Wednesday, November 21, 2018

HORTENSEinspiration Classics Series~Thanksgiving See

Early on in my life I discovered the joys of passing on. I discovered the thrill that comes from sharing, giving, uplifting, picking up others, laying things down softly. It is quite normal to get upset as long as you get pleased quickly. Be angry but be quick to forgive and faster to forget that which you have forgiven. Give others a chance to make mistakes. Just like you. Imperfect as we all are, striving to do this life right. As correctly as one would allow your human self to be fixed by God Almighty. No life is free from cares, but life is beautiful. Life is worth living. Your life is the only life you have on this earth. Life is precious. This Thanksgiving Day, whatever the nature of your life or however you may feel about yourself, I want to ask you to share your life with others. There is something about your life that can bring joy to another person’s life.
Thanksgiving signals our preparing to wrap up another year. In so doing lets each review “self.” Take a fresh look at yourself. Do you see? In a couple of days we will celebrate a day officially set aside to give thanks. To thank Almighty God first! To thank everybody else for the little or big that they are to you. An official day to just be thankful! An official day to just show gratitude! To just trash ingratitude and ungratefulness. A day to quit complaining, for 24 hours, and be compliant as far as thankfulness go. A day to officially just be appreciative for heaven’s sake! A day to say to one another “Thank you so much for doing this and that or the other.” A special day to declare to God Almighty, “Lord Jesus I thank you for life and everything about my life. Amen.”
One way to express gratitude is to give back of oneself. Beginning with the people right in front of you, start to SEE. See one another. See each other. See people. My definition of SEE means Stop Engage Express. Stop for a minute, meaning separate your focus from on you and put the focus on the other person. Engage the person, meaning take notice of that person enough to pull their focus away from self. Express yourselves to one another, meaning talk to each other about your both lives. Not about other people and events and things. Find out what is troubling or happening with each other. Do this from a genuine perspective. Show that you want to be caring, helpful and concerned. Lend your ears and offer your heart to the other person. Vow that your tongue will snap tight when you walk away with that person’s heart still sounding in your ear. This means what you SEE as is between you, that person, and God.
This Thanksgiving Day may you SEE the people around you. Show gratitude for each other. I am talking about beginning covenant friendships. This Thanksgiving Day trade up from empty friendships and begin establishing friendships that have depth and add value to the lives of each other. This Thanksgiving Day, I am asking you to ditch the “We meet once a year at thanksgiving dinner…” for more meaningful year round relationships. Make a point to exchange telephone numbers with family members. Follow up by actually dialing one another during the year just to catch up and SEE how each other is doing. Thankfully, we live in a great country, America; land of the vast everything. Except that the vast expression of our love for one another is displayed only when tragedy happens or unfortunate circumstances rear its head. It is time to change this. Starting one family at a time, one dinner table at a time let the Thanksgiving Day spirit continue all year round. It’s time to SEE one another. Stay in touch with your loved ones as often as you can. No excuses! Make the time to SEE your loved ones. SEE your family members. SEE your friends. SEE your neighbors. SEE the people you encounter daily. SEE others around you.
Share your life with others. Happy Thanksgiving!

Hortense Duarma Grimes
(Servant Hortense, Do It For Christ Ministries)


"HortenseInspiration Classics" Series of divinely-inspired messages commemorating specific annual celebratory seasons. 
Thanksgiving See (c) copyright 2014 Hortense Duarma Grimes 

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Because Suicide is a Real Matter


This Week is NATIONAL SUICIDE WEEK (September 9-15, 2018)— Because Suicide is a real matter. Suicide is happening one time too often. The alarming rate of Suicide is every shade of painful. We must all find ways to deal with this problem, illness, and everything else which it is. Each of us is obligated to find a way to help end this reality.
Life is tough. Problems multiply by the minute. Frustrations add, subtract, divide, then multiply again and add on more. Disappointments mount daily. Your self-worth takes a dive. People leave you. People stay with you. Love turns sour. Love takes a chill. Love says never again. Friends betray you and foes destroy you. You lose jobs. You lose material possessions. Your life changes overnight. You get sick. You find out you’ve got cancer.
Trouble spends all day looking for you. Your baby dies. Your aged parent gets dementia, your child gets addicted to some weird stuff, your husband finds a younger woman, or a much older woman, your wife gets tired living in poverty with you, your only child drops dead. A powerful person steals your childhood dream. Your best intention does not turn out well. Everything goes from bad to worse. Suddenly, everything than can go wrong seems to go wrong. On top of overwhelming everyday issues, you begin to feel like you do not matter. Then to crown it off, the “voice” starts speaking to you. The voice tells you that you are nothing and nobody cares for you. The voice urges you to end it all and you will feel better.
My friend, does any part of what I’ve said so far describe you one way or another?
Hear me. The devil is a liar. You matter more than you can imagine. You belong here in the land of the living on earth. Your family adores you. You are loved by people you don’t even know admire you. Hold on and hang in there. In fact, stand in there. Many people wish you well. Start talking and getting it off your chest.
LIFE is tough but you are stronger, tougher, and better. You are loved. First loved by God Almighty and loved by all who know you well. People might not tell you how they feel about you, but just know you are special to plenty people around you. Whatever the crisis, we will share it and carry it with you. They call it the Village. Your village is waiting to receive you and all your issue, with love. Bring your brokenness to the table and let’s tough it out together in love. My friend, we are all we each have. We will get one another through this somehow. Don’t leave us now. Stay with us. We all love you. Allow us to show you how much we care.
The issue of suicidal thoughts and suicide is complex. More complicated than the breakdown I just described. But it does not have to happen that way. Help is around. Please SEEK OUT SOMEONE AND TALK IT OVER. GIVE LOVED ONES A CHANCE TO HELP YOU get past that moment.
Please Do Not end your beautiful life. Pray. Cry out to God. Scream and holler. Plead with the Lord for help. Do not think of ending it today. Wait for one more day. And then another. Every day, tell yourself to hold off until tomorrow. And call someone. Call me. I’m serious. Call me anytime, day or night. Wake me up no matter what time of night it is. I will get up for you. And so would many others. That is how much we love you and care about you. YOU MATTER.
Blessings and peace to you, my friend.

Your friend,
Hortense (HORTENSEInspiration Motivation with an African tinge)
~ simplified, heart-written in my Liberian colloquial voice

Monday, September 10, 2018

Monday Morning Pearl


I wish for you the beginning of a different kind of week. One in which your thoughts will bring you solace and laughter. One in which your deeds will bring you satisfaction and your actions will yield success for you. One in which your silence will bring contentment and peace. 
#RaisetheBar.  As I wind down a momentous ten-month stay in West Africa, I think of the way our entire world is today. Negative news, anger and bitterness, arrogant leaders and poor examples of leadership in many places, decline in neighborliness, so much unhappiness globally. Enormous challenges across the board. Do not let the world lead you astray. You lead the way: one thought, one deed, one measure, one person at a time.
It is left up to you. You are the hidden pearl. It is you, my friend, who must make the difference. You must make a difference in your world by beginning to be a positive force in your space, It starts by taking a pause from your “business as usual” manner and forging an unusual method for dealing with the ongoing madness. Because you are so much greater than the prevailing trend. It is up to you to think of outstanding ways to do things differently.
#ReconcileLiberia.  As I wind down my stay this round, I ask myself, why would such a natural wonder that Liberia is be so daunting for most of its people? I could say the same of most all of Africa. The answer and prospect of change lies with you. Allow the pearl in you to shine its luster. 
So on this new Monday morning, permit your thoughts to simmer and stew for a few minutes. How can you make a difference, for real? Ponder this. You could bring a shifting in your space today. When you do, decide to keep that momentum going. I don’t know much about all of it but I do know it has to get better than it is. And I do know there has got to be a way. A different new way. That way begins with love. Love for God. Love for one another. Love for country. Love for humanity. 
God bless you in abundance. I wish for you all that you wish for yourself and all that the Lord wishes for you would come to you. In Jesus name. I love you much with a sisterly love. Stay prayerful.

Blessings and peace,
Servant Hortense D. Grimes
Do It For Christ Ministries

Be encouraged, motivated and inspired. Visit www.doitforchrist.org
Socialize with us: Facebook.com/doitforchrist   // Twitter #HImotivat


Sunday, August 26, 2018

Righteousness in the Valley Liberia 2018


DO IT FOR CHRIST MINISTRY Outreach Branches Campaigns and Raids 2018

Operation Righteousness In The Valley
Individual Prayerfest for Liberia by all Liberians who love Liberia
(10 days of strategic prayer) August 22nd – August 31st 2018

It is easy to shout Jesus from the mountaintop. Often, it is in the valley that one’s song is tested. What is the rhythm of your valley chorus? What are the lyrics coming from the depths where you may be? Is it Jesus all the way! There is the breakthrough. Freedom comes with the praise. Liberty comes with worship. Love the Lord even through circumstances that stifle your voice. Shout glory through the chokehold and you would become like hot charcoal in the enemy’s hand. You would be let go. Set free to glorify Christ. Liberia must align with its purpose. Let God arise and his enemies be scattered. When the nation is aligned with its purpose then shall the restoration begin.

Do It For Christ MOBs OPERATION
 ~Righteousness in the Valley~

Liberians, spend the next 10 days praying for the righteousness of Christ to override the temperament of man (men and women). Liberia must be gloved in prayer and worship. Undergirth the Republic of Liberia with collective prayer. Desperate times call for determined measures—Let Us Pray. In the name of Jesus Christ so Almighty God can hear us. Align the nation with its purpose and the restoration will begin. Amen.

Do It For Christ MOBs OPERATION
 ~Righteousness in the Valley~

Operation Righteousness in the Valley is a Prayerfest conducted individually. Pray for Liberia if you love Liberian. Go to The Father one on one, no one is watching. Just you and God. Make a commitment to pray for your Country’s righteousness in the valley. Liberia must align with its purpose. Let God arise and his enemies be scattered. When the nation is aligned with its purpose then shall the restoration begin.


Do It For Christ Ministry Outreach Branches (MOBs)
Operation Righteousness In The Valley
Individual Prayerfest for Liberia by all Liberians who love Liberia (10 days of strategic prayer)
August 22nd – August 31st 2018


FIGHT THE GOOD Fight in FAITH, BELIEF and TRUST in ALMIGHTY GOD
Do It For Christ Ministry Outreach Branches Campaigns and Raids 

Do It For Christ International has seven (7) Ministry Outreach Branches (MOBs). MOBs have many and varied functions. One type of MOBs activity includes Operating raids and campaigns, tailored to personal spiritual development. 
MOBs Raids are assault missions carried out by the individual, against evil and temptations which threaten personal wellbeing and good character traits. Individuals stand on the promises of God Almighty to achieve righteousness, in Jesus, by discarding the sins which so easily beset you. The purpose is to drive out Satan and his mercenaries from attacking one’s mind and attitude. 
MOBs Campaigns target spiritual integrity, housekeeping and character sanitation. Raids and campaigns are designed to preserve one’s personal spiritual space by being proactive with your faith. Every operation aims to replenish the individual with fruits of the Holy Spirit, arsenals found in Jesus Christ. 
Whereas an individual operates in secret, the heavenly father rewards openly, once again transforming a person’s life. If you move towards Jesus Christ the Lord will move towards you. The end result is that your spiritual territory is refortified with the might and power of Almighty God. Make a Commitment to operate with Jesus.

Do It For Christ Ministries International
Servant Hortense D. Grimes

Be encouraged, motivated and inspired.  Visit www.doitforchrist.org
Socialize with us:  Facebook.com/doitforchrist  ## Twitter: #Himotivat


Thursday, August 16, 2018

Checkpoint...The Point Is

NO to impulsive actions. Jump NOT at basic first instincts. Revolutions never bring peace along with it. In moments of anger reality gets distorted. The bag of rice never was offered for sale at ten dollars ($10). Just a ploy which incited people to unrest. 


Produce became scarce. Inflammatory language does harm for the hearer and soothes the speaker. Reports of wide scale oppression were false rhetoric. Next thing I know those so-called learned men moving for justice in Africa were plundering for self. Empty coffin and the palaver hut. Imagine a RAID on Lux in Tenebris. Rice riots. Seriously!

Who burns down a century of nation building for a bag of Parboiled rice? Seriously. Work gone down in smoke. Worth gone up in char. Who would decimate a population because of a bag of rice! Cannot climb stairs without climbing steps. No can't do. Really believed thugs would govern better than law and order. From poverty to overnight wealth. Real oppression began. Darkness. Sickness. Uneducated masses. Poverty stricken population. Mattress traded for bare floors: No mats anywhere. 

Fighters for freedom freely plunder and exploit. Now you know what suppression means. Any more movement for justice? Not so pal. What for sup? Would be nice to afford a decent meal every day! Just one a day would suffice. Come do comedy. This day and age is too serious for play. People burned down a whole country, one hundred plus years of sacrifice and labor to build a nation, for a bag of parboiled rice! Would you decimate a population for a sack of produce? Vast farmlands lay waste. Dormant vitality.

Mounds of garbage. Now that is oppression. Filth breeds filth. Shacks everywhere! Metal doors steel plates iron rods board you in. Oppression takes many forms. Progressive indeed. On a scale of one to ten. Negative one. Depends who is  counting. One hundred and seventy years later. Maybe. Preferences. Can teach you a thing or two. Checkpoint. #ReconcileLiberia #RaisetheBar

Check the point. Checkpoint. The Point Is... Check It.  

(HortenseInspiration Online Publications © Copyright 2017 Hortense Duarma Grimes)


Servant Hortense D. Grimes
Spiritual Motivator and Jesus-gospel Minister
Founder, Do It For Christ Ministries

Be encouraged, motivated, and inspired: Visit www.doitforchrist.org
Socialize with us: Facebook.com/doitforchrist // Twitter: #HImotivat

*Writing includes local Liberian vernacular

Drill To The Beat

The Narratives dominating the land must change. The Hate agenda must be thwarted. Gorgeous Liberia. An accomplished nation and not a failed state. Breathtaking Liberia. A beacon of hope and not collateral for despair. LIBERIA best chance is a reconciled nation of one united people. This is why we must not and can never give up on our Liberia. All good voices blended. Every complaint accompanied by suggestions for solutions. We must drill to the beat: Left. Right. Forward March. #ReconcileLiberia  

Government must provide the environment. Citizens must commit to hard work and diligence in moving country ahead. Lazy people hush up. Hard workers take the lead. All hands needed on deck. All minds focused on thinking progress for one people. Every heritage respected. All experiences relevant. All stories told. Each heart opened to forgive. Every soul ready for reconciliation. Because,Frankly, nobody has been able to tell which came first, the chicken or the egg. Liberia needs all hands on deck to restore the ship and keep it sailing. 
The Republic of Liberia needs the mindset of all her children focused on thinking progress for one people.

Join the Movement CHANGING THE NARRATIVES #RaisetheBar #ReconcileLiberia

Servant Hortense D. Grimes (~HortenseInspiration)
Servant of the Living God
Spiritual Motivator and Jesus-gospel Minister
Founder, Do It For Christ Ministries

Be encouraged, motivated, and inspired: Visit www.doitforchrist.org
Socialize with us: Facebook.com/doitforchrist // Twitter: #HImotivat

Friday, August 10, 2018

A Nightly Exercise

God Almighty is big. I most certainly do not have all the answers. I pray my way through life. I hold on to Jesus hand and trust my way to him. This one thing I do know for sure: Jesus Christ is bigger than everything else combined. May I encourage you with this thought, my friend: That big ugly thing called fear is just big for nothing. Fear must not paralyze you. Do not allow fear to disable you. Fear must be pushed aside so we can think straight and reason well. Fear must be eradicated so that, collectively, we can articulate our thoughts and ideas, formulate plans, and chart new pathways for moving our country forward. #ReconcileLiberia

I have a feeling, in Liberia today Satan has devised a new strategy to keep us right where the devil prefers this country to be. A prevailing atmosphere of fear, defeat and dysfunction. Let us pray until every semblance of fear and confusion would run away from our country. Every grip that wants to choke Liberia will dissolve like an ice block placed in hot weather. Every mechanism fashioned to bring this country to its knees will crumble to minuscule pieces. Every hate and hateful agenda will disintegrate beyond recognition. God will arise and scatter every evil machination against Liberia. Let God arise by your prayers to him.
Tonight before you go to bed, say a special prayer that God will have mercy on Liberia. Pray that God Almighty will dispense wisdom and place humility in the hearts of the President and Officials in Liberia. Pray for compassionate leaders to emerge in the Republic of Liberia. Pray for all the people to become god-fearing. Pray for a godly environment. Pray that God will ceremoniously remove the vices that are determined to wreak havoc on this fragile nation. Pray that common sense, love for nation, and fear of God will find its way to the highest offices in the land. Pray especially for the leader God has allowed to rule us this day. Pray for direction of our country. Pray for a transformed Liberia. Then lift up your hands and worship God, for at least three minutes before you say Amen and end your prayer time.
Believers in Almighty God and Jesus Christ, it is in our power to override any direction that is adverse to the will of God for our land. Do not just get discouraged and slow down to a halt. Rise up and lift your voice and watch Almighty God straighten things out immediately. If you do not pray, you are agreeing to whatever wrongs there are. If you do not pray, you have allowed everything to happen. If you do not pray, you have only yourself to blame for anything that happens. So get up and say your prayer. Pray with faith and trust and belief in God Almighty. #RaisetheBar
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:12-14 Holy Bible KJV)
There is too much at stake to remain silent. Use your voice and PRAY for your country, Liberia. Pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Prayer will accomplish everything good. The Word himself said in the Word of God, “Ask me for anything in my name and I will do it.” 
Liberia, LET US PRAY tonight. Amen.

Blessings and peace,
Servant Hortense D. Grimes
Do It For Christ Ministries

Be encouraged, motivated, and inspired: Visit www.doitforchrist.org
Socialize with us: Facebook.com/doitforchrist  // Twitter: #HImotivat





Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Liberia 26th Is On You - Independence Address

This presentation, first delivered July 26, 2014 in an Online publication, is HORTENSEINSPIRATION Unofficial 26th Day Statement delivered by Servant Hortense D. Grimes, on the occasion of the 167th  Independence Anniversary of the Republic of Liberia. The Writing is being reproduced as part of a comprehensive collection of media material for dissemination purposes, in the Movement #ReconcileLiberia #RaisetheBar.  
Congratulations, Liberia, on our Independence Day. Happy 26th to the Republic of Liberia, and all people of Liberian heritage. May we continue as a nation established on the principles of Christ and a God-fearing people. One unified country cognizant of the rights of every citizen and those within its borders. One nation tolerant of the faith and beliefs of all. Yet, unapologetically asserting a profound declaration that it is only The Almighty God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) which has brought Liberia this far. Recognize you are a people with a proud enviable heritage. Pledge to never sacrifice your country’s ethics and values. Vow to do your part and lift Liberian to a place of prominence in the eyes of God and the world. Let us uphold the moral fabric of this sovereign “One Nation, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.”
Republic of Liberia, you must accept responsibility for where you find yourself, the spot you now occupy, in the Roster of Nations. Liberia, accept that you have failed in more ways than one. You have failed your citizenry, your most precious possession. You have failed your babies, your youth, your elderly, your sick and helpless, the downtrodden—all your people.

Republic of Liberia, for a nation that is 167 years old, you are wasting precious time! Liberia, have you not wasted enough time already? The nation that is the most powerful in the entire world is 238 years old; you are 167 years—how far behind are you? Liberia, open your eyes and seek Godly wisdom that you would contribute well and meaningfully to the processes that affect your life. Your existence is being threatened while you pleasantly act sluggish. Only God can rescue the republic. Liberia, you must turn to that Almighty God. The Lord has promised to hear you and DELIVER you. If I know anything, I know that Jesus Christ is a promise keeper.

Liberia is rich with natural resources; untapped mineral deposits around the country. … A country’s natural resources are God’s natural blessings to all generations of that land. A country’s rich natural resources should translate to economic success for the people of that nation. It is blessed wealth to be enjoyed by every citizen.” ~Hortense Duarma Grimes, "She Shall Stand"

Republic of Liberia, reject ignorance, disease, and poverty. Regardless of who serves it in silver platters edged with empty, elaborate gestures; reject Ignorance, Disease and Poverty. Liberia, say NO to terror. Say NO to hate and prejudice. Liberia, say NO to racism (non-negro descent), tribal dissension, ethnic cleansing, clandestine interference, and ungodly influences. Absolutely say NO to violence—Violence of any forms, shape or type.

Republic of Liberia, set priorities and stop dispensing time and energy on compounded nonsense. Embrace education, information, communication, and innovation. Embrace the reality of basic infrastructure and sanitation, technological advances, healthcare, and human dignity. Embrace good, vibrant leadership, transparency, equality, and fairness. Liberia, reject loud verbosity and hollow grandiose promises that are aimed only to lined new pockets.

Republic of Liberia, seek the face of Almighty God, that the Lord, Jehovah, would raise the nation to its intended purpose and bring the republic to its expected end.

On this 167th birthday of this nation, Liberia should not be embroiled in a plague-like crisis, compounded by abject poverty, filthy conditions and sewage-infested rainy waters consuming its precious resources, the people. When the bad outweighs the good in any situation, that situation is not good!

As you celebrate and merry make on this day, ask yourself, “What kind of Liberian am I?”
Vow to do your part and lift Liberian to a place of prominence in the eyes of God, and the world.

Blessings and peace,
Servant Hortense D. Grimes
Spiritual Motivator and Jesus-Gospel Minister
Founder, Do It For Christ Ministries


(First written and published July 26, 2014 (c) copyright material)




Thursday, August 2, 2018

Freedom from the Green-Eyed Monster

Off the many societal ills amid I cannot help but notice “something” of which I would like to sound an alarm. The something has its grip woven tightly around the many it has embraced. That something is festering in hearts, lives, and personal outlooks. It appears the something is spreading uncontrollable through hearts, homes, neighborhoods, communities and cities. The something is destroying individuals and families, friendships and relationships. Left unharnessed, that something promises to become a social epidemic of enormous proportions, especially in budding habitats. #RaisetheBar
Each person has a responsibility to search within you for signs of that something and to stop it dead in its track. If you find it sneaking into your person, do not allow it to proceed any further; squash it.

Jealousy, the Green-eyed Monster, steals into the soul and gnaws away at the fiber of a person's being. It quickly becomes consuming and in a short period it will envelop the entire self. Jealously is a hideous characteristic. It is a vile emotion. It never results in good. It destroys what little good it finds. Jealousy

Have you learned to control your tongue? Do you speak poorly of others because you are too bitter to applaud someone? Did you realize that when you speak poorly of another, you are giving a poor assessment of yourself? When you thrash the name of another you are telling that you are too little to see the big in that person. You are saying aloud, to everybody listening, that you are too small to see the large in things and people around you. Let's hope it's not you, my friend.
As long as you live the standards will always be set: high and low, good and bad. There will always be people who fit either one. Where do you fit? What are your standards? Do you have any standards? What's your measurement? How is your yardstick calibrated? Did you set those standards? So why are you not happy with the results? #ReconcileLiberia.
My friend, here is consolation for you: all human beings are created equal in the sight of Almighty God. It is time to see yourself as God sees you. You are a person made in God’s image. Do you think enough of yourself to be happy for yourself? If not, do something to fix whatever it is that makes you unhappy with you? Are you satisfied with your life? If not, why are you dissatisfied? Do something about it; something positive that will change yours to a fulfilled existence. Can you find it in you to appreciate yourself for the person you are? Can you love you?
Maybe this will help you! See yourself as God sees you! God sees you as a person worth dying for, and Jesus did on the cross. You must be special. Free yourself to love the special you! Ask the Lord to help you get peacefully to the status you want to reach. Remember, every time you hurt someone with acts of jealousy, you block a blessing from coming to you; because you never know who's bringing the blessings the Lord is sending your way. God uses all His children as messengers, on this earth. 
You are what you are; you are a sum total of all your character traits. If that "total" does not please you, ask God to give you grace and sum up a new total. While you're at it, ask the Lord to give you Peace and fill your heart with Contentment.
Ask Jesus to help you get back to that person He created you to be. Pray and ask Jesus Christ to strip you off those vices that have overtaken you. Fast and pray and ask the Lord to forgive you and fix you. He can remove those ugly bad ways that you've possessed. Only by God's grace can you become a better person. And the good news is,That Grace is Free to all. Our Lord stands ready to clean the page. He wouldn’t even remember how you used to be. The old ways will be thrown into oblivion. You’ll get a fresh start!
Call on Jesus. He has paid the price for every sin and all our stains. All you have to do is ask Him to help you accept His freedom. When you free yourself and let go of ills, you would become all that God created you to be. You will enjoy all that God has in store for you. You will enjoy the freedom of a pure heart and clean hands and a resultant incredible life. 
Do not forget: Search within you for signs of jealousy and stop it dead in its tracks. If you find that green-eyed monster sneaking into your person, do not allow it to proceed any further; squash it hard. Squash jealousy out of you. All you have to do is ask Jesus and trust the Lord. You would be set free and victorious. And your blessings will flow in your life.
("Freedom from the Green-Eyed Monster” by Hortense Duarma Grimes © copyright 2012 HortenseInspiration Soul Provision Series.)

Blessings and Peace,
Servant Hortense D. Grimes
Founder
Do It For Christ Ministries 

Monday, July 30, 2018

I Feel Like Preaching True True Truth...


Over the last several days, I have been following and participating in a Facebook thread relating to a recently published writing, “Children of A Lesser God” by Mr. Henry Mamulu. The Facebook comment-conversation continues to be insightful. Mamulu’s Article is profound, passionate, and provocative. I like the piece. It triggers all types of reactions from readers. The ongoing discourse spurred a sermon in me. Always, the Servant of God must be bold, truthful, fearless and kind—all at the same time. Here is a long one from me. If you have the time, take a good reading. Blessings! ~~Servant Hortense


#ReconcileLiberia
. July 29th 2018. I FEEL LIKE PREACHING. This early Sunday morning, Lord Have Mercy!
The current thread has gotten unbelievable in the kinds of venom it has uncovered in some people. Profoundly and meticulously as I work toward wishfully getting Liberians pointed in a direction of real reconciliation dialogue, I struggle to determine where do we start. If we can find a starting HONEST point, the real conversations can begin.

The problem I’ve found repeatedly, is that the “other side” does not have nor do they desire a starting point. By the other side, I am referring to those Liberians who feel the Congau people (Americo-Liberian descendants) are not Liberian enough and therefore not entitled to having a history like every other human being. Only they, the self-proclaimed “Indigenous Liberian” should have such a right to a history. Furthermore, that Indigenous Liberian has the liberty to spin any and all kinds of tales about the years of Americo-Liberian rule; however, God forbid, Congau should so dare. In present day Liberia, it is largely wished that the Congau must bury their tales. Any attempt to relive their reality and personal Liberian experience is silenced by insults, bad bad cussing and dirty cuss words, inhumane treatment, death threats, and more. Extreme threats, of annihilation of an entire group of people.

By the way, 99% of Congau people alive today are mixed with non-Congau blood. Intermarriages and interrelations took care of that long time since. Being Americo-Liberian is firstly, descent by blood. You are Congau, if you can trace your genealogy and any or all parts link you to at least one of the new passenger/arrivals on ships operated by the American Colonization Society which transported returned slaves to Africa, after the abolishment of Slavery in America. You are non-Congau if you trace your genealogy and no part can link you to at least one passenger/arrival on those ships. Congau is a large group, and largely unrecognized number of Liberians that should be counted as the seventeenth tribe, if tribalism is a requirement for being Liberian.

Not only is Congau a bloodline, heritage and natural lineage, it involves other definitions. Congau is an upbringing. Congau is training and nurturing of a mentality. Congau is a mindset. Congau is culture, class, decency, self-discipline, disciplined cultured behavior and temperament, nuances, diction and phrases. Congau is a system of conducting one’s life. Congau is a kind of style and class; classiness not seen much everywhere in today’s Liberia. Congau is flair; a you got it or you ain’t got it personality. When Congau enters a room you know it, you hear it, and I dare say, you can even smell it and feel it. Congau is many things, a myriad of attributes. Congau is a way of life. Congau is a unique expression and carrying of oneself; posture, statement, ambience. Congau is relative to environment. Congau is comprehensive.

Congau is a beautiful awesome way of life! Congau is a presence. Congau is present and we are here to stay. In Liberia, if we so choose, or anyplace else we so desire. Black America honor and cherish their slave ancestry. Liberian Congau are doing so and will continue likewise. Congau will remain present in Liberia. Congau will not die out or be wiped off the face of the Republic of Liberia. It is impossible to erase all elements of an Establishment.

Let me get back to track. I QUOTE “…No point in trying to educate heartless morons. Wait for the next savage upheaval in Liberia to wipe out their future generation, totally. Then Liberia will finally be at peace. How did Native people ever allow such wickedly evil people to step on African land. For real!! ... END OF QUOTE.  These are words I read on the thread related to the article.

All rights to freedom of speech and expression being considered. Notwithstanding, that a human being would express such thoughts, because another human being wrote of their experiences, brings me to silence. Even in apartheid South Africa that tirade would be repulsive. Nevertheless, mentioning a memory of death often would call for a moment of silence. Likewise, whenever fundamental truth is established one must ponder its ramifications by a moment of silent thought. I am silenced by the expressions in such narratives. Albeit a temporary silence. I wake up. To remain silent is to hush my ancestors’ voice.

The quote represents what most self-proclaimed Indigenous Liberian believe is the solution for the anarchy Liberia has today become. True or false is factually debatable. The self-proclaimed Indigenous Liberian believes that for Liberia to thrive again the Congau people must be killed out of existence. Essentially, they are saying the same group of people synonymous with Liberia’s long gone glory days (by all accounts worldwide and Global proclamations) must now die, murdered away completely, for the present day now disintegrated nation to thrive. There’s a big grammar English word for this kind of scenario.

May I submit to anyone listening and the world at large. Sadly for those so wishing, the descendants of Congau people are going nowhere no time soon. Not going anywhere! Americo-Liberians are secreted in the national soil and immersed with the sand. Their DNA is etched in the sandy grains of the Nation’s concrete. The ground tucks their blood, sweat and toil. The Congau forefathers gave their everything for their country, Liberia. Americo-Liberians give their all. Their all still speaks.

The undisputed fact remains this: Prior to 1822 there was no place on earth called by the name Liberia. The land mass referred by the world as the country, Liberia, was established when freed American slaves returned to Africa, land of their ancestors, looking for a new home, far away from life in slavery. And they discovered such a one. They, the freed slaves from America. “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.” The Settlers, as history often refers to them, established a country and name it Liberia, to commemorate their freedom from the evils of that Era of Human Slavery in America.

These men and women had ENDURED the atrocities of being a slave, traded like cattle, and treated worse than animals. Essentially, they were considered non-human beings. They overcame. Those Overcomers translated their knowledge and experiences, gained from centuries of captivity, over 246 years, to form, nurture, establish, maintain, and preserve a space to call a Republic. They toiled like brand new young vibrant energetic slaves, this time for themselves. They died by the droves. The ultimate sacrifice, all for the experience of freedom for themselves in their new found home. Imperfect it may have been. A shred of imperfection should not discount the entire human being. The self-proclaimed Indigenous Liberians are no less flawed.  

The great America, from where the slaves had returned, was not perfect. Africa, from where their own forefathers had traded them off into slavery, was not perfect. The world all around was not perfect. Not by a long shot was any place on earth even close to perfection. Several World Wars and global Revolutions proved a grossly imperfect planet. It yet remains so to this day. The Americo-Liberian rule was imperfect. Europe was imperfect. That Columbus discovered America is still imperfect history. The globe is strewn with imperfect nations and their imperfect beginnings. Native America has yet to declare wiping out Columbus’ discovery. Let me leave this here.

The history of Liberia will forever, and ever include the most significant part, the portion about this country being indebted to the freed slaves, the Americo-Liberians as the founding fathers of Liberia. I submit to all self-proclaimed Indigenous Liberians that history cannot be rewritten and remain history. Whenever legacy is pronounced historical facts are researched. And legacy confirmed. There is no indigenous Liberian more than the Americo-Liberian. To call oneself a Liberian is to acknowledge that you are from that place discovered by the freed American slaves who are indigenous to that name. Otherwise, one must call oneself by another name. Liberia was a name given to a country established by returned freed slaves from America, back to the land their forefathers had sold them from centuries prior. The self-proclaimed Indigenous Liberian must know this.

What I have found in today’s Liberia, is a culture of illusion versus reality. If reconciliation means the Congau people descendants must be killed off Liberia, then there will never be reconciliation in Liberia until Jesus Christ return in the clouds. God Almighty will not sit still in Heaven and allow such annihilation to happen.

Listen up. Indigenous Liberians means ALL Liberians. Each with a different experience. All experiences relevant. Self-proclaimed Indigenous Liberians cannot rule Liberia by themselves. This is a fact which is yet being unfolded minute by minute. Simply, you do not know how it started so you cannot finish it. Furthermore, until you do the research on the origin of it you will not know how to continue it. Let alone maintain it. Hence is the problem. Administering, effectively handling and properly managing the affairs of the country requires efforts by all Liberians. There can never be a glorious land of liberty when hatred is the order of the day.

Even the freed slaves engaged the people they met. The freed slaves embraced their “relatives” (it was the same relatives’ ancestors who had previously sold the returnee slaves’ ancestors into slavery). Now the descendants had come back home to join them. What. What! This is where I’d say, who came first, the chicken or the egg? “Can we all just get along,” I hear them saying! And both groups formed a friendship and partnership. And great imperfect human beings forged collaboration. And the journey began. And the journey continued. Imperfect though it was. Until the idea took evil footholds. … Not this time. The idea does not stand a chance. Not ever again.

Wickedness begins with minute thoughts that grow into small ideas until the brain gets overrun with more thoughts and ideas. All evil. 

This is my last piece on this FB thread. There is a Bible verse that says …

Thanks for enduring My Sunday Sermonette. Almighty God Bless Us All. Do enjoy a beautiful day of the Lord.  ~~Servant Hortense D. Grimes (Founder, Do It For Christ Ministries)


Blessings and peace,
Servant Hortense D. Grimes
Do It For Christ Ministries

Be encouraged, motivated and inspired. Visit www.doitforchrist.org
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Thursday, January 18, 2018

Dear George, On Your Inaugural Eve...

George M. Weah, I am still very proud of what you have done. As your Inauguration approaches, I couldn’t help but think of the tremendous work that is before you. Hard task ahead is what you have. According to the Newspapers, you have inherited a poor and broken down infrastructure of a country. The national News is saying the nation is a broke government –that there is no money to begin work on your first day –national coffers are empty. According to local news, Liberian lawmakers earn on average $208K annually including extravagant perks. Such a pay scale leaves no money for civil servants salary adjustment. The News report that Recurring Expenditure make up 80% of the Liberian National Budget, and the national budget is largely dependent on foreign aid. Salaries of upper government officials and public executives are excessive, plus fringe benefits. Liberian legislators earn more per annum than the average US Senators and Representatives. How can this be? It shouldn't be. The United States is a first world country, global World Leader and Superpower. Liberia is a third world, vastly undeveloped country which depends largely on the money and resource of the first world for its very budget and operation. Most every dollar spent is borrowed. Besides, competency level of the Legislative branches of the two countries is not even a point for discussion. Case closed.
Here is more News, President Weah. You are inheriting a country poised for successful continuance because of the solid foundation that has been laid. A country which has come tremendously far in the last twelve years. It is indisputable your predecessor has accomplished great national success, overall, and worked assiduously to set Liberia on a firm footing. Build on the infrastructure that will be delivered into your hand. The nation which you inherit today is institutionally intact and functioning. From this point build Upward. Case closed.
Bottom line, Liberia. Start with reduction of high salaries for government positions. The country is bleeding to death from this wound. The trimmings could jumpstart a middle class. There begins a path to economic recovery. In nations everywhere, middle class drives economy. It is vital to have a functioning middle class which, in turn, stimulates business and growth and fuels productivity. President Weah, it might be time to implement strict austerity measures. Slashing all unnecessary wasteful spending is one definite way to reverse the money drain and fix the broke-ness. Get tough on the money trail. “Ain’t gon work no other way.” The system is broken; repair it. Detect all the leaks, plug them, and redirect the flow of cash.
Oppong, here’s my experience. I was once elected president of my country. I had won in a landslide victory. Just like you. The majority of people were tired, they wanted change. They saw me as their hope. Just like you. The country had been through many years of ethnic war and countless civil conflicts. My predecessor had done significant work and had made huge improvements, but the system was still not working much in the people’s interest. We remained the third poorest nation in the world. International news media described our capital city as the dirtiest capital in the entire world. We had an 89% illiteracy rate. Imagine in today’s world that huge percentage of a country’s population not being able to read or write. Ignorance was prevalent. Elaborate stealing “corruption” was the staple fancy. We were that bad. There was poverty, disease, and chaos all around. Our young people were wasting away. All they wanted to do was talk politics from morning to night. Often, meaningless discussions, which agitates them and take them nowhere. They were too disillusioned to expect more for their lives. I ran for President on the hopes of these young people. I was sorry to see all the sufferings of the population. The one thing I hate with a passion is abject poverty. I observed how systematically poverty had taken over my people and my country and was sucking the life and zest out of them. I believed I could make a difference so I ran for the highest office, the presidency. I won election. The hope of the young population was at an all-time high. Here’s something notable: When you become President you then discover the secret, that the job is not easy. Being president of a country is not for small children: No, it is not children’s play. This is superhuman work. The responsibilities are overwhelming. Everybody story becomes your headache. The problems were so plenty I didn’t know where to begin. But I started somewhere. I dived in with full strength. George, my friend, let me tell you how I went about to change the national direction of my once destitute country. Below is an excerpt from journal entries in my HI Presidential Archive.
“Two days after being inaugurated, I ordered a 150-day Austerity Measure Rule. I declared a five months Period of Autocracy. First order of business was governmental salary trimming. I dictated a slashing of the Legislature salary to $7K monthly and taxable, with not a single penny more. I dictated reduction and capped Public Office executive salary at $10K monthly and taxable. No added perks whatsoever. I dictated the establishment of communications blitz called Public Awareness Media Campaign (“PAM campaign”) to involve and motivate the population. Numerous PAM campaigns were tailored informing the citizenry that Government Job/Public Service is not for amassing wealth. Citizens were encouraged to be creative, productive and become rich from their own private enterprise. The general population was sternly warned that private stealing will bring public disgrace. I dictated the Initiative of a line by line consideration of every operating principle of Government. I dictated that The National Budget be overhauled and stripped to bare necessities. I dictated the appointment of a Special Judicial Body to investigate the massive allegations of corruption in every sector. Those found guilty were disgraced for theft of public funds. Criminals of elaborate stealing and fancy thieves, systemic corruption and other ill-mannered practices were tried and prosecuted. Convicted felons were imprisoned and served their full jail sentences; additionally, they were forced to repay stolen money back into the national treasury. This was a major turning point in the country. It was absolutely a defining shift in administering the national state of affairs.
During the Autocracy Period, I ran the country with a council of advisors and the leanest of governmental heads. I dictated strict stipulation that nothing accomplished during this period could be overturned. There was no tolerance of citizen uprising or violence. Freedom of speech continued, and was encouraged. But nobody hardly was listening to plenty talk-talk. Empty rhetoric was sparse. The people were shocked to see good results in the short time. A different mentality was shaping. Pockets were beginning to feel heavier nationwide. Life was breathing back into civil society. Serious-minded entrepreneurship was on the rise. Many of the lawmakers resigned because of the mandated salary cuts. Several opted to remain in agricultural and farming businesses. Others ventured into the transportation industry. Government officials resigned in large numbers, many returning to private sector opportunities. At the beginning, my leadership style appeared unconstitutional, but it quickly accomplished the goal. Business was being done not as usual. Good change was evident. People became excited.
When the Autocracy Period had elapsed, there was a new and fresh scented aura in the country. The World saw the seriousness and dedicated efforts we were making collectively as a nation. The Global Community took particular notice of the austerity measures and respected the dawn of a new day in our country. Strategic Alliances acquiesced to our collaboration on how our abundant minerals and natural products were being plundered. That was the beginning of jointly working in national interest with each party reaping maximum benefit. Ratified Agreements and Contracts made sensible and firm demands of partnerships. The inclusion of our own technocrats, industry experts, financial and legal expertise at the table in all negotiations gave us the upper hand. Where necessary, PAM campaigns were used to inform and solicit public input. Our natural resources, the breadbasket of the country, were being traded fair on the global market by most accounts.
For the remainder of my tenure in office, I focused on reforming the landscape of the nation and transforming the livelihood of the people. There was an upward trajectory materially and humanly. Hundreds of vocational training centers were built. There was PAM campaigns about education, including adult literacy. The Public Schools System was reinstituted nationwide. Hundreds of schools were constructed and outfitted with laboratories and libraries. Several new universities and a medical college were built with state-of-the-art technology. Numerous modern hospitals and specialty clinics were constructed and equipped world class. Two giant recycling centers for waste management were completed. Several factories were built to process, treat and convert raw material. A manufacturing plant was commissioned. Plans were being considered for a rail system linking the counties. Domestic air travel commenced. Talks were underway for purchasing a national aircraft for outbound international flights. My personal highlight of all was the roads. One of my campaign themes had been Roads, Roads, Roads. There was a road network connecting every inch of land mass. Many PAM campaigns were launched on the importance of building roads. Roads, Roads, Roads. We spoke loudly that Roads bring development. Roads spur national unity. Roads feed infrastructural delivery. The economy lives on the transportation grid of any nation. People go where the Roads lead. Goods and services follow the people wherever they go. And people build as far as where the Roads drive them. Jobs are created whenever a building boom occurs. And it worked. Everywhere, people were building, residential and commercial construction. All around were Roads. Roads. Roads. We got the people moving about freely.
The money trimmed from fiscal excesses was redirected to government initiatives. Hundreds of millions of dollars had been salvaged. The citizenry had access to incentives and stimulus packages designed to jumpstart the economy and trickle a middle class. Messages were circulated widely in PAM campaigns that a Middle Class is the life blood of any society. The country’s brain drain and huge population residing in the Western Diaspora were offered lucrative sustaining enticements to return home. They responded by the drove; bringing their knowledge, expertise, experience, exposure and talent. And they understood that the rules on the ground applied as well to them. Zero tolerance for nonsense from locals or returnees; foreigners and legal residents alike. A bonus was the influx of young men and women of Liberian heritage. Additionally, trained and skilled international workforce and labor were imported to assist infrastructure development alongside the highly skilled and professional nationals. My country was restarted on a pathway that propelled it into 21st century, giving a more realistic shot at climbing up from the bottom of third-world archaic conditions to its rightful place among world nations. It was a tough challenge and had taken strict discipline to change the crooked “business as usual” mentality. It had taken thick skin mentality and a tougher stance from the leader.” Hortense Duarma Grimes
Mr. President, you have to start somewhere. Quickly. And do something. Soon. For your own legacy. Your employment began the day you were elected. There is no waiting period with this job. Politics is ugly-dirty business. Human beings are unpredictable. People in general are disloyal. The people have short attention span. The people have short memory. The people have no patience. The people are quick to change their mind about their hero. The people want everything for nothing. The public can never be satisfied. That is why you must hurry up and do the good things fast. In the long run, the public will only remember what you did not do. But the History books will record facts. Prezzo, you have to be tough and make sound and good decisions. My Prezzo, you have to be strict and flexible at the same time. Strict on discipline. Flexible on order of priority depending on the reality. You must be an action man for the people.
George “Oppong” Weah, surround yourself with game changers. Indiscriminately, assemble the best and the brightest minds. The loudest talkers are not necessarily the action takers. The smooth operators are usually coward actors. Learn to be firm. Say NO with straight face. Say YES to what you mean. Insist on saying THIS IS what I said. Be focused in repeating THIS IS NOT what I asked. Be definite with your agenda. Half of the people around you have their own agenda. Human nature being what it is people wish it were them in that spotlight, more times than not. Blind envy and much jealousy come with your new territory. You are now forever etched in history as a President of the Republic of Liberia, the highest office in the Land. Your stage is set among distinguished leaders of countries all over the world. Doors automatically open to give you access. You definitely have earned yourself more and fierce enemies. Discern. Discern. Discern. In your past professional career you became very rich by self-made wealth. Now you have acquired power. And the authority that comes with your Office. Honor the calling. It is often very lonely at the top. Not too many can go with you all the way. Know that. Yours is a rag to riches story, by sheer tenacity and audacity, the boy from Clara Town is the man who now lives in the Executive Mansion. Remember your Grandmother and the lessons and training she instilled. You are in a class amongst a distinct cadre of political miracles of this modern era. You are in the leagues of the Barack Obamas of this world—the one least likely to be who has become! Indeed, Mr. President, it comes with its own migraines. Know your space. Guard your boundaries, socially and professionally. Have your own mind and follow your inner GPS, your conscience, guided by Godly wisdom, prayer and faith.
My friend, we might not get to meet. I’ve since left the world of politics. After serving two terms in office, I returned to my life’s calling and passion: Ministering the message of Jesus Christ and writing and speaking about the love and grace of Almighty God. I had stepped away those eight years to satisfy a civic responsibility. I had only wanted to straighten things out and chart a new course for my people. Today my country is the envy of our neighbors. The whole world admire us. The superpower countries respect our little country. We are now the number one prosperous nation in all of Africa. You, too, can make your country rise again. Timing is everything. You’ve been given this your time. With God everything is possible. Nothing is impossible with God Almighty by your side. And your determination to do good. Good will knock out and outshine evil any day every day! Good always triumph. God is good. And God is good all the time. Congratulations, President George Manneh “Oppong” Tawlon Ousman Weah.
Oh by the way, Your Excellency, there is one element I did not mention here. My presidency is a hypothetical scenario.
Hail To The Chief. May God Almighty give you victory. You will succeed in this work. Maybe you are called to the task for such a time as this in Liberia. Do your part well. Build everyday a stellar reputation for leadership. Leave behind a legacy worthy of respect and emulating by future generations. We, your people, wish you and your team nothing but the best. We lend helping hand and various support. It’s in our interest to wish you well. My personal contribution during your time in office is to help brand you to the world. I will follow your Executive work and tell your stories and accomplishments in narratives that describe your heart and spirit to build a better life for your people. I am counting on you to perform and do your very best. At least, let it be said of you that you did an excellent job trying to lift your people up. Let it be said at the end of your reign that you certainly did contribute…CDC. My friend, work tremendously hard, and work smart, to relieve the plight of the masses of poor people under your rule.
George, enjoy your Inauguration. I will write you again on the eve of your second term. God speed President Weah. Blessings!
Servant Hortense D. Grimes
Founder, Do It For Christ Ministries
Creator, HortenseInspiration Media
Dreambearer & DreamCarrier, Solace Africa