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HERE’S THE PROOF Isaiah 53:4, 5 Isaiah prophesized God would provide healing through Christ. “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; AND with his stripes we are healed,” (emphasis mine). Matthew 8:17 Amp. The Holy Spirit through Matthew declared Isaiah’s prophecy fulfilled. “And thus He fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, He Himself took [in order to carry away] weaknesses and infirmities and… 

Everyday is a new day. Fresh opportunity is mine for the taking. There have been plenty of times in my life when I didn’t feel that optimistic. There have been times when I felt so discouraged that I didn’t feel like I had the strength to meet life’s challenges one more day. Paul explained it like this: “For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:” (2 Cor. 1:8). Paul endured hardship and heartache. He experienced… 

Years ago I heard a story about a man named Bernard. For many months he saved his money to purchase a ticket on a passenger ship traveling from Europe to America. The price of the ticket was so expensive it left little money for him to buy food for his journey across the ocean. So instead of packing clothes to begin his new life in America, Bernard filled his suitcase with sardines and crackers. While the other passengers enjoyed hearty meals in the beautiful dining room he ate his sardines and crackers all alone in a corner of the ship…. 

It was a typical fall day in Michigan. The sun’s beautiful rays didn’t even try to peak from their perch behind the gray overcast sky. The chilly air hinted of old man winter’s approach and the season’s first snowflakes. My family and I had just moved 1100 miles from Oklahoma to an area where I grew up. I was riding a cloud called nine. I was home. We pulled into the street side parking that paralleled the front of the run-down house we’d had just enough money to rent. Closing the door of my husband’s business in Oklahoma also meant… 

The twins seemed as surprised as their older sister who was about 7 years old. A gentleman had opened the door at the post office in a rather regal way and allowed us entrance. I watched the girls postures lengthen as they walked a little taller. There was a hint of elegance in their step and wonderment flashing in their eyes. They enjoyed the splendor of the moment. They felt special. So did I. “I wonder how he knew we were royalty,” Jaidyn asked, starring up into my eyes. Her awe lit me up on the inside as a smile… 

My broker was on a rant. He expected his real estate team to top the charts. We fell short of his expectations and he let each of us know where we needed improvement. He pointed at several agents as he spoke, and then he pointed his finger at me. “And then there’s Toni, permanent potential . . .” What? What did he call me? It’s a good thing I wasn’t prone to getting my feelings hurt. I was accustomed to being kicked around. My feelings were seared. It’d take more than a proverbial slap in the face to rile me….