Day 26… Necessary Fruit Inspection

Good Morning World:
I am headed to Sunday Morning worship but I wanted to pause and encourage you to make room for new—BRAND NEW. On yesterday, I spoke with a friend that I had been out of touch with for 20 years. We had not had a problem, we just both lost contact and moved to other places. We met again on Facebook and had our first phone conversation on yesterday. Man, oh man!! It was fabulous!! She has a solid marriage that has outlasted most (of our generation) and has beautiful kids. She is in direct pursuit of the greatness of God in her life. We reconnected as though no time had passed. We were able to inspire, encourage and celebrate each other. No competition. No jelaousy. No backbiting or back stabbing. No bragging/boasting. No hidden agenda. No usury. Just pure admiration, inspiration and celebration. Unfortunately, there are few conversations as pure and sincere as the one I had with my old/new friend on yesterday afternoon. Especially and sadly to say, among women. We often tend to be insecure and petty in our relationships with other people, mainly other females. Sad but true.

This fast has strengthened my resolve to only allow people on pursuit of greatness in my inner circle. Everyone else remains on the outside of that circle. I am very cognizant of the fruit that people bear in their own lives and therefore in my life. Jealousy, competition, envy, strife, gossip, name-dropping, facades, chaos, cussing, bad attitudes, making fun of people, lying are all negative fruit. Be it male or female, that fruit is rotten whether they are driving a beat up clunker or a BMW. If the fruit is rotten, I refuse to allow them and their contamination to be a part of my life. It’s all about life-detox for me—male and female, rich or poor, all the same. Now, it’s your turn to do a real FRUIT inspection in your own life. Pause and think about it.

I am so grateful for the reuniting of an “old” friend. She is just another new fragrance in my life. She represents good fruit. She adds nutrients, vibrant color, substance, defense against disease and high quality to my life. Those are the traits of “good fruit”. This fast makes room for greatness. Good friends bear good fruit and are therefore an intricate part of that greatness.

Much love to you,
Melody Sherra

Day #25… Hungry and Standing

Good Morning World:
Yes, here I am at day #25. Only 15 days to go. Wow.
I just want to talk to you briefly about not quitting. I am speaking about not quitting as it pertains to any real, life-changing goal that you have set for your life. You know, I was awkened by the phone around 11pm last night. I had had a very long day and I fell asleep while sitting in my favorite chair. I hear the phone ringing (stopped ringing before I could answer it) and I immediately awakened. I was unable to go back to sleep until 3a.m. this morning. So, I found things to do to occupy my time as I was very restless, tired and HUNGRY. The hunger is what I want to talk about.

You all, I was so hungry until I felt as though mentally I could not go another day without food. My stomach came alive and let me know with no uncertainty that it was empty and ready to eat. Understandably so. I wrestled in my mind and body and felt like quitting. I thought about the fact that I had made it 24 days already, so I DESERVED to begin my progression into eating again.

But then commitment and the goal at hand kicked in. I began to think about the fact that 24 was NOT the goal. I had been led to fast forty (40) days. And 24 days would not accomplish that goal. I was so weakened physically by the challenge of hunger. But I began to gain strength when i thought of the POWER OF COMPLETION. I thought of the finish line being crossed. I thought about the fact that I only had 2 weeks left and 3 1/2 weeks behind me. I thought of the many challenges that I have faced and over come during these first few weeks. I thought of how close I was now to the finish line. I thought of the fact that I did not want TO DISSAPOINT THE MASTER POTTER BY QUITTING NOW. I thought of the fact that I’m still on the potter’s wheel and I cannot just jump off because of mere hunger. I’m still an incomplete vessel of clay. I thought of all who needed me to be strong. I thought about the fruit of the completion of the 40 days that I would reap. I thougt of how much this fast was making me a better person for my life’s work/purpose on all fronts. Needless to say, I GAINED THE POWER TO OVERCOME THE TEMPTATION AND I DID NOT EAT. Praise God.

And so I am telling you to set a goal that will change YOUR life. Mine is to complete this 40 day sacrifice. Yours may be something totally different. Make it realistic and in line with your true purpose. Pray and meditate over it. Write it down and put a real date of completion to it. Make a decision to understand that WHEN CHALLENGES COME (and they WILL) THAT YOU WILL STAY FOCUSED. Do as I did and talk to The Master Potter and to yourself. Find the important reasons for completing the assignment and let that add to your strength. ENCOURAGE YOURSELF. Completion of a thing is so important. It is time out for starting and stopping. There is no accomplishement or strength in that. Realize that someone other than yourself, needs to know that you have completed your assignment. It strengthens them to complete theirs.
Yes I am hungry, but still standing.
Much love to you,
Melody Sherra

Fasting with Melody Day 23 and counting!!!!!

This is my journey and yours. It is an opportunity to move into the next phases of our lives. Yes, I am on Day 23 and still counting. This is a way to make room for greatness. Fasting affects every area of our lives and leaves nothing undone. Join me as we make room for greatness. Fasting is key.

Day #21…Hello

Hello World:
I attended the National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Awards. It was a beautiful, black-tie event. I am so grateful for being able to attend such a celebrated event WITHOUT EATING ONE THING. I sipped on some water and enjoyed the event. It taught me once again the power of commitment.

Commitment is only a DECISION. I realized last night that we can suceed in anything when we are committed. The whole evening revolved around the pleasure of quality dining. The aroma of food was in the air. But I did not eat one morsel because of my commitment. I have not always had that type of commitment. Why? I had not made a real decision about food or extensive fasting—until now. When I knew in my spirit and heart that I was supposed to abstain from food for forty days, I said “yes” without knowing the challenges that would accompany this journey. It is about COMMITMENT. Commitment withstands challenges. Commitment helps us to stand. Commitment is simply a decision. If we are committed
to something, we stand. If we are NOT committed, we
lose life’s battles. When we are committed, we win. Wow, what a simple but profound revelation of truth.

Questions: What are you absolutely committed to? What are you NOT? What do you still need to make a decision about? How is your life going lacking because of your NOT making a commitment? What are you missing? Is a decision separating you from your vision? Your destiny? Your Purpose?
YOU MAY BE JUST ONE DECISION AWAY FROM WALKING INTO YOUR DESTINY!! Let’s commit!

Much love to you,
Melody Sherra

Day 21…Downhill Now

Hello World:
You know, I was thinking of how great of a struggle and sacrifice this time of fasting has been for me. It has been filled with uphill battles. My body has been very weak at times. My desire for food has been there. I’ve had to attend social gatherings. The I’ve had to sow into others. I still had to be up by 3 a.m. to be ready for our 5 a.m. Friday gatherings. I’ve had naysayers along the way. I’ve had to be on the go. I’ve had to fight some battles. Life has been very “colorful” (smile) during this time of fasting. But…I’ve made it through. This has been a wilderness experience. Jesus fasted 40 days and forty nights in the wilderness. The beautiful thing is that his ministry, his purpose, his destiny, his reason for being on earth began in its fullest degree after he finished the fast. Think about that for a few moments.

Today is day 21 and now my days left are in the teens (19 to go) now. I’m so grateful for that. You know, when we are led into a wilderness situation we are strengthened for the difficulties that accompany the task. Yes, the wilderness brings difficulty. The difficulties cause us to grow. It forces change in our lives. The wilderness causes our faith to grow.

But I want you to take one statement with you today. Let this be your pain medication for whatever challenge ails you today….The wilderness leads us to destiny. Wow! Wow! Wow! The wilderness runs right into the promise! My, my, my!

Be blessed in every way today. It’s downhill from here. We can make it. See you on the prayer call tonight at 9 p.m. (central time). Dial: 712-451-6150. Acess code: 994031#. Free call.To playback previous prayer: The playback number is 641-715-3517 playback code 994031#

Sweet 16…Tyler Perry to the rescue!

Hello World:
It’s day #16 and I’m still on the journey. It’s well worth it. I wanted to leave a message of hope as it relates to your future and purpose. So, I decided to share Tyler Perry’s message of hope and forgiveness again…in his own words. So, whatever you are facing, know that your shackles can/will be broken. You can overcome any obstacle. Yes, ANY obstacle. As you are on this fasting journey with us or maybe you are just thinking about joining us…know that fasting brings PERMANENT changes. That is what we need. Read Tyler Perry’s story of hope and survival below and be strengthened.
Much love to you.
Melody Sherra

Remember: Please join us on our prayer call at 9pm. (central time) each night until this fast is over (thru Nov.15). Dial: 712-451-6150. Acess code: 994031#. Free call.
To playback previous prayer: The playback number is 641-715-3517 playback code 994031#

IN THE WORDS OF MR. TYLER PERRY:
Hi there.

I know I’ve been a little quiet lately but I’ve been in silent reflection, quiet meditation, and prayer. Turning 40 is such a blessing. Especially because as I child I always thought I would die before I grew up.

If life begins at 40, then I owe the little boy that I was my life. Case in point, not long ago, I was brought a film to watch to see what I thought of it. It’s called PRECIOUS, based on the novel PUSH by Sapphire. I sat at home watching this movie not knowing what to expect. After the movie was over, I sat there for a long time just thinking about what I had just witnessed. I watched all the things that Precious, a 16-year-old girl in the film, went through. I watched her mother be unusually cruel to her and I realized at that moment that a large part of my childhood had just played out before my eyes. It hit me so hard, I sat there in tears realizing that somehow, by the grace of God, I made it through. My tears were tears of joy, being thankful that I made it.

Believe me when I tell you, PRECIOUS is a powerful film. After seeing it, I had to be involved. I didn’t write it or direct it, nor am I making any money from it. Oprah and I both are giving any proceeds we would make to charity. I just wanted to get as many people to see it as I can. It gave me so much hope after watching it. For everyone who has been a Precious, male or female, this movie will make you so glad you made it through.

It took me through some raw emotions and brought me to some things and places in my life that I needed to deal with but had long forgotten. It brought back memories so strong that I can smell and taste them. Like, when I was very young, my mother decided to leave my father…she had had enough of his insanity. She loaded me and my two sisters up in an old Cadillac that he had bought for her, and drove to California. When he realized she was gone, he called the police and reported the car stolen, as it was in his name. My mother was arrested and my two sisters and I were put in the cell with her. He and my uncle drove from Louisiana to California to get us. We spent several days in jail waiting for him. He bailed her out and couldn’t wait to get her into the car. He got into the back seat with us and beat her black and blue from California to Louisiana, as me and my sisters watched Even though I was only two or three, I know that this had to have some effect on me.

I’m tired of holding this in. I don’t know what to do with it anymore, so, I’ve decided to give some of it away…

Memories at 40: Not long ago, I was asked to speak at an engagement. I walked in and I was told that they had assigned a person to take care of me while I was there. She walked up to me, all of 5′2 ” of her, and asked if I needed anything. I looked at her and started to sweat. It took me back thirty-something years to her apartment. I couldn’t have been more than 10 years old when I went over to play with her son and Matchbox cars. She opened the door in skimpy lingerie. There was a man sitting on the couch, smoking. She told me that her son was in the bedroom. I was there playing with him about 20 minutes when I heard the man arguing with her. He said he was leaving and slammed the door. She came into the bedroom and told me that I had to go home. She told her son to take a bath and she locked him in the bathroom. I was at the front door trying to get out, when she came in and laid on the sofa and asked me if I wanted the key. I told her I had to go home as it was getting dark. She put the key inside of herself and told me to come get it, pulling me on top of her.

Memories at 40: “What the f*#K are you reading books for?! That’s bull*#*T! “

“You F*#*ing jackass! You got book sense but you ain’t got no mothaf*#*en common sense! You ain’t sh*t and ain’t never gonna be sh*t! ” I heard this every day of my childhood. As my father would beat and belittle me, he played all kinds of mind games with me. He knew I loved cookies as a kid, most kids do. So he would buy them and put them on top of the fridge and when I would eat them he would beat me mercilessly.

My mother was out one night, as she loved to play bingo, and my father came ome…mad at the world. He was drunk, as he was most of the time. He got the vacuum cleaner extension cord and trapped me in a room and beat me until the skin was coming off my back. To this day, I don’t know what would make a person do something like that to a child. But thank God that in my mind, I left. I didn’t feel it anymore, just like in PRECIOUS. How this girl would leave in her mind. I learned to use my gift, as it was my imagination that let me escape After he was done with his rant he passed out. Since my aunt lived two doors down, I ran to her. She saw me and was horrified. She loaded her 357 and went to kill him. Holding a gun to his head, her husband came and stopped her.

Memories at 40: I got a call not long ago from a friend. He told me that a man that I knew from church when I was a kid had died and he didn’t have any insurance. His family was trying to reach out to me to see if I would pay for his funeral. I quickly said no, but I wish I would have said yes. There is something so powerful to me in burying the man that molested me. I wish I would have dug the grave myself.

Memories at 40: I was about 8 or 9 years old. I had a crush on a little girl across the street. She would come over to my house and we’d play. She was about 12 or 13. One day she stopped coming and when I asked her why, she told me that my father was touching her. I didn’t believe her, so I talked her into staying one night. We were both asleep — she was in one bed and I was in another. I opened my eyes to see my father trying to touch her and her pushing him away. I moved in my bed trying to make him think I was waking up. He looked over at me and left out of the room. Not long after that, he beat me mercilessly for something again. Another mind game set up, so I told my mother what he had done. The blood drained from her face. We left that day. We were at my Aunt’s house and he came there about 1am. Not long after that we were back at home. Nothing would compare to the random, drunken, violent beatings I would receive from then until I was 19.

Memories at 40: We would spend the summers in the country, with my father’s adoptive mother. As a kid I was always sick. I had asthma and he hated it. He hated that I wasn’t strong and virile like him. He hated that I couldn’t be in the sawdust, pollen and the raw lumber like him. He hated that I liked to read and write and draw. He hated that me and my middle sister were darker-skinned than him. He didn’t think he could make a dark baby. He just hated everything about me I guess. Anyway, I had to go to the doctor every Tuesday to get shots to control my allergies. When his mother found out she said, “Ain’t nothing wrong with that damn boy…he just got germs on him. Stop wasting all that money. ” When my mother left to visit some friends I heard what sounded like water running in a tub but it was sporadic. She came and got me out of the living room leaving my Matchbox cars on the floor. She said she was going to kill these germs on me once and for all. She gave me a bath in ammonia.

Grateful at 40: I was asked recently how I made it through all of this, (half has not even been told) and my answer to that is…I know for a fact that there is a GOD. When my father would say or do those things to me, I would hear this voice inside of me say, “That’s not true ” or, “Don’t believe that ” or, “You’re going to make it through this “. I didn’t know at the time what “it ” was, but today I surely have no doubt that “it ” was GOD. That voice always gave me comfort. It allowed me to hold on. It kept me from being strung out on drugs, from dying when I wanted to commit suicide. It kept me from being a gang banger or drug dealer. Worse than all of those things put together, it kept me from being him. It brought angels to comfort me after every foul, harsh word or every welt on my legs or back GOD, only GOD.

To know that the little boy that I was went through all that — he went through and made it. Then me, as a man…I have to take on the responsibility of forgiving all of those people. I owe it to that little boy that I was and, more than that, I owe it to the man that I am Think about it, as a child we have no recourse. We have nowhere to go. We have to endure it. But as adults, we have choices. I choose to forgive with all my might. Forgiveness has been my weapon of choice. It has helped to free me.

If you’re having a hard time getting over something in your life, maybe you can try forgiveness too. It’s not easy, but it does bring forth healing. I know that there are a lot of people out there with stories far worse than mine but you, too, can make it. To those of you who have, welcome to life. I celebrate you. We’re all PRECIOUS in His sight.

Tyler Perry

Day #14…Reading this Morning

Good Morning World:
I just want to share with you guys something that I read this morning. It was so full of lessons for me and you. I was reading a true story about a guy named Alfred Nobel. It was telling of how he created explosion- related stuff like gun powders, dynamites, blasting caps, etc. One morning he was reading the obituaries after his brother had passed away. The newspapers thought that it was Alfred instead of his brother who had died. So, mistakenly (being alive) he read his own obituary. They wrote about how his life had been spent creating destructive matter. He was painted as the “Merchant of Death”. They portayed him as one who added more bloodshed to the world. He was horrified to see what the world thought of him and his work. This “mistaken death” caused Mr. Nobel to change his life and refocus his abilities. He decided to do more honorable things that would make life better for others and not something that would help to destroy lives. He wanted to reverse his image and create a legacy for his name. He decided to use his money to create prizes in several areas—-including peace. Thus, our President Barack Obama and many others are recipients of this prestigious award even today. I am so grateful for the newspaper’s mistaken death notice. Their mistake was an awakening for Mr. Nobel. And today our world is better because of the Nobel Peace Prize (and the other Nobel prizes).
What this lesson taught me was how we all need to examine our lives to see what others reap or lose because of our lives. Are we creating dynamite or peace? Is the world made better because I’m here? How am I using the gifts and abilities that I’ve been given? What would your obituary read—in truth? What needs to change? Dynamite and other explosives consist of anything and everything in our lives that can destroy ourselves and others. So, dynamite includes lying, backstabbing, jealousy, cheating on our spouses, gang violence, committing suicide, food addiction, greed, abuse of all types, cussing out our own kids (and others), being the repeated victim of abuse, hypocrites, drug and alcohol addiction, gambling addiction, NEVER DISCOVERING OUR TRUE PURPOSE, unforgiveness and the list goes on and on. But the good news is that, like Mr. Nobel, we still have an opportunity to turn it all around. We can create a legacy of love, peace and harmony for our name and for the world. So, dont let the dynamite destroy anyone else. Get rid of the madness. Read your own obituary today.
Let’s make room for peace and get rid of the explosive matter in our lives through fasting (and prayer). Join me on this 40 day fasting journey. Again, it’s not too late to join us. Click on comments below, leave us your name and the fast you’ll be doing and give up something sacrificial to make room in your life for something life-changing. And you are so welcome to pray with us each and every night of this 40 day journey (yes, including weekends) by calling to join in the prayer at 9 pm EACH NIGHT (central time) THRU NOV. 15th dial: 712-451-6150. Acess code: 994031#. Free call.
Wow, what a “powerful” life lesson. It was the “the bomb”. LOL. Funny pun, but serious lesson.
On a more serious note: A life-changing lesson of self-examination and re-focus today if you will receive it.

Much love to you,
Melody Sherra

Day #13…Holding On

Hello World:
Happy Monday. I rested okay. My dreams are weird these days which is a part of the detox process—but it’s worth it. My day is pretty full today so I’m trying to conserve energy.
I am in great expectation of the blessings that we are not even aware of yet. Yes, the things that we are praying for can/will happen according to the plan for our lives. But today, I am in expectation for things to happen in our lives that we had no knowledge to even request. God can give us things BEYOND our expectations.
Listen: I can expect and imagine HUUUUUUUUUGE (LOL) blessings for my life and the lives of others. Believing BIG is not a problem for me. Never has been. But what I am now expecting for my life FAR EXCEEDS anything that even I can imagine. God’s thoughts are so much (beyond comparison) bigger and better than mine.
So, I am in need of everyone who is willing to join their faith with mine and take the limits off of our faith and expectations—-because change is coming!!!! Let’s expect our minds to be blown. Let’s put our past hurts and disappointments behind us and move forward. Let’s trust God and HIS ABILITIES in our lives! People, let’s take the limits off!!! Some special things await us.
Join with me on this fasting journey. I’m doing water with fresh squeezed lemon juice (for detox and nutrients) and about 12 ounces of Simply Orange Juice because it’s NOT from concentrate. I’m taking oxygen drops (stabilized oxygen) under my tongue because of it’s benefits. NOW LET ME MAKE THIS CLEAR: YOU CAN SELECT YOUR OWN MODE OF FASTING. PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW MINE TO BE YOUR DETERMINING FACTOR. There are so many types of fasts that can benefit you, your spirit and your body. You can also make a fasting sacrifice by giving up your favorite “gotta have” like coffee, coca colas, meat, fries, sugar, etc. I’m just encouraging you to make a sacrifice and join the journey. Create space in your life for that change that you’ve been desperately in need of by fasting with me. Leave your name by clicking on comments below and join this journey of endless possibilities.
ELEVATE YOUR EXPECTATIONS!
Join me on the prayer call (it’s free) tonight at 9 pm (Central) whether you are fasting or not.To join in the prayer at 9 pm EACH NIGHT THRU NOV. 15th dial: 712-451-6150. Acess code: 994031# Let’s combine our faith.

Much love to you,
Melody Sherra

Day #10…25% There!

Hello World:
I’m just finishing the 9 p.m. prayer call. The playback number is 641-715-3517 playback code 994031#
if you would like to listen to it and be blessed. Our main focus in prayer tonight was PHYSICAL HEALING AND GOOD HEALTH. I realize that so many people deal with so many health related crisis. And I wanted to provide hope and comfort during tonight’s prayer. God has not forgotten anyone who is in need of better health. Healing is possible—whether it comes through medical science or supernaturally. Healing does happen and it can happen for you and your household. It is time to believe…and take better care of our bodies.
This time of fasting has allowed me to take note of physical changes in my body since I began this journey 10 days ago. I have noticed that my sleep is better. My mobility is quicker—no stiffness at all. My body feels freer and more alive. I’ve been building a list of healthy foods that I’ve been craving (in the midst of the crazy cravings..LOL). This list will become my grocery list when this fast is over. I’ve started planning new menus for my life AFTER this fast has ended. I have a greater desire to take care of the temple that I have been given. I have even repented to my temple/body for the crap that I’ve been filling it with over these years. I am not saying that I will no longer eat potato chips—that’s not the case—LOL. I will just control the amount of chips that I eat. I will make sure that a larger portion of my daily intake will include fresh fruits and veggies (organic, when possible). As many of you know, uncooked fruits and vegetables are called “live” foods. So, you already know what cooked, fried, processed, chemical-laden foods are called, right? Yes, you got it. They are called DEAD foods. Live foods help to sustain and bring life to our bodies. Think about it. Dead foods…well, you know the rest. Live foods help to flush the body of toxins and wastes in our bodies, as well as provide the necessary nutrients for our bodies to perform at it’s peak every day. Yes!
With the holidays approaching, I am glad for the breaking of the chain of gluttony. A toast to controlled eating, good health and peak performance!!Cheers to that. (I am lifting up my bottle of water for tonight’s toast—LOL).
Good night, guys.

Much love to you,
Melody Sherra

Day#10…Morning

Hello World:
My day began at 3:45 a.m. preparing to go to our 5 a.m. “Full-Potential Gathering” this morning. We had a wonderful time of growth. It was well worth the sacrifice. After that early start and running errands, I am a bit winded now. I will rest a little and then continue my day.
This 40 day journey is filled with so many nuggets for my life and yours. Have you ever carried the pain of disappointment from broken relationships, death of a loved one, loss of employment, lies, unfaithfulness, etc, etc.? You know that these situations tend to leave scars that go bandaged but unhealed. Those places still hurt when spoken or thought of. Well, one of the beauties that I’m finding in fasting is that it makes room for healing and cleansing of those things that have hurt for a long time. Fasting does not provide a temporary fix. It, in turn, provides cleansing and permanent healing and resolve…no more needs for bandages. No more bleeding. No more soreness there. It causes the scars to begin to heal and no longer hurt or carry infection (in our hearts). WOW. I am so grateful for this experience. Yes, I miss the nourishment of food but I am loving the powerful “life-detox” that’s taking place…right now.
IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN ME ON THIS JOURNEY. Find your own way of fasting that best suits your physical needs and join me. Leave your comments below to let me know that you are ready for your own personal “life-detox” as well. My life is changing and yours can too. If you have already joined me then I encourage you to hang in there. In the infamous sounds of Sam Cooke…A CHANGE IS GONNA COME!
See you guys tonight at 9 pm (central time) on the prayer conference call. To join in the prayer at 9 pm EACH NIGHT THRU NOV. 15th dial: 712-451-6150. Acess code: 994031#

Much love to you,
Melody Sherra