"Unbroken Threads: A Woman's Journey Through Hardship and Purpose"

Strongholds are Broken

For clarification about the what, when, where, and how; I scheduled a call with Zamiliola to discuss the details. Zamiliola is a young lady who is known for both her singing voice and lyrical skills. She is both a singer and a spoken word artist. Side note: I love the term "Spoken Word" because it truly embodies (at least in this instance) exactly what she does and why she does it. She's sharing the word of God through the gift of speech and sound.

After the call with Zamiliola, I have clarity on everything and I am super excited. As a part of the application process, The Chain Breakers want me to share my testimony on stage, as they bring their ministry to town next weekend.

Zamiliola broke it down like this:

"Ministry and testimony create a reciprocal relationship. Ministry sets the stage for authentic connections, and testimonies provide a compelling narrative of faith in action. Together, they reinforce the essence of Christianity – a faith that not only speaks through words but is tangibly demonstrated through service and shared experiences." (Now that's a WORD!)

In the days after deciding to give my life over to Jesus's purpose for me, my spirit has been reignited. I am rebuking the spirit of stage fright and failure in the name of Jesus! I am breaking free of strongholds. This is the how; as Zamiliola shared with me.

The first step for me has been Recognizing Strongholds: The first step in breaking free from strongholds is recognizing their existence. Strongholds manifest as recurring sins or negative thought patterns that keep us trapped in cycles of guilt, shame, or despair. Self-awareness is crucial in identifying these strongholds, as it enables one to confront them honestly.

Step 2 - Renewing the Mind: In Romans 12:2, the Bible teaches, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Renewing the mind is a vital aspect of breaking free from strongholds. It involves replacing negative thought patterns and lies with the truth of God's Word. This process is ongoing and requires daily focus on Scripture and prayer.

Step 3 - Prayer and Repentance: Prayer is a powerful tool in the Christian's arsenal when it comes to breaking strongholds. Seeking God's guidance and strength through prayer is essential for overcoming deeply rooted sins and habits. Repentance is also crucial, as it involves a genuine sorrow for one's actions and a commitment to turn away from sinful behaviors.

Step 4 - Seek Accountability and Support: Breaking free from strongholds is not a solo endeavor. It often requires the support of fellow believers who can hold you accountable and provide encouragement. Christian community and fellowship play a significant role in the process of transformation.

Step 5 - Relying on the Holy Spirit: Christians believe in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Trusting in the Holy Spirit's guidance and surrendering control to Him is essential for breaking strongholds. Galatians 5:16 reminds believers to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

Step 6 - Reflex on Scripture: Reflecting on Scripture allows God's truth to permeate your heart and mind. Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." The Word of God serves as a weapon against strongholds, helping believers to align their thoughts and actions with God's will.

Step 7 - Replace Strongholds with God's Promises: As strongholds are broken, it's crucial to replace them with God's promises. Rather than dwelling on the old patterns, focus on the freedom and hope found in Christ. Philippians 4:8 encourages believers to think about whatever is "true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and of good repute."

Step 8 - Patience and Perseverance: Breaking free from strongholds is not always an instant process. It often involves setbacks and struggles. However, as Christians we are called to persevere, trusting that God's grace is sufficient, and He will bring about transformation over time.

I am learning so much already. 

I Speak the Name... the Powerful Name of Jesus