No Matter What

1 My Story I should start by letting you know a little bit about me. There are a few painful parts to my story, from feeling disconnected and rejected as a child when my family moved to a new neighborhood and a girl spat in my face, to always being the last one to be chosen because I was a different race, to being afraid to be myself because I thought that no one would like the real me. I’ve always seen and felt the pain of others and carried the pain of others in my heart daily. I hid the real me and became invisible and blended in with everyone else. Although later on I developed friendships and was popular at school, I don’t think anyone—except God—knew the real me. I thought the real me was not likable. I had rejected myself. I had other challenges in my life after high school. I devoted my young adult years to a revolutionary organization that was a target of the FBI, and I got shot. I still have the scars and dents in my thighs from those days. I raised my son as a single parent and faced many unique challenges that single moms often face when raising sons, particularly during their son’s teenage years, in the inner city. So I have had my share of life’s ups and downs, but that’s a topic for another time. Along with the tears I cried, I had many testimonies of God’s goodness, and I always had an expectation that brighter days were ahead. I think that’s why as a child I always loved the season of spring, because to me it symbolized a fresh start and a new beginning. It symbolized hope. My story, God’s plan for my life, continues to unfold, and I am excited about God’s plans for me in this season. And I am excited about God’s plans for you too. Your life story is still unfolding, so don’t give up and don’t despair. Brighter days are ahead, no matter what it may feel like right now. My Assignment I am on an assignment given to me by God. He wants me to tell you the good news that there is hope and that you shall win. God chose me and assigned me to be the biological mother and a cheerleader for my son, Pastor Toure Thomas Roberts, who I mentioned earlier. Although he faced many challenges, including getting shot at the age of 16, God had a plan for his life. I believe that God has also assigned me to be a mother figure or a cheerleader in other people’s lives as well. And I believe that my assignment includes you. That’s why you’re reading this devotional. My assignment is to encourage you, to inspire hope in you, and most of all to point you to Jesus, who is your biggest fan and your biggest cheerleader. God assigned me to come after you and to let you know that no matter what you’ve been through or come out of, and no matter what you are currently facing—loneliness, abuse, rejection, low self-worth, or any other adversity—God is for you, He is with you, He is bigger than any circumstance you may face and you shall overcome all of these things. I would be so very honored if you would allow me to be a mother figure or a cheerleader to you through the pages of this devotional. And just as I continually pray for my son, please know that I have already prayed for you. I prayed that you would be inspired to look up, look ahead, and look forward to your future with hope. I prayed that God’s Truth would settle deep in your heart and that you would know the depths of His love for you. I prayed that you would know that God has not forsaken you, and I prayed that His Word would become the anchor of your life. And I am praying that you will see yourself as God sees you. That you will know that you have great value and great worth. That you will have hope for your future.