embraceGOD – Page 4 – rootedbythewater.blog

Where do you hide?

November 3, 2022Leave a Comment

Some times in life you may feel the urge to withdraw. You may feel a desire to hide your true self. There is much pressure in society to accept things contrary to your beliefs. Others might feel called to pursue something but afraid to take the risks of looking foolish. Whatever the reason, you can’t hide from God. He is not in any one location. He is everywhere. Psalms 139 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. I have many favorites but this one always touches my heart.

“I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. “Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭7‬ – 10 (NLT‬‬)

It’s comforting to know that God is with us where ever we are. We are never out of His reach Even in those lonely and isolating times, He is there, ready to comfort and love us. He longs for us to seek Him with all our heart.

Recently I was talking with my friend Valerie. We were talking about the sad state of our world and culture. The depravity of the world has gotten so bad. I told her some times I feel like I live under a rock because I’m not into tv, movies, or secular music. As I thought on that… living under a rock, I said, “That’s right! I live under The Rock – Jesus Christ!” A worship song is playing in my heart right now. “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name.“. (Robert Critchley Lyrics to My Hope is Built on Nothing Less. 2007) This resonates with me.

When I hear of the things going on in our society I am blown away by how far the moral has fallen. The indoctrination and grooming of children is mind blowing. Cancel culture and having unique values is like walking on egg shells. My husband recently spoke to a young man. He greeted him, “Hey man”. This is not unusual. My husband is very friendly and talks to everyone. This particular guy said, “I’m a girl”. So my husband said, “Hey girl”. He wasn’t being mean or rude but just trying to be friendly. People are so confused. It is just beyond me to understand the times we live in.

I was recently filling out forms online for an appointment I had and the questions asked were absurd. One example: What gender do you identify with? This was for a doctors appointment! I just don’t understand the confusion in our society. It’s beginning to be frowned upon to have high values and integrity. It makes no sense at all! Good has become evil and evil has become good. Don’t be afraid to speak truth in love. You can hide in Christ. He is our Cornerstone. “When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace, In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.” (Robert Critchley, Lyrics to My Hope is Built on Nothing Less, 2007)

I’m so thankful God does not expect me to understand but to just trust Him. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬ -6 NASB2020‬‬. All we can do is trust God and allow His love and truth to shine through us. If you get weary of this world just hide/rest in Jesus. Let Him renew you and fill you with His Spirit to rise up again.

Dear Jesus restore our resolve to stand firm for You in this spiritually dark world. Pierce the darkness and expose any deception. Set people free from the confusion of the enemy. We ask you to shine brightly and bring salvation to the lost that You purchased with Your blood on the cross. In Jesus name Amen.

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

Costly Oil

October 29, 2022Leave a Comment

Oil? Yes oil! A need for fresh oil has been a repetitive thing in my spirit lately. I’m not referring to the cooking kind, or automotive kind, but rather that of the Holy Spirit.

Last week I met with a group of friends to dig into Gods Word. One friend was intrigued about the ten virgins in Matthew 25. It was an interesting discussion as we looked up scripture related to this topic and life application. Bottom lime is, we need fresh oil to shine for Jesus. Fresh oil or anointing comes from spending time in prayer, worship and reading Gods Word.

This week I’ve been reflecting on this and coming across other bits of information that all go along together. I came across a statement that made me think. Sometimes the answer to my prayer is not what I gain but rather what I lose. When I spend time in prayer I lose anger, anxiety, frustration, dpression and hurt to name a few. Those loses are ultimately gains. Sometimes life is a big mess of frustration. I find myself often praying, “Lord help me”. His answers are not always in the way I’d like, but in one way or another, Jesus shows Himself faithful.

Last week when I met with my neighbor for our Bible study, we were analyzing scriptures about healing. One name of our God is, Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who heals. As we were praying and sharing about different things, I told her I believe God can heal my optic nerves. I told her of my frustrations with my Optelec magnifier being broke and the parts being so pricey. The part that came in that did not fix the problem, cost $100 just to ship back. I told my friend, “ God needs to either fix my optic nerves or fix my machine! “ Yesterday my husband finally was able to get in touch with a regional person about a used machine. The man has a used one that he will sell us for $800, we just have to meet him some time this week. Thank you Jesus! That is a big answer to prayer. Of course I’d prefer healing but I’m trusting God.

I came across another thing online that really summed up my life and the difficulties I face. The post was on social media by Hannah Williamson, who I do not know. She started by saying, “Your calling is going to crush you.” I’m going to quote her here because it was so spot on true and she said she is sharing because someone else desperately needs it. I was one of those people. I read it over and over and I cried. Life is a big jumbled up frustration and I don’t typically talk about it because God is the only one who can change things. It’s no one’s fault so I push through. Here is the whole post I read on Facebook. I had trouble formatting this so everything below in gold is Hannah Williamsoms words.

Hannah Williamson, October 19

Your calling is going to crush you.

👉🏼 I have posted this before, but someone desperately needs this reminder.

💔If you are called to mend to the brokenhearted, you are going to wrestle with a broken heart.

👦🏻If you are called to heal God’s little ones, you have probably experienced your own share of trauma.

🗣If you are called to prophesy, you’re going to struggle with self-control of the tongue.

🩺If you are called to lay hands, you’re going to deal with spiritually-rooted disease.

🪨If you’re called to preach and teach the gospel, you WILL be sifted for the wisdom that anoints your message.

🪞If you are called to empower, your self-esteem will be attacked- your successes hard fought.

⚔️Your calling will come with spiritual warfare and a sifting – BOTH are necessary for your mantle to be authentic, humble and powerful.

Your crushing won’t be easy because your assignment is not easy – and you can’t minister POWERFULLY what you haven’t walked out. Read that sentence again.

🕊When you’re feeling the weight of it coming down on you, RUN to the father who longs to be your comfort. Let him whisper your true identity over you while resting under the shadow of his wings. Position yourself against his heartbeat. Let him renew your strength and set your eyes forward. No olives, no oil. No grapes, no wine.

Your oil is not cheap my friend.

Hannah’s post has been shared many times and I too shared it with friends. May God bless Hannah for her faithfulness in sharing this encouragement.

As we continue to be pressed on every side by life, crushed and in the refiners fire, don’t lose hope. Press in closer to Jesus as He renews us daily with fresh strength, fresh anointing and everything we need to walk victoriously in this life.

You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. Be blessed.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

SHAKE ME

October 25, 20221 Comment

If life was like an Etch A Scetch…..

Sometimes we need a good shaking from the Lord. A good shake will clear all the creative mess we make. If we’ve learned anything from previous explorations with the etch a sketch, after a shaking or clearing, if we leave the controls alone there is peace and stillness.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if life was that simple. Just think, when situations or circumstances become messy, just a good shake would clear it all away. That’s wishful thinking.

Life has been a bit stressful lately. What’s new? It seems like a curve ball is always coming up around the corner and catches us off guard . That’s pretty much the story of my life. This latest scenario has tested not only my patience but also my husbands.

My Optelec video magnifier that I’ve been using for 15 years stopped working. I use that machine to see recipes, directions on food packaging, paying the bills, balancing the checkbook and even simply writing. Bottom line, I need it to see for daily functional living and it’s been broke for weeks.

Ron is very mechanically inclined and usually can fix anything. He contacted the company who makes it and they sent instructions on how to disassemble it. He was excited and after talking to someone at the company, ordered the part they thought would fix it. The part was over $500 but that’s way less than a new machine. We waited a week for the part to come in and found out that was not the problem The next part to try is the camera feature to the tune of $2000. Lord give us wisdom to know how to fix this or to get a new one. We could use a good boost of endurance as Ron is doing some of the things I’ve always done.

Meanwhile life continues to happen. Ron took me to my appointment yesterday with my new primary doctor. I’ve seen the same doctor since I was in college but this new one is just two miles from us and was recommended by a friend. She was awesome. We were happy with the whole experience until checking out. Whoa what a sour grape we dealt with. Ron told me later the woman kept telling him to pull his mask up while I was telling him to pull it down. Lord only knows what she was saying to me, because she was all masked up and Ron was too, I could not follow. I told Ron he should have told me. The American Disabilities Act would have come in handy and I would have nicely given her a piece of my mind. She has to learn to be gracious to different types of patients. Communication barriers are no joke. Goodness gracious! She gave us a bunch of forms to fill out. (Remember my broken machine? ) I am in their system and have a patient portal with all my information available to her at the touch of a computer mouse.

This is life! This is us! It takes an abundance of patience. Lord help me be gracious! I spent time in prayer last night and went to bed early. This morning I spent time in prayer again. As I prayed I told the Lord there were so many things but He already knew of them all. He knows the frustrations of dealing with people. He knows the abundance of patience it takes and He knows my weaknesses. This morning I felt in my heart I was to “Be Still”. Just “be still” and worship all that He is. Just “Be Still” and know that He is God. Today is a new day with fresh mercies. It’s a clean slate. Tomorrow is gone with its troubles. There will always be people to deal with and situations to maneuver. Move on and let it go!

May God bless you today in whatever you face. May you see Him smiling and encouraging you as you look to Him. Whatever you do, keep moving forward. It is tempting to throw in the towel and say “I’m done”. Don’t do it! Our purpose is to bring glory to God. We can’t
bring Him glory when we quit but we can bring Him much glory when we surrender and push through by His Spirit. Let’s hit that next curve ball out of the park! Let’s go!

If you enjoyed this blog please subscribe. I share life lessons, struggles living with hearing and visual impairments. It’s my purpose to bring God glory in my daily struggles. My autobiography Rooted by the Water cam be found on Amazon.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Meaning behind the name

October 22, 20221 Comment

One and a half years ago I released my autobiography,Rooted by the Water. As I brainstormed possible names the word “Rooted” stuck in my mind. Being rooted and established in Jesus is so symbolic to my life story. Yet rooted by itself did not reflect the full picture of my journey.

By the summer of 2020 the majority of my book was finished. That summer I decided to read through the Bible in 90 days. I wish I could see well enough to read the Bible in book form but with my low vision reading from the YouVersion app was more assessable. With the font zoomed in large I read from Genesis through Revelations. As I read, I took notes on many scriptures. Searching diligently,God showed me so many scriptures I could use. In Jeremiah I came across the following verses and they stuck. “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭7-8‬ ‭(NIV) After reading that the name of my book took form.

My goal and purpose in life is to bring God glory. What better way to do that than to put my trust and confidence in Jesus. In all honesty, life is tough and doesn’t always make sense.

Over the course of my life many many seeds hvee been sowed: seeds of faith, seeds of trust, seeds of hope, seeds of perseverance ,and seeds of joy to name a few. If you’ve ever planted seeds, you know that not all seeds take root. Those seeds that take root and grow deep and strong are the plants that last.

Jeremiah gives us this illustration of a healthy tree planted by the water whose roots grow deep. This is symbolic of someone whose trust and confidence is in the Lord.

In John 4 Jesus is talking to a Samaritan woman by the well. “Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” John‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) When we are rooted in Jesus, the true living water, we need never to fear.

My trust and confidence are in Jesus. He keeps me rooted and established in all I need to persevere. Life is not about me but the one who sustains me. In good times and bad he helps me flourish. Winds and storms come in my life living with hearing and visual issues, but I hold tight to Jesus. During those gusty windy times of self doubt and despair, Jesus keeps me from breaking. In the dry dark times of drought when I wonder where God is and why I am having to endure various hardships, I remain rooted and nourished by God’s Word filled with life giving scriptures.

If you have never discovered Jesus or surrendered your life to him, he is all that truly satisfies and sustains us in this life. You too can be “rooted by the water.” I have found in life that Jesus is all that really satisfies. I pray whoever reads this that seeds of faith in Jesus take root and change your life for His glory.

I welcome,e you to subscribe to my blog. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. Be blessed.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

What do you see?

October 13, 20221 Comment

When you see people do you really see them? There are so many factors that come together to make people the way they are. You may be asking, what factors? The environments people are raised in, both good and bad, shape people. The types of families, patents, parenting styles have a huge affect on people. The words spoken over people both positive and negative, shape them and the way they think. Past hurts, successes and shortcomings, all factor in. Ones abilities and disabilities and societies response to those can cause life long attitudes and perceptions.

You might be wondering why I’m rambling on like this. As some one with visual and hearing limitations, I truly “See” people. People need love and acceptance.

The American culture and society right now is such a complete mess, It breaks my heart. The lack of morales and upright values is downright appalling. And we wonder why people are so messed up and hurt.

What can we do in light of our current cultural depravity? We can be a listening ear and make time to hear another’s heart. We can and should ask God to give us His perspective on whats occurring around us. We can pray! We can pray that God gives us a heightened sensitivity to what is happening around us. There is such great power in prayer. Just do it! Make the time to ask God what He thinks about what’s going on. Be part of the loving caring solution. We can’t remove ourselves from this world but we can SHINE for Jesus in the murky darkness.

I find myself praying often for children and young adults. I pray God cancels out every plan the enemy has for our young ones. I pray God will pierce the darkness and expose things hidden in plain sight. If you are a person of influence, a parent, educator, business owner, coach, mentor: what can you do to push against this negative culture? You can speak life and truth in love. Value all people. Stand in the gap in prayer and positive living. You can say one thing with your words and something entirely different with your body language and indifference.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
‭‭(‬ ‭NIV‬‬). Will you surrender to Jesus and let Him give you a fresh perspective? “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Lord help us to make a difference. Help us to realize you desire to use us to bring about good and healing. You are El Roi, the God who sees. Nothing is hidden from you. May our surrender and obedience be an act of loving worship as you use us for your glory. In Jesus name Amen!

To read more of my story you can find my autobiography on Amazon in hard cover, soft cover and e book formats. “Rooted by the Water” by Shannon Kenley Hinson.
Www.shannonkhinson.com

Be a Miracle

October 7, 20222 Comments

Recently I was scrolling through Tik Tok and I came across a Pastor who has no arms or legs. I followed him on the app a while back so his videos appear in my feed. He is such an extraordinary person with extraordinary faith. This particular video I came across captured my attention. In the video clip, this pastor with no arms or legs was saying,” When you don’t get a miracle, Be a Miracle”. I though, whoa.. did I get that right? With my low vision and hearing issues, I do often get it wrong. A few days later I went back to try to find the video to save it for future reference and inspiration. Sure enough, with my caption zoomed in large and volume on my device up, I was right. He said, “When you don’t get a miracle, Be a miracle.”

I can’t tell you how many times I have prayed for a miracle for myself and others. While I’ve seen no physical improvements in my nerves that affect my hearing and visual problems, God has and continues to give me extraordinary strength to push through. However, I have never thought in terms of, “Being a Miracle”. Okay Lord will you show me how?

How can I “Be a miracle”? This takes a big shift in perspective and active faith. I decided to get out in nature to walk, pray and reflect. I asked my husband Ron to drop me off at River Walk for some quality time alone with God. As I walked and prayed, praise and thanksgiving filled my heart and mind. Suddenly
the thought “let gratitude be your attitude” came to mind. I began to thank God for the strength that He gives me every day. As I walked and prayed, I thanked God for allowing me to see the asphalt path. I had never walked this path alone. (It is safe with security patrolling) I was hoping to see a deer but I saw squirrels and a bunch of dear people enjoying the beautiful day. My senses were heightened. The sounds of moving water from the river, birdsong and rustling leaves surrounded me. I’m so thankful my Advanced Bionic Marvel cochlear implant processor allows me to hear those beautiful sounds. The warm sunshine, a refreshing breeze and smells of nature enveloped me. As I walked and worshiped the Lord I was tempted to lift my hands and sing but I didn’t. My heart was singing though. Walking more than four miles, I became weary along the way. My mind was telling me to push! Push through even through I was tired! I sensed in my spirit the Lord saying, I clothe you with strength…. Keep going!

God got me back to my starting point. After sitting down on some steps, I texted Ron and told him I was ready to be picked up. Physically wear, I came away refreshed in spirit. To “Be a Miracle” you need only to focus on Jesus with a grateful heart. It’s easy to look for God in the supernatural, but He wants us to know Him on a personal level. When we choose God daily, He allows us to find the everyday miracles. As He leads us forth, He enables us to “Be a Miracle” through His power made perfect in our weakness. Trust Him! He’s got this…whatever this is!

To read more of my story you can find my autobiography on Amazon in hard cover, soft cover and e book formats. “Rooted by the Water” by Shannon Kenley Hinson.
Www.shannonkhinson.com

Beauty from ashes

September 22, 2022Leave a Comment

For several days now I’ve been meaning to sit down and write this. In the process, I’ve typed a few notes to hold onto until I could find time to get my thoughts together.

How can people find beauty in the ashes? As I have reflected on this, several things have come to mind. Don’t despise the hard things.
Hardships make you stronger and equips you to help others.

Finding “Beauty in ashes” is like gleaming diamonds in dirt. You may wonder, “Why am I going through this difficult season in life?” Is God possibly preparing you to encourage others with the same comfort you are receiving? 2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:4 says, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” (NLT‬‬). Gleaming beauty from a hard situation could be being able to encourage others through their difficulties because you have been through it as well. Empathy is beautiful.

Let’s check out another verse. Romans‬ ‭15:5 says, “May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.”(NLT). Patience is beautiful! Encouraging others is also a beautiful thing to experience. Being able to live in harmony is wonderful. The ashes of difficulties make us more sensitive to allowing God to work through us.
‭‭‬
What about compassion? There have been some really genuine people who have forever touched me with their love and compassion when I was struggling. You can pick up on it when someone is real and truly cares. Having experienced this genuine love and concern makes me want to do the same for others.

I’ve had several opportunities recently to minister encouragement to others in trying situations. I will share one with you. One friend is experiencing some lapses in memory. It’s been my pleasure to listen and learn. I listen to her tell me stories. Some times she repeats them. But I listen to them however many times she wants to share. I know it touches my heart when others take time for me so I want to do the same for others. Recently she was helping me pronounce words correctly . I pronounce words the way they are spelled and sometimes that just does not work. She would spell the words out according to what it sounds like. I sure was way off on some of them. It was funny and we both enjoyed it. We have a true friendship that is beautiful .

As God molds us through our difficulties we are being changed to be more Christ like in character. One might think of a hard season in life as, Lord just get me through this! I really believe it’s not about us getting through but rather how we come out. Do we come out stronger? Do we come out tender to the needs and hurts of those around us? Everyday is an opportunity for God to mold us into the image of Jesus. My prayer today is, Lord help me to be more like you and less like me. All for the glory of God! Amrn!

To read more of my story you can find my autobiography on amazon in hard cover, soft cover and e book formats. “Rooted by the Water” by Shannon Kenley Hinson.
Www.shannonkhinson.com

Morning Reflections

September 8, 20221 Comment

This morning I woke before the birds and sat out on the back porch. It was still dark and I sat praying and reflecting. Being thankful is such a big key in living a life of victory. I prayed, worshipped and read the Bible as the sun came up through the trees. It was utterly peaceful.

As I sat reflecting on recent things I thought of this past Sunday at Central Church of God. As the choir led us in worship, I softly sang along. My husband Ron looked at me and I said, “What? Can you hear me?” He smiled and I laughed because I make a joyful noise. The message spoke to my heart. It’s amazing how my personal studies in Gods Word, the message and worship , all combine together into a huge uplifting of my heart. That’s the beauty in how God works and brings things together to uplift you and propel you forward.

There have been other highlights from this week. On Tuesday I started back volunteering at the Fort Mill Church of God food pantry. It’s always a blessing to help others in the community. I helped pack 48 boxes of food that day. Helping others warms my heart.

Later on Tuesday my friend Amy came over to help me with a Zoom mentor meeting for Advanced Bionics. Tuesday was our second training. The first Zoom training was two months ago and a disaster for me. I can look back at my attempts to make it work and shake my head laughing. Simply put, the first zoom meeting was actually my first time using Zoom. As I tried to figure it out, listening as best I could with my cochlear implant technology and realizing I couldn’t see the captioning…let’s just say, it wasn’t the best experience. I was surprised to get an invitation to the second mentor training and asked Amy if she could interpret for me since she can see the captions. She was a huge blessing as she helped me participate. She said it was even difficult for her and she can see well. There was the person speaking, a drop box for chat, another window with questions to answer, the caption was small at the bottom, plus the frames with people in attendance, Amy said, “We are not shown for some reason.” Then I realized the computer camera was covered. It was a learning experience and interesting to hear other peoples stories. Im thankful they will let me stick with encouraging others in online forums.

Last night was the icing on the cake for this week. For years a few deaf friends and I have talked about doing a Bible study together. Last night was our first study together and it was beautiful. I can’t wait to see what God has in store as He reveals more to us and we walk this journey together.

This weekend we will get the family together for a cookout to celebrate what would have been Dads 80th birthday. He is spending it in Heaven with Jesus. We will still celebrate him and the legacy that continues to go forth through us all. We sure do miss him!

I would appreciate prayer for next Tuesday September 13 at 2:30 EST. I finally caved and made an appointment to get my eyes checked. I strongly dislike going to the eye doctor. Too many bad memories and none which could ever help. The last time I went was in the Spring of 2017. Im not looking forward to it. I will see a new Doctor. I pray God allows something to help. Thanks in advance for your prayers.

One other recent highlight, a friend from college was able to plug my files in and get my website back up. My previous domain was taken so the new website is http://www.shannonkhinson.com. He also added my blog to the menu. It does need some tweaking but it is basically functioning. I am so grateful.

To read more of my story you can find my autobiography on amazon in hard cover, soft cover and e book formats. “Rooted by the Water” by Shannon Kenley Hinson.

You will overcome

September 1, 20222 Comments

Have you ever felt slighted? Overlooked might be a better word. I experience this quite often and I know it’s not intentional. When it happens you can feel despair. It’s as if no one sees your struggle and in my case they usually don’t. Although no one is at fault.

Last weekend was one of the lowest points I’ve had in many years. In all honesty I am left out in a sense on a regular basis. This has been my life for many years. When you have low vision and hearing you are cut off from people. You are at the mercy of someone caring to include you and helping you be a part of what’s going on. One on one I’m usually fine but anytime it’s a group of people, I’m struggling to understand . I get bits and pieces. It really disconnects me from people. That’s why I love talking to people online because there are no communication barriers. My low vision makes it a bit difficult because I must push through finding all the typos and a sense of humor to laugh in spite of the frustrations.

The enemy knows our weaknesses and last weekend I took quite a few blows . First it was my Facebook being suspended when I had done nothing wrong. That was a big connection to many people where I was not left out. It’s like God gave me an additional sense when people are struggling with life. I saw people who constantly posted things of sadness and being slighted by others. In these posts, I took the time to encourage and speak life to them. Social media platforms can be a ministry tool if used the right way. I was blown away that my page was suspended. My husband had a FB as well but had not used it in years, so we found his old password and got on his to file a complaint. We have not heard back from them. He said for me to use his page. Two days after I started using his, I got the same messsge that I was in violation of their standards. Whoa! Seriously?!?! I had posted all of FOUR things and none were offensive at all. I navigated around that and changed his password . So far we are still up but I don’t know for how long.

On to the second and third knock this past weekend, all which were unintentional. We were invited to a family dinner to celebrate my brothers two years anniversary of his bone marrow transplant. I loved being there for him. As we sat around the table I smiled and watched everyone conversing. I got bits and pieces but that’s all I can comprehend in a group. I depend on some one helping me to understand. The third knock came on Sunday, it was another unintentional thing. It was a lapse in communication among my deaf friends. Sometimes they prefer to FaceTime because sign language is so natural to them. FaceTiming is hard for me though because I don’t see all the signs. They did a group FaceTime and someone was to tell me but they forgot. I usually don’t care bit it was too many things in a short time; Facebook, family, then my closest friends.

Sunday after church I could not hold the tears. As we sat in Harpers splitting a pasta dish, the dam broke and out came the tears of frustration. Ron had been sitting across the table from me but. slipped into the seat beside me so I could feel his support.

That afternoon I cried out to God. Lord why does it have to be this way? Why do you disconnect me from people because of my hearing and visual issues? Lord these are things you could fix. Jesus you took a besting for our healing. Your word says in Isaiah 53:5 “But He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings; The punishment for our well-being was laid upon Him, And by His wounds we are healed.”
‭‭ (NASB2020‬) God you see what I’m dealing with. Help me!

On Monday I had lunch with my deaf girlfriends. (All but one who had to work) they did not mean to hurt my feelings. It was unintentional. I shared about everything over the weekend and they understood. They too feel these things in family gatherings. One friend said her high school counselor had explained deafness well. Her counselor said some disabilities are invisible. People don’t know what you’re going through. The person right beside you could be crying out on the inside but not show it outwardly. I am that way. I can put on a smile despite what’s going on, most of the time. In my way of thinking, it’s no one’s fault that I have these limitations.

On Tuesday I had my Bible study with my neighbor who is like an older sister to me. On that day we talked about two names of God: El Roi the God who sees and El Shaddai, the all sufficient one. We are doing the Kay Athur study, “Lord I want to Know You”. It teaches the names of God revealed in the Bible and reveals God’s character. It’s amazing God had us cover these names this week, as He revealed His sufficiency and the fact that Hre sees it all. Studying Gods Word this week and knowing who He is, has reaffirmed my faith and hope in Jesus. I do not know why I have these ongoing hardships that are invisible to others. I know El Roi sees me and meets me where I am. I’m not going to lie, it’s tough but God is the anchor that keeps me steady when the going gets rough.

2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 were two of the verses we discussed on Tuesday in Bible study. This is what these verses say: “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9-10‬ ‭(NASB2020‬‬). I told my neighbor that I hoped to be like Paul one day when I can honestly say this. I’m not there yet.

I am so thankful for new mercies every day and renewed strength. He will continue to pour into me as I look to Him. In the meantime time as I journey on each day let me remind you that people need compassion and love. Just because someone looks fine on the outside does not mean they are fine on the inside. We can’t walk around with a sticker on our head saying, “Don’t forget me please”. Everyone is going through some thing. Let’s be there for each other. God uses people to do His work. Let’s always be available to do His work. We are in this together and Jesus helping every step of the way.

To read more of my story you can find my autobiography on amazon in hard cover, soft cover and e book formats. “Rooted by the Water ” by Shannon Kenley Hinson.

Facebook suspension 😳Really?

August 27, 20226 Comments

The saying goes, “There’s a first time for everything.” That doesn’t mean I wasn’t shocked when I received an e mail today telling me my Facebook was being suspended for violation of its standards. Really Facebook? What might I ask do you dislike about my posts? I share uplifting, positive, inspiring blogs and posts to encourage people. I looked at the so called FB standards. To my knowledge I have not violated anything. Do I promote violence? NO! Do I promote hate speech? NO! Do I promote profanity? NO? Geez… I don’t even gossip on there! On the contrary I speak life and encouragement This is quite perplexing.

The thing that bothers me is that my blogs on WordPress are shared through social media. Many of my followers see my posts through Facebook. I started blogging as a continuation of my story. Life doesn’t stop after publishing my autobiography., “Rooted by the Water“. (You can find it on Amazon) In a sense, it’s actually just the beginning. God continues to teach me so much about His grace and strength through my brokenness. It’s amazing to me when I see posts from other people going through hard times and depression, that I’m given an opportunity to speak life and love into their lives. It’s a privilege to pray for their needs. Just recently someone I met online years ago thanked me for always encouraging others. This past week I had the most views on my blog than I’ve ever had before. What did I write on this last week? I wrote on the 2 year anniversary of my brothers ongoing miracle after having a bone marrow transplant in 2020. I’m honored to be part of his miracle by being his donor.

I know social media gets a bad rap. I get it really, but it allows me to connect with people in ways I don’t ordinarily have. Being hearing impaired and legally blind I am limited in interacting with others. Social media is an opportunity to connect with others and share the love of Jesus.

I have disputed their decision. We will see what happens . But in the meantime they have silenced me. However, I will continue to write and continue to encourage people to not give up. I will Shine on! If you enjoy my blogs help me keep spreading the love of Jesus and the hope He give by sharing my blog with others.
Thank you for journeying with me. God bless you all!