Groom As You Grow... by Pamela Ballard

As we go through experiences we learn what not to do, or what we should do. In essence it makes you wiser and a better person. Right? Well sometimes it doesn’t work out like that and you find yourself stuck in the same place over an over again. It leaves you discouraged, “busted and disgusted.” Why do you suppose that is? It’s because you didn’t groom yourself while you were dealing with the situation or struggle you tried to overcome. Example (1): You got in trouble, locked up in jail because you were guilty not by doing wrong, but by association. You get out of jail, three days later the same fellas want to hang out, and you go. Groom Tip: Change your environment and it could change your circumstance. Example (2): Your girlfriend gave you money to catch up on your bills last week. You get paid this week and have a little extra. You see this dress you want and think you deserve to treat yourself. You know that if you do get into another bind, your girlfriend is your ace in the hole. Your girlfriend doesn’t see you’re trying to help yourself and she is less inclined to help in a pinch. Groom Tip: Put the extra money in savings for backup until you are financially stable. Just because God allows things to grow it doesn’t mean it’s at its best. Grass grows but do you not mow it? Hair grows but do you not trim it? Nails grow, but do you not mani/pedicure them? These are all examples of grooming while growing. You actually grow faster and healthier if you groom. Grooming is the preparation you do to anticipate what lies ahead. Grooming is the isolation you go through to eliminate confusion. Grooming is the meditation on who you are, where you see yourself, how you see yourself, and how God sees you. Grooming is the sacrifice of instant gratification versus delayed gratification. Grooming is discipline and self-control. Grooming is acceptance of where you are NOW, taking responsibility for HOW you got there, and having courage to ALLOW the process to change you. Just like you trim your beard or arch your eyebrows, groom as you grow into a new you.

My Attitude

This is so powerful. If you can just do the first one, everything else is easy. This was passed on to me by my First Lady of Anointed Word Christian Ministries where we connect Woman to Woman. I PROMISE MYSELF: 1. To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind. 2. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person I meet. 3. To make all my friends feel that there is something in them. 4. To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true. 5. To think only of the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best. 6. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own. 7. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. 8. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature I meet a smile. 9. To give so much time to the improvement of myself that I have no time to criticize others. 10. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble. My attitude…is my life. …author unknown

On Point..or Out of Place (The Point Man) ...by Pamela Ballard

As I think about this topic, I am reminded of a dear friend who wears many hats and has mass responsibility. His juggling and sacrifice is inspiring. I dedicate this anecdote to him and do hope his equilibrium is “on point” since balance is a cornerstone to success. A point is an exact position or location on a plane surface. It is important to recognize that a point is not a thing but a place. Therefore, to say you are on point is to say you are in place. What does it mean to be called a ‘point man’? You are probably wondering, what do I know about it and I will say absolutely nothing from a man's perspective. That is why I am writing from an angle of one who is connected to a point man. Perhaps you immediately think of him being the ‘go to’ guy. Is this what it really means? Well let us explore the origin of the word. The term may relate to the Middle English phrase “in point” which means ‘to be in immediate danger.’ This term later rolled over to military practice in combat. The lead unit would advance through hostile, unsecured territory. The soldier (point man) was frequently the first to take an unexpected attack or hostile fire. With these risks, comes the need for constant bravery and extreme alertness to watch out for ambushes. Does any of this sound similar to what goes on in the natural and/or spirit realm? You do not have to be a veteran to relate to this. Men experience this everyday as they awake and lead their families (lead unit) or stand in the trenches for others (constant bravery). It is very important to have focus and support so the point man may be able to spot an ambush (unexpected attack or temptation.) The ambush can happen on the way to work, at work, on the way to the gym, on the way to church, even when he is alone. Being head of the enterprise, as he walks out ahead of the lead unit, he is the first to confront the enemy. His focus and support is derived from what and whom he treasures and values most. As the connector of the dots (points) in his surrounding I (you) must encourage him, push him, and sometimes let him steal away to recharge himself so that his armor may be polished and ready for the next combat. Sometimes he is caught up in the position of point man so much that he may be inclined to neglect the ones who are closest and care the most for him. He may not have the time he would like to have for them. Now he finds himself “out of place”. He will say he is making a sacrifice but it is really neglect from lack of balance. He is absorbed in the control and power that comes with being the point man or “The Man.” It can sometimes grow to where he now thrives on chaos, which eventually causes him to neglect himself. Thriving on chaos has him constantly on the go, overwhelmed, forgetful, overworked, exhausted, making hasty decisions that tack on more problems; he may even show signs of self-centeredness. He feels in his mind spontaneity works best in the disorganized unpredictability even though it is the root of some of the issues. A point man is extraordinary man, nonetheless. You would love to know one or have one (smile ladies). He is going to make sure all of his obligations are met, bases are covered, and as a leader, he inspires others through his stature, sacrifice, strength, and spirit. We must continue to embrace them when they fall out of place and help them get back on point, because there, they always are on TOP! I salute YOU!