Today, when we look around at African Americans, we realize that there are millions who suffer from depression and low self-esteem. Many of us fall into this category as a result of slavery, and although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, history tells us that millions of former slaves didn't know what to do with themselves, so they opted to remain enslaved. They simply said, "I'm staying here with master, he takes good care of us!"
To live in a shack with no floors, to sleep on the dirt each night with water seepage oozing into their shacks; they had to eat out of the same trough along with the animals. And in most cases, the horses and pigs dined first.
Look at our ancestors, and consider, "How could they refuse to leave once they had been freed and teach their children anything different?"
It was back in 1984-1985 when my job training program under the auspices of the Department of Employment Services proved this to be true. It's not my philosophy – it is history.
Several students happened to be welfare recipients, and when they heard teachings on the development of faith, and goal setting; they thought I was crazy. They had "low expectations."
How many of you believe "We get in life whatever comes our way. We have nothing to do with what we have or what we will get." Wrong!
If you believe that, then you need to pick up your Bible and read the "Living Word." The Bible teaches us to "Walk by faith and not by sight." It teaches us that "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen."
Both scriptures refer to the future. The past is behind us. We cannot change history, but we can learn from what has transpired. Take the good and leave the bad. Make better decisions once you've recognized your mistakes.
Going forward you can make a difference. The future can and will change but only if we believe, and never give up on the dream.
Another scripture says "For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith."
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
Please pay careful attention to the aforementioned scripture. It is in Mark 11:23-24. It tells us that when we pray for things we want, we will only receive them if we believe. The key phrase – "... shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass."
Two things: Raise your expectations. No one can rise to low expectations; we cannot doubt what it is God can and will do for us; but we must believe we're already in possession of whatever it is we're praying about. And we must operate like the worker ants to ensure that goal becomes a reality. God will be with you every step of the way.
Over the past year, I prayed for my radio show, and then I started to thank God for the show. I could see myself already at a microphone interviewing guests on the show.
Some of my friends and family didn't believe me; they tired of hearing me talk about my "so-called" radio show. But according to the Bible, I was keeping my faith strong. I believed in my heart and I never doubted scripture.
God's Word is absolutely true, on that you can depend, you cannot doubt. You must walk by faith and not by sight!
Lyndia Grant is the host of "Think on These Things" Radio Talk Show on WYCB-AM, Fridays at 6 p.m., 1340-AM, a Radio-One station. If you would like to become a sponsor or a partner, email Lyndia at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call 202-518-3192. Visit her website at www.lyndiagrant.com.