Vessel of Steel

Vessel of Steel Discovering the Power Within You Your body is a vessel and it should be filled with everything that is good for building up the greater you- and everything that will help you to extend yourself above the norm and become extraordinary so that you may produce good fruit and live a more productive life. My hope is that as you read this book, you will become completely aware of how important it is to pour into your vessel so that you can be all that you were created to be. Your vessel is who you are; and if we are to bring about a great and positive change in the world, we must take time to focus on pouring into ourselves (our vessels). Each of our goals should be to improve the livelihood of our families, our communities and this entire world. God desires to use you for something great, more than you can ever imagine or even dream; and it is His Word that will help you to grow in the knowledge of Him and of His will for your life. As you embark upon the journey to pour into your vessel, and make decisions to learn new things or to develop in various areas of your life, be prepared to pass on knowledge to others so that they too may become successful. It’s important that you share your gifts and talents, as they not only benefit you, but also help increase the lives of others. And this is another reason you must build up your vessel, so that you can proceed to a higher level of service. This book is about building up your vessel so that you may become successful in what you have set out to do in life. Throughout our lives, we experience heartache, pain and suffering. We must know how to go through difficult times in our lives. Sometimes we have failures, but we must be willing to work hard to accomplish the task, and not think about giving up on ourselves or on other people. This book is a tool to assist you in your desire to move forward in your life and to do great things. Many people are wondering what it is that they are purposed to do and become in life. Others are simply living day in and day out, going to work, coming home, watching their favorite television show or playing their favorite sport. Doing these things will only cause you to live in a box and be completely unaware of the massive amount of opportunities that surround you. The greatest joy anyone can have in this life is the joy of doing something for someone else. Sometimes you may ask yourself, why do I feel empty or why do I not feel satisfied in my career or in my life? The answer is simple, you have not poured into your vessel. My desire for you is that you will strengthen your vessel so that you may become a ‘Vessel of Steel’! Becoming a ‘vessel of steel’ will help you to not throw in the towel and to give up on yourself. Becoming a ‘vessel of steel’ will not allow you to see someone hurting and simply move along past them, and attending to your own business pretending not to see that person in need. Becoming a ‘vessel of steel‘, will not move you to give up when you have had failures in your life. Becoming a ‘vessel of steel’ will give you the courage to make this world better for future generations to come! You must now prepare yourself so that you may become a ‘vessel of steel’.   Moving Toward Success   Chapter 1 Fashioned By God Isaiah 64:8 (NIV) Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. My grandmother, Mrs. Willie Mae Griggs, was a midwife in the southern state of Mississippi. Before she delivered me, her hands had helped to bring forth many children into the world. People would count on my grandmother, as she was deemed to be their primary hope in assisting with the deliverance of their unborn child. Knowing this often made me wonder, what were my grandmother’s dreams for her life? What was her purpose in life? My grandmother was a tall slim woman who always had her hands to the grind. She was also a very stern lady who was known for never backing down to anyone. When I was two years old, my parents moved from Shaw, Mississippi to Chicago. Even after we moved out of the small city of Shaw to the big industrial city of Chicago, every summer we would still travel to Mississippi to visit my grandmother. One summer, I remember my grandmother taking me on a drive to town. On that particular visit to town, I recall how loving and very generous she was to me. I remember her buying me popcorn and a brand new doll, and asking me if I wanted anything else. That was just one of several special times with her. I loved spending that time with her, just she and I riding around and shopping together, as she talked to me and encouraged me to be strong even as a small child. I was twelve years old when my grandmother passed away. Although I was very young at the time, I realized the great impact that she had on the lives of the many people who came into contact with her. Most of my family, including my mother, father and three siblings traveled from Chicago to Mississippi to attend her funeral. Even at my tender age of twelve, I knew that my grandmother was someone very special. She was a true gift from God.