4 Diva Zone Magazine
Publisher’ s Note
Check On Your
STRONG
FRIENDS
During the Holidays
Photographed
I have always loved the holidays. The festive sounds, beautiful decorations, delicious and savory meals and the blessing of being surrounded by family and friends.
There was a time when I would even reserve my vacation days to combine them with my holiday days just to open my home for anyone who wanted to come by and share in some holiday cheer. I’ d go all out with the décor and cooking; and I adored every minute of it. Then life happened …
In one year’ s time my most anticipated time of the year became the most loathed time of the year. I went from being the“ hostess with the mostess” to literally hiding under the covers on both Thanksgiving and Christmas Day alone. I was beyond depressed; and the scary thing is that I became a genius at hiding it. I would tell my family and loved ones that“ I’ m okay, just working a lot.” I got away with this untruth because I do work a lot and my schedule is always busy. However, I know the reason I could go on like this for more than one holiday season is that everyone looked at me as the“ strong” friend. The one who always has an encouraging word, a lunch invitation or baked goods to help others feel better and during the holidays, more festive.
What happens when the“ strong” ones reach the ends of their rope? When the encourager needs encouragement? When the cup filler needs their cup filled? Sadly, the answer to these questions go unanswered too often.
It took a few really close discerning friends and family members who noticed my change of behavioral patterns“ around the holidays” to begin to take notice of me and surround me with the love and resources needed to pull me out of“ the funk” I had come accustomed
: Najiyyah Brooks, Publisher and her beautiful Mom, Monica Brooks.
to residing in; all the while insisting that,“ I am fine!”
Beloved, we should always consider that the strong people in our lives have needs too. They need a shoulder to cry on. A listening ear. A hug. A meal. Perhaps financial assistance. Life is not meant to be lived without relationships. We need to allow people in to help and we need to turn the focus off ourselves and seek to serve those who may need us.
During this holiday season I strongly encourage you to check on your strong friends and perhaps offer your company and service to those who do so much for so many. Strong doesn’ t mean without weakness and fragile seasons, it just means we’ ve learned to smile through the pain. Be intentional and SHOW LOVE, it’ s the JESUS way.
In closing, I challenge you even if you DO have an overflow of money for gifts to focus on God centering activities and show your loved ones what Christ looks like here in the earth. LOVE, PEACE, JOY is the very character of Christ … He made Himself who was rich to become poor and dwell among us!
This Holiday issue The DIVA Zone™ Magazine focuses on the simple things that make our lives and our holidays beautiful; things that money cannot buy like Peace, Joy, Love and Family. So beautiful people of God, let’ s focus our attention on all the beauty of The Lord and marvel at His goodness and declare to the high heavens … THANK YOU LORD … IT IS INDEED A WONDERFUL LIFE!
Blessings and Love, Najiyyah Brooks Brooks Media Group / DIVA Zone Magazine
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