|
 [find the full message on the Second Baptist Church of Washington Facebook page found at this link.]
Be still and know that I am God. We find the overflow of GOD’s HOLY GHOST POWER in the stillness. Psalm 46 1-7, 10-11 God is our refuge and strength, A[a] very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the [b]midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the [c]tabernacle of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be [d]moved; God shall help her, just [e]at the break of dawn. 6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah 10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah AN AKA AT DELTA HEADQUARTERS For about 3 years, starting in 2019, I took a position as trademark counsel for a national sorority headquartered in Washington DC. Interestingly enough I did not work for my sorority, AKA Sorority Inc. Instead I worked for the other organization- you know the one, our sisters in crimson and cream. I survived . One of my fondest memories from that time centered around one of the Howard law school interns that I recruited. She was going through a rough period. She was ill and the doctors could not figure out the cause. She was dealing with a difficult relationship with a boyfriend. And she was juggling her internship and law school. One day, she asked to speak with me, she wanted some encouragement and prayer. Before we got into the full conversation, I asked her to tell me about the God she serves. And she proceeded to tell me about how her God – which was my GOD!- the ONE who delivered her from a variety of bad situations. She recounted how she had been healed in the past, how she had passed her LSAT and was doing well in school. How she got this internship and had her own place. HER COUNTENANCE SHIFTS Before long and before I had opportunity to say anything, her countenance began to shift. WHY? she took a minute in the midst of her melancholy to reflect on the goodness of the LORD. When you PAUSE and you remember, what God has done, all of His mighty works, the little things, the big things, the miraculous, the unbelievable things you can't help but be restored, renewed, and revived. FROM PREACHER'S KID TO ADVISOR Most of you know my story. I am a PK - born into a family of strong Christian believers. We had bible study at home. My first book was a children's bible full of Old Testament stories in bold colors and large print which I read over and over again. When I left home for college, I was steeped in Christian theology. I knew my Bible. And during college at Johns Hopkins and later at Pace U, I made a name for myself as being the best advisor. My advice was always centered on biblical principles, even though my friends did not know that. HARD WORK IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR GOD But somewhere along the line, after law school AND after I had been in the job market for years, I slowly began to put more emphasis on my work ethic and less emphasis on scheduling time to study the word of God. I never stopped going to church. But, I did begin to adopt some of the world’s teachings - I started to believe that if I worked hard enough I could achieve my goals. This belief in the power of self to solve problems is a FALSE NARRATIVE that is not of God. (Faith and works) In Hebrews 11:6 – We learn that “Without Faith it is impossible to please God.” A FORCED RESET Then in 2015 - I hit a wall literally. I was in a terrible car accident. I broke my leg in 3 places. Have you ever been in so much pain that you have an out of body experience? Where you actually leave your body and look down on yourself? I have. And what compounded the ordeal even more was, first, the drugs I was prescribed did not agree with me. And second, I had to move out of my beloved dollhouse and move back to my parent's home in SE. For a year, I was stationery - laid up in mom and dad's big bed. Do disoriented that I could not work. So weak that I could not move. With nothing else to do, I began to read the Bible again. I already knew a lot about Jesus and about Yahweh, the creator as revealed in the OT and New. I did not know much about the Holy Spirit. And so I searched for clues. A NEW DISCOVERY - This is what I discovered. The HOLY SPIRIT is as real as Jesus Christ; and God, the Father. Acts: 2:1-4 describes what happended when the Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost – It reads: 1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues a as the Spirit enabled them. The Holy Spirit GIVES US the POWER of GOD. When we are filled with the HOLY GHOST – we have access to a variety of gift.
How do we gain access to Holy Ghost power that grants us these things - Once we are baptized, we are filled with the Holy Spirit- or POWER. And this Spirit resides with us in our body - At which point, we become the temple for the Holy Spirit of God. With this power we can over time become like Jesus; and can survive the evilness of this world. BUT there is a CATCH - To fully actualize The Holy Spirit power, it must be activated and nurtured DAILY. Seriously. EVERY DAY. As you study the Bible, you will come to understand who GOD is. He is a peculiar, fantastical and wonderful God. And as such, His ways ARE NOT OUR WAYS. So while God promises divine efficiency and divine power – HE dispenses this power in doses – in fact this power is metered out like daily bread. In other words, God grants us just enough Holy Ghost Power to allow us to navigate the ups and downs of each day. We must replenish the well of power every day by taking steps to activate it. Once we flip switch and activate our daily dose of POWER, we can do anything. How do you activate the POWER within? It’s simple! YOU Praise Him. You spend quient time with HIM. You read your Bible. You apply Biblical teachings to your life. But bear in the mind, that just like you can turn on your daily dose of HOLY GHOST POWER you can also diminish your power to such an extent that you turn it completely off. HOW do you do that? Your power shrinks when you
You turn off our POWER supply completely when you consistently offend the Spirit. See, The Spirit of God is really sensitive. You can offend the Spirit when you surround yourself with wordly things: Bad language. Horrific imagery. Evil companions. The Holy Spirit will retreat even more if you do things to destroy the temple (or your body) that houses it – So, when you drink in excess, take drugs, disobey the Word of God the Spirit will retreat. The good news is that the Spirit never completely abandons a believer. You have a chance every day to activate it anew. In John 16:33 - Jesus said "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus overcame Satan and He gave us the Power to do the same thing. But in order to win, we must check evil daily by meeting with God and activating the Holy Ghost power within. Today is Sunday. Tomorrow is the first day of a new week. I invite you to carve out 15 minutes every day this week to sit before God bask in HIS glory, and activate the POWER you have within. I am a visual learner. So, before I start my day, I PAUSE and sit quietly and visualize a spotlight being shined on me. I imagine myself covered by soft pink light. As the light shines on me, I reflect on the goodness of God, thanking Him for his mercy and asking Him to activate the Spirit in me so that I can deal with the issues of the day. My dad has said that when he lays flat on his back he can still his mind to hear from God and pray for others. My grandmother, Minnie Belle used to get in her rocking chair, a bible on her lap, and call out the name Jesus over- Fix it Jesus, Fix it Jesus…. Where do you go to be with God?. Your car? Your kitchen late at night. Your closet. You don't have go far because the Spirit of God dwells with in you. I am a witness that Holy Ghost Power is real. It is the only way you can make it today. It is the only way you can save your children from dark forces. It is the only way to get healing for your body. It is the only way to be delivered from addiction. It is the only way to determine fact from fiction. It is the only way to push beyond your physical limits. It is the only way to forgive evil doers. It is the only way to find happiness here on earth. You have to know God to gain access to his POWER. Today, on this Women’s day, we invite you to open your heart to the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. You already have everything you need to defeat the evil of this world. My prayer for you is the same prayer I have for myself - May God's vitalizing energy flood your whole consciousness so that you are healed today. God answers prayers. It is a promise, darling. CLICK HERE to read more inspirational messages. ©️ May 18, 2025 - Mariessa Terrell
1 Comment
 YooHooDarling! Have you seen God today? No really—have you? Not in some dramatic miracle or angel sighting (though He can do that too!), but in the little glimmers of beauty tucked into your day.
Maybe it was a perfect purple flock bursting through a city sidewalk. Or the sound of water gurgling around the Tidal Basin. Or the way a cloud drifted slowly across the sky, unbothered. Or maybe it was a street musician at a Metro stop playing the exact right note when you needed it most. I’m a city girl, so trust me—I know it’s noisy, busy, gritty. But even in the middle of it all, God is showing up. The question is: are you paying attention? Here’s the secret: it’s not enough to just notice these moments. I want you to make it a practice—a daily, holy habit—to see these small wonders and pause long enough to say: “God, I see You.” And then? Whisper thanks. Ask Him what He’s saying in that moment. Enter into a conversation with the Creator of everything beautiful. Over time, those small conversations will grow. You’ll realize you’ve been walking with Him all along. God isn’t far away, Sugar. He’s right here. Closer than your next breath. Always waiting for you to turn your attention toward Him. Today, I’m inviting you to start this practice. Open your eyes. Open your heart. Speak to Him when you see beauty, no matter how small. ✨ You are never alone. It’s a promise, darling. Simone  YooHooDarling! Do you ever feel like you're meant for more? Like there’s something powerful inside you just waiting to be activated? That’s not your imagination. That’s your calling.
I believe in superpowers. I believe that every one of us is born with a spark from God—an inner force that, when cultivated, can carry us through heartbreak, opposition, even spiritual warfare. It’s not Marvel or Disney. It’s the Kingdom of God. And, it’s REAL. The Bible reads like a spiritual action movie: miracles, healings, dark forces, dramatic plot twists, and unlikely heroes. Sounds familiar? It should. You’re one of them. When God formed you, He embedded gifts inside—strength, discernment, compassion, faith, healing, leadership, divine timing. These aren’t party tricks. These are guaranteed powers for those walking in the Spirit. But like all Supers —Wonder Woman, Storm, or Shuri, you must train to properly use them. Time with God is your bootcamp. Obedience is your armor. Scripture? That’s your sword. Yes, the journey is full of tests. Some days, we’re flying high. Other days, we’re barely crawling through the rubble of heartbreak, confusion, or doubt. But don’t be fooled. Every fight is rigged in your favor. Romans 8:37 reminds us: “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” That means even when you feel weak, God’s power is on full display. Searching for a heroine to save the day? Look in the mirror. She is already here. God handcrafted your destiny, wired you with power, and promised to walk with you through every mission. You’re not waiting to be saved—you’re already suited up. It’s a promise, darling.  YooHooDarling! A few years ago, in the middle of a regular Tuesday convo about careers and car notes, a dear friend hit me with a question that stopped me in my tracks:
“Do you really believe that Jesus is the Son of God?” Now, Sugar, that was not on the agenda! We were knee-deep in everyday minutia when she dropped that Holy Spirit pop quiz. Without missing a beat, I said: “Yes. Yes, I do.” I believe that Jesus is the Son of the Living God. And I believe that His life—His sacrifice—His resurrection—is the blueprint for how to live and love with power, purpose, and passion. Today is Easter Sunday. And we’re not just celebrating chocolate bunnies and pastel suits. We are celebrating the resurrection of the One who conquered death. The One who gave up everything so we could have access to everything that truly matters—peace, joy, forgiveness, and eternal life. When Jesus died, He became the ultimate sacrifice—the spotless Lamb. His death tore the veil. His resurrection made a way. Because He lives, we can face everything—every failure, every disappoint-ment, every heartbreak—with holy confidence. And here's the part that still gives me chills: The same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives inside of you. Yes, Sugar! You got resurrection power on the inside. So when life feels heavy or hopeless, don’t forget—your story doesn’t end in the tomb. You were built for victory. Designed to rise. Get up, dust off, and shine! You are not alone. You are not forgotten. You are not defeated. He is risen—and so are you. “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” — John 11:25 (NIV) Happy Easter, my loves. Don’t give up. God loves you. And so do I. 💜 It’s a promise, darling.  YooHooDarling! Ever feel like you don’t quite fit in? Like you’re swimming upstream while everyone else is floating in the opposite direction? Good. That means you're right where God wants you.
Jesus said, “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). That’s your divine assignment. Be strategic, alert, and discerning—but never lose your softness, your kindness, your grace. It’s not easy, I know. But we’re not meant to blend in. We’re set apart. Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That means we don't follow trends—we follow truth. Our lives should look different. Not because we’re better, but because we’re lit from within. We have a supernatural glow! The world teaches "get even," but we forgive. The world celebrates being wild, but we exercise discipline. The world says follow your heart—we follow the Holy Spirit. So the next time you feel “different,” don’t shrink, sparkle! You’re not here to impress the world. You’re here to reflect Christ. It’s not always easy to stand out from the crowd. But take heart, Sugar—you are never alone. God is always with you, guiding, protecting, and loving you through it all. It’s a promise, darling. 💜  YooHooDarling! Are you praying for a change? Like, really praying? Maybe you're dreaming of a fresh start—a new school, a safer space, or just a do-over to become the best version of yourself.
Well, guess what? You’re not alone. Nehemiah felt that way, too. He saw the brokenness around him and wanted more—for his people and his future. So he did what all powerful girls do: he prayed. See, Nehemiah 1-6. This prayer, inspired by Nehemiah’s heart cry, is your holy glow-up request. A bold ask for God to move, restore, and reposition you. Let’s pray, beloved. 👋🏾Hello God, it’s me—Your girl. You’re powerful, faithful, and always keep Your promises. You see me, even when I feel invisible. Right now, I need You more than ever. I’ve made mistakes. We all have. But You said if I return to You, You’d bring me back from any broken place and put me somewhere brand new—with purpose. So here I am, asking You to do it. Place me where I belong. Open the right doors. Give me the strength to keep going. God, I believe You can rebuild my life. Thank You for hearing me. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for the victory. Amen. 👉🏽 “If you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.” — Nehemiah 1:9 (NIV) Save this prayer in your notes app, whisper it to yourself in the mirror, or tuck it into the pages of your journal. God’s not just listening—He’s already working it out. It’s a promise, darling.  YooHooDarling! Sometimes, we think we’re searching for answers, but in reality, we’re just hiding—from the truth, from growth, or even from God. I get it, facing what’s in front of us can be overwhelming. But here's the good news: God’s not playing hide-and-seek with you. He’s right there, dwelling within you, waiting for you to notice.
The Bible gives us a promise in Matthew 7:7: Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. Are you knocking? Are you truly seeking Him, or are you settling for quick fixes and worldly comforts that never satisfy? So often, we chase things that only bring temporary happiness—a fleeting sense of joy that fizzles out as quickly as it came. But God? He offers lasting peace and true fulfillment. God is the only One who can fill that void in your heart. His love is deeper than your wounds, His peace steadier than your chaos, and His wisdom clearer than your confusion. The harder you seek, the more He reveals. And the beautiful thing? God never grows tired of your questions or requests. And how do we seek Him? Oh, it’s simpler than you think. Start with prayer. Whisper your heart’s questions. Open your Bible and let His words speak to you. But beware — don’t get distracted by the noise of the world. Study His ways, not the ways of those who act in opposition to His love. Your responsibility is to seek Him for yourself. People will disappoint you. Institutions will falter. But God? He never fails. It’s a promise, darling.  YooHooDarling! This world can be a whole mess — corruption, temptation, and chaos at every turn. Even when I’m doing my best to stay on track, I still stumble. One wrong decision, one missed opportunity, and suddenly I’m wondering how I veered so far from where God wanted me to be.
 Yoo Hoo Darling! Have you ever felt like life is one big balancing act—trying to juggle the weight of your burdens while still holding on to your joy? Oh Sugar, I get it. One minute you’re basking in the sunshine of God’s blessings, and the next—you’re knee-deep in trials that feel like they’re about to swallow you whole.
But guess what? Paul already told us this life wouldn’t be easy. In fact, he said the life of a believer comes with manifold trials—a fancy way of saying many shades of trouble in varying degrees. Sounds rough, right? Here’s the twist: with those trials also comes great rejoicing. How? Because, darling, those trials are not random acts of cruelty—they’re part of God’s plan. God allows the hard stuff because He loves you. He’s not punishing you; He’s preparing you, strengthening your faith muscles so you can stand taller and reflect His Son’s glory. That’s why you can feel the weight of life and still have joy. So, how do you survive the discomfort and remain upbeat? Supernaturally! Through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joy isn’t about pretending—that’s prosperity ministry fluff. it’s about surrendering the weight to God and letting Him fill you with strength and peace. Heaviness and happiness can coexist when you trust God to carry the load. Let Him balance the scales. You’ve got this—because He’s got you. It’s a promise, darling. James 1:2-4: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  Do you know what’s impossible? Trying to please God without faith. But what does that even mean? Faith is that deep-down knowing that God’s got you—even when things are falling apart. It’s believing God is working it out behind the scenes, even if you can’t see it yet.
This week, I heard about the Stockdale Paradox—,it blew my mind. Admiral Jim Stockdale was held as a prisoner for eight years during the Vietnam War. When he was finally released, people asked how he survived when so many others didn’t. His answer? "I never lost faith that I would make it out." But here’s the key—Stockdale didn’t pin his hope on getting out by Christmas or next year. Other prisoners did that, and when those dates came and went, their hope shattered. Stockdale trusted that freedom would come eventually—no timeline, just faith. That’s the kind of faith God calls us to. Faith that holds on without deadlines or conditions. Faith is like putting your foot on the head of a snake—keeping it pinned down so doubt and fear don’t have a chance to rise up and bite you. You’ve got to keep that pressure steady, even when nothing seems to be happening. Because here’s the truth: with faith, the impossible becomes possible. Surviving heartbreak? ✨ Faith. Pushing through rejection? ✨ Faith. Thriving when you’re down to your last dollar? ✨ Faith. Faith isn’t about knowing when God will come through—it’s about knowing that He will. God is working it out, even now. It's a promise, darling. Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please God. |
AuthorSeeking Happiness? Me too! Archives
May 2025
Categories |
RSS Feed