In the midst of surviving domestic violence encouragement is such a necessity. I asked my friend, Pastor David Katina if I could share some of his notes with you. Dave is an amazing story teller and wonderful at helping me keep things in perspective. Although he didn't originally write this as domestic violence encouragement, it is delicious food for thought, a great read and very encouraging!!
“Stop Surviving! Start Thriving!"
By Pastor David Katina
In mid 2009, my island home Samoa became the on-site location of the television series, "Survivor". On Sept. 29, 2009 an earthquake caused a devastating tsunami that demolished a number of villages and also claimed the lives of many on both Samoas. On Sept. 30, 2009 the front page of one of the local news papers stated, "Survivors Leave Samoa". But I thought they were "survivors"! Exactly! That's my point! They were only doing what "survivors" do. Webster defines a survivor as; one who is capable of escaping changing conditions or misfortunes; one who is able to remain alive or continue existing. The world praises the "survivor" that endures until the very end of the television series but based upon the true essence of the word "survivor", what is so notable about remaining alive or continuing to exist? There's got to be more to life than just existing. Are we just here to survive?
As we started the year and journeyed together through the book of Genesis, a pattern in the lives of key players in the origin of man-kind becomes very clear and obvious. It is a pattern or design of, authority, dominion, and empowerment. To embrace a "survivor mindset" would be a total disgrace to God's dream for you and I to live overcoming and fulfilled lives that benefit more than just ourselves. Remember, when the series ends, there's only one survivor but God's plan is that many would be blessed by the sacrifice of one.
Adam, Noah and Abraham are the key players I'm referring to. Please allow me to share three principles that will help you to "stop surviving and start thriving!"
A. "Adam" Gen.1:28-30 You must understand the power of the seed. Sow your seed and watch it multiply. Many people dream of the harvest but are afraid to let go of the seed. "Survivors" hold on tight to the seed while "thriver's" plant it. If what's in your hand is too small to be your harvest then it must be your seed...let it go!
B. "Noah" Gen.9:1,7 You must see past today and begin thinking "generationally". When all you want to do is "survive", all you think of is your "next meal" but when you "thrive" you're doing it for the "next generation". A child once said, "Tell me and I'll forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I'll understand."
C. Abraham "Gen. 12:1,2 You are BLESSED to be a BLESSING! "Survivors" hoard the blessings for themselves while "thriver's" keep the blessings flowing. If God can get the blessings THROUGH you, He has no problem getting the blessings TO you.
So what do you say? Don't waste the potential God has placed in you on a "survival, just get by, me myself and I mindset". You were designed to EXCEL...not just to EXIST.
Iliafi Esera, my spiritual dad once said, "Yesterday's a canceled check, tomorrow's a promissory note but today is cash-in-hand." What you gain tomorrow is determined by how you "spend" today. I pray that you live like one who is thriving and not surviving. All you're really guaranteed is today- make it count! STOP SURVIVING AND START THRIVING!
*HaVeAgr8LiFe!!**
I hope you enjoyed this note as much as I did. Although "Stop Surviving and Start Thriving" was not written specifically for domestic violence situations, it is great domestic violence encouragement. I hope you are encouraged, able to start looking forward, and dreaming big.
Only you know when it is safe to leave your domestic violence situation, or change the locks. Look over the safety plans, and get help getting away from your domestic violence situation. You don't have to go through this alone. Please be safe!!
Go to domestic violence encouragement from Stop Surviving! Start Thriving!
Go to surviving-domestic-violence.org from domestic violence encouragement part 2
