You Are Who You Are for a Reason

This book has been on my shelf for nearly a year. I’d been wanted to share in the reading with someone else during their spiritual journey who could offer a perspective. We read 1 short chapter daily for the next 40 days, (now on day 6) take notes and then discuss what we gained from the reading. Admittedly, I don’t talk about religion often because there is still so much, I don’t fully understand. However, my spirituality is my main coping skill with every challenge or aspect of life that I face. Here’s a poem from chapter 2 that touched me so deeply, I couldn’t resist sharing. I’m sure many of you may already be familiar with it and if not, I hope you enjoy.

by Russell Kelfer

You are who you are for a reason.
You’re part of an intricate plan.
You’re a precious and perfect unique design,
Called “God’s special woman or man”

You look like you look for a reason.
Our God made no mistake.
He knit you together within the womb,
You’re just what He wanted to make!

The parents you had were the ones He chose,
And no matter how you may feel,
They were custom-designed with God’s plan in mind,
And they bear the Master’s seal.

No, that trauma you faced was not easy;
And God wept that it hurt you so.
But it was allowed to shape your heart
So that into His likeness you’d grow.

You are who you are for a reason.
You’ve been formed by the Master’s rod.
You are who you are, Beloved,
Because there is a GOD.

Published by 5thgenerationgirl

Tammy Wynette is a mother of three and a “G-MA” (grandma). Born in Warren, Arkansas, she currently resides in Sacramento, CA and is pursuing an AA degree in English at American River College, with plans to transfer to California State University, Sacramento (Sac State). She is an active leader and role model in her community, she works with teens sharing and teaching poetry, as well as providing insight for young parents to prosper. She has certificate from NAMI (The National Alliance on Mental Illness) and is a trailblazer & Griot, keeper of stories/traditions passed down from her ancestors. As an Author and motivational speaker it’d be an honor to present at your events to inspire, encourage & let our VOICES be heard! She has short stories and poems published in Our Black Mothers Brave, Bold and Beautiful!

65 thoughts on “You Are Who You Are for a Reason

  1. Thanks for sharing, Tammy. Like you, I believe all of us are meant to be the people we are, to meet and to be with the people in our lives, and it is in that comfort, that I can live life with confidence that things will always work out one way or another. Thanks for sharing and happy Friday! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I agree, it simply took me awhile to get to this point. I’ve had this book for years, opened it several times but wasn’t ready to process the info. It’s also nice to share in the reading and have a discussion after each chapter.
      Day/Chapter 9 today 🙂
      Enjoy your weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. It’s a poem/verse:

        Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

        Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

        Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

        Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

        Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

        Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

        Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

        Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

        Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

        And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

        by Max Ehrmann ©1927

        Liked by 2 people

      1. Enjoy your weekend as well Jeff.
        If you don’t mind, while I have you here, I’ve been trying to figure out how to order “Paradise of True Jubilation”. I tried and reached out to several people including Sunita w/ no response. Is there a way you can help with that? Can’t seem to get through to Amazon India. Thanks, in advance!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. You know, I never had any success in ordering that book. I tried a couple of times, and the message I got back was that shipping to the US was not possible. Wish I could be more help on this one. I would have loved to have a copy of that book.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Wow, way to get the ‘Self-acceptance ball’ a rollin’!
    I think a lot of folks wanted this assurance, and are sharing it with those whom they believe need it as well. It is well written, and thoughtful of you to share.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks…I think. I’m a bit confused about what made you cry 😊 and I assure you and Murph, I’ve been very well. Just a little pain from celebrating my b-day & my job can be challenging haha.

      Like

      1. You said, “Thanks…I think.” Giggle.
        I beat myself up about things, and the tiny part that mentioned parents did me in. I’ve not heard of birthday pain, but can envision a good # of scenarios that may inflict such a thing. So glad you are so well!

        Liked by 1 person

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