[Workbook] Walking On Water In My Stilettos: How God can Strengthen Your Faith-walk

By Michelle P. Jones

Now that you're at the door ready to enter your season of CHANGE, continue your journey by answering the question, 'In what way is CHANGE knocking on my door demanding entrance,' to take that first critical step into the CHANGE that's waiting on you!

The curriculum and life lessons contained herein are living examples of how to

• Language: English
• Publisher: MichellePJones, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9782007225068

Book preview

DEDICATION

Growing up I never felt a part of or included in anything, and I found myself trying to fit in and using the acceptance of others as the thermometer to determine the success or failure of any and everything I put my hands and mind to doing. What I didn’t know is that I had already been accepted into the family of God; I just didn’t know how to accept the invitation, yet. I have shared many times that my mother, Evang. Marva E. Bledsoe, is my first teacher. I used to watch her on Saturday nights prepare her lesson for Sunday’s Sunday School class, and there were times when I would ask questions and she would never push me away or tell me that I am bothering her. I learned how to study the Word of God by watching her! I developed a love of teaching and was able to accept that mantle on my family, because of her! What others learned in the classroom, I learned while watching my mother and the other great teachers that I had the privilege to sit under. Men in the gospel like Elder Murph, Bishop James C. Hawkins and Overseer Fredrick C. Bradley, just to name a few. These four (4) people taught me to allow the Word to speak to me and not the various commentaries. I was taught if I listen with my heart and Spirit, the scriptures will speak to me and reveal the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 13:11).

I dedicate this book, this curriculum to the woman who birthed me, raised me, whipped my butt when needed, loved on me fiercely and holds me accountable daily. I dedicate this book of curriculum to my first teacher and to the woman I have grown to admire, respect and realize that not only is she my mother, but she is also my Mother in the Gospel. Mom, this is what you gave me, challenged me and empowered me to do so many years ago when you did not give up on me, but prayed for me, talked to me, fussed at me and encouraged me! You gave me the room to learn that I am not a product of my past but the child of a loving God who brought two (2) people together to ensure I would be the result of their love. Mom thanks for being an awesome mother, my biggest supporter (even when sometimes I didn’t think you weren’t) and for praying for me when I couldn’t or didn’t have the sense to pray for myself. You are the catalyst of the mantle in which I boldly carry today; it all began with you! It’s because of your sacrifices, your legacy, your devotion and love, and what you poured into me over the past fifty plus years that has encouraged me, empowered me, inspired me, and given me the courage to Walk on Water in my Stilettos while God strengthens my Faith-walk!

Thank you for being who you are! I love you!

Min. Michelle P. Bledsoe-Jones

FOREWORD

Michelle and I met during a time of restructuring and exploration as we both were determined to live our best lives as members of the Professional Women’s Group of Dress for Success Indianapolis. Our first meeting, although I am sure she doesn’t remember it, was one of revelation. I learned in that meeting that not only is she my Sister in Success, but my Sister in Christ. I treasure our friendship, the bond we have, the laughs we’ve had, the tears we’ve shed and the love we share. Throughout the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the love she has for her family and how they are her foundational support system and the reason she is the blessed woman of God she is today.

While Michelle was writing this book, she would often ask me questions, and if you know Michelle some of the questions she asks causes you to seriously think before answering while others were no brainers that you could answer immediately. Michelle’s signature trademark is the Stiletto, and whether she’s writing about her experience as a Stiletto, a woman of great faith, or wearing them; she is always operating in her purpose as an edifier. This book, through the information shared and the questions asked, has helped in my personal and Spiritual transformation, through some difficult moments in my life and has forced me to recognize and take responsibility for where I am emotionally, mentally and Spiritually while going through my own journey to change. In this book, Michelle is very transparent about the things she’s experienced while going through her season of change. I believe God gave her this divine assignment to share her heart while sharing her experiences to help the reader be empowered and live their life of purpose. Once you read the book, complete the workbook and begin journaling, you will begin to live in your truth, your life, your purpose out loud and in living colour (Michelle’s signature blog post ending)!

In the years since meeting Michelle, I can truly say that I have grown from her insight, humor and wisdom. Her friendship, guidance and love has kept me grounded, accountable, humble and "Woke!" She truly believes that one can only grow when given the opportunity, information and permission to be the best person they can be. She carries this same truth when working with women and girls to help them realize they were born on purpose and for a purpose. As well as when she is facilitating workshops, sharing her testimony or giving an insightful word from the Lord. Whether you’re reading her Blog or her Books, and/or whether you are listening to her Facebook Live or Radio broadcasts, you're receiving a real blessing with this one. She is a force to be reckoned with. When I think of her I am quickly reminded of Proverb 31:31, "Give her the fruit of her hands and let her own works praise her in the gates." She is a woman on a mission, and I am proud to call her friend.

Sincerely,

Yonna Lee

INTRODUCTION

The enemy will fight you, with how you view you.

--Pastor Corey Duncan

While at my mother’s house last Spring this concept or idea was dropped into my Spirit and it has been firmly planted ever since! While depositing this in my Spirit, God told me this is the season I was in as He prepared, equipped and empowered me to attain the goals and complete the destiny assignments given to me before the foundation of the world was ever created! However, in order for me to walk in my purpose, He had to take me through a season of change to deposit into me everything I needed to continue my divinely designed purpose. This workbook and my book are my testimony of the hurts, the pain, the challenges, the shame, the deliverance, the healing, the joy, the peace, the inspirations, the epiphanies and the unconditional love I experienced during my season of change as God taught me how to walk on water in my stilettos while strengthening my faith-walk. The same is available to you, if you are willing to do the work!

Anyone who knows me knows I love me some high heel shoes. What I didn’t realize at the time was the significance of the journey I would take just to create this curriculum and the life experiences I would encounter while completing the book. The original Bible study and its adapted version (this workbook) has truly shown me what I am made of and where I am in my own faith-walk with Christ! This is more than a workbook this is an experience that can literally change your life! I implore you to allow God entrance as He uses His precious Holy Spirit to take the reins of your faith-walk and show you what YOU are made of! As I said before, anyone who knows me knows I love my heels, especially my high heel stilettos. I have to admit, they can be murder on the feet if not sized correctly or walked in properly! The same IS true of our FAITH-WALK! If we don’t understand what it is, recognize its necessity in our life and stand firmly on our foundation in Jesus Christ, then we end up in a desperate situation without the assurance, confidence and protection that faith in Jesus Christ offers! Nor do we have the faith and skills to keep our eyes on Jesus as we walk on water in our stilettos. Sometimes it is about the walk/journey more than the destination. So, I ask you today, how’s your FAITH-WALK?

A PLACE OF PEACE,

JOURNAL ENTRY, JUNE 31, 2012

We are what we repeatedly do and excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit. -Unknown

A place of peace is what I desire. A place where my mental, emotional and Spiritual sides can find a place to recover and to recharge. All of my adult life my home or my room was my sanctuary, the place I retreated to after dealing with the world and its inhabitants. Since getting out of jail and ultimately staying in the shelter I am missing this integral part of my life. When I am not at the shelter, in class or in Court, I am at my sister’s apartment and it does NOT represent the same thing for me. So, what do I do and how do I handle this? I read my scriptures daily and try to keep my mind occupied through prayer and reading. I am afraid it is not enough. My classes give me an outlet and a resource for information specifically information dealing with my addictive behaviors and my active recovery.

I never thought I would be here, but this place is forcing me to come face to face with my addictive behaviors and learn how to (walk) live in my deliverance while living my life according to God’s Word. The Word of God that I receive 3-4 times each week sustains me and keeps me enriched Spiritually. Temple of Praise is providing the Spiritual outlet and platform to feed my Spirit, and I need my Spiritual food. I am going to ask Amanda (at the Shelter) if I can get a pass to attend the Women’s Bible Study on Tuesdays at 5:30pm. It is another opportunity to learn and to worship with my sister’s in Christ! I only see my sister, Robin, on the weekends right now. I am keeping my circle of friends small and the only people I talk to are Kitty, Lisa, the women in class and Tiffany on a regular basis. To stay focused and drama free, I can only handle dealing with people who are a part of my support system. I cannot afford to keep reaching out and including people who aren’t supportive of my recovery and deliverance process. So, oppose to feeling as if I am being a garbage collector I only keep positive people around me who can and do pour positivity into me and my life!

I realize today that I am a strong woman who has endured a lot and grown and is still growing into the woman I am created and destined to be. One thing I am confident of is as God heals me from the inside out and delivers me from my addictive behaviors and my hang ups, I will continue to grow (Philippians 1:6). I am not ashamed of where I am, and I am not disappointed. God has truly blessed me to be here instead of incarcerated. He says through His actions that He finds me worthy of another chance and loves me enough to chastise me. Today, I am thankful for that! Today, I feel blessed to be alive and in having the hope that things won’t be like this always. This is only a stepping stone to where God is guiding and directing me. Each day I am gaining ground and feeling a little stronger. Because of my relationship with Jesus Christ, I have the courage to forgive myself for my financial situation, addictive behaviors, for not being the mother my children deserve and for not living in and up to my potential. I can honestly say, I love me! The woman you’ve read about in my book and on the pages of this workbook is a woman of God in training and growing into who I am created, destined and purposed to be. I am not perfect; I am a work in progress!

Today, I love the person I am. Loving me involves me accepting me as I am with all my flaws, faults, imperfections and strengths. Loving me involves taking care of me first and making myself a priority without feeling guilty about it while making sure I am well-rounded and healthy. It seems as if God’s working in me because each Sunday’s message moves me forward in God and releases me from the junk I’ve been carrying from my past. Today, I see wisdom, growth and love, and I seek to continue building on that with each Spiritual step I take! I speak life, health, wealth and prosperity over my life and the freedom to live a victorious life in Jesus Christ. Today, we go the full distance with no short cuts and/or detours. Today, I am balanced, delivered, loved and whole in Jesus’ name! Thank you, God, for your Word, the ability to pray and for having a praying mother, a supportive family and an understanding that I was born on purpose and for a purpose.

BACKGROUND

When I first began thinking