Symptoms of Greatness

By Ayanna Pope

Have you ever wondered why you are wired the way that you are? Are thoughts and visions keeping you up at night? Perhaps you have already begun embracing connotations such as 'strange' as an effort to simplify what is intricate and divinely complex about you!

"Symptoms of Greatness" will help you begin identifying, appreciating

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ayanna Pope
• Release date: Jul 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088159132

Book preview

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my son, Jamere, who God has entrusted me to love and care for since the moment that I said, I do. These four years as your stepmom has been both a pleasure and a privilege to journey, as I've gotten to watch you grow and aid in parenting you. In just a short time, I have watched you grow and begin your journey to manhood and I know that, even now, you are living one of the most intricate stages of life; your teenage years. In this space, you're beginning to understand things that you've never understood before, see things that you've never noticed before, and experience feelings that might seem all too complicated to put into words as you navigate through these years; all the while trying to take heed and implement the wisdom that your dad and I share with you from day to day. We love you and see your efforts!

One day, if you haven't already, you will begin to notice your difference. You will begin to notice that there is something about you that sets you apart, and distinguishes you from the rest! The signs of it has already begun to peek it's head through to the surface. Have you begun to notice? The favor on your life is undeniable. The way that God constantly leads others to step into your moments to take care of your heart’s desires, as innocent as they may be—even when you're already prepared to take care of them on your own—is remarkable! This is God trying to show you something: That regardless of whether it's a bag of chips or a juice to enjoy on your cheat day(s), He sees you and He cares for you!

As you continue to live and, if you so choose to live a lifestyle that is set a part for God's purposes, you will see that what sets you part…really has nothing to do with who your dad and I are, but everything to do with what God has invested into YOU and has called you to be! Embrace this revelation and truth as it becomes more and more clear to you because this is where the gold is! It's about how much God loves YOU!

My Jamew! (Ha!) You are different! You are chosen! And not only are you chosen, but you're also chosen to be the one who re-sets the standard in the midst of all that might be, in this culture, acceptable. Let nobody dim your light or tell you who and what you are or are not or what you cannot accomplish! With your faith in God (through Jesus Christ), you will be able to rise above all of life's influences, no matter who or where it is from, and be the person who influences! At only 13 years old (to date), your dad and I have watched you break through so many barriers… And you will break through even more!

Now, I will leave you with this because I know that you're not superhuman: In life, I know that you will make mistakes, but know that wisdom is a voice and sometimes, a feeling in your gut that cries out beforehand (Proverbs 1:20-21). Just ask for it and it will be given (James 1:5)! Take it! Apply it! And you will experience your best years…and in the very best way: Peacefully, joyfully, and in a way that is full of passion and Godly contentment... And it won't have anything to do with what is going on [around] you…this will be an inside thing!

I know that you might think that I'm speaking bigger than where you are right now, but I am speaking what I know God has for you into your now! With total surrender to God, you will be one who will exude and be a living display of the power of CHOICE:  To choose a  path that might not be popular or easy for that matter, but with God, one that is absolutely possible for YOU!

If you ever find yourself believing that you can't do this walk—of doing the right thing, being who you should be, or living out the best choices and version of yourself—know that nobody has all of their life. And for that reason, I leave you this scripture just to help reassure and remind you that you don't have to do any of this alone:

For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [...strengthening, energizing, and creating in you... the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure. – Philippians 2:13

Don't go at it alone, son. Go at it with God!

I love you!

Contents

DEDICATION

FOREWORD

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

THE REBEL

THE VISIONARY/ DAY DREAMER

THE PARABLE

I.N.S.O.M.N.I.A

MIND TRAFFIC

THE GREAT DEBATER

DOLO

THE FEARLESS LEADER

COMPANIONSHIP

POSTFACE

FOREWORD

I got acquainted with Ayanna Pope a few years ago through her husband, Terrance. I met Terrance on the first Saturday of 2019 when I attended my first men’s ministry meeting of the B.O.M.B. Squad  (Bring Our Men Back) at First Baptist World Changers Church in Detroit. Many people may not know, but Terrance is in a wheelchair because of a shooting where he took several bullets in his back. This shooting left him paralyzed. Around the second or third time I saw him at our Saturday 6 am Meetings, God spoke to me, telling me that I should get to know him. Eventually, I reached out to him and we began to interact. I got a chance to hear his miraculous story of life transformation from the rough gang-ridden streets of the inner-city to becoming a husband, father, minister,