maralascottsblog children, Forgiveness, God

Aching Heart

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My heart is aching and the core of my soul hurts deeply for the victims, families, and community of the tragedy in Connecticut. I am certain yours does too. The children that woke up and went to school on this tragic day had laughter, dreams, love, friends, family, and beams of excitement for the upcoming Christmas holiday without a thought of any day being their last, let alone today. The adults that were murdered, had plans for their students and said goodbye to their families, not ever imagining it too, would be their last. There were many words unspoken because no one knew it was their time to do so.

A disturbed son made a conscious choice to extinguish a part of his mother’s life, as what may have been vengeance, before taking her future and causing pain to his own family. No one will ever come to fully understand why.

This country now has yet another historic and senseless tragedy and these families are bound to grip this unforeseen pain. Upon reading this, please take a moment and pray not only for what we know about this situation, but for what we don’t. Pray that it doesn’t continue to happen and devastate lives. Pray that these families can heal, in time. Pray that peace comes upon this community and the country comes together to help find a resolution. And pray for God to embrace these beloved souls in His arms for all eternity as their life here has been cut short.

May God Bless Us All
Marala Scott

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

Understanding the Inevitable Act of Letting Go

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I was doing some Christmas shopping with my beautiful daughter this evening when a young woman behind me in line took a moment to tell me how much she loved the unique design of my cream designer handbag. Her brown eyes lit up as she admired the details. I smiled and said, “Thank you,” as I lifted the strap over my shoulder and began to empty the contents of my new bag. “Since you like it …  you can have it,” I told her. She took a deep breath and stared at me in disbelief before exhaling heavily. Nevertheless, I continued to pass along the contents of my purse to my daughter, and then handed the woman the bag.

“No, you can’t do that, can you? You’re really doing this aren’t you? Where are you going to put your things?” she continued.

“In my pockets,” I replied.

“Why would you do this?” she asked.

“Because you like it. Merry Christmas,” I said with a light wave as I walked away without looking back.

It’s quite easy to find things you love and become attached to them, but sometimes the attachment isn’t always good. When we leave this earth there is nothing in it that we will take with us. Part of the beauty in life is sharing what you do have while you’re here by learning to let go of the things we love most. It doesn’t mean you go around giving away everything, but try it. Take something you love and see if you are able to walk away from it without a second thought or a single regret. When you can you’ve learned something valuable.

Everything in this life is really on loan from God. When we leave, it will stay here. People we love are the biggest test of this while being able to part from material things are a test of our spirit and prepare us for being able to understand the inevitable of letting go. Material things don’t define us and people don’t belong to us. Learn to let go while you can as it makes it less difficult when you don’t think you can. We are forced to let go of things in many unforeseen ways, such as natural disasters. But I’ve seen many do it with grace and begin to rebuild from scratch when it is one of the most difficult things they’ve had to do. Random acts of kindness remind us to let go freely. Don’t wait until you are forced to do so in order to learn this.

maralascottsblog Forgiveness, God, Happiness, inspirational stories, relationships

Overcoming Opposition

There’s always that point when your life begins to show promise and progress. Happiness begins to fall upon you, love opens a door allowing light to enter, and success in your career or relationships with friends strengthen. Without warning, something comes along to jeopardize what you’ve diligently worked to build.  At times when you already have enough to deal with, it seems situations that cause stress have the tendency to surround you even more. As relentless negativity keeps piling on your weary and fraught shoulders it has the ability to make you feel broken, if not break you. It happens and it will continue to happen if you decide to keep playing that game.

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When you’re making a diligent and consistent effort to change your life with positive strokes of progression know the opposition will be waiting for you the same way it’s there in any game. Opposition is meant to keep you from winning, so it does its best. Keep in mind, when the opposition fights you harder and gets stronger it’s because you’ve become a real opponent. If you don’t want to miss what God is trying to show and do for you, then stop listening to and giving your opponent your attention. Stay grounded with faith. Don’t waste time playing a game that you may lose, when you can win if you stay on the path you were destined to travel.

maralascottsblog God, Happiness, inspirational stories, relationships, Self-Love

Learning To Use Faith

There are many different ways to use the word faith but the meaning is still the same and ends in one having belief, complete trust, and sincerity in his or her intentions. Faith is a firm belief in something for which there is no proof but you remain unyielding. When it comes to doing something you believe in at times you may turn to the person closest to you for support and if they don’t believe that you can accomplish what you are attempting to do, you may not find their faith in you present. Although this can be disappointing you can alleviate that by having faith in yourself as well as in God. If you leave it to someone else to encourage you and they pull that away you do not want to find yourself standing alone void of what’s necessary to continue on what may be a lonely road. Step out on it. Yes, faith. The results will be astounding. Don’t turn back or give up, as at times you may have to walk more than half way to see your goals in sight. How can you expect others to have faith in you if you don’t have faith in yourself? When you have faith you are affirming that God is with you on your journey.

maralascottsblog children, Forgiveness, God, Happiness, Helping Others, inspirational stories, relationships, Self-Love

Your Life In Review Before It’s Too Late

When it’s all said and done and your life is over here on this earth, how will people remember you? Will they speak of you as a giver or taker? Were you a lover or did you seek out fights because you were angry? Were you someone who was fair or biased about everything that benefited you? Did you care about others or could you care less? What I want you to ask yourself is, are you on track to leave this world with a memory that you would be proud of? If you have children, will they be proud of you and have loving thoughts that no one can remove? Is your powerful imprint resting on the hearts of many or are many waiting to erase what you have left because it’s too painful? Before the time comes for you to depart from this gift of life, repair, change, and forgive, if even yourself. Take this moment right now to determine that you will live and give to the best of your capability. Make the choice to leave an impression that reflects the person you want to be and are. It’s not too late to begin again.

maralascottsblog God, Happiness, inspirational stories, relationships, Self-Love

Family Is …

Many times people keep ties or close relationships with family members that are emotionally unhealthy because they feel they don’t have anyone else or they are supposed to simply because it’s family. Although it’s often said that, “blood is thicker than water,” to the contrary, water is more pure and so are many relationships that are not of your blood.

It’s one thing to love your family in a healthy manner but to have love out of obligation that is only masked behind hate, anger, and resentment is detrimental. Whether it’s you carrying resentment or other family members throwing a series of jabs, if you can’t work it out you’re really doing yourself and them a disservice.

Fighting to keep your relationship intact just to continuously fight brings damaging emotional results, as well as, much wasted time. Make conscious efforts to work towards resolutions and compromise to alleviate stress. If there is something standing in the way of a better relationship with your family that you or they don’t feel can be resolved, then step out of the fight. You may never agree, which means the battle will be ongoing.

Putting your energy into healthy relationships can often bring you more peace, love, and support. God puts good people in your life so appreciate them as you would family because family isn’t always of the same blood. People that love you, show respect, help you thrive, encourage faith, and believe in you are those you hold onto and do the same for.  Don’t stay in a relationship to cause hurt or take it. Sometimes space brings time to reflect and ultimately appreciation.

maralascottsblog God, Happiness, inspirational stories, relationships, Self-Love

The Ties That Bind Can Tear Us Apart

The ties that bind are sometimes the very ties that tear us apart, yet we stay within the proximity to allow the pain to continue on the path causing destruction. Because someone is family doesn’t mean that you should allow them to continuously plant deep seeds of negativity that will grow deeper roots of anger and discouragement inside of you. Although family is supposed to be our lifeline of encouragement, trust, protection, and love it doesn’t always turn out that way. It doesn’t mean you are bound to accept their ways as the way it is supposed to be either. You are not meant to remain a victim and let it wear you down until you can’t function to the capacity you are destined. There is much more to life than waking up each day to fight against those you love. Sometimes, a breath of fresh air and a move towards independence is liberating. Although it may seem difficult to do, it is self-destructive to continue taking. Progressing away from family, if done with positive intentions to better yourself and life as a whole, can be healing for all. It will allow you time to grow, reflect, and understand. You may never know where someone’s pain comes from but you will come to realize that his or her pain is not meant to be yours. This life is a journey and the journey is your individual imprint. Use your powerful prayers to bring God’s favor in order to help them heal.

Hard Work + Faith = Success

maralascottsblog children, Forgiveness, God, Happiness, Helping Others, inspirational stories, relationships, Self-Love

Is the Perception of Your Life the True Reality?

Now Available. . . the special version of Marala Scott’s book,

In Our House: Perception vs. Reality

“In Our House” is the chilling true story of an abusive husband, his wife, and their six children trapped inside of a hellish nightmare.

Recruited by both the CIA and IBM the successful, handsome, and deceptive Colin has rendered countless abusive episodes on his beautiful wife, Alley, and his six children until he finally breaks Alley and she is no longer able to fight back. One day, three women involve Alley in a church that promises to protect her and the children from her husband’s attacks. By the time Alley realizes how they will do it, she finds herself demonically possessed with demons eating away at her. The horrifying undertaking is beyond life and now the children must find a way to survive both parents.

Purchase through AMAZON

maralascottsblog Happiness, inspirational stories, Self-Love

Let Your Light Shine

One of the most striking characteristics about our personality is that we all have a light and it’s a very bright light to turn on or off whenever we choose. Unfortunately, the majority of time the light remains off as we hold back the things we do best. Typically, it is our level of confidence that determines whether or not we allow people to see it. Your light is your spotlight as to the incredibly talented and gifted human being God created. When you turn on your light to display your talents you’re revealing that you take pride in who you are. That’s a perfect way to communicate how much you love your unique abilities and self. Don’t be afraid to let your light shine instead of standing and holding the light on someone else throughout your life. It’s not boasting; it’s a presentation of the remarkable talents that God gave you. Celebrate them. It may be cooking, fashion, business, music, dance, art, or anything you desire it to be, but turn it on and become a luminary. You may inspire someone to embrace greatness!

maralascottsblog God, Happiness, inspirational stories, Self-Love

Embrace Being Unique

People spend their lives trying to fit in but it’s when you don’t fit that you are truly unique. Don’t ignore your gifts. ~ Marala Scott

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When I see a piece of art what catches my attention is the uniqueness that it offers.  I love when the expression comes from the soul. The beauty of life is that we’re individuals and every piece of art that makes up our personality is what makes each of us unique. Too often we work to suppress who we are to try and fit in. We want to be accepted as being like others but what does that mean? It means sacrificing who you are only to be less than you were created to be. Understand that when you have to try to fit in it’s because you don’t and you should be okay with that. Be authentic. Love the quirky little things you do that make you laugh. Celebrate your passion and share it with the world. Dive into your creativity without regrets and do it with unyielding fire. Trying to belong to something that wasn’t created for you is denying yourself of the gifts that were designed and handed to you by God. Challenge yourself to bring something unique to this world by being the real you. Leave your imprint, not one belonging to someone else and embrace being unique.

maralascottsblog relationships, Self-Love

Is There Such Thing as a Perfect Relationship?

Relationships mean one thing for sure if nothing else, work! Anything you do will take some degree of effort and a relationship is no different. Let’s be honest, everyone has something about him or her that the other person may not like. It could be the way you drive, the music you listen to, or the way you fold their shirt, but that doesn’t mean your relationship isn’t perfect, it means they have things about them that define who they are. We tend to look for imperfections that people have instead of their perfections. If we took time to notice all of the things that your significant other does that made you fall in love with them, you’d be surprised at how good your relationship really is. Stop focusing on the flowers you didn’t get for your birthday but remember the ones he bought you for no reason instead. Don’t compare relationships, work on your own. Stay away from relationships that are riddled with problems and drama or yours will end up the same way. When you keep company with negativity it has a way of invading your life. Your relationship is as perfect as you want it to be. Put God before the relationship and you’ll have a better understanding of what love and perfection is.

maralascottsblog Helping Others, inspirational stories

Celebrate Life’s Gift By Alyssa Curry

A few days ago, I was waiting on a table with an elderly woman and her daughter. They both seemed cheerful and pleasant. I was already busy, but instead of simply asking, “What can I get for you?” I asked them how their day was going. The elderly woman began to tell the story of her battle with cancer and how she was celebrating her first whole year cancer free.  Her daughter added that she was extremely blessed because her mother had cancer for fifteen years and was finally without it. Most people would have seen the glass half empty but they saw it half full. The woman was celebrating being cancer free with a simple meal such as a hamburger and she was enjoying her time with her daughter. Sometimes people go on with their lives so quickly that they don’t take the time to celebrate or appreciate life’s challenges and how they shape us as individuals. The celebration of life shouldn’t be contingent upon anything other than appreciating it but it makes us stronger if we learn to be grateful for it through personal experiences instead of being overcome by it.

-Alyssa Curry-

maralascottsblog God, Happiness, inspirational stories, Self-Love

Just Be Still By Wendy Screen

Some things in our lives are just not suppose to make sense right now. Instead of trying to figure things out wrecking your brain we just need to be still and allow God to work.

When things don’t happen the way that we want, there is no reason for us to get down and out about it. Instead, we should be praising God because you have no idea what He has kept us from. What many fail to realize is that God is a healer, a lover of all, a comforter and a protector. He doesn’t need our permission to intervene, He will do what he has to do to protect his children at all cost!

Many times in my own personal life I have been guilty of always asking, “Why?” I just couldn’t understand why bad things happen to good people. Trying to do things my own way and not consulting God first has landed me in some not so good positions. Thankfully, somebody was praying for me when I was too blinded to pray for myself. God allowed me to do it my way long enough to where I had no choice but to look up and say “I need you.” He then removed me from those situations and gave me the mindset to know better and also giving me a testimony of just how good He really is.

God will not send us on stormy paths without providing us with strong shoes. Just continue to count your blessings, be grateful and trust that God is in complete control over every aspect of your life. Peace of mind is available to us when God is the center of our lives. I can remember I used to wonder why and how certain people where so blessed all the time. The truth is, you will never know the trials and tribulations someone else has gone through. It’s the trials and tribulations that bring us that much closer to God. I know this because I’ve been through so much in my young life that God is number one in my fav 5 list (smile).

When you start to worry, stress and even feeling alone . . . STOP! Open your mind and then your heart and focus on Gods promises and where God has placed you because He has a purpose. Whatever your trial or situation, He has a purpose. He will not fail you, He never has. Take a deep breath, listen to what He is trying to tell you and . . .
just be still.

Blessings.

maralascottsblog God, Happiness, inspirational stories

The Right Step By EbonyRose Hendricks

When you walk in life, you can choose the path you feel is right. But one thing you have to know is taking one step back, you have to take 2 steps forward. So many things we as people have been through, can hurt us, but it shouldn’t break us. We live and learn from the mistakes we made. Like my best friend always told me, “God made us a back and a front along with feet. With those feet we move forward to look at our future and not live behind.” Our backs face the past and our front looks onto our present, and future with no regrets of what happened in the past. Just remember, you live and learn. I love the life I live and live the life I love. With that being said, you should too!

maralascottsblog Forgiveness, God, Happiness, inspirational stories

Forgiveness = Joy By Ewing Ikard II

Forgiveness is key to the amount of joy that we will have in our lives. We search so much for happiness from outside things that we forget that true joy comes from within. If joy does not dwell inside, then it will not manifest outside.

We find ourselves holding grudges against people we love and even at times people who are strangers. However, what I have realized is that while forgiving others is hard enough; truly forgiving ourselves is nearly impossible. We are so angry with ourselves for making mistakes, allowing ourselves to be used or misused, or done wrong. Our heart becomes so filled with this that we do not leave any room for joy to enter our hearts.

With Jesus nothing is impossible or even nearly impossible. If we allow Jesus into those situations that we have pinned up in our hearts, He will begin to bring the spirit of forgiveness. When we take our issues to Jesus, He is faithful to forgive us and if Jesus can forgive us then we should able to forgive ourselves. Once we begin to forgive ourselves through Jesus our joy will come from within and manifest on the outside.

We have to let Jesus into our hearts, into our situations and into our minds and let Him have His way and transform us and our situations.Be blessed and as always BE ENCOURAGED!!

maralascottsblog children, God, Happiness, inspirational stories

Smile Once Again By TeResa A. Smith

When we are brought into this world, we will either contribute to it or take from it. I choose to contribute. Even though life has not always been kind to me, something deep inside let me understand that it is much more rewarding to be a blessing rather than a curse. It does not matter from where I came, it only matters where I will take any piece of knowledge that I gain along the way. While some may sit and cry, questioning Gods ultimate plan, over the years I have just thrown my hands up and looked to Him to carry me through whatever crisis that I was going through at the time. If we are never given challenges, we will not be appreciative of the moments that go smoothly, and furthermore, will not learn how to be strong, resilient or grateful. Looking back, I know this to be true. For every tear I’ve cried a smile soon followed and I embraced it and remembered it the next time my eyes began to water.

Waking up in the morning seems like such a simple and trivial thing for most of us, yet some did not experience the privilege. Sometimes it is the simplest things that motivate us or make us smile. We could spend all day complaining about what didn’t go right, but I’d rather look around and be thankful for what did. As I examine where I’ve been and then sit and marvel at where I am, I can do nothing but thank my Lord and Savior. Of all those that He has created He saw fit to allow my life to continue and prosper. He has given me a loving husband, beautiful children and even more grandchildren. What a miracle! To see my children’s children is not something that everyone has been able to do. From me came them and that alone is reason enough for me to praise Him and smile once again.

maralascottsblog children, God, Happiness, inspirational stories, Self-Love

Hope Is What You’re Looking For By Krystal Covin Boyce

My name is KC, I am 27 yrs of age and a mother of three. To others I may look like the typical individual, happy on the outside etc. but in reality I can honestly say that I wasn’t until a couple of months ago. For years I’ve had to battle with ill thoughts, not towards others but towards myself. I didn’t know how to love and appreciate myself , I lacked self confidence/ esteem until two wonderful people came into my life, “Mrs. Scott” & her son “Aaron”.

I read her Memoir “In Our House” and decided to contact her. I was having one of my moments where I felt completely lost and she immediately responded to my message, there I was consulting in someone I didn’t know and with each message I cried and as I write this I am fighting back those tears. It came to the conclusion that God was talking to me through her .

Through Mrs. Scott and Aaron I came to realize that I do have a purpose on earth and God is always there when you need someone to talk to. Because of them I have learned to never give up and reach for my goals, to love and appreciate myself more one step at a time, one day at a time. Just pray and everything will be okay. My ill thoughts are now becoming happy thoughts and I am reaching for my goals and overcoming my fears. So to everyone out there. . . always put your trust in God and he will see you through. He hasn’t failed me once! If it wasn’t for him, I can honestly say I wouldn’t be here. Please remember ” Those who walk with God, always reach their destination. Never give up on your goals, be kind to others because the simplest act of kindness might just help save someone’s life . My inspiration came from her. She made it through her childhood then I can most definitely make through my battles and so can you!