The reasons I *SMILE*

You see, there is PURPOSE behind my smile. You see me smiling most of the time, encouraging others as I encourage myself, and building those who have been torn down, but what many don't know is that my smile carries a bit of pain, happiness, joy, depression, and more. At one point and time in my life, I didn't like who I had become. I didn't really care about myself that much and I allowed people to do & say as they pleased, putting myself on the back burner. I used to try to be people that I wasn't and didn't know my identity. I've always been a nice, kind, caring, & compassionate person, but I've dibbled and dabbled in mess as well. I've talked about people, lied on people & myself, and have gossiped.....yes "I" did. I have engaged in sexual intercourse before marriage & I have allowed myself to live below my worth. But the beautiful part behind all of the things I "did" is that they are in the PAST. The past is behind me, therefore I will not turn back nor will I allow it to define who I am now or where I'm headed. That's why we must never judge a book only by its cover. I thank the Lord that I'm able to genuinely & sincerely SMILE now even in the midst of the storm because he's yet growing me up into a big girl.

So you see, many people can't be honest with themselves & others. I've done the majority of my sinning AFTER getting saved & being washed in the Blood of the Lamb. The more you go through in life, the stronger you should become. I've had some good days & bad days..... but through it all, I'm still able to SMILE!

I smile because I've been forgiven!
I smile because my past doesn't determine my future!
I smile because I'm a new person!
I smile because I embrace my failures, faults, & flaws!
I smile because I'm free!
I smile because I've been given another chance!
I smile because God is strengthening my character daily!
I smile because I'm making a difference in the lives of others!
I smile because no devil in hell can touch me!
I smile because I've decided to follow Jesus!
I smile because I'm yet learning from my mistakes!
I smile because I'm now able to embrace who I am!
I smile because I'm able to accept that things won't always be perfect!
I smile because it feels good to be honest & tell the truth!
I smile because I know that my purpose is BIGGER than my pain!
I smile because no weapon formed against me shall prosper!
I smile because my faith exceeds what I see!
I smile because my family is still here!
I smile because God is yet working on me!
I smile because the Lord has been too good to me!
I smile because I know God has me covered!
I smile because man can't break nor shake me!
I smile because even though things may not go as planned, God still has purpose for me!
I smile because being talked about, misunderstood, criticized, & lied on has made me STRONGER!
I smile because I'm able to accept things for what they are!
I smile because peace is my best friend!
I smile because God is yet working it all out for my good!
I smile because I know it isn't over!
I smile because God has more in store!
I smile because God saved me from the hands of the enemy!
I smile because the joy of the Lord reigns supreme!
I smile because I'm able to love those who hate me!
I smile because for the first time in my life, I can tell the truth & be honest with my feelings!
I smile because God loves me regardless of what I've done!
I smile because the Lord continues to have his hands on me!
I smile because I'm able to trust him in the good & the bad!
I smile because through it all, regardless of what others think, GOD HAS THE FINAL SAY!

I thank God for the woman I am yet maturing in to....and for that, I SMILE!