This work comes out of some of the private writing Brenda has been doing in her devotions and as part of the reboot

All my life I’ve been surrounded by the Spirit of “NOT ENOUGH”. This spirit breathes life and pain into the very heartbeat of the people he encounters and so society at large is effected. He speaks his fear of not being enough, not seeing enough, not having enough. He is and becomes the spirit of poverty. This is what he does to people:

We don’t give, even though we have plenty- because one day we might not have enough. We hoard our possessions and belongings and constantly desire more-because one day we might not be able to afford to have or get them. We say we want better paying jobs so we can give more, but when we are then so blessed we first set about meeting our own desires and wants first calling them NEEDS. “First me” we think, “then you and then them.”

The Spirit of poverty having wreaked his havoc over our finances then begins his evil work on our spirits and souls. See the Spirit of Generosity has now been rooted out of our finances, so he knows now he can root it out of our self image and identity.

He begins whispering “No one respects you.” “No one understands you or thinks your ideas are valid.” “No one thinks you belong here or are worthy to be here.”So we fight to prove ourselves worthy of the roles we have been given.

“That’s right ,” He whispers. “See how hard you have to work to be appreciated? They’ll never think you are worthy or enough.” “They will always think there is some one better for the job.” HE whispers louder. “You should fight some more.”

SO we fight for our positions and possessions, thinking we are using righteous anger, never noticing the root of bitterness growing in our soul.

Then he whispers, “You are too much to handle. People can’t handle your energy, your drive, your focus. You are overwhelming, that is why you are alone and always will be.”

HE goes on, “People say they love you, but do they really?”And the seed of doubt is planted by the now growing root of bitterness both being watered and fueled by our hurt and anger. Meanwhile the tree of generosity has begun to wither and decay.He keeps us running to stay worthy, chasing after the love we seek and the desire to be accepted. Running after our need to be respected. We keep feeding the seedlings of bitterness and doubt until they begin to blossom and pour out their pain on those around us.We begin to become a self fulfilling prophecy of pain and anger.

But there is hope. The tree of Generosity is not so easily killed. Its roots are deep and strong.One drop of healing water and it begins to heal our soul and spirit piece by piece. One offering given, one meal bought for a friend or colleague, one word of encouragement, one PRAYER FOR HELP…that prayer pours out its living water onto the parched tree and the life giving stuff makes the tree of Generosity grow and thrive once again.

The deluge of Living Water drowns the saplings of bitterness and doubt and our spirit begins to see the world with God’s eyes again. Our soul begins to see itself as God see us filled with generosity, giving grace and mercy and encouragement out freely.And the Body of Christ is healed.

THE END