First Memory

What was your first memory? How old were you when it occurred? I can remember that mine took place when I was somewhere around 3-4 years old. Our family was living in Germany and my oldest brother and 2 older sisters locked my brother and me up in the attic of our house. I remember that they had us both climb up the folding stairs to our attic and they locked the door once we had climbed up. I'm not saying that this incident traumatized me or caused me to act irrationally in my adult years and I love my older siblings to this day, but what a first memory. One thing is for certain, I will always remember my first childhood memory; it sticks with you as a monumental remembrance of the starting point of your formative years.

Anyday, my son could start to remember what occurs in his life. Today for the first time, I began to wonder what his first memory will be. Will it be making friends at the park? How about swimming at the local pool with his cousins? Could his first memory be singing 'Jesus Loves Me' at school?

Although I cannot be around him 24/7, in my absence, I do my best to have my son surrounded by positive influences, loving family members and godly instructors who teach Reuel about Jesus' love for him. In addition, I have decided that I need to make a more deliberate attempt to create a more positive, loving and Christ-centered atmosphere in our household when I am available to take care of him; for these are the characteristics that I desire my son to possess throughout his life. Furthermore, I choose to make a more concentrated effort to speak positively about his paternal family no matter the circumstances that may occur between them and me; Reuel needs to know that both sides of his family love him dearly and want to see him succeed in life.

Reuel's first memory may not determine the outcome of his entire life, but it will always be with him. Why not make it a positive memory; one that is worth remembering?

Stronger

Girl, you are strong.
As you reminisce on the past, don't regret.
It's easy to beat yourself up,
To revisit your failures
Or to listen to what society says you should be.

Instead, tell yourself:

Girl, you are beautiful.
No matter your shape, size, color or complexion,
You were made for an important purpose.
Hold your head up high,
For you are loved by the Almighty God, Himself.

Girl, listen to God,
Not some ticking time clock to schedule your life's actions.
He has the perfect plan for your life.
Rely on the sound of His voice for timing and guidance.
It will lead you down a path of peace and true happiness.

Girl, stand your ground.
Stick up for truth and righteousness;
Let words of wisdom proceed from your mouth,
Never dwell on criticism,
For you are a daughter of the Most High.

Girl, follow your dreams.
God has put a talent and a dream inside each one of us.
Become educated and follow the path He leads you down.
Ignore the pessimistic chatter around you;
Strive to become the best in your field.

Girl, you get stronger each and every day.
Surrounding yourself with other women of strength,
Casting aside self-doubt;
Speaking and meditating on the Truth,
You will not be held back.

Girl, pass this message on to other women.
Encourage them to progress in life,
Inspire them to follow your example.
Become the confident women you were created to be;
Celebrate by leading a life of richness and strength.