Life's Interruptions - Obstacles or Opportunities?

We hate it when things don't go our way. When life throws us a curve ball, we pout, complain and have an all out self-pity party - complete with ice cream and cake! Have you ever considered such interruptions are really golden opportunities? I know it's hard to embrace the end of a long-term relationship you invested your all into or the disappointment that accompanies not getting that dream job or losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars in a business deal gone bad, but consider this - everything happens for a reason (even when the reason is still to be determined). In Bishop Eddie Long's new book, The Elect Lady(Whitaker House), Bishop shares his personal story about his mother, penned especially for women, and how God's interruptions in her life was actually God's perfect plan for her materializing in the natural.

Bishop Long and his ministry host an annual Heart to Heart Women's Conference. It was during one of these most-recent conferences that he gave into the pleading of his wife to address the women personally. He didn't want to at first - he believed that someone else was qualified to address these ladies but the urging of his wife finally convinced him, which was really him obeying what God had already prepared in his heart. In his heart, was his mother's story of selflessness that is seen clearly by the fruit of his own life.

His mother sacrificed her own safety and stayed in an abusive marriage because of his young, desperate pleas begging her not to leave him. In fact, his very words were, "If you leave me, I will die." He said it with such conviction that you can only imagine for a mother to see her child distraught and to utter such words, she would change her mind to appease her child, just as his mother did. She stayed in her abusive marriage enduring heartbreaking betrayals and trials all in the name of staying for the children's sake.

Although this story shares the trials of Bishop Long's turbulent upbringing witnessing his father abuse his mother, I find it hard to believe that his intent for this book would be to encourage anyone to accept and stay in an abusive marriage or relationship. His intent is to give you a new perspective on your own trials and hardships and consider them to be divine appointments with the Most High as He ushers and shapes your life into the one He originally intended for it to be (without your input).

Bishop says, "Elect Ladies aren't like other women. They understand that having their entire lives interrupted by God is the catalyst that will speed them into their destinies." I can surly attest to that. I recently ended a long-term relationship which I gave my all to. I was unappreciated in the worst ways and had a taste of bitter disappointment and pain, however, because of that; I'm experiencing joy and clarity in my life that is unmatched!

I remember feeling as if the sun itself was cursing me for shining so brightly when inside I was dark, confused, lonely and lost. Does this sound like your story? Is it a relationship you need to end? A job that has perceived security but milking the life out of you or did you find out you were expecting a child at an inopportune time? Are you going to throw in the towel and say goodbye to the dreams living in your heart because things have changed - and trust me when I say, change is the only constant in this life! If your life has been interrupted by some unforeseen circumstance and you're having a hart time accepting it - this book was written with you in mind.

The truth of life - I believe with all my heart - isn't about what you want life to do for you, rather it's about what you're going to do with the life you've been given. Are you going to leave a mark for the good? The choice is yours.

There are some miserable people in this world - I'm sure you know plenty of them. I believe its possible people are miserable because they're living life on their terms, they way they think it should be with no guidance, no purpose - just shooting blanks and hoping to reach a target. What about you?

Life is a beautiful thing - filled with a myriad of scenarios and emotions. When you live it according to the "elect" call given to each and every one of us, then you can enjoy a fulfilled life beyond your wildest dreams and imaginations. And when the race is over, you'll have the trophies of a victor, just like Bishop's mom. A great read! Visit www.whitakerhouse.com to order your copy.