He Lives

I say it all the time, “If you have a hope, you’re still in the game.” I don’t ever remember living during a time in history that it appears so many are losing hope. We are hearing story after story regarding the feelings of defeat. Bills stacked, accounts overdrawn; people are merely living from day to day. As Wall Street manipulates their come back, why is my back feeling pressured. The less I have to give, the more is being taken. The phone is ringing for payment as I juggle to eat. And as I listen to debates explaining why I am, or am not entitled to the American dream, my children are going without. These are tryin’ times. Had you not noticed me crying as I suffer? Do you not understand the anguish in not knowing? Why are you playing games? For the life you alter is that of my own. On bended knees I approach throne, asking for direction while journeying through the unknown. The good of this, “I know my redeemer lives.”

The Pain of Hannah

"And she made a vow, saying, 'O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.'" ~1 Samuel 1:11 (NIV)

We've all suffered in some capacity as Hannah. I know I've cried out in good company; Job and even Jesus had to cry out to the God of Israel. I've learned to rejoice in suffering; for He is a God who not only hears, but answers those who are in despair. I can say when I was hungry; He fed me, jobless; He supplied all my needs and when it appeared all hope was gone; He smiled.

As mothers are celebrated, I thank God for a mother with the presence of mind such as Hannah; as a baby, she gave me back to Him. Hannah was blessed with Samuel, Heard of God, a wise man gifted to encourage people to change their ways.

What will God birth from your pain?

Proud Day: Health Care Reform

As a registered nurse, I’ve cared for countless Americans who were without medical insurance; as it has always been a pleasure, it was discouraging as well. Really, what was the sense to provide discharge planning to an individual who would not be able to purchase the medications on discharge? Pointless.

I’ve watched the debates, and had to consider; what type of heart does not care enough to see his neighbor well. Have we actually come to a place in history that the struggles of so many have become only words in a text? From left to right I heard the arguments. I looked to the right, and thought; surely the idea of becoming sick without insurance has never been fathomed. And as my eyes glanced to the left; my heart pleaded for a fight.

Today I smile knowing from my own experience; the first draft is never final, but it is an opportunity to move towards perfection. I salute the tireless efforts and in some cases, sacrifices; to do what’s right for all Americans. Praise God!

The Spring Is Here

We’ve had a blessed winter, and although it was difficult for so many; we’ve survived. The winter of 2010 is symbolic of life as well. I believe God for a revival on the land. As I’ve prayed many nights for His mighty protection on us His people; I’ve learned to endure the difficult days because the Creator of the heavens and earth has a way of restoring in plentiful for long-suffering.

With every new season; there are endless possibilities and with God, each one is within reach. My name is Donna M. Watford; I simply go by: Donna. I’ve embraced this my new season that allows me to share and enlighten others. My purpose is to encourage, empower, and share the good news of Jesus the Christ.

A new website coming soon: donnamwatford.com

Death In The Flesh

Clean and sober, pinnacle words for an addict. Intoxication, it’s a dark world; you learn to survive in a vicious cycle. You bargain with you time and time again; always making the same promise to yourself, this is it! Yet, somehow you find yourself in a state of mind that battles the good with the evil; your heart wishes for you to quit and grace contracts it one more time; another chance, still you succumb to the dark voice that calls you by name. Romans 7:19 reminds me we all suffer with something; death in the flesh.

Leave Tiger Alone

"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone." ~Jesus

Accomplished in your fields and you consider this news. It’s gossip! As a Christian I by no means condone his behavior. Yet, on my journey, I’ve had an opportunity to study people as a sociology major and my life experiences contribute to my ability to speak on social issues. So I now choose to speak. Leave him alone.

Indisputably he is the greatest golf player in the world, and rather you love him or not, he will forever be recognized as the man who revolutionized the game of golf. Even I show an interest in the game. What I care nothing about is his personal life, and for some reason, today I wanted to share with the associate press why I clearly see three fingers pointing back in your face.

As you attempt to trash his name; you defame your own. You created the image and presented him to the world as a young man who at a tender age had perfected life; when in fact, he was just coming into his own. Such pressure for a kid his age. Now that he’s hopefully learned a life lesson; the don’ts of a husband, father, and famous personality, you continue to sensationalize his mistakes as if this is a first in history and you call it news. The true shame is on you!

Earth Has No Sorrow That Heaven Cannot Heal

It’s been some time since my devastating loss, so I wanted to check with God and see how I was doing. He and I have been quite busy this year working on the book, Amazing Grace: A Tribute to You, The Story of Us. He has graciously kept my mind occupied, yet I still perform periodic mental assessments with God.

Since He made me a nurse, I assess my progress by reviewing material that I vaguely paid attention to while in nursing school. There was really no need for me to take a deep interest in the subject. My family was intact, and it was not of great interest to me at the time. Thirteen years later, however, I’m very interested to read carefully what I merely skimmed over the first time, so in 2007, I reviewed my old class notes, words a stranger in a hair salon found more interesting than I did in the summer of 1994.

God reminded me of the day I initially reviewed this material. It was a Saturday afternoon, and I sat under a dryer in the hair salon studying my class notes. There was a woman who appeared to be my mother’s age sitting next to me. To my surprise, she was reading my class notes as well. She said, “It’s all true.” Referring to my notes, she stated with absolute certainty that the author was totally on target. As I recall that day, I go to my attic and dust off the notes that were once of very little interest to me. Now I want to review the “Grieving Process.”

In Loving Memory (1938-2006)

Coming Out The Wilderness

I tell stories for people like me; made some mistakes, but it didn't stop there. When God brought me out; I felt like writing...
What will you do? ~Donna

The wilderness, at some point in our lives we all find ourselves in a place that appears to have no outlet; I bring you good news. It is God who allows and is able to bring you out of the difficult times. The enemy is clever in that he tends to have us focus on the here and now, but I write to show you the truth: Jesus. My message will always be one that helps you to navigate as I remind you who’s truly controlling the storm: Jehovah. I encourage you to embrace the storms of life; for on the other side, in Christ, there is always a rainbow. Peace, be still. Let’s go…