Higher Heights with Wendy M. Reynolds

"Always Remember To Reach For Higher Heights!"

  • About Higher Heights/Guest Sign In
  • ATTENTION!
  • Bishop George Davis: 2016 – The Year Of The Great Transformation
  • Books To Read:
  • Confessions
  • Egeirõ Productions & Publishing
  • Family Matters! (Photos)
  • FRIENDS…
  • I’m Ready!
  • Inspiring Videos
  • SPOTLIGHT
  • Treat Yourself & Someone You Love To A Gift Of Inspiration!
  • WENDY M. REYNOLDS: Bio

The First Person Who Ever Loved Me

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on February 7, 2019
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #EmergeWMR, family, grief, Higher Heights, Jesus, Mom. Leave a comment
52331954_10218887524123235_8049370072549949440_n
50883636_10218887524363241_347459748985044992_n
51451730_10218887524443243_1629380574852415488_n
51721823_10218887524523245_6389091533034881024_n
51311653_10218887806050283_2876976782299365376_n
51415155_10218887671406917_542627615580618752_o
51924567_10218887807010307_998833170541445120_n

Whew, the 1st Person who ever loved me passed yesterday morning. Mom closed her eyes, dropped a single tear, smiled and went into the full presence of the Lord. She is healed.

She remains my Champion… my Shero. Next to God, Mom’s hands, heart and words have been the most comforting & the most powerful in my life! She taught me lessons until her very last day on earth.She knew without a doubt she was loved and that we would do anything for her. We knew she loved us. Never once have we questioned it. We stood together and we fought together. Her ability to fight and defy the odds was nothing short of amazing. She lived her life on her terms and she lived life well! Her journey was truly a journey of continual impact, courage, astonishment & God’s grace.
It feels like part of me is missing. I’m not sure how to live life without Her presence but if I can be half the Women she is, I know I will be okay. What my heart feels… the love… the pain… the heartbreak… is unexplainable. But what I do know is I’m honoured to be the Daughter of the King & the Daughter of Harriett Lillie Bandy Reynolds!

-Wendy M. Reynolds
#ILoveMyMomma #MommasHands #WellDoneMom
#GodsGrace #SheToldMeWhoIWasCreatedToBe #EmergeWMR #DareToLiveWMR #NoRegrets

 

…Awaken, Rise, Put Your Strength On… Dare To Live! (Is 52)

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on October 8, 2018
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #DareToLiveWMR, #EmergeWMR, #SpartansWill, ajr5z4v5, Grace. Leave a comment

Happy Birthday To Me!

20181002_120538

Are You Kidding Me Right Now?

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on September 30, 2018
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #ChangingTheNarrative, #DareToLiveWMR, #EgeriõWMR, #EmergeWMR, #IJustAwesomed, #SpartansWill, Beauty Come Forth, faith, Grace, inspiration, Truth, Wendy M. Reynolds. 1 Comment

latest meAre you kidding me?! Listen, all it takes is one person, one call, one moment, one opportunity, one shot… one WORD…and life forever changes. Don’t give up. Don’t believe the lies (Its too late. Nobody cares. You’re the wrong color. You’re the wrong size. Too many disappointments. Been hurt too much. Too tired. Not good enough. Not strong enough. You messed up beyond repair…) Please! I mean really… Are you kidding me? Get a grip. If you only knew truly how much “more than enough” you really are. The enemy’s job is to keep you from knowing who you really are- what you’re really capable of… how simply amazing & incredible you are… he is afraid of you & of your discovery of… of you.

Dare to get to know you. Embrace your God given uniqueness & greatness! Tell fear to go take a hike. Be insanely courageous for a few minutes out each day. Wipe away the tears. Release yourself from past mistakes, failures, hurt and guilt. Get up & “AWESOME all over the place”. Let’s go!
Just needed to get that out!
-Wendy

Off The Cuff… Tired.

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on March 7, 2018
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #EgeriõWMR, #EmergeWMR, Authenticity, Beauty Come Forth Magazine, Christ, inspiration, Truth, Wendy M. Reynolds. Leave a comment

20180227_134616It has been a while since I’ve sat consistently at the computer in the early mornings and wrote off the cuff. I started to scale it back some as I took some heat from people (in actuality, one person) who insinuated I might have been a little hypocritical. “How can you write all of those encouraging words when your life doesn’t appear to be where it should be?” Those words weighed heavy on my mind and on my heart for various reasons (I’m human, you know)- partly because of from whom they came from and partly because yeah, I have been experiencing waves of difficult times in my life. But so what? Life, right? I mean we all go through things- and how can we ever grow- how can we learn, how can we help others if we have no experience, no heartache, no heartbreak, no victories… nothing to draw from. I can talk of pushing past fear, because I have been afraid- getting unstuck because I have been stuck- overcoming mistakes, because I have made plenty of mistakes- disappointments, heartbreaks, bad choices, regrets, betrayal, hopelessness… all of that. And because God’s grace proved to be much bigger than all of that, I can speak on hope, fearlessness, faith, peace in times of choas, being fortified, comebacks, purpose, greatness…

Part of what is wrong in our society is that we care too much about what other people think. We try to make life seem as if it is darn near perfect. We fear that if we show weakness or are transparent about difficulties, we will be viewed as weak people. Therefore, we are often too fake- fake in the homes, fake in the church, fake amongst our friends. We end up living lies and force others to live them as well.  Ohhh… I’m so tired of it. Tired of seeing us shut down in areas where we are needed most- tired of seeing us manipulated into living in ways that are not authentic, as a means trying to gain validation, positions, love… Tired of seeing people suffer in silence because you don’t want to listen to or deal with their issue. We tell people to just suck it up! Be strong- leaving no place for vulnerability. There is no freedom when we are not living authentically. We can not help anyone. Oh, but when we live our truth, we walk in freedom and can help liberate others as well. Our exposed scars are just testimonies of healed wounds.

My life isn’t by any means perfect. I have plenty of scars from falling down. I’ve made some excellent choices in my life and some that I wish I could go back and redo. I took leaps that left me soaring in high places and some that left me flat on the ground. But all of those experiences have helped me because I choose to learn from them and they have given me the right to speak on what I speak on. I work hard not to live in my past or be defined by it but I own it all- the setbacks, the breakthroughs, the mistakes and the victories. And because I own my… my life,  I’m able to take those lessons- those experiences- those truths, my journey… and help, and serve and comfort others “right now” with the same comfort God comforted me with. Problems don’t change purpose. In fact, they often expose it. And I will never allow a person or circumstance to stop me from being who I am or stop me from giving what I’ve been placed here to give.

So listen, In spite of circumstances, I will always have a word of encouragement. I will still be the most encouraging person I know.  I will get right in your face and tell you, “It is written…!” “You are worth the fight!” “It’s okay to cry.” “I see you!” “You are not alone!” “Don’t you give up!” “You’ve got this!” “God’s got you!” “So what if they don’t get you or believe in you!”  “How can I help?” “So what if you’ve failed multiple times!” “Failure is not fatal.” “I might not have your answer, but I’m here.” “You were made for this life!” “You make us better!” “Can’t nobody live you better than you!” “You have greatness within!” “Your best days are in front of you! You will get past the hurt, the grief, the mistakes, the pain, the betrayal…” “Let them walk away, you’ll make it without them.” “Celebrate you!” You can live your dreams!”  “Get up!” “You are divinely defined!” “Breathe!” “Try it again!” “After all of this, You will live…” I can and will tell you because those are the words God told me and I’ve earned the right to speak them.

–Wendy

 

March 4th

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on March 4, 2018
Posted in: Uncategorized. Leave a comment

SupportThank you to those who reached out to me and said Happy International March 4th Holiday!™ Something I know God gave me 8 yrs ago to encourage us on our journey.
I’m celebrating all Month and I’m bringing you right along with me. This March 4th week (and all month long), be ready to share your stories, be ready to listen, and be prepared to encourage someone on their journey. Find Someone. Look for an opportunity. Someone needs to know what you’re marching toward and how you keep going in spite of storms and obstacles.

Listen, someone needs you! We never know what someone is facing and it’s so important to encourage others on their journey. Someone is on the verge of giving up. Someone is on the verge of their greatest days if only they would take that next step. Someone is smiling but crying silent tears. We have the words, the listening ear, the compassion, the expertise, the opportunity, the heart,… the God given “ability & responsibility” to make a difference- to be the difference.

Let’s intentionally share our lives, our stories, our time… this week- this month… and build someone up- that family member, neighbor, that young person who folks have given up on, the stranger on the bus. Somebody needs you. Lives could be saved… including your own.

#March4thWeek #EmergeWMR #Impact #FocusedForward
We’ll talk more about it this week. In the mean time… Happy International March 4th!™
-Wendy

Careless Dreamer

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on February 25, 2018
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #EgeriõWMR, #EmergeWMR, #SpartansWill, 1 Kings 19, dream, faith, Genesis 37-50, God, life, Purpose, Wendy M. Reynolds. Leave a comment

“Here comes that careless dreamer. Can’t you see the gleam in his eyes? Walking around like he’s somebody’s redeemer- becoming everything that we despise.

Who does she think she is to dream so ridiculously? To foolishly think she can change the world- that just baffles me!
…Let’s kill him-
Yes- release our hate. Seal his fate.
Kill his hopes
Break his spirit
Shut down his voice so we can no longer hear it-
Make her weak- sell her out
ignore her cries and leave no doubt
That she is alone- that no one cares-
His futures blown & life’s just not fair.
Bow in shame. Curse the name.
Ahh… And we shall see what will become of the dream.”

-Wendy M. Reynolds

20171220_153156You ever had a dream and folks hated on you because of it? I mean they might not have come right out and said “I hate you” or “your dream is stupid”, but their actions proved it. They belittled you, conspired against you- looked for every opportunity to make you feel that what you believe is umm… delusional- that you’re on the wrong path- that your dream is unobtainable and foolish. Because they don’t see it. They don’t understand it or buy into it— because guess what? It’s not their dream. They may never buy into it until it becomes something they can see or something that benefits them.

I don’t have many regrets but one regret I do have is trying to convince those closest to me to see my dream- to get it- to get me. Wasted time. Wasted effort. Added heartache. Unneeded discouragement. And that was my fault. They weren’t going to get it- and I shouldn’t have expected them to- not while it was in the dream phase. It is my dream, my mission, not theirs. It is my faith walk, not theirs. I set myself back. Although I never doubted my God given dreams, I begin to doubt me and my ability to walk them out. I mean if I can’t even convince the folks who have known me all my life… come on now.

The enemy of my faith played me like a violin… for a while. He’d create a pit and after a minute, I didn’t even need anyone to put me in it. I’d just jump into myself. He knew which strings to pull. he knew which distractions to send. he knew where my hurt- my unhealed wounds were- he set the atmosphere- played the music of chaos, betrayal, negativity, self doubt and grief- played my emotions like they were piano keys until finally I remembered…

I remember asking God, “Where are You? My world is upside down. It seems like I’m losing everything. His response was “Where am I? Where are you? Why are you allowing the enemy to get so close to you that he can whisper in your ear. he is full of lies and you know it. There is no truth in him and you know it. he targeted you and you know it because I told you that he would. he is afraid of you- afraid of your dream, your influence, the fact that you have the tongue of the learned and you know what to say to those whom he makes weary.” I heard God in the midst of the storms- through the whirlwind- through the chaos- through my exhaustion and I begin to remember what He put on the inside of me and why it was so important that it be released. No offense but the opinions of folks didn’t matter to me any more. I got back to concentrating on the only voice that mattered- His voice and His Great grace. I knew that He had graced me for greatness- I knew that what He put in me would make a difference and change the world- one life and one word at a time. Hear me, I’m not coming from a puffed up place. I’m coming from a place of truth- a place that we all have to get back to if we are ever going to be who we really are. Look around you. The world is in trouble. You are the answer to someone’s issue. The light God placed in you can break through the darkest night. Your story, your dream is not just for you- not just about you and when you get that- when you understand that, you will also understand why the opposition has been so fierce. You will also understand that God is greater than that opposition. You’ll understand that Gods got you- that all things are working together for your good- and that your experience- the truthfulness of your experience- the realness of your experience- of your trials will comfort somebody else who is walking the walk of faith.

I’m reminded of Elijah (1 Kings 19), who after great triumph, suffered an emotional blow which led him to want to give up. He was tired. He had been targeted. And after an experience with God in a cave, after God listened to him and talked to him, God said, ok, now get back on your path. Look at Joseph (Gen. 37-50)- He went on to walk out his dream and ended up providing for those who wouldn’t provide for him- those who wouldn’t support him- those who tried to kill him, sell him out and set in motion his future pain. Joseph came to understand that it wasn’t just about him. He was placed in position to effect change and help others to live. That’s just how important the dream is- your God given dream and purpose. That’s why the enemy fights you for it and he doesn’t fight fair. he is afraid that if you ever discover who you really are- what you really have on the inside- who God really is to you, you’ll not only walk in freedom but cause others to do so as well.

So don’t let go of it- your God given dream. You will come to see its fulfillment as vital- something to fight for through the storms, the chaos, the hurts, the betrayals, the pain, the discouragement, the uncertainties. You will stand and say, “Ahhh… this is what I was created for.”

Wendy

Get your mind right

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on December 18, 2017
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #EgeriõWMR, faith, health, inspiration, thoughts, Wendy M. Reynolds. 1 Comment

“Don’t utilize all of your energy trying to become who you already are- searching for things you’ve never lost.”  

-Wendy M. Reynolds

The mind is a battlefield. It is where our biggeooost and most dangerous wars are fought. What you think about you, about God, about the world and your place in it directs your steps and frames your future. It is why the enemy spends so much time trying to infiltrate your mind and sabotage your thoughts. It is why the Word of God cautions us to renew our minds- to have the mind of Christ- to think on things that are true, honest, just, lovely, pure, of good report, of excellence… If you think on the opposite and feed into negativitiy, not only will you be robbed of your peace- but you’ll be robbed of the very thoughts of who you are. You will find yourself slowly but surely defining yourself by the world’s standards and mentality- swapping your God given greatness for a cheap worldly view of greatness, relinquishing your birthright and place of authority to “measure up” to the world’s “low” standards.  You will end up feeling like you are lacking something, feeling like a failure or a disappointment- searching for approval from folks- trapped in a “whirlwind of busy”– busy playing catch up to everyone else- sacrificing sleep, good health, family,… just to be who the world says you should be but aren’t- therefore, never feeling good enough. Are you feeling me? Are you getting this? You’ll end up chasing after “less than” when you’re already more than enough. You’ll end up living a life of regrets over a life that wasn’t even meant for you in the first place! It’s a trick- a deadly trap!

Listen, get your mind right. Remind yourself every day of who you are, to Whom you belong and what HE said about you. This week, start making a list of what God says about you and of what good things He has already done. Read/speak it out loud every day. Add to the list when you discover something new and positive. Think on those things. Remember His promises. Those daily reminders will diffuse the land minds and other hidden traps the enemy planted.  A small change in perspective- in thinking will reveal that you are already in the place you need to be today, already WHO you need to be, even if you don’t see it yet. Rest. Don’t be so busy. Get out of performance mode and just be. Don’t utilize all of your energy trying to become who you already are- searching for things you’ve never lost, trying to prove stuff you don’t even have to prove to folks who may never get you anyway. Aren’t you tired of that yet? You are not lost. You are not lacking power. You are not a failure. You are not a disappointment. You do not need “their” validation or permission to be you- to walk in greatness. Stop looking for it. You are already extraordinary. God loves you and He has you! You are not far from His presence. He is everywhere. Just step into the rhythm of His grace and… and… flow. Live. Lets go.

-Wendy
#GveYourselfPermissionToBeYou #YouHaveGreatnessWithin #Release #Flow #GodsGrace #MindRegulator

One Word At A Time

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on December 17, 2017
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #EmergeWMR, Beauty Come Forth, EgeirõWMR, faith, http://beautycomeforth.com, Spartans Will, Transparency, Wendy M. Reynolds, Words, writers. Leave a comment

words007I love the early mornings. Quiet. Still. Peaceful. A perfect time for writing. This morning I am thinking about the gift of writing (and words in general) and the responsibility that comes along with it. Over the course of the years, I’ve tried to get away from it. See, I know people don’t always value words, well, not until they need one that is. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard, “People can’t make money writing”. “It’s ok as a hobby”. “I KNOW you write, but what do you REALLY do?” “Are you writing… again?”

I will admit, at times “I let” other people’s (one in particular) negative voices temporarily hinder my writing process (my fault, not theirs)- not because I questioned my ability & responsibility to write, but simply because I was tired and drained by negativity- especially from those whom I assumed (Mistake #1) would be supportive. It didn’t matter that I had lots of people admiring my work, that I was responsible for putting out an amazing magazine, editing other incredible writer’s work,…  Writing didn’t fit their definition of work and they saw no immediate benefits.

Writers are not always taken seriously and sometimes they are even looked upon as lazy- as someone trying to get out of “real work”. However, real writers are just the opposite. They feel a call and a responsibility to the written word- for sharing it- for giving the readers something specific. They are usually disciplined, committed, passionate… They have to be. They know in time, if they have the guts to hold on, keep perfecting their craft, and keep letting the words spill across the paper- it’ll pay off. Think about it- no writers, no books. No writers- no presidential speeches (umm… that might not be a good example these days), no movies, no TV shows, no host monologues, no plays, no internet, no instruction manuals,  no greeting cards-  You’ll have singers without songs.

I’ve always been a communicator. A listener. An orator. A writer. I have to stay reminded that I don’t need anyone else’s permission, validation or approval to be who I am or to do what I do. I just need to be obedient to the call on my life, stay in communication with My Creator, stay grateful, put work in along side my leaps of faith, keep my expectations high, protect the anointing upon my life and believe God- period.

comI’m proud of my work. It takes discipline, hard work, commitment, sacrifice, passion and great fortitude. I often sit up late and get up early. I endure the “Why are you at the computer again”, “Why are you not doing it this way”, “Why don’t you have something out yet”,  and the “Why are you writing? People don’t buy books any more”.  I can endure it because I have finally come to an understanding of what my words represent and what they offer.

My words are like my kids. I nurture them. I’ve watch them grow and expand into areas that many folks have yet to see. I pour my heart into them in hopes that they will stand on their own- stand with power and change the world one life and one word at a time.

I’m thankful for and humbled by the gift to inspire hope, to challenge, to engage, to encourage, and to empower people through the written and spoken word. I’ll never minimize what God has given me. My words are a powerful tool. They have stepped into places that people cannot go. They build bridges to help people get to the other side. They help rebuild people who have been torn down, disregarded and often discarded. They can navigate through twisted thinking, areas of shame, depression, addiction, hopelessness and helplessness. They can reach into prison cells, broken hearts and even messed up minds.

My words are an extension of who I am and part of my legacy that will live on long after I am gone- holding within them an eternal ability to inspire and give hope. And tell me, who doesn’t need that?

~Wendy

Gold Plated Friendship

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on November 30, 2017
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #FriendshipRedefined, #RedefiningFriendship, Beauty Come Forth Magazine, encouragement, friendship, Higher Heights, Spartans Will, Wendy M. Reynolds. Leave a comment

wmr99
Listen, if you have good people in your life, don’t take them for granted. Point blank. Learn to appreciate, celebrate and forgive them. Good people are hard to come by and a wounded friendship is hard to recover.

I dare you this week to spend some time honestly thinking about what those closest to you (or those who use to be closest to you) bring to your life. Many of us will sadly discover that we’ve traded golden friendships/relationships for gold plated ones because they cost us very little- little time, little support, little change, little growth, few tears, little work, no real investment…

The gold plated can still look good & maybe even pass for the real thing for a little while, but don’t get it twisted, it “ain’t” real. It lacks durability and eventually its true nature (which is hidden underneath the shine) shows- exposes itself- leaving you irritated and noticeably tarnished. Hmmm… Selah!

-Wendy

#EmergeWMR #CelebrateGoldenFriendship! #FriendshipRedefined

 

Touching hearts. Changing lives.

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on November 1, 2017
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #EmergeWMR, Changing the Narrative, Community, EgeirõWMR, Empower, Legacy, OAODC, Pure Michigan, Spartans Will, Wendy M. Reynolds, Youth. Leave a comment
“Make no mistake, our youth, our families and our communities are our country’s real legacy and the living proof of the health of our nation.”
-Wendy M. Reynolds

xcxcxc

You can’t change the world if you don’t touch hearts! Soooooo… In the pictures shown, we were doing our best to make an impact- to touch hearts and lives! We were hanging with our youth (and their families) of the City- celebrating them, encouraging them… while building and celebrating the power of Community.

I love the fact that many US cities are working hard at redefining themselves. However, be reminded that there can be no lasting changes unless we pour into and empower our youth and families. We must provide them with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.  We all deserve access to the best education and educational environment, health care, supportive services, programs, nutrition, opportunities… We cannot say we truly care about out country when we feel it okay to send children to learn in dilapidated buildings, without proper books or  valued educators. What does it say when we pour billions of dollars into systems designed to incarcerate as opposed to educate? What does it mean when families have to travel far out of their neighborhoods for healthy food or to even visit a park because there are none to be seen where they live? What happens when there are little to no positive images or stories seen that reflect who you are or where you come from?

Make no mistake, our youth, our families and our communities are our country’s real legacy and the living proof of the health of our nation. It is perfectly fine to build new buildings, to revitalize,… Downtown, but it means very little if we don’t help build and foster relationships and a positive culture and environment within the communities of our nation. We must make the commitment to build up and believe in our youth-  show them they are worth investing in- worth fighting for and that although they don’t have to be perfect, we expect nothing short of their best work and best behavior. Somebody invested in you in one way or another. We must continue to find the best ways to expose the value and greatness they have within, so that they can see it in themselves, reflect it outwardly, contribute positively in the world around them and help others. Only then will our cities, states, nations and world begin to stand as a testament of true health and wealth. Yeah, only when we discover where it truly lies.

-Wendy

#EmergeWMR #EgeirõWMR #ChangingTheNarrative#SpeakingToTheGreatnessInYou #OAODC #SpartansWill

In the morning…

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on October 25, 2017
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #EgeriõWMR, #EmergeWMR, Devotion, Higher Heights, inspiration, Wendy M. Reynolds. Leave a comment

x1How do you start your day? I like to start the wee hours of my mornings this way: Quiet. Peaceful. Meditative Prayer. Reading. Listening. Writing. It really helps set the tone for my day. It also helps in maintaining discipline in my life. It would be so easy just to jump out of bed and start moving without much direction or focus- running around like a chicken with its head cut off, as the old saying goes. But having a set ritual (for lack of a better word) gives me time to get my mind settled. It gives me a chance to get in tune to the Spirit of God- the rhythm of His grace.

That first waking hour helps define the entire day. It allows me the opportunity to focus on Someone greater than myself as well as greater than any circumstance that might arise. I breathe on purpose. I pray honest prayers. I study and reflect on purpose. I remind myself who God is and who I am in Him. It’s my daily refueling time. It shapes my attitude.  And when I step out, I am full. I’m not empty. It will be more difficult for the world to empty its negativity into an already full heart, a regulated mind and a refreshed spirit. I am less likely to give into the stress of the day. I am more conscious of God’s presence, His purpose for my life and my ability and responsibility to walk out that purpose. I love my mornings.
Good morning. Make it a great day!
-Wendy

#EmergeWMR #EgeirõWMR #ChangingTheNarrative

Life: Real And Imperfect

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on August 18, 2017
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #EgeriõWMR, #EmergeWMR, Beauty Come Forth Magazine, inspiration, life, Wendy M. Reynolds. 2 Comments

me a priorityI can look back at some of my most happiest of times as well as some of the lowest moments and see how I’ve changed, see how I’ve stumbled, see how I grew… Life. Sometimes I just shake my head.

As I went through my decades of journals, I started taking notes on the lessons I learned. They weren’t always easy lessons. Many times I suffered heartbreak before I learned my lesson. I might not have seen any good coming out of some circumstances back in the day, but I can see it now. I found myself saying, “Awww, that’s why I had to go through “that” particular thing.” “That’s why that friendship had to end.” That’s why I didn’t need that particular guy in my life.” “That’s why my inner circle is small.” “That’s why I had to go to Michigan State University.” “That’s why that project failed the first three times.” “Ohhh, I never thought I’d get through that.” “Oh, now that was too funny!” “That’s why I got stuck.” “That’s why…”

Often times the real issue is not what we are going through, but what we are coming to and how our life’s lessons can prepare us to stand in amazing places- equipped and fortified- stand in places we never thought possible and how we can help strengthen someone else, if only we’d share when the right opportunity calls for us to do so.

People need to know that we live real lives with real issues- that everything is not always perfect and that’s okay. It validates their struggles, their pain and their ability to overcome whatever they are dealing with.

Life is full of fake people who act as if they don’t have a problem in the world- people who would have you believe that they’ve been good all their lives. Those types of people rarely help anyone. In fact, they hinder.

Years ago, one of my closet friends told me she left church because she didn’t belong. Everybody there appeared perfect and her life was a mess. She felt that she could never lived up to their standards. She felt shunned by the folks she tried to befriend. She wasn’t “Churched”.  She lacked discipline. She lived her life any way the wind blew. In addition, she partied on some Saturdays. She struggled with drinking every now and then, she was sleeping with her boyfriend and at times she was known to let out a curse word or two. She wanted to make some changes in her life. She tried church. If one person would have connected with her and been honest with her- If one person would have said, “Girl, I know.  I’ve been there. Let me tell you my story. Let me tell you how I made it through.” It would have made a huge difference. She might not have continued to struggle as long as she did.

So, I’ve learned to listen and to share when appropriate. Why? To help strengthen and encourage someone else.  It gives added purpose to my personal experiences- my good days as well as my pain. And because it is good for the soul.

–Wendy

 

Life Happens

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on August 17, 2017
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #EgeriõWMR, #EmergeWMR, inspiration, life, Spartans Will, Transparency, Truth, Wendy Marie Reynolds. Leave a comment

20170910_021335_1506720789665_001I remember last year around this time I was so excited. I knew my 50th Birthday was a few months away and I had geared up to do this personal campaign called “FiftyToFifty” where I would (the 50 days leading to my 50th birthday) spend individual time celebrating with the folks and celebrating folks who made a difference in my life as well as write everyday about a life lesson learned. Then I would welcome 50 and do something each month to celebrate life!  Ohhhhh… sounds so great, even now. And hey, I managed parts of each of that.  But I what I didn’t realize was that during those days leading up to my 50th, my Mom would face illness and the challenge of discovering what that illness was. Shortly after turning 50, during the week of Thanksgiving, she would receive a diagnoses and the fight (which we are winning) kicked into a whole different level!

Between November and January, I would lose my cousins Al and Lamar and throughout the year several friends in addition to enduring some other storms of life. It seemed as if the year and all of the circumstances were trying to break me. And to be honest, some days I felt broken. But most days, I held my head up and kept walking.

Truth is life can be quite hard and at times even heartbreaking. As we journey through the ups and downs, we are often given opportunities to discover what we and others are made of- what’s at the core of our belief and very being. We learn about us- who & what’s important to us, what we prioritize, what frightens us, what fuels us, who and what is worth our fight, if our faith is strong, if our strength is small, if we live the life we talk.

Although I am gratful to have seen 50 (and soon 51), once again I have learned that life- it’s not about age. It about the decisions you make- the life you CHOOSE to live every single day you wake up. It’s about being grateful for each breath you breathe- grateful for the precious people in your life and for the opportunity to make another beautiful memory. It’s about trusting and believing God- period. It’s about loving, celebrating and fighting for yourself and for the ones who have been entrusted to be in your life. It’s about wanting to give up sometimes but knowing that you can’t- knowing that option is not even on the table. It’s about looking up, getting up and taking that next step forward after the “bully circumstances” of life have knocked you off your feet and told you, “Stay your butt on the ground!” It’s about the forgiveness of self and others and moving beyond the people, places and things that brought you to tears and attempted to literally crush your spirit. It’s about holding on to peace, making time to laugh, being kind and experiencing joy regardless of what’s going on in the world. It’s about finding and flowing in the beautiful rhythm of grace.

Life… So much more than about a certain number of years… It’s about “daring to be”- daring to live “you” in all of your fullness- showing up- even wounded if you have to- withholding nothing back that’s good- being authentic, being well, being whole, being purposeful- shining through light and through darkness- prayerfully encouraging and helping others find their way along the way. It may not be easy, but we will find that it’s worth it.

-Wendy

Some thoughts after the weekend’s display of hatred (An excerpt)

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on August 14, 2017
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #EgeriõWMR, #EmergeWMR, Beauty Come Forth Magazine, challenge, Charlottesville, hate, inspiration, Light, Wendy M. Reynolds. Leave a comment

lightAlthough not surprised, my heart is grieved at the condition of our country. The public show of hatred that has reemerged in our country (as well as across the world) is heartbreaking. Just like a midnight sky, darkness can be seen in every direction we turn. And many people love it. They love the chaos. They love the division. They love the fact that old wounds are being ripped open. They love the fact that we are beginning to look at our neighbors, our coworkers, and even our friends differently- that we can’t trust our world leaders to do or even know what’s right. Yeah, we are in dark times and many like it and are ignorant to what they are opening themselves up to. There is a spirit of hate that has been stirred up something fierce. It is bringing waves of violence, destructive pride, a false sense of privilege and painful violations. But in the end, it will be consumed by its own snares and devices.

…Listen, don’t fear hatemongers and their tiki torches. Hatred won’t reduce us, intimidate us or stop us from being. While some carry torches of fire with a tiki, we are our own torch- bearing a light, a flame that burns and shines from an untouchable place within. Their darkness can’t compare or even stand next to our light- to our shine. Our light simply expels their darkness. They tremble in the presence of someone who knows who he/she is. They scream obscenities and fight with their fists because they are ignorant and can’t hold a civil conversation. Their loud shouts, their ranting and raving, their claims of supremacy are signs of feelings of inferiority…

*
…We must not fear darkness. We must stand. We must shine. We must emerge and break forth with all of our God given brillience. We must use the power of our individual and collective voices to speak forth truth, demand justice, mentor our youth and usher in needed change. We must go forward with a strong sense of purpose and with righteous indignation. And if they never choose to love us, it’s okay. If they refuse to speak the words “You matter” to us, it’s okay. We don’t look to them for validation or definition. We know that we are loved. We know that we matter. We know how great we are. We know what contributions we have made and continue to make. We are builders, educators, problem solvers, innovators. We know that we are God seekers and prayer warriors. We are divinely defined, blessed, favored, walking miracles, world changers,… We know how powerful we are. We do know… right? Listen, that is what they fear. That’s why they try to distract us with foolishness. That’s why they take money designated to educate us and build systems to incarcerate us. They try to make our way hard because they know we are mighty. They know that they can’t contain us- contain our greatness. They fear a people who are again awakening to the knowledge of who they are and the difference they can make…

An Excerpt from “My Weekend Thoughts”

-Wendy M. Reynolds

newone2

Adjustments. Getting Stronger. Forward.

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on July 15, 2017
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #EgeriõWMR, #EmergeWMR, #SpartansWill, adjustments, Beauty Come Forth, encouragement, Higher Heights, inspiration, life, Wendy M. Reynolds. Leave a comment

designing-your-life-with-intent-mind-map

Good morning world. It’s a beautiful Saturday morning. I love the mornings. It’s quiet and peaceful. Everything seems fresh. I intentionally get up early. It’s my time to meditate, pray, write, exercise- my time to take care of me before the rest of the people in my world arise. Self care is vital. I haven’t always focused on my needs and I’ve faced some heavy consequences for that. But now I do better. I’m taking better care of the whole me- physically, mentally, spiritually, socially, financially… I’m not in competition with anyone nor am I looking for validation from anybody. This is about me being and living my best- because I’m worth it.stronger

I’ve been determined to get stronger and walk out the better version of myself every single day. In order to do that I had to rediscover exactly what that looks like to me. What does living a good life look like to me? What does good health look like to me? What does financial freedom look like to me? What am I willing to do or give up to have it? What does honoring and using my gifts and skills look like to me? What does a good relationship look like to me? What do I want my tomorrow to look like? Are the things I value in my life noticeable in my life to me?

I highlighted “to me” because all the folks in our lives have a vision on what our lives should look like. It’s so easy to get caught up in someone else’s definition of who you are or who you should be. If we are not careful, we will begin to live out their vision and version of us instead of our vision of who we are. This can easily lead to confusion, frustration, stagnation, and the worse thing- our forgetting who we really are. In addition, our values, desires and needs change over the course of time. What I want and need at age 50 is not necessarily the same thing I wanted and needed at age 21.

I’ve been back at the drawing board- not mapping out a brand new plan for my life, but editing. I’ve had to change some things- rearrange some things, recheck my thought life, ask myself some questions, forgive myself for when I took myself out of the my own story, or when I took a wrong turn or detour, reposition some people in my life, welcome new people, obtain new information…

It’s funny how we so easily remember to make sure our cars are running smoothly- we change the oil every so often, rotate the tires, check the fuel gauge, clean out the inside, wash and wax the outside- but often forget to make sure we’re running smoothly.

Things were not running so smoothly in my life and I had to discover why and then adjust. Part of it was just the natural bumps and potholes in the road that we all encounter. Some potholes do more damage than others. And if left unchecked, more problem emerge. I had left somethings unchecked.

Life is really a journey and as long as we live, we will have to make adjustments. That’s okay. That’s part of the process. That’s life. It’s a part of growing. It’s a part of discovering who you are. Don’t ever feel bad about having to make adjustments. Make them and move forward. You owe it to yourself to be the best version of you.

-Wendy

Just a transparent moment

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on June 13, 2017
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #EgeriõWMR, #EmergeWMR, Bandy, Beauty Come Forth, encouragement, Transparency, Wendy M. Reynolds. Leave a comment
14566218_10210947792274901_1972188985830922955_o-1Had a great conversation with a young man who is finding & feeling his way up from bad choices and the serious consequences that followed. One of our great takeaways was “you can never find your way back to a place that no longer exist.” We often try to get back to where we use to be before our heartache, before our failures, before our betrayals,… but our experiences in life forever shape & change us, as well as reveal us. The old can never truly be recaptured. We can’t ‘unreveal’ or undo,… but we can rise, we can “be” and we can journey forward- knowing that everything we have gone through will serve a purpose & all that we truly are is more than enough.
He asked me the same question I asked him. “Well, how do YOU see yourself now in comparison to 10 years ago?” 10 years ago I would have easily defined myself as an encourager, a counselor, imperfect, a loyal friend, a square in the midst of circles, a listener, a good person most of the time… but today I think I would describe myself as brave because I choose to keep going forward- keep rising, keep discovering and walking out my best self, keep being friendly, keep pursuing MY dream for my life, keep helping & covering people, keep releasing those things and people which no longer make me better, keep forgiving myself,… I choose to keep showing up- keep anticipating victory in the midst of dealing with grief, heartache, failures, criticism, disappointments, the messes I make along the way and the uncertainties I encounter in life. That’s bravery. Courage. Grace under fire.
 
That moment of transparency gave way to a new and deeper level of conversation in which we both walked away better.
Be Blessed & Be A Blessing!
Wendy
#GodsGrace #EmergeWMR #OneLifeAndOneWordAtATime

Because I Forgot…

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on May 16, 2017
Posted in: Uncategorized. Leave a comment

me2 Hello Self- It’s been a while since I’ve talked to you- actually it has been quite sometime since I’ve even looked at you.

But today, for some reason, I find it imperative that I communicate some things with you.

So many times I left you neglected- not listening to you when your heart would cry out; Not attending to your needs;

Not paying attention to your feelings but saying, “They were something you’d get over;”

Not paying attention to your brokenness but saying, “That’s something that will mend;”

Not paying attention to hurts and scars but saying, “That’s something that will heal;”

Not paying attention to your tears but saying, “They will soon dry up;”

Not paying attention to your accomplishments, but saying, “You can always do better;”

Not paying attention to the difference you make in the lives of others, instead saying, “There’s so much more to do;”

Not paying attention to your strengths but always noticing your weaknesses;

Not noticing when you’re tired and need rest but always pushing you to go, go, go;

I guess I just haven’t been in tune with you lately and for that I’m sorry.

But now, I am determined to make a change!!!!!

From here on I promise to attend to your needs and acknowledge your feelings.

I promised to keep you encouraged and motivate you.

I’ll always tell you to set high goals for you have what it takes to obtain them.

I’ll take time to be completely honest with you and honestly look at you. I’ll ask you how is it going and then I‘ll listen.

I’ll pay more attention to your talents and I’ll encourage you to use them.

I’ll help you feel good about the things you accomplish.

I’ll make you laugh and I’ll continually remind you that the Joy of the Lord is Your Strength!!

I’ll take time out everyday just to let you know how special you are.

I will no longer dwell on your weaknesses but I’ll find ways to strengthen those areas.

I won’t allow the world to beat you down, but I’ll build you up everyday in the Word of God.

You can count on me to Love you and to tell you so. Even when it seems the whole world is against you, I’ll stand with you and Believe in you.

I promise to take care of you and treat you better than anyone, except God could ever possible treat you.

YOU DESERVE THE BEST!!

© Wendy M. Reynolds

HEAVY

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on May 15, 2017
Posted in: Uncategorized. Leave a comment

Big_PencilIt’s been quite a while since I have just sat down and put the pen or pencil to the paper or even sat at the computer and written off the cuff. It’s been a little tough. Times are tough. Because of that, the pencil feels so heavy when I lift it. People have been going through – the world often feels as if it is having a nervous breakdown and sometimes I just don’t want to write about it. “Well, Wendy, write something else.”

Writing is about truth to me. It’s not just about putting words on the page. It’s about listening- listening to my heart, listening for God’s voice, listening to the hearts around me. And right now, this is my truth.  I write about hope- however hope must often be grasped through the midst of pain, broken hearts, loss, … hopelessness.  Hope is a hard sell when we hear of violence in our streets and suicides- when we see mudslides and tornadoes wiping out cities, boats capsizing and buses catching fire with precious children on board, missing airplanes filled with people, folks collapsing under the pressures of internal weight and stress- lives taken way too soon. Oh yeah, hope is a hard sell. But hope we must.

If we ever needed to grasp hold of hope before, it is now. If ever we need to extend hope to others, it is now. If ever we need to listen to the hearts of one another, it is now. If ever we need to be a bearer of good news, it is now. Although we are on the brink of walking in extraordinary times, folks are also on the brink of collapsing under the pressure of extended “life storms”.  They are quitting- throwing in the towel. Some folks are just walking away from life as they know it- just disappearing. Our burden bearers are weakening. People whom we’ve often looked to for help are wounded. Our faith is being challenged on every level. Our insides- damaged emotions, fears, pains, secrets… are spilling out. We are forced to find ways to help others while we are in need ourselves. But find ways we must. Yeah, my pencil is heavy, but I can’t EVER let my brother or my sister think that they are too heavy for me to hold.

To be continued…

Wendy M. Reynolds, MS/P

Remember…

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on April 3, 2017
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: Beauty Come Forth, faith, Higher Heights, inspiration, Legacy, prayer, Wendy M. Reynolds. Leave a comment

Screenshot_2015-09-23-17-15-07-1Some days, as we move forward, we need to remember some things. Remember the good that has been around us, remember the people who sacrificed for us and who we sacrificed for, remember WHY we fight, WHY we love hard in spite of the hard headed and some times hard hearted folks we encounter, remember the lessons learned, the difference we made/make, remember how God always shows up…

Yeah… remember who we are in spite circumstance, in spite of mistakes and flaws, in spite of the let downs and betrayals- in the midst of storms, setbacks and uncertainties. Remember that we’ve outlasted many things designed to destroy us- some stuff, only God knows about. Remember that we are still standing. Purposed. Original. Amazing. Beautiful. Stengthened. Anointed.

Today, my prayer is that we remember who we are and that we walk in our own convictions, in our own purpose and in our own shoes- unapologetic of our God given brilliance and shine, leaving our own mark, making our own impact- creating a legacy that we can be proud of- a legacy that will surely out live us and touch lives we will never meet.

Good morning.
Wendy
#TodayIRemember #EmergeWMR

March 4 International Holiday™

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on March 4, 2017
Posted in: Uncategorized. Leave a comment

Marching+Together+Leeds~2

Seven years ago today, I instituted our 1st March 4th International Holiday!™ We shared with each other how we were marching forth and what we were marching forth toward. We took time to celebrate & encourage each other on our journey. My facebook, website, email, & phone were flooded with messages, declarations,… Remember how amazing it was?
This year, when it seems as if folks are marching all over the world for freedom, justice, a fair political system, unity, validation, heck- for CLEAN DRINKABLE WATER, and just to be heard… let us continue our tradition of Marching 4th.

We have all faced storms, tough times, good times, setbacks, breakthroughs, victories… We could all use encouragement. SHARE with us and with others (at home, on your job, at church, at school, at the bus stop… HOW you are Marching 4th & what you are Marching 4th towards? What inspires you to keep going? Someone needs to hear YOUR story! TALK to folks over the next 7 days. ASK them about their journey. *LISTEN* to their hearts. ENCOURAGE them on their journey. Let’s flood and rock the world with encouragement and concern.

SOMEBODY is tired on their journey. It might be your child or that friend who has it all together- that Mom who loves on everybody, that person who pours out all he has to help others, that neighbor whom you hardly see anymore… SOMEONE is tired, struggling, falling, on the very edge of giving up… and you don’t even know it. Listen, I have been right there in that very place. It’s not easy to pull yourself up when you’ve felt kicked down, grief stricken, forgotten and the weight on your shoulders weighs a ton. But I kept going. And now I’m really packing with arsenal that can help others!

For the next 7 days (and beyond), let’s HEAR, challenge, empower, and uplift one another on purpose. LET’S HELP EACH OTHER LIVE. Lock arms, lock hearts, and March 4th together. Are you ready?

This is not some gimmick. Let’s go make an impact! Let’s go be the difference. Spread the word. Leave your comments, declarations, encouragement… Keep checking back over the next 7 days for other comments, past declarations from over the past 7years… and to add your input.

March 4th!
Wendy M. Reynolds
#WeAreImpact #MarchForth

Family. History. Legacy

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on March 2, 2017
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: Alabama, Beauty Come Forth, family, Higher Heights, history, Impact, Legacy, R. B. Hudson, Selma, Wendy M. Reynolds. Leave a comment

12523083_10208500647177803_1870718583123038446_n

So I’m sitting here talking with my Folks. I love learning about & discussing my family history. So proud of our #history on both sides of the family. This guy right here… He is my Dad’s Grandmother’s (Jannie Hudson) brother (so ummm… Dad’s great uncle), R.B. Hudson. Both my parents graduated from the high school named in his honor. #Impact #Legacy
Remember, History can’t ever be summed up in a month.

-Wendy
http://bit.ly/1ZjI6cP
______
R. B. Hudson High: “This school was the city of Selma’s first public high school for African-Americans. Completed in 1949, the school was named in honor of Richard Byron Hudson, a Black educator who had served for 41 years as principal of Clark Elementary School, Selma’s first elementary school for African-American children. 

From 1963-1965, students from R.B. Hudson High School and surrounding county schools played a vital role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These students actively participated in Civil Rights demonstrations that led to the advancement and passage of Civil Rights legislation. After integration in 1970, the school name changed to West Junior High School. In 2000, the school name changed to Chatt Academy. On May 10, 2012, R.B. Hudson’s name was finally reestablished, and the school is now known as the R.B. Hudson Middle School. ”

Excerpt taken from Historic Makers Across Alabama
http://bit.ly/1ZjI6cP

History Can’t Be Summed Up In A Month

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on March 1, 2017
Posted in: Uncategorized. Leave a comment

17022032_10212407789173911_5173200225171004463_nI’m honored to be the niece of Ernest Doyle, a member of “The Courageous Eight” of Selma, unsung heros of the Civil Rights and The Voting Rights Act.

“The Courageous Eight” stood so that we could have the right to stand & vote. My Uncle, Ernest Doyle, who passed in 2011, was President of Selma’s NAACP and a leader of the 1965 March in Selma, Ala, (seen seated under the Selma NAACP sign ), was The first African American voted into office after restructure in Selma and was later honored by President Bill Clinton for being a “Courageous Eight” and Leader. 

His story of courage in the face of violence and civil injustice is on permanent display at The National Voting Rights Museum in Selma, Ala.

We must know our History, be proud and pick up the mantle to lead, create future history and leave a legacy that we all can be proud of!

-Wendy M. Reynolds
#ThePowerOfTheVote
#MyVoiceMyStory

“Everyday we all make history- history that cannot be summed up in a month.”

-Wendy M. Reynolds

Defy The Odds

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on February 1, 2017
Posted in: Uncategorized. Leave a comment

newone2

Wow, what an exciting time to be alive. Yeah, I know, the world’s economy has issues, you turn on the news and it’s mostly bad news and people all over the globe seem to be in financial and personal crisis. What’s so good about living in these seemingly stormy times that we are living in? This is a good time to defy the odds. This is a good time to show that you are not defined by your circumstances, but instead are defined by something much deeper and greater. This is a time to embrace your dreams and show what you are made of. What God has put on the inside of you will alter your circumstances, impact the world, and give people the hope they so desperately need. This is the time for you to arise!

You may have been hit by several storms but see yourself as a palm tree. Strong winds blow and the palm tree bends because of its flexibility. However, you rarely see a palm tree break. It defies the storm. Trees that are bigger and appear stronger are often uprooted and tossed. Not the Palm tree. It has a cool sway and swagger to it. After it blows and bends in the wind, it arises back to a standing position. It is time for you to arise back to your standing position.

This week don’t be defined by the storms in your life, defy them. You will not break because of the strong winds. You may sway. You may bend and touch the ground but you will not stay down. You are arising to a standing position and you will stand strong!

“The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible].” Psalm 92:12 Amplified

Having a Moment

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on January 28, 2017
Posted in: Uncategorized. 1 Comment
lamar
me2

Having a moment. Up thinking about the amazing conversations I had with my cousin Lamar throughout the years. He and I were only 2 1/2 weeks a part in age. He has been there my whole life. Always a part of me. Through distance and circumstance, we found a way to remain close. I was closer to him than the people I saw on a regular bases. The transparency we had with one another was life altering… healing. Even from childhood, we shared from our deepest places- our joys, our pains, our hope. 

His love for God… his unwavering faith… whew… bold… inspiring. His love for his family- his amazing wife Shaquila, his beautiful daughters Tionna and Hannah, His precious and beautiful Mom, his “awaiting to be born” 1st grandchild, his siblings Debra & James, his Dad, and his extended family… would simply take your breath away.

What a honor it has been to be a part of his life. Even though we lived in different parts of the United States, we always saw each other heart to heart.

My cousin. My best friend. My partner in Heaven & Earth shaking prayer, in gut busting laughter and in cleansing tears. Missing you already Cuz. So thankful for the 50 years and 4 months. So thankful we knew what we meant to each other- Never a question, never a doubt. So thankful that we shared life together.

Who will I have to talk to on any given day- at all hours of the day and night? Especially at midnight? At 3am?

Rest easy Cuz. I tearfully rejoice as you step into your best days with the King of kings.

Our three fold cord will never be broken.
I love you “Infinity x 3”.
-Wendy

Here I Come!

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on October 9, 2016
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #EgeriõWMR, #EmergeWMR, BCF, Beauty Come Forth Magazine, faith, Impact, inspiration, life, Wendy M. Reynolds. Leave a comment

nnnnaaSo yesterday was my birthday (although I celebrate the whole season). I had a great day.  At some point during the day, my Mom told me the story that only she could tell: “I was in labor and didn’t even know it… and then my water broke… I reached the hospital at 7:30pm. The doctor checked me and said, “Yep the baby is probably coming today but don’t expect delivery anytime soon. You’ve got a long wait… hours.”  The doctor turned to exit the room but before he could even reach the door, you were coming! All of a sudden, the doctor could see your head!  He was yelling, “Ohh.. don’t let her come!” There was barely time to get you to the delivery room.  Minutes later, at 7:42 pm, you were in the world.  I had one sharp pain with you and I haven’t had one since!”  Gotta love my Mom!

I reflect as well as laugh every time I hear that story.  I love the fact that someone with all of his wisdom, schooling, training and knowledge “thought” he could predict my arrival or stop my arrival!  What?!  Please!  He looked at the situation, judged what he saw and basically said, “She ain’t ready.”  Oh, but God apparently had another plan because in a split second, at the astonishment of the doctor, God changed the situation and set the stage for my arrival. My movement, my birthing was not going to be dictated by the doctor’s or any other person’s expectation of me! I was on the way. I was coming whether the doctor was prepared for me or not! Ha ha ha!  If you are going to play a part in this, get moving doctor or move out the way- hold on Mom… Here I come!

I have heard that story so many times! It always has an impact on me but for some reason, this year it really impacted me.  As I look back over the course of my life, I can identify so many times where the enemy of my faith has tried to hold me back, shut down my voice or stop me from stepping into my place of destiny- through circumstances, self-doubt, other people’s expectations, voices of people who doubted my ability or methods, people who diagnosed my circumstances based on their human knowledge or perceptions, and said, “Oh, it is not time.  She ain’t ready” or by folks who tried to define how I should arrive and what type of space I should arrive in.

Listen, our times are in God’s hand (Ps. 31:15). He orchestrates the times and methods of our arrival and has ordered our very steps (Prov. 20:24). God has birthed great things in my life- things that are continually being revealed as He sees fit.  YOU  might not see it.  YOU might try to stop it. YOU might not be ready for it.  YOU may find yourself scrambling around at the last minute trying to figure out how to be a part of it all.  Yep, it might take YOU by surprise!  But none of that has anything to do with me! What God has planned for me cannot be stopped (Jer. 29:11). I cannot be stopped! And why should it be any different than from- well, from that little baby- conceived in love, protected and nurtured even in darkness, astonishing the doctor at her arrival  with all of her God given greatness on October 8, at 7:42 pm in Providence Hospital?!  I love it!

~Wendy M. Reynolds

🙂

Reprinted

 

This is 50!

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on October 8, 2016
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #EmergeWMR, Birthday, Celebrate, Happy 50th, Rocking 50!, Spartans Will, Wendy M. Reynolds. Leave a comment

FB_IMG_1509301339966

Wow, this is 50! Happy Birthday to me! Hey, if you don’t celebrate yourself, something is wrong. Right?!

Thank you all so much for the Birthday wishes via phone calls, cards, texts, FB,… ! I haven’t had a chance to read through them all but I’ll get there. It has been such a beautiful day/weekend filled with beautiful people, great live music in Hyde Park, awesome food… I’ll share more later. Now I’m just taking a few moments to myself, driving around Illinois, taking in and enjoying the present moment, taking time to breathe, remembering to be grateful and thanking God for allowing me to see another year.

Blessings,

-Wendy

By the way, #ILoveMyMomma

 

Triple Threat

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on September 19, 2016
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #1966BirthedGreatness, #BandyGirls, #CousinsForever, #DareToLive, #TripleThreat, family, Lamar Phillips, Michael McFadden, Wendy M. Reynolds. Leave a comment

 

three-sisters
lamar
me2
mike

In 1966, God allowed three Amazing Sisters to birth three Amazing Kids back to back to back: Lamar (Sept 21), Wendy (Oct 08), Michael (Nov 13)- and the rest, as they say, is history. How cool is that?! What a journey it has been. It hasn’t always been easy. The road had some bumps. We’ve had our fun days and we’ve faced some tough challenges. All in all, God has been good to us and we are just getting started!

The 1st of us turns 50 today. Happy Birthday Lamar! I love you and I celebrate the gift that you are! Your best days are in front of you and I’ll be right there believing in you, praying for you and cheering you on! Stay strong. Stay in faith. Watch God!
***
I want to challenge my cousins, myself, my family, my friends to Dare to Live. We can’t let circumstances, age, fear, illness, people… stop us from living. Find the things and people who make you come alive and then gravitate to them. Make time to laugh, to love, to relax, to appreciate the moment, to make memories, to follow your dreams, to make an impact, to leave someone or some place better than you found them. This is your life. Be determined to live every bit of it- And live it well.
-Wendy
***
1st Picture: Those Bandy Girls– My Mom: Harriett (l), Larmar’s Mom: Johnnie (m) and Michael’s Mom: Mary (r)
Next pictures: Lamar, Me, and Michael

#FiftyToFiftyWMR

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on August 18, 2016
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #EmergeWMR, #FiftyToFifty, Higher Heights, Off The Cuff, Wendy M. Reynolds. Leave a comment

 

Screenshot_20170401-185300

-Wendy

#FiftyToFiftyWMR

 

Age? Huh? Please!!

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on June 8, 2016
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: #1966BirthedGreatness, greatness, Higher Heights, inspiration, October 8th, Turning Fifty, Wendy M. Reynolds. 1 Comment
12038544_10207818095074427_6750409248098813761_nI was talking to someone this morning who said, “Woah…You’ll be fifty in a few months. Tell me how does it feel to almost be FIFTY? Have you been reflecting? Are you nervous or depressed?” I’m not sure really how I “feel”. I’m not really “more” reflective because I’m naturally a reflective person. Fifty…hmmm. I have never viewed fifty as old or as the beginning of the end. You have to know my family. We have never put a lot of emphasis on age. Overall, I think we embrace daily living and we look good/youthful doing it (Great genes & Grace)! Literally laughing out loud over here! I don’t internally “feel” much different. Now my thinking and desires have changed thoughout the years. How I see myself, people and the world around me has changed as God has revealed more of myself to me and as I have experienced the ups and downs of life and relationships. But I’m good. I’ve learned a lot through my experiences- some of which I plan to share with you over the next few months.  I know what is important to me. I know what I want at this particular point in my life. I know what I’m good at and what I have to contribute to the world around me. I know who my real Inner Circle Friends are (and who they are not). I know some of the personal changes I still need to work on. I’m learning to embrace all of me- even my flaws. I not only love me, but I like me- Wendy the Brave, Wendy the Silly, Wendy the Wise, Wendy the Flawed, Wendy the Rock Star, Wendy the I Get It Wrong Sometimes, Wendy the Warrior, Wendy the I Don’t Know All The Answers, Wendy the Phenomenal, Wendy the Would Y’all Just Go Sit Down Somewhere, Wendy the Drum Major, Wendy the Compassionate… God’s Daughter. Divinely defined.
I guess today I can say I’m grateful. Grateful to be in Covenant with such an amazing God- Who loves me for just being who I am. I’m grateful for family, especially for my Parents who continually love me and have my back- for the kids God has graciously given me throughout the years- for siblings, who in their own way stretch me and make me better, for my Cabinet of Advisors/Counselors, for friends-those who stayed connected and even those who walked away without warning/explanation. I’m grateful for the challenges that I hated going through- the challenges that in the end worked out (or that are working out) for my good- because I’m better, more humble, stronger, with more to offer. I’m grateful for the platforms I’ve been given- for opportunities to make an impact in someone’s life. Yeah, I’m good. Glad to be breathing! Hahaha. Heck, I’m not scared of fifty. You won’t catch me drowning my sorrows as October rolls in. I’m embracing my future with great expectations. I’ve got stuff to do, people to connect with, and life to simply enjoy. My best days are in front of me. And trust me, each moment of life I am blessed with, you can best believe I’m going to DARE To Live It and live it well! Whose with me? Let’s go!
Good Morning.
-Wendy M. Reynolds

What is YOUR 5th Grade?

Posted by Wendy M. Reynolds on May 26, 2016
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: Andre Reynolds, encouragement, Higher Heights, hope, inspiration, Wendy M. Reynolds. Leave a comment
letterAlways at the right time do I come across this letter. It was written to me by my (maybe ten year old) nephew André Reynolds  nineteen years ago. At the time he was dealing with illness and a teacher who had not yet grasped how amazing he was, how sick he had been or why he was missing so much school. She just thought he was a slacker (but still making all A’s and B’s). She told him, “You’d better get your act together!” My favorite line in the letter reads, “I never knew fifth grade could be so hard.”
I love the fact this amazing Kid, who has seriously been conquering battles since the womb, didn’t allow people, circumstances or the fifth grade to define him or make him quit and he doesn’t allow it now.
Life can be hard at times. It will throw unexpected hardships. At times we will feel like there’s just no way… It is too much… It is unfair…  People and situations will always try to get in our faces. We are forever growing- forever learning. We make good choices and we err at times. We seem to be forever pressing. Life! But listen, we must never quit. We must never forget that if we hold on, if we keep doing what is right, and if we learn to draw on that inner strength, fifth grade will eventually end. We will look back and see that we prevailed. We made it through that hard time and now our story- our experience can help someone else.
#HeConqueredFifthGrade #WhatIsYourFifthGrade?

Posts navigation

← Older Entries
  • Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

    Join 78 other followers

  • Transform your thoughts, transform your life!! ~Wendy M. Reynolds
  • On A Mission

    • Click and see how WENDY INSPIRES! Changing the world one life & one word at a time!
  • Invite Wendy M. Reynolds

    Wendy M. Reynolds, MS/P is a Woman of Faith. She is a Personal Growth/Crisis Specialist, Managing Editor of Beauty Come Forth Magazine, and Author of the upcoming book 'Wits, Wisdom, & Wendy!'

    If you would like Wendy to speak to your group or if you would like to inquire about her writing projects or products, please send a detailed letter of request to Wendyinspires@gmail.com or click on the "Contact Wendy" tab.

  • TOPICS

    • Click here to check out some of the topics Wendy shares.
  • Contact Wendy

    • Click and Connect
    • Wendy's PayPal LInk
  • Pages

    • About Higher Heights/Guest Sign In
    • ATTENTION!
    • Bishop George Davis: 2016 – The Year Of The Great Transformation
    • Books To Read:
    • Confessions
    • Egeirõ Productions & Publishing
    • Family Matters! (Photos)
    • FRIENDS…
    • I’m Ready!
    • Inspiring Videos
    • SPOTLIGHT
    • Treat Yourself & Someone You Love To A Gift Of Inspiration!
    • WENDY M. REYNOLDS: Bio
  • WORDS TO LIVE BY:

    The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endure forever--forsake not the works of Your own hands. Psalms 138:8 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment. Luke 1:37
  • On Facebook

    On Facebook
  • Let’s Tweet!

    • mailchi.mp/18fa0dd05031/t…] 1 year ago
    Follow @Wendymreynolds
  • A Must See for Women

    • Just for the Ladies!
  • A MUST!

    • Choose Thinking: A Blog by Dan Gilbert
    • Impact Christian Academy
    • Impact Church, Jacksonville, Fl
    • Limited Edition Autographed Poems: Sow A Seed, Inspire A Soul!
  • Awards and Contributions

    • Journey Magazine
    • ~My interview with Marilyn Lee:
    • ~My Interview with Wendy Raquel Robinson
    • ~My Inteview with Myra Wallace
  • Beauty Come Forth

    • BEAUTY COME FORTH On-Line Magazine
    • KTLA's Michaela Pereira: A Story Of Her Own By Wendy M. Reynolds
    • My interview with T. Johnson
    • The Beauty Come Forth Blog
    • ~My interview with Marilyn Lee:
    • ~My Interview with Wendy Raquel Robinson
    • ~My Inteview with Myra Wallace
  • Check Out My Favs!

    • Choose Thinking: A Blog by Dan Gilbert
    • Epiphany Institute- Coach Isha
    • Eric Seals: Photo Journalism At It’s Best!
    • Impact Christian Academy
    • Impact Church, Jacksonville, Fl
    • Ivan Watkins Photography and Video
    • Myla Denise: Try-umph
    • Philly Girl In The South
    • The Thoughts Of Freddie Kirkland III
    • Write In His Presence
  • Contact Wendy

    • Click and Connect
    • Wendy's PayPal LInk
  • FAVORITE INSPIRING VIDEOS

    • A DOSE OF INSPIRATION!
  • Life Changing!

    • Impact Church, George Davis
    • Impact Church, Jacksonville, Fl
  • Market your Ministry and Message with Excellence!

    • Marketing Solutions
    • Pam Perry: Book Publicity Coach and Marketing Guru!
  • More thoughts from Wendy

    • ~More Thoughts
    • ~Wendy on Faithwriters
    • ~Wendy's Weekly Words/Beauty Come Forth
  • Motivation and Leadership

    • Kaplan Mobray: Powerful Motivator, Author, & Consultant
    • Les Brown
  • On A Mission

    • Click and see how WENDY INSPIRES!
  • TOPICS

    • Click here to check out some of the topics Wendy shares.
  • Wendy's Secure PayPal

    • Wendy's PayPal LInk
  • Wendy's Weekly Word

    • A Carbon Copy? Not Me
    • A Father's Touch
    • AM I A PRIORITY?
    • Asking the tough questions in order to move forward!
    • Defying The Odds
    • Facing Change
    • Get to Stepping!
    • Great People Know Their Name!
    • IMPART to IMPACT
    • Look up!
    • Looking Like My Daddy!
    • More Than Just A Dream!
    • Pressing Forward In Spite Of!
    • Real Friends Show Up!
    • REDIRECTING YOUR FAITH
    • Reveal Yourself
    • Soar Into Greatness!
    • THINKING ABOUT GOD'S GREATNESS
    • What about your Friends?
  • Zig Ziglar

    • Setting goals (Pt.1)
    • Setting Goals (Pt.2)
    • Setting Goals (Pt.3)
    • Zig Ziglar Inspirational quotes
  • Recent Comments

    • I Fashion Styles on Get your mind right
    • Desiree on Are You Kidding Me Right Now?
    • Wendy M. Reynolds on Life: Real And Imperfect
    • Eileen on Life: Real And Imperfect
    • Arnette on Baby, can you stand the… Huh? (Pure Michigan)
  • Meta

    • Register
    • Log in
    • Entries feed
    • Comments feed
    • WordPress.com
  • Pages

    • About Higher Heights/Guest Sign In
    • ATTENTION!
    • Bishop George Davis: 2016 – The Year Of The Great Transformation
    • Books To Read:
    • Confessions
    • Egeirõ Productions & Publishing
    • Family Matters! (Photos)
    • FRIENDS…
    • I’m Ready!
    • Inspiring Videos
    • SPOTLIGHT
    • Treat Yourself & Someone You Love To A Gift Of Inspiration!
    • WENDY M. REYNOLDS: Bio
  • HIGHER HEIGHTS SUPPORTERS!

    “And I will bless those who bless you (Genesis 12:3).” *A Very Special Thank You To The Supporters Of Higher Heights. We don't take lightly the gift that you are and the gifts that you give. We thank God for you.
  • Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

    Join 78 other followers

  • Copyright © Wendy M. Reynolds, 2014. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with prior written permission of Wendy M. Reynolds, 2014.
Blog at WordPress.com.
Higher Heights with Wendy M. Reynolds
Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.
Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×
    Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
    To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy