I'm Naked

Introduction

               My name is Sheronda Goodwine Barksdale. I could list a series of credentials and titles to convince someone that I have some type of authority, but I don’t believe it’s relevant. I am a woman who has gone through many trials in her life, and insisted I become stronger through it all. My goal in life is to always operate in love, and this blog is always sent to the reader in love. May peace find you coming, and may peace find you going. I hope I can inspire your faith.

I’m Naked

The Bible defines faith as, “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). “Wait, what? What’s that now? I don’t understand”. Well, at least that was my reaction the first time I read that.

            I was led to start a blog about faith. In my opinion, as Christians, we sometimes believe that in order to have a relationship with God, we must be "perfect". (Lord knows that if that were true, very few of us would EVER make an attempt to know who God is). I feel that this belief keeps us from having the necessary faith to get us through the most difficult times.

            I always knew I could never be a preacher or pastor. I suck at trying to pretend my life IS what it IS NOT, I offer too much information about my life, and I really don’t care about what most people think of me, so that profession was out. I questioned myself, and yes, God, how am I any authority to teach anyone, anything? It was shown to me that I have gone through some of the most extreme circumstances in life, and my faith in God is what brought me through.

Also, I stand naked before the Lord. Well, of course literally when it’s bath time and stuff, but spiritually. I am very honest with myself, and God, about who I am. I don’t try to act like He doesn’t see what I am doing. I am aware that there are consequences to the decisions I make, and I do my best to correct the things God wants me to change. However, I’m not perfect.

This is where this blog comes in. I am going to be very honest with you about my life. I've felt that many religious teachers portrayed this perfect life, that I felt was unattainable, and I would never be able to see the blessings of God because I sometimes say bad words, have bad thoughts, not a good stewart at times...well the list could go on. I AM NOT PERFECT. In this blog, I may use words that some may find offensive (like "suck"), I may say things that some don’t agree with, and I live as a spiritual being, not a religious fanatic. (Religious people don’t always like me, and I’m okay with that). But the miracles of God that I have witnessed in my life has confirmed for me that having the ability to recite scriptures, pray a certain way, and attend church every Sunday, is not SOLELY what opens the windows of heaven.

So, ultimately, my goal for this blog is to help those of us who aren’t so “perfect”, still witness the miracles and wonders of God. My hope and prayer is that those who read this blog, they are able to develop a relationship with God that will teach them how to have faith….frfr.