You are loved!

The quote from one of Robin Williams' movie is very apropo. 

"I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone, it's not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people that make you feel all alone."

I, as an Encourager and Empowerment Speaker, often share, that we cannot control people but we can control how people make us feel. This is true especially as it empowers us to  press forward despite our feelings. Our feelings are God given emotions used to protect and guide us! I call it my Jimny Cricket as it warns me of danger ahead.  I hear him sitting on my shoulder telling me to "watch out!" It is how we respond that's important. 

Many see my glory but never truly know my story nor do they desire to know! In my book "As I Encourage You, I Encourage Myself," I share my personal story of depression and illness.  

I am known for my effervescent smile and joy, yet I often felt alone and misunderstood in a roomful of people. Depression is a disease that destroys. I share because there's so many suffering with a disease in silence because of societal judgment.

I overcame depression with the help of some great doctors and my spirituality that has always been a part of my life. I share my love for people, especially women, daily as a desire to encourage those suffering no matter how mild to seek help and know YOU ARE LOVED! 

Each of us was designed for a purpose. GREATNESS!

I Encourage you to Shine like the Star you are! 

Never forget, As I Encourage You, I Encourage Myself!

Check out our page atWww.facebook.com/RaleneBerry

And our new book at www.RaleneSpeaks.com

Love is in the Air!

 for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His children.' (Acts17:28 NASB)

Happy New Years! 

As 2014 rang, unlike most, this year I spent the evening home alone.  I have been sick for the last several days recouperating so I was still tired and really wanted to be alone. I spent the evening wring and reflecting on the past year and God's promises.  It is true that for in Him we exist and have our being. As His children we recognize our existence in Him and our need for love and His love.  

I hear Christian women say that the only man they need is Jesus but as I watch they are the same ones seeking for the love of a man.  I believe they are deceiving themselves.  God made each of us to need each pther through the love of Him.  It was God that Adam was not complete and needed woman. Through His love for His children He provides us with each other to love.  Women, we deceive ourselves and men. Also, men need to feel needed! It is how God made them. 

As we have our existence in Christ, know we were created to love and be loved! Love God with all your heart this new year and seek His face while not allowing fear to rob you of loving like you have never loved before. Remember, God is love! You can not really love without knowing Him! 

As I encourage you, I encourage myself! LOVE is in the air! Happy New Years! Be blessed! -rfwb

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Celibacy is ok!

Over a year and a half ago, I asked God why I keep coming across these men who say they love me BUT! There was always a but. But give me time. But I'm not ready to commit. But my divorce isn't final and I'm not doing anything to make it final. But I'm waiting on God (while God is waiting on them). I could go on and on.

God revealed to me that this was not love! Love is an action word. Show me without the buts. God also revealed that I needed to change. I had to stop giving such a special part of me to men that were not able to give all of themselves to me.

My conversation with God went like this. But God then I won't feel comforted. But God I love being held. But God I need to be touched. But God! He spoke back saying well keep doing what you're doing and keep getting the same results. I had to be obedient.

I choose to be celibate for this reason. I gave up something that I enjoy, love or thought I could live without to receive love I cannot live without. That act of obedience has helped me align my life with HIM and not on man or men. I remember Ruth was not out looking for a man when Boaz found her. She was about the work God had for her. I am now about my Fathers business and if/when my Boaz finds me I can present myself as God desires.

Safe In HIS Arms

“seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt. 6:33

Are you safe in HIS Arms?

Or are you still seeking safety in the wrong arms?

A dear friend of mine once told me, “Rae, how can you truly love a man when you don’t love God the way he wants to be loved.”

Wow, that’s deep. It takes a good friend to tell it like it is. But, I have to be honest. I didn’t get it at the time. You see, I’ve been in the church all my life. I know the Word better than most. I knew I loved the Lord. What was he talking about? His words actually hurt, especially since he was a brother I was once intimately involved with. But, I knew he was telling the truth even though I had a relationship with the Lord.

It made me question, “was I loving God enough or seeking the arms of man for safety?”

Isn’t God awesome? He has a way of revealing himself to us if we pay attention.

I question now whose arms I was trying to be safe in. This made my love for God to intensify and start a closer relationship with HIM.

When I was barely eleven or twelve years old and had to grow up quickly due to the death of my father and sister, God was there.

When Mother’s feeble body couldn’t make it any more and she knew she had finished this race, God was there.

When the doctors told me my career as an Engineer was over and I thought my life was over, God was there.

When I lay in the hospital due to the pills I accidentally took, which should have taken my life, God was there.

When my beautiful 20 year marriage ended and I felt all alone in this world, God was there.

When my SUV flipped over 3 times and I walked, did you hear me, walked away from a totaled car, God was there.

Not Man, God kept me Safe!

A wise man, Dr. John R. Adolph, wrote recently about Making Love in the Right Position. This message made me think about what I had been seeking while I was making love in the wrong position. I now know I was seeking safety in the wrong arms.

Praise God I was already Safe in HIS Arms!!! Hallelujah!!

Due to his forgiveness and loving spirit, I can now love HIM the way I need to, CAN YOU?