Final Blog

For the past five years, I have shared a monthly blog post on this platform. It has been a joy to express my thoughts with you and to receive your thoughtful responses. This journey has been both enriching and rewarding.

After much prayer and reflection, I have decided to take a new direction. While I will continue to pursue ministry as the Lord leads, this will be my final blog post on this site. I am excited about the new opportunities to minister through social media and other platforms, and I look forward to exploring fresh ways to connect and serve.

These past five years have been a treasured season of growth, learning, and fellowship. I launched this blog shortly after releasing my book, Exposing Shame, in which I shared how God brings healing and deliverance from the painful experiences that often leave us burdened by shame. As I move forward, I plan to expand on that message, focusing on the many ways the redemptive power of Jesus Christ brings healing, freedom, and wholeness.

Change is a vital part of growth, and I trust that God is leading us all into deeper understanding and greater purpose. I am filled with anticipation for what lies ahead and grateful to continue this journey of faith with you—wherever and however God chooses to lead.

Forever Grateful,

Pastor Sabrina Mangrum

The Trauma of SECRETS

One of the greatest men in the history of the Bible is Moses. The irony of his life was that he was born in unusual circumstances where he was hidden and grew up being raised by Pharaoh’s daughter. The dominating sense for Moses growing up was secrecy.

In Exodus Chapters 1 and 2 we have the account of Moses’ birth and the miracles of God that saved him from death. The Egyptian Pharaoh ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill all the male Hebrew babies to slow down the population of the children of the Hebrews. The Pharaoh felt threatened by the Israelites fruitfulness and fear that they might turn on the Egyptians one day.

In Exodus 2:2 we have the account, after his birth, of Moses’ mom hiding him for three months. When he can no longer be hidden by his mom, he is adopted by the Pharaohs daughter but secretly raised by his mom. In verse 9, Moses Kills an Egyptian who is attacking a Hebrew. The next day he finds out his secret is known and must run in hiding for his life.

What is a secret? A secret is defined as something that is kept hidden or unknown from others. However, as was the case with Moses, secrets were the mask that hid some of his greatest trauma. The worst thing you can ever do with trauma is suppress it because it can grow and subconsciously exert evil influence. At times it is triggered by various times in your life affecting you in many negative ways. Do you have secrets? Are there things in your past that lie deep in your self conscience which explains certain fears, insecurities, depression? The Holy Spirt is the Spirit of Truth. Deliverance and freedom are possible when you expose those secrets to the light of Truth. You do not have to be defined by those secrets anymore. Just as God used Moses, who had a troubled past to be the liberator at the Red Sea, God wants to use you by using your trauma to be the basis of a ministry and example of the God that can and will do great things in your life too!

Women’s History Month

The month of March has been designated Women’s History Month. It is wonderful to devote a month to the many contributions women have made to society. Especially, when you consider the role that women have had in history, has been greatly underestimated.

As the real stories are unfolding, women have been prolific even as far back as the Bible. Women like Mary the mother of Jesus, the Prophetess and Judge Deborah, Queen Esther who saved her people from annihilation, Ruth the Moabite and many more.

There is an awakened consciousness developing acknowledging how significant women have been to the human progress. Even in the volatile state we as a country are in, I still stand strong and firm on the Word of God “that no weapon formed against us will prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17). As a mother of two beautiful daughters, my confession is that they will thrive on their own merits, without having to be recognized based on their gender or race because of some made up government initiatives like affirmative action and DEI. They are qualified. They are college graduates. They graduated with honors. They are highly intelligent. They are blessed. They can compete with the best of them. Glory to God! I salute all the pioneers and trailblazers who are responsible for creating opportunities and rewriting the script.

Pioneers and trailblazers like First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, Shirley Chisholm, Katherine Johnson, Mae Jemison, Fannie Lou Hamer, Harriet Tubman, Madam C.J. Walker who were all recognized as catalyst for change sheroes. And we all know there are many more. These women overcame the misogyny against them.

As I reflect on my own journey, I can think of several instances where I personally had to overcome barriers and stereotypes which tried to limit me because of my gender. I remember vividly the opposition to me becoming a licensed (85) and then later an ordained minister (93) by those in the denomination I served. Even though the scripture clearly states that In Christ there is neither male nor female; we are all one in Christ (Galatians 3:28)

This month I am hosting a Women’s Conference. The conference theme is “Healed Women Heal Women.” A part of the healing process is the discovery of all that God has intended for us to Become. He has not made a mistake in creating us. He has a plan and a purpose for us. Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you. Declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future”. Too many women doubt their self-worth.

The Conference aim is to make them aware that they are History Makers in The Making. (Romans 8:28).

Sustaining A Pure Heart

We are living in tumultuous times. As the Trump Administration has taken office, it has brought a lot of heartbreak and disillusionment. There is a lot of fear, pain, and anguish in the world. I want to encourage you, however, to not lose focus. You must maintain a daily prayer life. Make a commitment to stay in the word of God. It is also imperative that you do not forsake having weekly fellowship with other believers in the household of Faith.

Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Let me encourage you that although the world is full of corruption, it is critical that you not let evil break you down. Keep your heart by not harboring unforgiveness and bitterness. The condition of our heart dictates our actions, thoughts, attitudes, mental health, and physical health.

In all the turmoil and personal challenges, the management of your heart is what you need to concentrate on the most. Despite all that may be going on the outside, the state of your heart will determine your resilience, your power and most of all your peace. He will keep those in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee (Isaiah 26:3). Let this be a time when you seek God with all your heart and rely on His word more intensely than ever. Expect miracles, signs and wonders because God will show himself strong to all that trust in Him.

Stay Encouraged!

Happy New Year

Praise The Lord! We are ushering in a new year, 2025! Beginnings are always great times to evaluate where you have been and where you are going. It is a time to assess your current state of being. Most of all it is a time to learn from your mistakes and use that knowledge to aspire for more. I believe this is what Paul had in mind when he said, “forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Typically, forgetting is considered a bad thing. To forget is to not remember some valuable information that you might need in a particular situation. But Paul is using it to mean how things from the past can inhibit you, deflate you, or even discourage you about what is ahead. Past mistakes, past failures, and even trauma can dampen your optimism and expectation for what is ahead.

God gave us memory so that as we recall his goodness, we will be inspired to appreciate and praise Him for our lives. However, sometimes the way we remember things can have the opposite effect and literally intimidate us as we go forward. Paul is saying process things that happen in the past in a way where you don’t think of anything from the past as limiting you from being motivated about all that God has for you now. To press you must forget. To move forward you must be detangled from the past. To enter you must leave. To arrive you must have departed.

This will be the best year of your life. Decide that you are going to leave the baggage of the past and start fresh with all God is going to do in your life now.

EXPOSURE

The dictionary defines the word exposure as the revelation of an identity or fact, especially one that is concealed or likely to arouse disapproval.

This past January, Kat Williams, in an interview with Shannon Sharpe, on Sharpe’s podcast CLUB SHAY SHAY announced that 2024 would be the year of exposure!

Month after month we have seen things that were hidden in the dark come to the light. From things going on in Hollywood, the music Industry, politics and even scandals in the Christian Community this has certainly been a year of exposure. The exposure has brought about a lot of confusion, pain, heartbreak, and severing of relationships with family and friends. It has caused a loss of trust in institutions that we looked up to. Darkness has several meanings, but generally, it is referring to a realm where things are hidden and concealed from sight. However, as it relates to the events of this past year, we see these things come in common view. This has been a season of exposure. What is done in darkness is being brought to the light.

It is very unsettling to see people and institutions we’ve always known, loved, and admired being exposed. Unfortunately, there were many instances where many of these people and institutions were worshipped and idolized.

I want to encourage you to guard your heart against any despair that may try to impact you as you witness the exposure. Despair is defined as complete loss or absence of hope. Let me remind you, that if God is on the throne (and he is) you have hope. Hope is always the expectation that something good is still going to happen. John 10:10 says the thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Peace!

Election 2024

God is Sovereign! We must always be mindful that no matter what happens in the world that God is in control. God is still moving by His Spirit. I was disheartened with the November 5, 2024 election results. It is difficult to not conclude that so many voters’ chose to support racism, division, and hate. It is concerning to me because of what we endured when Donald Trump was President in the past. As well as the information, we currently have about him. Yet, most Americans thought he was the best choice.

However, I am grateful because this election shows exactly where America stands. It reveals how that more than ever we must trust God as our source. God is the one who is responsible for providing for us and keeping us. It keeps us mindful to the truth that the real power over our lives is the Lord Jesus Himself. I am grateful that I physically live in America but most importantly I am a member of the Kingdom of God. Don’t interpret things as getting worse. Stand Strong! This is going to be a testament to the Power and Glory of the Lord. I believe God is reminding us that all of our help comes from Him. I want to encourage you to not be dismayed by what you see happening in the world. Trust me. God is in control.

The same God that kept us BEFORE November 5th is the same God that will keep us AFTER November 5th. As a matter of fact, I believe all of this is a set up for God to do some miraculous things for and among His people. The Bible does not promise God will bless America; it promises that he will bless His people.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Perception vs. Perspective

We often hear the statement “Trust the Process” in Christian circles. Websters’ dictionary defines the word process as a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end. For Christians this means God taking us through a process of transformation when He guides us from our old nature (Adamic or prior to salvation) to a new nature (more reflective to the ways of Jesus).

The process begins by addressing our perception about life. We have been influenced by life, environment, and those who had the most influence on us. Each person begins the process at a different stage. The stage varies depending on a person’s need for true freedom from all forms of bondage. Mental health issues must be addressed. Trauma must be addressed. Spiritual strongholds are exposed. The role certain relationships have played out. The goal of the process. Is that you experience the freedom that God sent His only Son to provide for you! He wants us to experience the abundant life! The process addresses our perceptions about our past so we can effectively move forward having a greater perspective about life. Everything is put to the magnifier. All the good, the bad, and the ugly we’ve endured in life.

In the process, many of the very things we’ve experienced, are addressed by God to reveal His loving nature to us. He is truly like the surgeon that operates on us down to the very core of our being. The process strengthens us. The process heals and delivers us. The process opens the door for us to learn how to rely on and trust in God.

The process leads us to a faith relationship with God. Faith is a direct result of all of God’s dealings in our lives. Faith is the new perspective we get from seeing things the same way as God sees them. Faith is the perspective of learning how much God loves us. Faith is the perspective that allows us to have a relationship with God that is intimate and meaningful.

As mentioned earlier, all of us have had a unique journey. However, what we share is that in the process we learn how much God loves us. God can be trusted. God is present. It may be that you are now going through a difficult stretch in your life. The process right now is very trying and uncomfortable. I encourage you to please continue to trust the process. Be assured, this is going to end in a richer revelation of God. He wants you to have a perspective where you know that through all the testing and challenges that He never gives up on us. The process is necessary to bring about true freedom.

Enjoy your Life!

A Great Prayer life is the Gateway to Great Faith

Prayer is the most important activity that I practice daily. It is something that is as natural to me as breathing. It is where I draw all my strength and vitality to live. As a matter of fact, there is nothing I enjoy talking about more than the subject of prayer. It is literally the stream that supplies me with life and empowers me to live life in its fulness. It is not just that I pray to respond to problems or challenges that I may face but even more so, prayer is a source of eternal peace, joy and an overall sense of well-being.

Nothing is more comforting and inspiring than spending quality time in prayer with God. I would dare say that my prayer time is the most important time during the day. It is imperative that you understand that prayer must be more about listening than telling God what we want. One of the greatest outcomes of a committed prayer life is hearing from God. Too often prayer is directing God to do what we think we need as opposed to receiving direction from God on what He would have us to do. What makes prayer satisfying is the rich interaction we have with God as He conveys his word and His will to us. Prayer should be more about responding to Him as opposed to initiating a response from Him for what we think we need.

Prayer is more about the quality of relationship we have with God. When prayer is an intimate conversation between two people that love each other deeply it becomes something that we commit to effortlessly. It is no longer a thing, but it is the thing that makes life what it is. Let me suggest to you to concentrate on three things when you pray today.

First make it all about seeking for what God wants. Second, make this a conversation in the spirit of connecting and expressing your deep love and affection for God. And most importantly, allow it to be an experience where you are listening for His voice!

Inside Out 2

The other day my husband and I went to see the Disney/Pixar movie Inside Out 2. I had already seen it with my daughters, and I convinced him to go and see it too. My oldest daughter said to me, “mommy you will see something you did not see the second time you watch it.” BOY was she right. I was reminded of the nature of how strongholds, emotions, trauma and even poor conditioning can have such a negative and powerful effect on our lives and the ability to have any semblance of joy. The movies main character portrayal of Riley Andersen displays several emotions that we are all are faced with continuously. Emotions have too often shaped and influenced the stages of people’s lives to their detriment.

In my book on Shame, I emphasized how that shame can be the result of suffering and painful experiences you absorb in life. Shame is the culprit for so many of the inhibitions we have that hinder us from doing what we need to do. Too often, shame has been the source of the inability to foster and maintain quality relationships and developing a positive self-image. God says in Isaiah 61:7, “For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore, in their land they shall possess the double, everlasting joy shall be unto them. As I watched the movie, I noticed how embarrassment has so many of the characteristics as shame. The attempts to not be seen by hiding, covering up, shrinking. Both are huge concerns for people who suffer from them on an ongoing basis. They are both ugly emotions and have a huge, negative impact on the joy and success of anyone who is controlled by them. Shame and embarrassment are very toxic. Shame is the negative way you see yourself. (Inside/out). Embarrassment is the negative way you feel you are seen by others. (Outside/in).

Transparent Moment: When I watched Inside Out 1, I watched Riley’s’ emotions as a spectator. However, Inside Out 2, I became a participant! We must realize from the movie that all emotions are necessary, but we are never to feel negatively CONTROLLED by any of them.
My prayer is you will find a church that ministers inner healing or please seek professional help. There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting help. Don’t suffer alone. No matter what trauma you have experienced, it’s not too late to choose JOY!