell asleep like this, I would awake you both. I could pick you up and carry you and gently lay you in bed. Not now, my son. Now, you can pick Mom up.” She paused to thank God for this moment, how he was keeping James. In a few hours, James will leave for home – physically – yet, always in her heart. It was time to write letter #23. Mom returned to her room, sat down at her desk, and began the letter.
True to form, upon his return home, James anxiously took the letter from his suitcase. This time, there was also a folded, wrinkled piece of paper inside the envelope. James began to read the letter before opening the folded, wrinkled piece of paper that was inside.
Mom’s Letter
My Dear Son,
I continue in prayer for you for wisdom and understanding from God. God is Truth and Truth is everlasting. The Father of righteousness sees you. He is not slack in His understanding. He knows the matter of every soul, every cause and effect. No man goes unpunished.
I caution as the Word says, “Do not rejoice when an evil man falls. The same Lord is at hand. If you faint, in the day of adversity, your strength is small. When you help another see the error of their ways, you increase in knowledge and build up wisdom.”
“As you live, you will see stranger things. Your heart will bleed about perverse things. You will be struck by the increases of unfaithful men. And those who after power to hurt the poor; their vomit stinks; their gluttonous is as a drunkard fool.
The Honeycomb
But my son, you must eat honey because it is good. The honeycomb is sweet to your taste. Your hope will not cut off because it is the Lord who continuing prepare your meals. He fills your life with precious and pleasant riches that comfort your soul.
Remember, the Lord will restore your soul. He will lead you by still waters that will not overtake you. Calamity is not your course of life. It is not your path for God has promised the righteous prevails.
A man who walks in the counsel of the Almighty and do not sit in the seat of the scornful, he is blessed. No matter how it appears.
Power given to man through fear is fleeting and unstable. That makes the man unstable in all his ways. It breaks the bones of those who gives it and increases falsehoods. It is built on sand and takes counsel among weak men and flourishes in darkness. Help comes from the Lord to give strength.
You Have the Power
Power given by the Lord lifts the light of the soul; it puts gladness in your heart. It produces in summer, fall, winter and spring seasons.
The earth is the Lord’s and all its fulness, The world and those who dwell in it. Though one may walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you do not fear because the Lord is with you.
No man can go in his own strength. He does not breathe on his own.
It is God who allows your days upon this earth. It is God who is the judge of those days.
My son, fulfill your days to the honor of His glory. And He shall direct your path. Your steps must be at his command.
Anger is part of living; so is sadness and love. Count on God’s love that overshadows any other.
His love is timeless. His grace is sufficient even in unpleasantness. God’s mercy is new every day because of who He is. He has established a plan that no man can foil. His arms are not heavy from any load or burden. His hand is over all. He measures right from wrong that cannot be changed.
Remember the poem you recited at age twelve for your school play? I kept it all these years. I am now returning it to its rightful owner.”
Your Proverbial Mom
Mom’s Gift to Me
“Invictus” by Henley
Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid.It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.
Stand on your faith in God, my son, who has empowered you for this journey.
It was the next day, March 8, that pain and anger merged together for my resolve.Click and listen to podcast to understand why.
After Church
The day after #bloodySunday is where this little girl found inner passion to go beyond that day. Bloody Sunday occurred on March 7, 1965. The late John Lewis and other civil rights leaders led a march from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery. This was an organized demonstration for voting rights. Their mission to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge was met with an angry mob.
I remember that Sunday as a day of pain and agony. We had finished Sunday dinner. It was the only time I did not mind washing the dinner dishes. My tears rolled down my cheeks into the kitchen sink. They merged with the soapy dish water unnoticed. My parents were glued to our black and white TV in our living room, watching the news with close friends. Their silence and looks of sadness were unbearable. There were no outbursts; no words spoken. the silence caused a stronger reaction to the images.
Pain of Silence
The most stubborn flower breaks through the stone of challenges (obstacles)?
TV coverage continued throughout that evening. “Walter Cronkite, reporting,” the news anchorman said. Was there a lesson that Selma wanted to teach us, as Blacks, as to what we could expect as Americans? Was there no empathy toward our fellow brothers and sisters? Instead, there seems to be a focus on how much cruelty and lawlessness can be inflicted upon us. Do they not understand that our pain is also their pain – America’s fight? Do they not understand what my Grandmother taught us – the stubbornness of the sidewalk flower – the most stubborn flower breaks through the stone of challenges (obstacles)?
Lessons Beyond
As a child, even then, I knew that this would not deter the movement for voting and human rights. We would gather our thoughts and come together even stronger. Like other Black communities, we held on for better. We believed it was a righteous fight for human justice. God loves fairness.
Parents’ Conversation with Us
That night, my parents called us together before going to bed. They reminded my sister, brother, and me that we were loved. It was the first time that my father spoke as much on such matters. He usually allowed Mom to talk the most. That night, I saw him in a different way. I knew he was the breadwinner of the family. It was the first time I saw all his pain as a Black man in America (small steps toward change). I had seen him stand firm in personal moments. He often stood up for his beliefs. Yet, this was the first time I saw his inner pain come to the forefront.
I went to bed with that image. I am unsure when I fell asleep. From the bedroom, my parents continued their conversations, even though I was not able to hear what was said.
Morning After – A Difference – My Day After Bloody Sunday
The next day was a school day and we were expected to be “about it.” The bus ride to school was solemn. There was not the usual chattering, but that day was my day of reflection like no other.
When President John F. Kennedy was killed, the principal, Mr. James Bulluck, gathered the entire school into the auditorium. He reminded us that we were as good as anyone else. As a result, I was expecting an assembly. There was none. Still, it was again, at G. W. Bulluck Elementary School, that pain and anger were infused to spring forth my resolve.
Miss Lucas Speaks
The words came from my 4 feet 9 inches fifth-grade teacher. Miss Lucas, was her name – not Ms. Lucas. She made that clear on day one of her class.
She was not a nurturing teacher; stern but fair. We called her “mean.” My sister had warned me, that she is shorter than Mrs. Tyson and meaner than any teacher she had known. So, my fear of her, had been certified and sanctioned by my Sis. I had been in her class since September and I had never seen Miss Lucas smile. She was not about to do so today after scenes from “Bloody Sunday.” This “mean teacher” sat from her desk and delivered words that have affected my journey by simply saying, “Choices.” Miss Lucas loved Science. Science, to her, was balance in life – it was physical, chemical, biological, and reactionary.
The choices we make in life bring reactions and changes. In essence, she said, “If one chooses to do homework, the reactions and changes affect your life. If one chooses NOT to do homework, those reactions affect your life. Still, if one chooses to do good, reactions and changes affect your life. Even if one chooses to do bad, the reactions and changes affect your life. Chain reactions stimulate the world. Your choices are yours, but know that for every cause, there is an effect; expect the chain reaction. Hatred can cause a chain reaction that fuels combustion. So, consider and make choices in life that will lead you to changes for the good.”
Respect
I think about Miss Lucas – that “ole mean teacher” with eyeglasses hung around her neck, held by a chain. From then on, I saw her differently. She was not an old spinster to me anymore. This lady was smart. She made choices. i.e., to teach, be a single woman and be a surrogate Mom to her students. Now, I view her with an attitude of gratefulness.
That day, she gave this little girl a deeper understanding of reactions and changes. I no longer despised those Science lessons. Instead, I had POWER to change the things around me. Yes, I had POWER to change things for the good. Yes, my parents, Sunday School teachers, and many strong figures gave me great advice. This 4’ 9” woman gave me a belief. I had unused POWER. It was a kinetic force that draw reactions. It can make changes personally and globally. Moreover, I possess the POWER to help change this world. I will use my anger and pain to do good. Maybe I can remove the pain I saw in my father’s eyes.
A Hope – Beyond My Day After Bloody Sunday
Somewhere in this world, some little child feels the same as I did that day. Somewhere, that child will see pain; perhaps, encounter anger and hatred. Then, that child will also make a declaration, saying, “Just watch me make change!”
“I can do all things, through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me.”
For more experiences, continue to share and read our blog posts.
Click here for #bloodySunday for more about the history of bloody Sunday. Similar blog posts, we suggest:
What is today’s forecast? Today’s weather report is brought to you by a servant of God. The servants of God do continue to pray for the peace of God. It is in your forecast.
God’s Truth Forecast
In the post-seasons of Satan’s lies (he continues), God’s Truth prevails. That is today’s forecast! While there is an outright assault on the Kingdom of God, God’s Truth prevails over all. How do I know that this is the right forecast today for you? It is written.
Although It is Cloudy
In parts of the regions (East, West, North and South), today’s forecast outlook is partly cloudy. Just as there were unbelievers in the days of Jesus the Christ, there are still unbelievers of today. Satan continues to push his agenda of man against man. There are wars and rumors of wars.
Time and Set Time
The predictions of mere men about the return of the Lord of Lords are not decisive. The King of Kings’ return is uncertain, at best. But, there are favorable conditions being set for the return of Christ. No man knows the hour nor the day for His return. Every day, every minute, in this space we call time, many leaves this earth. There is a set time for everyone.
Flooding continues in parts of East, West, North and South. The seas continue to rise in some parts of the world and diminish in other regions causing slow drought situations.
There is flooding in different locales and regions. Indeed, we have a promise from the Lord. The earth will not be destroyed by another Great Flood as it was in the days of Noah. But we can expect fire the next time.
Is there still a fear about what is written in books? Well, book banning continues from the East, West, North and South, even at the threat of historical and cultural truths. As in the time of Paul and the teaching of Christ, book banning can not outlive Truth (Acts 19:16-20). For all, a person’s deeds are in record books of heaven. It is recordkeeping that no man can destroy. Yes, there are books written and a Book of Life that will set things in order. All of us will be judged by what we have done. Both the dead and the living will face judgment when these books are opened (Revelation 20:11-15).
Finally, even though there is an overcast, there is HOPE.
Hope In Your Forecast
Just as there were women of God, who had come from Galilee with Jesus in that season (Luke23:55), there are still women on the battlefield interceding for their families, churches and communities; there are still men of God interceding for the kingdom of God; they stand as a united front for the salvation of nations. Yes, while there is infighting throughout territories and regions, even in the city of Jerusalem, the report is this earth as we know it will be destroyed.
Take heart, however, there will be a new holy city, a new Jerusalem out of heaven from God (Revelation 21). Take cover from the storms of this world and find shelter in the next through the salvation of God.
