The Rose, situated in Sharon aka Yesharon, meaning upright or righteous, 'a Plain' in Palestine, which is known as the "Land of Sojourners", a district lying north of Joppa, meaning 'Beautiful' and a primary port in Jerusalem, symbolizing 'Peace'. Sharon was a very profitable, fertile and fruitful land, a large flat, simple plain leveled field capable of producing a healthy harvest of any kind, but in this case a rose. The rose dwelling in this simple and unattractive plain which has reached its peak; it's no longer questioned of its ability to flourish despite its challenging and opposing environment. A rose which stands alone to grow and bloom into its full potential and at the fullness of its maturity, its recognized as "The Rose". Roses are often referred to as the "Queen of Flowers," reflecting their beauty, elegance and importance amongst all flowers. The rose come in many colors ranging from red, white, yellow, pink, blue and so on. Each color carrying a symbolic meaning, for example, a white rose represents, purity, innocence and new beginnings and a red rose often represents romantic love. Regardless of color and its representation, roses are a symbol of love, beauty and passion being the most recognized flower for expressions of love, gratitude, friendship, to say I'm sorry and condolences for death. The Rose speaks volumes, it says "I Care"!

Roses are referred to as 'hungry' plants, generally needing 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, a well-drained rich soil, regular watering, but not too much for the roots will rot. The Rose bush require an adequate amount of spacing for air circulation and to prevent overcrowding. They should be pruned regularly to encourage new growth, flowering and applying mulch around the base helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds and regulate the soil's temperature. In addition, water is to be applied to the roots, not the leaf surface, plenty of organic matter for optimal growth and regular fertilization especially in the spring.

There are many elements that makes up the Rose; the roots, stems, branches, flowers, seeds and thorns. Each having their own individual meaning, function and interaction with nature, the sun and soil. The journey of the Rose is very similar to our own human evolution; it contains an entire spiritual system in its symbolism representing divine love, the beauty of the soul and the unfolding of spiritual enlightenment. The Rose represents our ability to break through obstacles, challenges, upheavals and turmoil. Despite hardships, struggles or oppositions, pushing earnestly through impossibilities, positions us to achieve victory and the possibilities. In your environment, choose to be like the rose, unique and different, bloom in spite of, not for the praise of man or other fruitless meanings but as a devotion and honor unto God as part of your Divine Nature. A path that will require strength, commitment and courage to stand alone. Like the rose, we grow thorns to protect ourselves and it also symbolize complications and difficulties that comes with love and relationships.

Sharon is said to be positioned in a land for sojourners of temporary dwellers. As you embark upon your spiritual journey, you may find yourselves in complicated and uncomfortable situations. Just like Sharon, these placements are temporary and not meant to be for long-term but are devices to transport you to your divine destination. The length of time that you remain in difficult and challenging situations will be determined by your actions and choices. Being successful as you traveling upon your spiritual journey will solely be a decision made by you. Hardships are designed to build your character, strength and stamina and will reveal to you, who you are and what you are made of. Your character identifies who you are mentally, emotionally and spiritually and will reveal the intents and true nature of your heart. When you find yourself in situations that test your character; How will you respond? It's not unusual to make bad choices, that is a part of learning and growing. "Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you". (1 Peter 4:12)

However, to consistently make bad choices is not wise and is evident of lack of growth and maturity; like a hamster on a wheel, running in circles but going nowhere.

Much like the Rose, characterized as the hungry plant, so is the human nature, always wanting but never satisfied; possessing an appetite that can never be quenched: the thirst of the flesh. When you wallow and indulge in an unrestrained way, you are doomed to fail, making yourself a target to be driven and consumed by pleasure, wealth and power. These behaviors will cause you to dig a hole for yourself and ultimately a spiritual demise; That which was intended to be temporary has become your permanent dwelling, a place in which no healthy harvest can manifest. Everything grows from a seed. Are the seeds you're planting moving you toward spiritual growth or away from? Is your soil healthy or is your heart made of stone? What kind of crop are your producing? Do you take off your mask and reveal your true identity when you think it's safe to? Are you thriving under the sun which is your inner light? Or are you hiding behind the moon sinking into outer darkness? Are you living in truth, honesty and integrity? Blake Shelton sings a song called, "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking? This is the billion-dollar question, considering that most people don't reveal their true self. Putting on a facade, being fake, deceptive, lying and holding secrets. Although others may be hurt by these behavior patterns, the real truth is, you're only hurting and deceiving yourself.

If you have battles in the flesh that you're not able to overcome but wishes to make a change, then that's a step in the right direction. The Apostle Paul prayed to God concerning his issue, that he referred to as a "Thorn in the Flesh". God's response to him was "My Grace is sufficient for You." God's love and compassion will be made available unto you instead of judgement and punishment. When it comes to romantic relationships, instead of being dishonest, try sharing your flaws with your mate. If they truly love you, then they will support you instead of judging you. However, if revealing your secrets puts you in harm's way because your partner is not one of understanding or is an abusive partner, it would not be wise to do so. In this case you should do all you can to exercise self-discipline that you may overcome the flesh and its desires. What other options do you have? This is your life's journey in which you are responsible to govern and keep in order. On the other hand, if you enjoy living a life of dishonesty with no desire to change, slipping and dipping, hiding and sliding, peeping and creeping, then continue on. "The works of the flesh are these; Adultery, Fornication, Uncleanness, Lust, Idolatry, Witchcraft, Hatred, Strife, Disloyalty, Jealousy, Wrath, Falseness, Murders, Drunkenness and such like." Those who commit such things will have no part in the kingdom of God. Therefore, a change will eventually come but it won't be pretty. Karma will bring everything to a halt at the forced hand of God. However, the primary basis in pursuing your spiritual journey begins with self-love. This means making decisions that will lead you in a positive direction that you may cultivate growth and become the best possible version of you. Otherwise, you won't be equipped to break through the obstacles that life throws your way.

Your environment plays a major role in self-development; even though we function individually and yet altogether are made up one whole unit universally. Self-actualization is a priority to becoming everything you are capable of being. This means spending quality time alone that you may effectively grow in mind, body, heart and soul. It's essential to do self-pruning, stripping away everything that prevents you from becoming your best version. When you purge regularly, you position yourself for self-empowerment, becoming equipped to make sound and wise choices. This sometimes means letting people go, whether temporary or permanent and especially in situations where the energy you give is not equally reciprocated. Roses have thorns and because of that you can't handle them any kind of way, you could get stuck pretty bad. Separating yourself is equivalent to the puncture of thorns, this is for your own benefit; doing whatever is necessary to achieve your personal growth and not allowing others to handle you any type of way......Respect yourself, love yourself! There's a famous quote stated by RuPaul, "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?" This statement speaks of the importance of self-love and love being the foundation for loving others. Love is the key, love is the cure and love is the way! Love is the highest universal vibration positioning us to walk hand and hand with God.

People will say that they love you but a lot of times their actions doesn't line up with what they're saying. When love is genuine in your connections you will see it; the purity of their energy towards you will be reflected in their eyes. Their look will penetrate your heart, and you will feel it, usually a warm sensation. You can also hear it in their voice, the receptacles in your energy field will be heightened and you will also feel a since of calm and comfort, a very peaceful energy. True love is an emotion that you put on, dress and adorn yourself in. There won't be any question marks, this love can't be faked nor hidden because it's who you are. You have to become as one with love, birthed from within, only then are you able to allow it to fashion and mold you into a vehicle of love. Loving others is a requirement and law given by God. "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength: this is the first commandment, and the second one is like this, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31) Love is not just measured by the words that we speak, giving of expensive gifts, money or other forms of materialism. These things could also be tactics of manipulation with an underlying agenda at hand, so don't be deceived by people doing nice things for you.

When the heart has been trampled, crushed and made to bleed, being sunken into the lowest degree of human existence, breaking forth is not a choice but the only solution that will lead you to inner victory. Brokenness will consume, devour and destroy you if you choose not to heal from it. Brokenness has its purpose, designed to bring you to a place of self-awareness, development of strength and rebirthing. It's necessary that you may rise to your divine nature. Make a practice of discerning the people in your life, that you may learn their true intentions. An individual once spoke unto me these words, "Don't judge a person's love by how they treat you but how they treat others in front of you". That statement helped me to identify a person's true character and heart. Don't be blinded by kind gestures and good deeds, it could actually save your life. Awareness is key to discerning others, be wise and pay close attention. If you have people in your life who proclaims to be so loving and caring, yet you can clearly see that they are shady and full of crap, it's not necessary to call them out or treat them different, just know that you can't trust them. If these people don't have vital roles in your life such as your boss for example, then it will be to your advantage to separate yourself completely. Why deal with fake people when you don't have to? Love is simple; but fear, hatred, lies, deception and false pretenses will always yield unfavorable consequences.

Just as the rose comes in many colors and varies in its symbolism and meaning; we too are different in many ways but possess one common factor, the necessity to grow and evolve, with love being your foundation. This path has not been popular or desired by the masses, like the land of Sharon, it was not physically attractive, but the grounds were abundantly fertile. Taking the road less travelled may not be popular but it will bring you to self-enrichment, peace in your heart, your mind and peace with God. Allowing the Peace of God to rule richly in your hearts causes his favor, guidance and protection to be upon your life, attributes of which nothing can compare to. You should be rooted and grounded in righteousness and without judgement, because then we make ourselves self-righteous, claiming to be superior to others. You should always exercise kindness and humility. "Let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." (1Corinthians 10:12) Being self-righteous and judgmental does not reflect love or yield the proper fruits of the heart and neither does it please God, for this is a rottenness to your foundation. Instead, you are to exemplify a spirit of beauty, excellence and become a beacon of light, letting your love flow. For the fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness and Temperance.

Many, many years ago, not quite 30 years of age, I was invited to visit a Church by an acquaintance. As soon as I entered, I noticed that the women did not wear makeup, but I did, with my lips painted red. As the usher led me to my seat many stared at me with much judgement. Their energy was so strong that I could feel it; by the time I made it to my seat which was at the front of church, I had eaten the lipstick from my lips without even realizing it. Throughout the whole service, I felt very uncomfortable and out of place. As I exited church, they were still just as cold, greeting each other but ignored me, a visitor in their place of worship. You would expect the church to be the last place that one would feel uncomfortable. I didn't feel the love and needless to say, I never went back. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for some have entertained Angels unaware." (Hebrew 13:2)

The scriptures clearly state, "to judge not that you don't be judged"; where do we find the time to judge another, all your energy should be directed toward perfecting your own life. In addition, it's nobody's business what the next person does with their life. Judging others is not a reflection of love and your only concern should be the person you see looking back at you in the mirror. Tupac sang "All Eyes On Me." I've never listened to the lyrics of that song, so I will only make reference to the title; keep your eyes on YOU. PERIOD! If you refuse to love others, then you make yourself an enemy of God. Everything you do at that point is in vain, your prayers, reading your bible or going to church. It's all fruitless and you have deceived yourself. Love is not a choice but a commandment from God. My perspective on love is something I won't compromise and the very reason why I don't attend church this day. Well, that was my initial reason, but I soon realized that it was time for me to pave the way for my own spiritual path because my life wasn't transforming the way I knew it was supposed to. Therefore, I had to get to the root of the issues that prevented me from living victoriously. Attending church did not heal my inner struggles, it only served as a band-aid to cover up the wounds. Hearing good motivational sermons, touching my heart, bringing me to tears but when I got home, I was still the same.

What I realized was only, I could fix me and not just the hearing of the word alone but by making a conscious effort to bring about the desired changes. Being determined and committed to bringing my temple under subjection, surrendering to the spirit and not the flesh, for we possess both within, the light and the dark. Little by little I began to transform and eventually, it became as simple as breathing but only after falling, getting up, falling again, yet getting up, but never giving up. It was the testing of the heart that gave me my real inner power. The ability to still love others after they have hurt you is the true test of strength and is what causes God's favor to be upon your life. The moment when you make God the proudest of you and from that point on, he just wants to shower you with his love, glory and abundance. After your spiritual graduation, he opens up the windows of heaven and abundantly pour into your life, raining down your heaven on earth. If God chooses you to suffer know that he also chooses to pour out his rain upon you. In the end, all that you have endured will be well worth it! In case you didn't know, the testing of the heart is the road that all will and must travel. Of which all have already been tested globally and many failed with flying colors and the consequences of your actions also follow. In this that the error of your ways be made known unto you and the Grace of God be extended that his heart may be birthed within you. This is designed that you may witness the pollution in your own hearts and the opportunity to amend your ways. Jaleel White, who played the character 'Urkel' on the sitcom 'Family Matters' was known for his famous question of "Did I do that?'" Spoken in his high-pitched, nerdy voice after been confronted with whatever boo-boo he just made. Being faced with your own actions, now the table turns to see how you will respond as you encounter your own afflictions and piercings of the heart. The testing of your ability to love even after having your own heart ripped apart. How will you respond? Will you become full of anger, bitterness, wrath and unforgiveness? Or will you possess strength to love despite your own pain? If you haven't already you will surely come face to face to choose one of these options. The first option is easy; anyone can be angry but it's not to your benefit for your spiritual growth. The second option is more difficult, and it takes courage to pursue but will provide you with the right foundation to move forward.

In the 'Temptations' movie, during the scene where they rehearsed the song, "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone"; Dennis Edwards and Norman Whitfield debated regarding September 3rd being used in the lyrics to indicate the date that Papa died in which Dennis said was the same day that his daddy died. He wanted him to change the date or either change the song and Norman refused to do either. Then Dennis said to him, "What did I ever do to you? Norman responded sarcastically, "No Passion, but now you got some! In my opinion, I don't think that the date was ever the real issue but instead it was the lyrics that triggered him. There was something about the words to that song that caused him to be deeply moved emotionally. If the song would have had a more positive message of viewing Papa in heroic way for instance, I don't think Dennis would have had an issue. Very often we have suppressed emotions, and something will trigger our conscience to cause those emotions to surface. Buried memories that we want to forget because they are associated with some form of pain, hurt, guilt or shame. It's because of this that many lack passion, that inability to feel, I mean really feel. These emotions are supposed to surface so that they may be healed; instead of becoming angry, defensive, trying to evade or downplay the seriousness of the issue. Because the matter at hand is much deeper than what meets the eye, if you are brave enough to admit it. Therefore, it would be to your best interest to willingly face and resolve any suppressed pains and wounds. Neglecting to do so, can have severe impacts on your relationships, causing you to respond to others harshly through anger, bitterness and frustration. Unintentionally, blaming them for your inner struggles. The longer you suppress unhealed wounds, the bigger the problems become yielding way to a ticking time bomb. I'm sure it's past time to let go but the day that you finally decide to, it will not be too late. But, if we are unable to heal, this will affect our ability to self-love which precedes the requirement to love others. So not only are we tested with loving others but self-love as well; Love is not love until it has been tested and overcome, with self and others. When we allow ourselves to feel, that's an indication that our heart is active even when we try to shut it down. This is often done as a way to protect ourselves but overall, it's not healthy to do so. Healing past emotional traumas is a must otherwise you will remain broken, which is self-sabotage. Passion is a strong intense emotion of feelings towards something or someone with the foundation being love. It's through our experiences that passion is formed and is often associated with some form of suffering which leads to suppressing the pain. Our experiences have major influence and impact over us and causes us to feel even when we don't want to. Feelings stimulate the heart in which God desires to stir up the passion within us that we may live unto righteousness and from the heart. It is those uncomfortable emotions which cause a stir within, then leads us to rethink our course of actions or current path and this brings release and healing.

Sometimes our afflictions are a direct result of our own doings, like Judas who betrayed Jesus with a kiss and for 30 pieces of silver. After he realized what he had done he became remorseful and tried to return the money. The money could not be accepted because it was blood money, so he threw the money on the floor in the temple and went and hung himself. Judas was motivated by greed, but something happened within that caused him to be filled with regret. So much regret that he didn't want to live anymore. He did a self-examination which caused him to tune into his heart and passion was birthed; a conviction that caused him to care about more than just himself. His remorse paved the way for forgiveness and a fresh start, but the heaviness of his own burden became more than he could bear. The sole purpose for our experiences is so that we may develop passion to love, lively with enthusiasm, which is divine inspiration; it is not for us to give up. This is how God identifies his true soldiers and is an eye opener into your own soul of who you are at the core level. "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, IF you have love one to another." (John 13:35) That was the greatest decision that I could have ever made for my life; choosing to be guided by God's wisdom and not the doctrine of man, which has been compromised. For the past 10 years, I have taken on the responsibility for growing and nurturing my spiritual garden of life, with intent and purpose. By being cautious of who I associate with, what I put before my eyes, what I listen to and where I allow my feet to tread. Stripping away of everything that doesn't look like God with the ultimate goal, of having complete control over my own life and reach full maturity, just like 'The Rose'. To be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that my labor is not in vain.

"Man looks on the outside, but God looks on the heart." This passage makes reference to when God had chosen David to be the future King of Israel. He was the youngest of eight sons in the house of Jesse and only a young boy when he was chosen and anointed by the Prophet Samuel. His father and brothers could not understand the reasoning behind the choice, but it was because of his heart. In which God later declared that David was a man after His heart. The same David as a young boy went up against the undefeated 'Goliath', a Philistine Giant, after everyone else had ran from him. King Saul dressed David in his Armour and gave him his sword to fight against Goliath. David said, I cannot go with these because I have not proved it, so he took it off. He took his staff and sling in his hand and chose five smooth stones out of the brook and put them in his shepherd bag. David drew near to Goliath and said, "You come to me with a sword, spear and a shield but I come to you in the name of Lord. This day the Lord will deliver you into mine hand and I will spite you and take your head from you. That all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel."

Then he took a stone from his bag and slang it, the stone sunk into Goliath's forehead and he fell to the ground. David ran, stood upon him and cut his head off with his own sword and all were amazed at his victory. This teaches us that when you have God on your side you will always come out a winner regardless of the opposition. Rising to any occasion, even when standing alone just like the 'Rose of Sharon'. Now, if David had kept on the Armour that Saul dressed him in, Goliath would have crushed him to death with just his foot alone. First of all, Saul's Armour was too big for him and I'm sure heavy as well, with a helmet made of brass and probably covering his eyes so that he couldn't see clearly. Sometimes people will try to dress you in what works for them, but you have to know when something is not right for you. Weighing you down with heaviness and their overbearing methods and ideas that only add more burden to your life. Now, you're more confused than you were before they set out to help you. David was skilled with the sling and confident in his ability to use it to defeat Goliath and he also had the Lord on his side. David had already been anointed as the future king of Israel, even though Saul inquired of David as though he didn't know who he was. So, whether Saul saw him as a threat is not known for sure. However, there is always the possibility that he dressed him so that he would be killed by Goliath, knowing that his Armour would work against him and not to his advantage. Considering that it wasn't much longer afterwards that he sought to kill David himself. Thats why it's important to have a discerning spirit to know the intentions of others towards you.

The word 'Rose' is mentioned 131 times in the Bible of which only once is it referred to as a flower. The rest of times its referred to the past tense of 'Rise', which is defined in many ways; to rise up, to raise from the dead, to cause to be born, to leave one place and go to another, of those who prepare themselves for a journey, moving from a lower place to a higher place, to set or place in balance, to stand firm, to stand ready or prepared, to be steadfast of mind, to be of quality, one who does not hesitate, does not waiver, to rise to the call, purpose or mission, to maintain oneself......just to name a few.

Too often we find ourselves in situations that appear hopeless, lifeless and dead, disabling our ability to thrive and grow spiritually.  In places where we too often become comfortable in but offers no real benefit. We make ourselves a cripple and prisoner initiated by our own mental constraints and it's not to our best interest to remain there. God desires for us to rise up from those low places and be planted on to higher ground. There's no time to drag your feet for it is much later in the hour, so much time has been wasted, and change is of an urgency. To rise from an unproductive and stifling state of conditions there must first be a willingness of mind; otherwise, you're not living but simply existing and cruising through the motions of survival mode. Take for example, if you're sitting in a chair, unless you choose to get up you would remain there forever. Now that wouldn't make any sense because there are things that have to be done that would require for you to move in order to accomplish them. So, if you need to go to the bathroom, would you refuse to get up? I don't think so. So why would you continue to remain in a dead mental spiritual state? "There were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: who said to one another, Why shall we sit here until we die?" (2 Kings 7:3) Rise up!

Now if you're physically cripple, then you would require assistance to help you move from point A to point B. Either way the need to get up and move will be necessary at some point. Nevertheless, to rise from any state begins with your mindset so you must possess the right frame of mind. A mind reflecting the spirit of God, which is the sustainer of life for the whole body. Without the spirit you could never rise to the fullness of your consciousness, which is your inner Christ consciousness and necessary for bringing you into your own self deliverance. The natural aspect of the spirt is just like water in which the body cannot properly function without, considering that the body is 75% water. At least that's what's been stated, either way we need it just as much as we need the spirit. Can you imagine your life without water? Think about it. How would your body smell? After going one week, a month or a year without cleansing. Not a very pretty sight or smell. How would you quench your thirst? Yes, you could use other liquids but eventually the body would wither up and die. So, we can clearly see the importance of water for inside and outside the body. Just as we need water, we also need the spirit. The spirit of God is designed to orchestrate and stimulate the soundness of your mind, to lead and guide your whole being. Otherwise, you are spiritual dead residing in a low state of existence with the inability to rise up. It is then by your own efforts that you make this transition being determined and of a steadfast mind. To bring about a rebirth in your mind that you may have complete harmony throughout, the heart, soul and body. In order that you may fulfill your divine purpose, to grow, develop and be transformed into your true identity, which is "LOVE." For God is Love!" Shake off your dust; rise up and sit enthroned, Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains of your neck." (Isaiah 52:2) Consider what's got you yoked at the neck, release it and Rise. Rise to your Strength, rise to your Joy, rise to your Peace, rise to Love......Rise to You!

With the right mindset, God will remember you and cause you to rise up from your low place. David and Jonathan was best friends, and the scriptures says that Jonathan loved David as he did his own soul. Jonathan was the son of King Saul, who also came to hate David because he was jealous of him, knowing that he had been anointed as the future king. This meaning that David would be replacing Saul as king and he even sought to kill him but was unsuccessful. Eventually, King Saul and Jonathan was killed in battle. "And David said, is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" (2 Samuel 9:1) David made this inquiry after he had become King of Israel. Afterwards, David learned of the whereabouts of Jonathan's son whose name is Mephibosheth which means "exterminating the idol." Mephibosheth was lame in both his feet, ever since he was a child and now lived in a town called Lodebar, which means "not a pasture." He lived in the house of Machir, name meaning "sold". Overall, the conditions surrounding Mephibosheth was very poor and degrading. He lived in a town of idolatry and pagan practices, where people were bought and sold, a place that was unfruitful in every sense. Mephibosheth was a very spiritually broken man, of low self-esteem and a victim of unfortunate circumstances. He referred to himself as a "Dead Dog," feelings of hopelessness, shame and defeat had consumed him in mind, heart body and soul. In addition, he had a young son of his own that he was unable to care for because of his handicap. Little did he know that God had him in mind because he caused King David to remember him. This indicates that Mephibosheth's heart and spirit was pleasing to God, otherwise such favor would not have fallen upon him. When God remembers you it's for a cause and not by accident, but perfectly orchestrated. "His Lord said unto him, Well done, you good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you a ruler over many things: enter into the joy of the Lord." (Matthew 25:21)

When David entered the house where Mephibosheth lived, he fell on his face and gave him reverence. David said unto him, fear not for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan's sake your father and will restore unto you all the land of Saul. Mephibosheth said, why should you look upon such a dead dog as I am? This clearly shows his mental state and the thoughts about himself. Life has a way of putting us in that frame of mind, especially when we can't see no chance for change. It's obvious that he had given up on life and accepted his defeat. At the blink of an eye his whole world changed. All who dwelled in the house became his servants. They tilled the land for him and brought unto him all the fruits and that the land yielded. As for Mephibosheth, he dwelled in Jerusalem with David and ate at the kings table as one of the king's sons. Mephibosheth finally had peace, something he thought could never be possible. Mephibosheth went from Lodebar, a place of nothingness to living in the king's palace and eating at the king's table. Only God can make the crooked places straight and know that all things are possible with God if you only believe. It's time to rise up just like the Rose, breaking through the barriers of life which were designed to keep you bound. " To be elevated from a barren unproductive land to a land of fruitfulness. The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for you; and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose." (Isaiah 35:1)

Will you cause God to remember you that you may rise up from your Lodebar of lack, brokenness and fruitless state? Or will he say, "Depart from me, I don't know you, because you love your iniquities and your darkness."

'THE ROSE'

Song by Bette Midler

Some say love, it is a river

That drowns the tender reed

Some say love, it is a razor

That leaves your soul to bleed

Some say love, it is a hunger

An endless aching need

I say love, it is a flower

And you, its only seed

It's the heart, afraid of breaking

That never learns to dance

It's the dream, afraid of waking

That never takes the chance

It's the one who won't be taken

Who cannot seem to give

And the soul, afraid of dying

That never learns to live

When the night has been too lonely

And the road has been too long

And you think that love is only

For the lucky and the strong

Just remember in the winter

Far beneath the bitter snows

Lies the seed that with the sun's love

In the spring becomes the ROSE

"The rose is a rose from the time it is a seed to the time it dies. Within it, at all times, it contains its whole potential. It seems to be constantly in the process of change: Yet at each state, at each moment, it is perfectly all right as it is." --- Paulo Coelho, "Warrior of the Light"

The Rose..... refuses to be stopped, refuses to give up, refuses not to bloom and determined to Rise!