help – Mika J. Harris

The Birth of a Book

Hi Friends. I am really excited to bring my book Faith Lessons to you. As I have shared with people, I am mainly asked two questions: why did I write a book, and what is it about. So let me tell you. The why began with a lingering desire. I have been carrying a desire to write a non-fiction book for many years now. A couple times starting, but then feeling sure it was not the time. Then toward the end of last year (2021) I was unexpectedly diagnosed with breast cancer, stage-2, and I was holding the weight of that, while utterly excited at the same time my first grand-daughter was soon to be born.

My heart was sure at the start of that season, it was time for the book. Seeing how frail life is a little more closely and personally, all I knew was I did not want to miss the opportunity to share with my grandchildren someday stories of my own life, and the wonderous faithfulness of God through it all. It is massively important to me, they know God is present, His love is real, His provision never runs out, and just like I have stories to share, so will they ~ and I want them to be encouraged to share them. So, at the start of radiation therapy, and still going to work everyday, I spent every extra bit of time writing for them, and for you.

What is Faith Lessons about? It is a cluster of my life’s experiences enduring and fighting battles, trusting while waiting, the process of transformation and emotional healing, and even being the recipient of a God size miracle. As I share some of my stories with you, I will also be sharing with you God’s faithfulness and the presence of it, in conjunction with the Word of God. It will be a spiritual journey for you. Along my own journey I enjoy taking notes of things I’ve learned, writing in journals, notebooks, planners; so I have included 24 faith lessons in the book that have been personal lessons I have kept for myself through years of growth. I also pray you step away encouraged to know your stories matter too. And it is important for you to highlight God’s glory to others by way of sharing your own experiences in life and with Him. Therefore, I will also give you some of my process of reflection and simmering on life’s memories in order to first know God’s role and then know what to share in the capacity you are called.

The book will be released first. Then there will be a journal companion, already in the works, for those who want to take your personal reflection time deeper.

It has been a joy and honor to sit down and speak with some of you, and just talk about how faithful and good God is in every season, even when faced with some of the hardest moments of our earthly lives. My heart is passionate about you grabbing a hold of your faith, and not losing it; and even more so, thriving in it. Reach out via Engage or Instagram if you want to spend time together. Let’s see what is possible; and I can’t wait for the soon to be day when you have the Faith Lessons book in your hands.

There has been tremendous support along the way. A special thank you to an amazing editor and author: Blair Parke. Author of Empty Hands Made Full: How to Cope with Infertility (available via Amazon & Barnes & Noble).

Love, Mika

In Sorrow Joy Remains

Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you (John 16:22).

There are many things I can list that I tried to prepare my children for. What to do if you fall down, or someone calls you an ugly name, or you face disappointment or a challenge. Rise up, be better, take heart, never give up. But I never considered preparing my children for grief and sorrow until they were faced with it once, then again, then again, and again. Oh Lord, I wish I would have seen Your example sooner. Jesus prepared His companions, His friends that He would lay down His life for those He loves (us all) (John 15:13-15), to remember His words and how He taught them and equipped them so they would not stumble. He warned them of adversities, cruelty and hardship. And Jesus also shared His provision never ceases, to remain in hope and joy, because even though He would be gone in the physical, His Spirit would always guide them and help them (and us) (John 16).

It is hard to be a parent and witness the pain life throws at our children. We want to protect them from everything. But God knew we couldn’t so He sent His son to experience the ultimate weight of sorrow for us, and teach us we have to even prepare our children for difficult news… the coming death of those they love. We will all die someday. Praise God for life eternal for all those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior! (John 3:16). The Word of God teaches us loss is hard, sorrow does come, but it is not meant to keep us down to where we are unable to stand tall again, feel good again, rejoice again, fulfill our purpose and calling. We are to hold onto joy and celebrate the people in our lives; cherish them now, celebrate them always knowing special people in our lives have given us something. Words of wisdom, a shared talent or skill, knowledge, attributes that have grown us up or developed us, lasting memories. The light of the Lord equates to peace. Even in the depth of our tears, the peace of God remains and restores our soul.

Children; Dear ones, sometimes people must leave us unexpected, sometimes bad things happen to good people, sometimes people just get older and have loved and lived long, sometimes we will have time to prepare for a loved one’s departure; either way it won’t feel good in the moment. But they have given us something of themselves that never leaves. Our responsibility now is to continually share the love of God, the salvation of Jesus, and the never-ceasing joy that can’t be robbed by death because its source is heavenly, powerful and victorious. We celebrate those people by the way we love, the way we serve and help, the way we contribute, the way we encourage, and the way we walk with grace through tough times, road blocks, and stumbles. We celebrate them by living to our full potential, walking forward in righteousness and gratitude. Hug people, listen to people, be present. Manifest the name of Jesus, and know He is with you always.

The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime; And in the night His song shall be with me – A prayer to the God of my life (Psalm 42:8 NKJV).

Give it Away

How heavenly life would be if nothing ever hurt, crumbled, caused despair, or confusion? One day, the Lord promises. However, right now the world reality is very real and tiresome at times. Though, as God stands before us, we must learn to give it all away to Him. Not only our praise in triumph but our sorrow in the tragedies. David once began a statement with, Who am I, and what is my life (1 Samuel 18:18a), who are we, and what is our life? We are created and purposed for the will and the joy of the Father and our life is His. As Jesus said, I in them, and You in Me, that they may be made perfect in one (John 17:23a). As we tread through the mud we show the world the stamp on our life – Love (made perfect through Christ Jesus).

If we take all of our burdens and pains and pile them on our own shoulders, how will we then have the strength to move, the room to carry another, the lightness to lift a friend? Cast your cares at the feet of the cross, cast them at the feet of the King, who promises refreshment and refuge. There is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3), but do not miss precious and useful moments in time with being buried in things God is wanting to take from you and work out for you. Let the Lord delight in the rawness of your prayers, for He already knows, so open up and lay it down, then let the might of God go to work. You instead press on in joy, and with the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Further, fellowship. The times I have spent with others has brought me encouragement and sometimes needed correction, and in togetherness we recognize we all cry and ache. You friend are not alone.

The Lord your God in your midst; The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV).

Prayer