It has been 8 weeks of wearing a mask out due to The COVID-19 Crisis. As I was unmasking today (5/8/2020) I began to think about how important it is to unmask your truth so that you can allow for personal, professional, and spiritual growth. Many times we will put on masks so that we can adapt so that we can take the action necessary to step into our greatness while being of service and value to others. It is when we take the mask off and peel back the facades that we are able to unleash the truth and create the freedom for us to attract peace, love, joy, and prosperity into our lives as we continue on our spiritual path. It is when we unmask that we are able to face everything and rise by eliminating the blockages that may have been holding back from becoming the person GOD wants us to be. When we unmask and walk in our truth we are able come alive and follow our passion so that we detach from outcomes and thus are able to be a beacon of light in our community. So many times we get caught up in trying to be something that we are not we stifle the opportunity to expand our horizons and become enlightened. It is when we become distracted that we must take a moment to unmask and tap into our inner divinity and reconnect with GOD which allows us to live our purpose driven life and walk in our truth.
As I have been sheltering in Place since (3/16/2020) I have had the opportunity to look at things from a spiritual perspective. One thing that kept coming to me was the fact that while I was safe at home I have the opportunity to grow in place. I have been under some financial pressure as I have been furloughed from my job at Macy;s since April 1,2020. Thanks to the support of a few people I have made it through. I recently received my tax bill and thanks to the stimulus check can pay that. As I returned from the bank today (5/5/2020) I realized that now is the time to grow in place and look at how I can use my spiritual gifts to be of service and value to others. I have realized that I can forget everything and run and allow worry to consume me or I can face everything and rise by taking action and following my passion. I have an opportunity to continue to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually if I stay connected to GOD. IN coming home to GOD and allowing GOD to guide me I know I will be stronger in mind, body, and soul when this COVID-19 Crisis is over. By being at home it has given me the opportunity to strengthen my spiritual awakening by staying focused, being centered and grounded, and taking responsibility for where I am today. Part of growing in place starts with forgiveness.
As I reflect back on the events of the last 6 weeks as they relate to COVID-19 Crisis I have experienced many emotions from grief to gratitude to worry to hope. I have come to realize that hop is not cancelled and with hope you can color your world.
In having hope you are able to open up the channels that allow you become an action taker thus expanding your spiritual awakening. When I was told that I would be furloughed from my job effective April 1 I was in despair wondering how I would pay my mortgage, the maintenance for the condo association, buy groceries and how I would make it through the situation created by COVID-19. I immediately turned to prayer and then sat in meditation. As I came out of meditation I started to post that I needed some help and asked people to visit www.paypal.com/jdogg8265. A few people visited and made it possible for me to go grocery shopping and pay a few bills. I then posted about needing gift cards and a couple of people came through including a young football player who I met through my role as a pa announcer who dropped off a $75 gift card. As I begin to see how many people were willing to help me I went from despair to hope knowing that if GOD brought me to it GOD will bring me through it. On Thursday (4/30/2020) I decided I would go out and return the favor and I volunteered at a community food distribution. At the end of food distribution volunteers were told to take a few things if they needed and as a result I was able to take a food items. As I left and drove home I kept thinking how hope prevails when we detach from outcomes and begin to help when and where we can. When I arrived home and unpacked my bag of food I reflected on just how grateful the people we gave food were and this really had me thinking about how we can create hope across all sectors of our society.
A few years ago after Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans I wrote this poem.
Hope Prevails
By Jonathan Steven Lederman
A flag is tattered a house shattered no food, no water,
a parent’s search for their daughter reunited a family together
Hope Prevails.
A baby born under the storms
born healthy, happy, and saved provides a smile today
Hope Prevails.
Rescues continue supplies arrive
strangers become friends
Hope prevails
Communities work in unity
helping all to find dignity a nation unites
Hope Prevails.
A few years ago I was given a bracelet like the one pictured here. I was asked about many times and I would tell people it is about helping other people to excel. I gave the bracelet away about a year ago to someone who is a cancer survivor and she inspired me with her story and asked if she could could have my bracelet. It was my way of passing hope along. Through out the COVID-19 Crisis I have continued to hope for the best outcomes knowing that we will all come out of this stronger spiritually for we will all have learned that despite hardships we grow personally, professionally, and spiritually with a little bit of hope.
Over the last six weeks I have seen many losses but I also have seen many gains. I have seen events like Relay For Life get postponed but then I saw how resilient people are as they did virtual events to raise funds and shifted from disappointment to joy because they were still able to plant the seeds of hope and healing for those touched by cancer. I was able to see a shift in myself as well as I went from a sense of fear wanting to forget everything and run to a sense of purpose as I decided to face everything and rise. I was able to show gratitude to those on the front line with small gestures of gratitude. I was able to look deep inside and reconnect to my inner divinity and remind everyone that we are divine children of GOD and GOD wants us to be of service and value while coloring the world with hope.
Hope will help us to overcome all the blockages that are stopping us from reaching our full potential thus enabling us to make a mind, body, and soul connection.
It is amazing what happens if you have just a ray of hope. The universe delivered this song to me today titled A Song Of Hope. May you have hope. Namaste!!!
Since many of us must adhere to stay at home orders we may find ourselves feeling lonely and isolated however we can take solace in the fact that we are not walking alone as we face the many changes occurring due to COVID-19. As action takers we can use our resources such as social media to share our kindness and compassion and thus we will lift others up creating a spiritual awakening that will make us better personally, professionally, and spiritually. As we become more and more awake we become more kind and compassionate and thus we are brought through our challenges and made stronger. As we look inside to tap into our inner divinity we find ourselves overcoming fears and thus we move forward in a positive direction of our dreams.
As I sat in reflection today (4/27/2020) I realized the importance of following dreams and taking action while also detaching from outcomes. I have come to understand that when we live a life on purpose we will never walk alone for their are many like minded people who are pursuing their dreams and are walking a similar path of spiritual awakening. It is when we realize our calling that we are able to come alive and answer our calling while we continue to be of service and value to our community.
It is when you come alive that you realize that you never walk alone as you get more and more connected to The Ascended Masters, The Angels, GOD, Jesus, and Source. It is through the connection that you will find that when you are weary and felling alone that you discover that you are being strengthened by GOD as GOD is always with you. In staying connected to GOD and tapping into our inner divinity we will be able to stay centered, focused, and grounded as we continue to strengthen the mind, body, and soul connection. Sometimes we may only see one set of footprints however tat could be because GOD was carrying us to our destination. The destination GOD had planned for us not the one we planned for ourselves.
As we allow GOD to carry us we begin to find our purpose and understand that it is our time to face everything and rise as GOD is with us every step of the way and thus we never walk alone. Though we may find ourselves apart because of COVID-19 we are all united in our quest to make the world a better place. When you walk your spiritual path and you walk with GOD you will find more peace, love, joy, and abundance entering your life. Though things may seem challenging at this time you can take solace in knowing that you are not walking alone as there are many people who will walk with you though they are not walking beside you at this time due to social distancing. It is now time to take a walk with GOD and share the message from GOD with others.
Though you may feel lonely know that you are not alone as GOD is with you. Now is the time to walk in faith and allow GOD to lead you as GOD’S plan for you is far greater that the plan you have for yourself. While you are sheltering in place take a moment to reconnect with GOD as GOD will provide you the opportunities to become the person GOD has intended you to become.
GOD will make a way. As you seek GOD you will see that you will never walk alone. This was evidenced the other day as I asked GOD for guidance in facing some financial challenges and GOD directed me to continue to share www.paypal.me/jdogg8265 and I did. As a result someone went to the site and donated $50 which will be used to buy food this week. I also prayed to GOD to send people to http://main.acsevents.org/goto/jdogg2020 to help me help those touched by cancer and he sent 2 people who donated. One donated $5 and another donated $52.75. Through this experience I have come to comprehend the importance of trusting in GOD and allowing GOD to guide and direct you as you continue on your journey toward spiritual enlightenment.
GOD will be with us in all we do in our human existence here on Earth until GOD calls us home to live eternally in GOD’S Kingdom. Until that day it is imperative to live a life of purpose and to become a beacon of hope for others to see so that the world becomes illuminated. We are not alone when we seek and connect to GOD. Namaste!!!
As we continue to grow spiritually one constant remains and that is the concept of following your heart. When you become a heart centered action taker removing the idea of fear from mind you begin to awaken more and more thus allowing yourself to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually. I have found when I follow my heart the mind follows and I figure out a way to bring more bliss and abundance into my life. Over the course of my spiritual journey I have come to realize that it is when you follow your heart and turn on your heart light that you tap into an inner divinity that makes you unstoppable. It is when you are connected to GOD and allowing GOD to direct you that you can follow your heart and step into your power and achieve the greatness that is your birthright. Sometimes people you work with or socialize with will try to squelch your spirit as do what they can to stop you from following your heart. In those situations hold a special place for these people and find ways to cope with dealing with them that will not create strife but will continue to bring peace, love, joy, and prosperity into your life. Over the last few weeks I have found that I was vibrating at a low frequency and thus creating darkness in my life. As a result I wasn’t doing things that bring me joy so I sat in reflection and decided it was time to reconnect with GOD and to follow my heart and release any fears I have about speaking my mind. In following my heart I have found myself detaching from outcomes and simply making changes needed to create more bliss and abundance in my life.
In following my heart and releasing any fears about walking in my truth and speaking my truth I have been able to get back on track and to achieve some amazing things. It is following your heart that you will find your purpose and calling in life. As I continue to follow my heart and comprehend that GOD’S Plan for me is far bigger than any plan I had for myself. I have begun to act on the reoccurring messages that are being sent from GOD and as a result I am finding that I am more peaceful and content with what I have instead of wanting what I don’t have. I have realized that it is when you come straight from the heart that you will become more awake and aware.
It is said what the mind can conceive and the heart can believe you can achieve. It has been 21 months since my DAD Passed, nearly 8 years since my MOM passed, and just over 2 months since my step-dad passed, and the other day another person that believed in me passed leaving me with a heavy heart that was lightened when I looked deep inside and received the message to lift my burden give it to GOD and follow my heart in a positive direction toward my dreams. As I meditated on this message I realized it was time to get back to what brings me joy and to simply look at my job as a means to an end and not a definition of who I am as I am much deeper that what my current job is and that I need to use the job as a way to provide the income needed so I can follow my heart and thus continue to be of service and value to others. It is now the time for all of us to follow our hearts and see how we can make a positive difference in our world. At the end of the day when following your heart if you can say yes to these two questions Did I live my life ion joy today and did my life bring joy to others then you have had a good day. In following your heart and detaching from outcomes you will find you create more inner peace and as a result you can face all situations in a good way creating the life that you desire.
Now is your time to have a heart on fire and to continue to allow that fire to burn until you are so hot that you spark a fire in others and empower and inspire them to achieve the greatness that they have inside. It is your time to follow your heart as scary as that may seem and step up to the plate and knock it out of the park. Namaste!!!
As I went to get an affidavit notarized I realized that the place I was walking into, FOX TAX SERVICES, had donated to The American Cancer Society Relay For Life a few years ago when I was out collecting. It was am spiritual message as they had donated $10 and today the fee for the notarization was $10. As I left the office I started to think how things in our lives come full circle as GOD has a way of putting us in the right places at the right times to make us whole. As many of you are aware my DAD passed away in June of 2018. The other day In was reflecting back on the times that I had with him and began to realize that when I was younger he took care of me and as he got older I took care of him. As I sat in meditation over where I am and where I want to be the concept of being whole and things coming full circle permeated my thoughts. As I continue to take the action necessary to move forward in a positive direction towards my dreams I realize that everything we do will come full circle so it is important to be fully aware of the energy that we are giving out and how we are vibrating with others. It is important to see what we are tuning into and focusing on as what we focus on expands and thus allows us to connect with the Ascended Masters, GOD, Jesus, and The Angels which allows us to expand on our awakening. As we come full circle it is important to detach from outcomes so that we can come alive and answer our calling so we can be come the change we want to see in the world and thus be of service and value to our community.
On Saturday (2/22/20) I went to have my tire fixed as I had hit a curb earlier in the week and dented the rim. When everything was finished my cost was just over $129. I checked my mail and there was a check for when I announced a basketball game for $30 and today while having lunch with my aunt she gave me a check for $100. As I drove to Starbucks I started to think is this coincidence or GOD’S will. I came to the conclusion that it is GOD’S will and GOD delivering a message that I will be provided for as I continue on my spiritual journey. As I began to reflect on situations of the last 20 months I realized that each time something happened that seemed to be a coincidence that it was actually away of GOD awakening me spiritually reminding me to stay connected to GOD and to take action on his messages. I have come to realize that some of my best days are the days that I let go and let GOD. I have come to understand that the plans GOD has for me are far greater than the plans I have for myself and as a result I must stay connected and allow GOD’S plan to unfold as GOD has intended. Through the spiritual awakening process I have learned that it is GOD’s will not coincidence that propels us and allows us to step into our power so that we can achieve the greatness which is our birthright.
As I contemplated why I hit a curb or why things were happening for me I had an awakening that GOD is giving me the opportunity to face everything and rise son that I can enhance my personal, professional, and spiritual life. I have started to detach from outcomes and allow things to flow as GOD has meant them to flow. In making changes I have been able to better serve my community while also taking care of myself so that I can continue to attract peace, love, joy, and prosperity into my life. I have begun to show more gratitude and as a result have been able to find more bliss and abundance in my life. Many times it is simply a matter of getting back to being focused, centered, and grounded realizing that not everyone is going to resonate with you and that the only factor you can control is yourself and the energy that you bring into every situation that you may face.
In coming to grips with the fact that there are no coincidences and showing gratitude for every situation that you are placed in you will find yourself growing personally, professionally, and spiritually. In understanding that everything happens as GOD intends you will find yourself moving forward toward spiritual enlightenment. On your spiritual journey you will encounter those who question you or try to tell you what to do for the only power they have earned is that which has been given to them by others. I recently had a manager at my job tell me to keep my closing announcements basic because my way of doing them is why we have been told not to do announcements. In the past I would have gotten mad and become defensive however now I simply thought okay will do it your way and simply go with the flow for at the end of the day all that matters is that I was honoring GOD and using my talents for good. Is it a coincidence or GOD’S will that the store I work in is struggling to meet some of the metrics set for the store to meet. I think it is GOD’S will and GOD is sending those in charge a message that changes need to be made so that they can succeed. Now the question is are they spiritually evolved enough to heed GOD’S message and take action that will lead to success. Many times those in leadership roles fail to understand that GOD is sending them people to help them to become even more effective leaders and that is not a coincidence but is is GOD’S will when certain people are brought into your business or non-profit organization.
Remember that all things are possible through Christ who strengthens me and that it is GOD’S will that allows you to continue your spiritual journey. Many times it is as easy as just looking in front of you and allowing yourself to use GOD’S will to make a positive impact on the lives around you while being of service and value in all you do. Stay Poasitive!!! Namaste!!!
It was a dark and rainy night and I couldn’t see clearly and as a result I hit a curb going 30 miles per hour denting the rim of my tire and blowing 3 holes in the tire. I was upset because I knew that I wasn’t in a financial position to really get it fixed and this put me in a dark place. As I cleaned out the trunk to get to the spare I started to come out of the darkness as I realized that this was just one way that GOD was teaching me a spiritual lesson and everything would be okay. Today (2/22/20) I brought the car into the mechanic and at first they didn’t think they could fix it however after they banged out the dent it wasn’t pretty but it was functional. It set me back a bit however I will recover and move forward in a positive direction toward my goals. As I was eating breakfast at McDonald’s I realized that it was time to remove the dark cloud that seemed to be over my head as i have been disconnected spiritually and it was time to get back on the spiritual path and be grateful for what I did have instead of wanting what I didn’t have. It was time to forgive myself and begin to get back in touch with my inner divinity and head the messages that GOD was sending me. It is time to eliminate the darkness.
As I sat down to write this entry a message came to me that all the answers that we need are found when we are aided by the wind. When we begin to come to grips that all we are is dust in the wind we can discover our true purpose and thus answer the question as why we are here on this earth. It is when we walk quietly in nature listening to the rustling of the leaves and the grass that we can truly connect to GOD allowing us to receive messages so that we can find the answers that we seek. Through out the spiritual awakening process you may find yourself questioning why things are happening the way they are. It is at those moments when you need to go find a sacred space to hear the answers that are blowing in the wind.
Today (2/11/2020) I was off from work and I was laying in my bed not really motivated to do anything then I asked GOD what direction he wanted me to go in and as I walked outside the answer came to me and it was to set up a fundraiser with Tijuana Flats to benefit The American Cancer Society Relay For Life and to go to Starbucks and write this blog entry and to bring my oracle cards with me. I listened to the message and as a result found the energy needed to get focused, centered, and grounded. In finding the answers in the wind I have been able to reconnect to GOD and thus realize that if GOD brought me to it GOD will bring me through it. It is now the time to be the wind of change.
As I listened to the wind I began to understand the importance of change and how now is the time to become an action taker. Over the last few months I have been so caught up in my work and haven’t really been doing anything outside of going to work, eating, and going home and doing it all over again. It has been like I have been stuck for I wasn’t getting the results I wanted from other projects I was working on at the time. Then I took that walk around the lake paused on the bridge and watched the wind move the water and it came to me the message to answer your calling to be of service of value to others. It was at that moment when I realized that the wind beneath my wings is GOD, Jesus, The Ascended Masters, and My Angels In Heaven.
It is when we give credit to those that have been the wind beneath our wings that we are able to be aided by the answers found in the wind. In listening to the wind and acting on the messages held within the win we are able to attract more peace, love, joy, and abundance into our lives as we continue to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually. In finding the answers in the wind we open the channels needed to tap into our inner divinity thus allowing us to create the life we desire. Often times there will be challenges and obstacles put in our way not to stop us but to strengthen us. It is up to us to comprehend that messages are constantly being sent to us through the wind and it is up to us to act upon them accordingly.
When we listen to the wind we must show respect to this powerful force that can change things so suddenly. The wind is a powerful force that when used properly can hold answers, power communities, and allow us to change as we tune into our inner divinity.
The wind holds a power that when tapped into will provide us the answers needed to continue on our spiritual path so that we can go from being spiritually awakened to spiritually enlightened. It is walking in nature and making the mind, body, soul connection that we are able to detach from outcomes and place emotions to the side as we create an inner peace that will guide us through the tough times and allow us to celebrate the good times.
When we listen to the wind it allows us to forgive, show gratitude, stay focused, manifest the life we desire, and to reflect on what was as we see what can be as we continue on our spiritual journey. I have found that sitting on a bench by the lake at my condo and listening to the wind that I gain clarity of my purpose. Namaste!!!
Have you ever felt like you were jumping through major hoops in order to move forward along your spiritual path? Today (2/6/2020) I awoke to find my car was toed to the clubhouse parking lot at my condo as they are seal coating the parking lot and I thought I parked at an assigned area when I did not. I went to the office to get the parking sticker for my car so that I can park legally at my complex. What should have been a simple process took a little time and it felt like I was jumping through hoops. I then ventured to Publix to turn some change into cash to donate to The American Cancer Society as part of The Change For The Cure Program. The machine jammed and I needed to get an attendant to help me. The young lady cleared the machine and I have $13 to turn in to help those touched by cancer. My job has been a bit challenging as we have been slow and changes are happening and it seems like I am jumping through hoops just to do the job properly. Through all the trials and tribulations I have been able to tap into my spiritual teachings and take a deep breath and realize that in the scheme of things it is when we face challenges with dignity and grace that we can take action to overcome all the obstacles that are preventing us from living the life we want. I have come to understand that the way things are and the way things should be are two different things. I have come to realize that in being spiritually awake that there will be people that are not as evolved as you and many will not understand that they have a higher calling as they have not tapped into their inner divinity. In the past I would have gotten angry but today (2/2/2020) I simply jumped through the hoops kept my cool and as a result was able to share that I sell mattresses with someone who then told me they are looking for 2 mattresses. As I reflected back on the happenings of today (2/6/2020) it reinforced the idea that if GOD brought you to it GOD will bring you through it. In jumping through hoops I have found that sometimes you just need Jesus to take the wheel.