maralascottsblog children, God, Happiness, inspirational stories, relationships

In Appreciation of Life

Today I look back on my journey realizing how grateful I am for my life. I am only able to say this because I built a relationship with God early when I had mountains of adversity to overcome. It wasn’t mine, rather the journey of my parents that I was born into. But that was the path that I was destined to take so I would seek God, which taught me to understand God’s love, protection, power, grace, and mercy. As time went on, I worked to build that relationship as there was so much more to understand, value, and appreciate.

Years later, when I thought that my relationship with God would protect me from harm, I had yet another bout with adversity that threatened my existence and hurled fear into my children. Still, I reminded my children that God knew I was obedient and without fear, but it was time for me to learn another lesson. I trusted the outcome of a lengthy brain surgery on multiple aneurysms with complete certainty because God told me to get it done. When I opened my eyes, I couldn’t do anything but smile at the sight of my family in front of me. I would not ever go against what God told me for the options that man tried to reason with me. I had yet another level of appreciation for life and a testimony. The recovery took time and was a battle in itself, but I needed to fight. I wanted to fight because I had so much more to do.

People fight every day; children fight every minute for life, but sometimes, we don’t win. When we do, the appreciation is so much greater than what it ever could have been because we have the propensity to take family, friends, health, material things, and God for granted.

Today, I celebrate having five more years of service to God in appreciation of my life. I learned the value of each breath I take, everything I see, and the feel of sand beneath my feet. I am grateful for those who love me as it, too, is a gift.

www.MaralaScott.com

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maralascottsblog God, Helping Others, inspirational stories, kindness, Self-Love

Without Judgment

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Most of the time we think we know people but is our judgment an accurate and fair assessment? Just because it’s a family member, friend, co-worker, or someone you routinely come in contact with it doesn’t mean you know what their reality is. People have problems or situations that they don’t share. If they do, it may not be the complete version. Some people keep their personal life private; they don’t believe anyone will care or can help them. Sometimes, they don’t want to be judged. Instinctively, most people are quick to judge, but that judgment can keep you from showing compassion, especially when it may be needed most.

We have the tendency to forget how blessed we are and that others may be going through a period of need. When we walk by a person digging through the garbage, trying to find something to eat, would you buy them something or ignore their plight? Can you imagine the difference that each of us could make if we did an act of kindness in a kind, non-judgmental way? We don’t know what we think we know about others. And we can be quick to determine the reason someone is homeless, struggling financially, quiet, withdrawn, or struggles with their academics. We don’t know if they have health issues, are dealing with a loss of a loved one, or depressed. We don’t know.

Since most of us have the inability to get into someone’s entire history and understand why, what, or when something may have happened that caused their situation, we should be without judgment. If we are going to offer our help, we should do it without condemnation. We never know the reason, season, or lessons that will come in our life and kindness offers much more than that individual may have at that moment in time. It could change or save a life. Find a way to make a difference without judgment. We owe it to ourselves to be a contributor to a kinder, more compassionate society.

maralascottsblog God, Happiness, inspirational stories

Thank You God For This And Every Day

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Every day I find ways to celebrate life but today I celebrate life for it is the anniversary of yet another amazing gift God graciously handed me! I celebrate with a passion that I hadn’t fully discovered prior to two years ago, today. I was happy but hadn’t considered how limited my time here is and like most, I don’t know when it will end.

At the point I had the most peace in my life, I found out that I had a brain aneurysm and with more tests my neurosurgeon found yet another. (You can bring about life saving discovery if you pay attention to what your body is telling you so pay attention.) I was afraid to go through with the brain surgery because of the risk and location of the aneurysms and I wasn’t ready to leave the people I love although I knew the choice wasn’t mine. I put it in God’s hands and He told me to get it done immediately. Without hesitation, I scheduled the surgery a few days later, telling only one handful of people. I didn’t want anyone to worry. The night before my surgery, I prepared with prayer. I wasn’t afraid because I didn’t have any regrets or fear but I wasn’t finished here. It was difficult to imagine the possibility of leaving those I love, although inevitable.

The next afternoon, after an extensive surgery, my eyes fluttered open. I was grateful for this continued gift of life. I took a deep breath and whispered, “Thank you God, I have so much more to do.” The scar I carry is my scar of inspiration and faith as I was inspired by God to trust Him and have faith. It’s a reminder to live and not merely exist. We don’t always get a second chance at life and leave many, many things unspoken and undone. Embrace life and make a valiant go at it every single day. Share authentic love and positivity. Find peaceful resolutions and have faith, as it will alleviate your stress if you believe. There is so much you can do to help others live a better life, so share what you can, give them what you’ve needed. Be present in life as it can be gone with or without warning.

Thank you for taking my journey with me by reading and sharing my pieces of inspiration. They are meant to give you what they’ve given me: faith, passion and words that bring about change. Thank you God for every single day! I am grateful.

With Love,

Marala