Would you still like me if he wasn’t my father and she wasn’t my mother? This is the question my baby girl asked after she was approached by someone that wanted to take care of her after they found out that she was my child. Initially, I did not understand why she was responding like it was such a bad thing, but then she began to minister to me. I had to put my little perspective down and listen because she was going somewhere. For years I would go minister at churches and I was Mike Freeman’s wife. I personally was good with that title. He had a great reputation so I just rode on his coat tail and I still do LOL! Favor was and is all around me and I just walk in what he has established. So, Brelyn, where are you going with this? Were you offended? Do you want your own identity? Do we have a bad rep to you? Are you trying to make your own way? Oh, I get it, you don’t want to be called our daughter any longer you want to be Tim’s wife? “Ma, no its none of that.” Well, what is it then? I had my defenses up ready to respond with an attitude, thinking why do millennials have to always find their own way? Girl your father and I have set a good start for you!
Brelyn shared, “I feel sad for all of those that are not connected to people that have a well-known name.” “WHY?” “Ma, if the only reason she is doing this for me is because I’m your child how would she treat others that are not? Is she treating a name or is she treating the person? Jesus died and rose for us all not just for a certain name.” To me, this was surface deep right in my eyes. I agreed to how she was feeling and started to ponder over how others are sometimes looked over because they don’t know the right person.
Remember to welcome strangers, because some who have done this have welcomed angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 NCV
Some of you have been impacted by this very thing. You didn’t get the job but someone who knew someone did. We say it all the time It’s not what you know it’s who you know. I know that you real spiritual ones are already saying, “Well, I know Jesus”, and good for you and me too. I am still talking to you too though. Refuse to be the person that overlooks others because you don’t know them or someone they are connected to. They could very well be the one with your answer. Don’t be caught judging others that you do not know. Short and sweet! Love You, Cutie!
Right on point! Recently I conjoined with an old coworker and I offered to assist monetarily in her demise. I don’t have a job, haven’t seen her in 15 years, YET …. I don’t know her any longer. Later I found out her daughter has breast cancer. So in essence “I knew nothing” and I trusted her directions so I believed in her.
I hope this makes sense to y’all as this topic made sense to me?
This bought to mind when I first partnered with SOFCC. I didn’t know anyone and no one was talking to me. Holy spirit said “Your not talking to anyone either”. Instead of getting on my feelings I got up and made friends. Just because SOFCC is fertile ground and you never know who your going to meet. I love Brelyn, when I first met her she introduced herself, not assuming everyone knew who she was. Very unpretentious. I love that about all of the Freemans.
Amen and I receive this message I completely understand where Brelyn is coming from. Thank you for always sharing your heart and encouraging us to do better and be better. So looking forward to GGG in July. Thank you again.
My heart dropped when I read this message. A lot of ppl live in other ppl shadows and they don’t know their own identity. I understand Breyln point ppl do get overlook because they don’t have that connection. But, it’s up to us to find that connection and stay connected and still have our own identity. I felt that SOFCC was too high class for me and if I didn’t wear designer clothes or look a certain way then I didn’t fit in. I only knew a few and they were the ministers. I still felt like I was missing something (that connection) to know GOD better..I left … But, I still give honor to Dr DeeDee and Pastor Mike it started with them and now I am able to carry on what I learn in my new church. I agree it’s the connection that helps.
Hugs Sis Tamika I understand your feelings love to you. God bless you always.
Hey🙋🏾 Dr.DeeDee
So is she treating her name or is she treating a person? WOW!!! What a powerful question. Well for me Dr.DeeDee when I met you in Chicago at a Woman meeting. I FELT SO IMPORTANT. You did not make me feel invisible. Like so many other powerful Pastors speakers. You did not raise an offering to get my money. As a matter of fact you are the only Pastor I know that are so transparent.I THANK GOD FOR YOU. I have become spiritually better because of You. There is no coincidence with God, only perfect timing.
Until next life lesson 👋🏾
Great! Message… I love it. This is so true and is so magnified in the body of Christ… I see clicks so much in the churches and ppl looked down upon if they don’t know you. I try to be cordial with everyone but it is the leaders in the church that need to practice what the words say. And the big think is that they truly aren’t following their leader because as far as SOCC. You all love and talk to everyone.. we as Christian need to follow our examples. You and Dr Mike are great examples.
P.S We our all coming to GGG. Ariella,Ashley,Dana & Myself Can’t wait to see You & Tam🙋🏾
LET IT RAIN PINK!!!
This was a great read. I can identify with your daughter as well. I come from a well known family and married into a well known family. People do tend to treat you differently when they find out who you belong to. I don’t really have a problem with that because it comes with some perks 😉. The problem comes when your family member/s no longer hold that high position anymore. How do they treat then? I’m beginning to find out!! Peter tells us that God is no respector of persons!! So, we should follow His example!! Treat people how we want to be treated. They just might be an angel unaware. Thanks!!!
I am about to run around right now. I was just, like this weekend, pondering this in my mind. Having a dialogue with God about this very thing. I am a very observant person, maybe too observant. Some of the things I observe about myself, as well as, others in life and more specifically the Body of Christ made me really look at the words genuine and authentic. The question she is raising is so prevalent in the church–it is. My heart grieves. I keep a check on myself to make sure I myself don’t do this very thing. And, I truly think that many people don’t realize that they do it and then some intentionally do it. Dr. Deedee many people are so overlooked because they are not the pastor, 1st lady, the children, or have a certain status–Brelyn is true, so right in her look at this, in what she is saying (not saying that this is the case for the person she is speaking about). To truly determine the content of someone’s character(genuine/authentic), look at how they treat the common person, the regular everyday person that some people perceive as nobody’s–the worlds way of thinking. I have seen people walk right by you to speak with someone out front, the pastor, 1st lady, etc. My take is and it might be extreme but I feel that someone is not a genuine or authentic person if he/she show kindness, niceness, friendliness to out front people and not to all people. Clicks, social status/class is still strong in the BOC. Good blog, serious food for thought!!!! Much Love
This is the whole truth and nothing but the truth!! Brelyn was so on point! Her wisdom, love and kindness is part of who she is and for that I’m grateful! Thank you Dr. Dee Dee for this reminder to treat people with respect, no matter who they’re connected to.
This really hit home for me. You know sometimes the very people you look to for help are the people that look past what God has planted in you to only become connected with people who’ve actually made a name for themselves instead of with the help of God. I have seen it take place in the church many times. Its almost like, yeah you may have a little anointing, but this person has the bigger name. It took a long time for me to realize that with God my anointing and my name was just as big because of who gave it to me. We shouldn’t be looking at the physical name, but the spiritual one that was given by the Only One, and that God himself. Thanks Pastor Dee Dee for this blog today. 🙂
Brelyn is so on point, Dr DeeDee and sadly enough there are partners that give off the perception she’s speaking of. I sat in service at Brandywine one Sunday and we were instructed to join hands across the church, yet the woman next to me refused to touch my hand; how sad was this. I couldn’t help but think if I was a Freeman or Wooten would she have done the same thing? I’ve been a partner since November 2015, and have yet to build a bond it’s as if I’m not on their level or because I’m single. But I won’t be leaving that’s for sure, as soon as my doctor clears me to drive I will be back. I’ve had two mini-strokes awaiting surgery on carotid arteries they are also causing episodes of unconsciousness.
Greetings Parthenia, I would love to connect with you. I live in NW DC and attend mainly the Temple Hills location. I have been a partner with SOFCC for a very long time. Thank God that you don’t allow others actions to move you. Let’s connect…. send an email to me at autumnjoyprod@gmail.com. We really do need each other. God bless you 🙂
Hi Joy, I was moved to come back to this blog and read the comments this morning and there was your note to me. I never received a notification from the administrator but Holy Spirit notified me 😁. I will definitely send you an email here’s my email parthenia.warford@gmail.com feel free to drop me a line in case I forget. The strokes have affected my memory and eyes 😢 but I’m thankful that’s all 💖. Talk to you soon Sister 😍
This is good. I have always been the person who never got into people’s positions or who knows who or what you do or did. Even though I could have because of the way I was brought up and the people I was raised around. I never thought to treat people differently because of their status in life. I never was the one to name drop or bow down to any one because of who they thought they were. Even when I was in the world who you thought you were never meant anything to me. And now since I am in Jesus I really do not care about titles. God is no respecter of persons and neither am I. I am hob knobbing with Jesus and that is far better than hob knobbing with man. Of course I have been left out of a lot of things but God has blessed me tremendously. And I say to everyone. It does not mean a thing if it is not God orchestrated. You just go around in circles. Be Blessed. And thank you for such honesty and listening to us.
This blog was right on point! Thanks for sharing.
Yes, ma’am. Good word as usual. Thanks for sharing, Mom.
This right here is indeed a wake up call for all Christians!! We want always rush to be close to the people that are up front and the church is full of anointed people that are in there set place and have your yes…but because they pretty much are just ordinary and everyday people we forfeit our help.
Thanks Deedee this was very timely and needed reminder for the Body.
PS Give a shout out to Breyln for allowing her story to be shared!
Thanks you both
This really blessed me. Thank you so much for sharing.
Wow! This one here hit the ball out the park for me ! Connection verses Disconnected to me it simply causes a very uncomfortable feeling of isolation as well as ostracism in my opinion.
Dr. Dee Dee you and Pastor Mike , Dr. Dewayne and Lisa you all have a genuine , transparent posture and personalities. However, this is not true for all that y’all may see as being this way.
My daughter once said to me, ” Ma SOFCC isn’t for me because the people are in my opinion are Buigy and Upidy seemingly because it appears they are already Successful.
I must agree , its a very unique energy as well as personalities like anywhere else, especially if you don’t know anyone.
She indicated that she enjoyed the WORD , but she felt so uncomfortable.
Everybody, don’t have popuIarity and or a outgoing personality or famous parent or associates, but I think we all want to feel welcomed and Loved with our own identity regardless of how we are dressed Etc. This is all said in Love. I know this is True especially at CHURCH !
Mia, I understand and shared your daughter feelings when I first started; but I questioned myself was it just because I’m an introvert I felt that way. The real reason after meditation was unfortunately the reality is just as your daughter explains. But because I’m not a woman that has had female friends nor belonged to cliques I’ve been able to come enjoy the Word and not let the rest bother me. Love to you and your family Sis <3
As a nurse I can’t tell you how many times I have experience this. My manager would come to me and say Shenae we need you to take this VIP patient. I would always say ok, not sure what you want me to do differently all my patients are VIP’s. Then I had to think to myself, she must know this, why else would you always want me to take these patients/families. We can’t be blinded by precieved status.
Shenae I feel you on that, patient care is patient care I don’t care who they are they all get the same treatment from me, all mines are VIP BLACK , white, Chinese or Mexican they all are human and get the same treatment from me. I don’t treat one any better than the other whether they have insurance or not we are dealing with lives and souls be careful how you treat ppl. I treat ppl the way I want to be treated.GOD LOVES US ALL
Dr. Dee Dee, you are always on point. Thank you for displaying love in all situations and reminding us that all are important (titles or not). I love and appreciate you! Thanks for sharing….
This is an awesome conversation. When I’m in a situation, I set out to see who I know or who would help in the situation. I was in a situation this past week. I called a few contacts. To my avail , no one helped and I didn’t know any big names or people with “clout” to stand and help me out. That was painful to acknowledge. I had to trust God at that point. Sometimes he provides a “ram in the bush” and some times he doesn’t. He wants me to stand. I choose to make sure my eyes are open to be an angel in some else’s life. I’ll serve where I can. It’s in the attitude. Blessings to you Dr. Dee Dee
Hello Dr. Dee Dee,
Thank you and your daughter for sharing. She is growing and want all in her path to be blessed by her spiritual growth . They know she is from great mentors ( Mom/Dad) and it radiates as she engages. I trust, that is what she encountered and they were proud of her.
As a health care leader, sister Shanae, I trust you too were hand picked by your Manager for your delivery and presentation to all your patients. Your leader recognized your outstanding Customer Service, you are the Angel Dr. Dee Dee mentions in scripture.
Thank you Dr Dee Dee for being an Angel to us all.
Barbara Ann
Hi Dr. DeeDee,
This is Good Stuff. I have had this happen to me when my brother and I were in the military together. I was in the Army years before him. When he joined my unit, when anyone knew I was his sister the treatment was better. The guys All ran in the opposite direction because he threaten them to stay away from his sister. He may be partically responsible for me still being single…but he has been married more than once. 🍿🤔😂 I give people my very best regardless of their connections.
I love you with The Love,
Gwen
Wow! My heart weeps!This is happening more times than need be in the household of Faith!! The Bible says God has No Respect of person..an He reigns on the Just as well as the unjust so, who are you to think status and title makes you more! I’m proud of Bre because grown folks don’t acknowledge that!!I walked in the doctors office the other day and a well know pastors wide was there.It was maybe 4 others,but they were white. As I approached the check in she looked up and covered her face with a Book until they called her name!Ma’am don’t worry I wasn’t going to bother you,this is why ppl don’t go to church. Sometimes fake,wannabe Christian!!the Bible says the older women are to teach the young, well I WOULDN’T FOLLOW THESE Hippocrates to the backyard!! I CAN’T HEAR WHAT YOU SAY 4 WATCHING WHAT YOU DO!!!! GID BLESS U!!
We must remember more is caught than taught. We as people of God need to let our light shine. The world is becoming darker so let us be kind to others. God is watching us.
AMEN!! Very profound! Very well spoken! I receive! Love you too cutie!😘😉 (P.S. speaking of short and sweet I think this is the shortest answer I’ve ever given! LOL!)
Great teaching,
I thought long and hard before I wrote my comment because I wanted to step back and take a look at myselff. All I saw and remember, is that I can thank God that it’s not me and pray
that the Holy Spirit will show me myself if I slip and fall into that category. As you stated and shared wth us: “about you never know what angel God will have in our path to bless or help us…. is so true!!!
Love you all, My Sisters
I have to applaud your daughter. You and Pastor raised her right. She is not looking for a hand out and she feels all should be treated equally. I will not mention the name of the church/pastor but, a church I used to attend in another state the pastor and his family were treated very well. Their children’s college and their home, all paid for by the church. One day at a meeting a discussion took place as to what we were giving the first lady for her birthday. A donation of $100 was asked by all committees/clubs,boards, etc. One of the ladies on a certain board could not afford to give the $100.00. The reaction from some of the members was disgusting. After that she was an outcast upon the big shots in the church. I thought to myself, is this Gods house??? If this person cannot afford to give anything, why aren’t we asking can we help her??? Our pastor and first lady live very well…what is going on here??? A few people including myself went to the pastor regarding this issue and oh my goodness his reaction was very selfish…that was enough for me and I respectfully told him how I fell about he and his wife’s reaction. So again, I applaud your daughter, because she is right, are they doing this for me because of who my parents are… In Gods house we all should be one. When I see people thinking they are better than others because of their status in life it really hurts my spirit. We all are Gods children no matter our financial status… Good job!!! Brelyn you made God smile.
Dr. DeeDee, I enjoyed this reading. We never know who we are entertaining. At times, we also don’t know what a person may be going through. Do away with the golden and platinum rule and just share the love of God.
Yes, so true! We need not to judge but LOVE every one (poor, rich, lost, saved, known & unknown) via/our action of LOVE and not just words!
Dr. DeeDee, you are awesome… always on point… I look forward to each Monday… Our new challenge… As always, I thank you, but this time I want to thank your daughter as well… Jesus died and rose for us ALL, not just a certain name.
Wow!!!!! This was good stuff today!!!! I love her perspective and integrity.
Brelyn spoke the truth from her heart. Having a pure heart towards God and God’s people is not optional. People still look on the surface. If Brelyn wasn’t the daughter of Drs. Michael and Dee Dee Freeman, would they still want to do this “something” for her? It’s sad that I witness the same wrongful attitude in the foster care and adoption system. I once overheard a foster seasoned foster parent tell another new parent, (trust me…the sista’ wasn’t whispering)… “You are very nice looking, and so is your family. You be sure to tell the social worker ‘don’t send me a kid with nappy hair or course or ugly features’. Tell them you only want a kid that blends in with your family!” I was so stunned. The same precious blood that was paid for one, is the same precious blood that was paid for us all. I began to mull it over in my mind what she said. I know that if I were in a desperate situation, abused and or homeless, and needed someone to help me, I would want someone to have mercy on me, even if I were ugly, with matted hair dirty. Thank you Dr. Dee Dee and Brelyn for reminding each of us, the importance of having and maintaining a pure heart towards God and His people, especially in serving others.
Awesome word! Thank you for always being on time . I look forward to our place on Mondays. Even on a road trip! 😂😂😂
Thank you so much for the blessing
Thank you Dr Dee Dee & Breyln
Thank you Dr.Dee for sharing thistimely word and also to your daughter she is an awesome blessed millennial making tremendous impact in this world.
Pray for me making some life changing big business decisions within 90 days I’m shaking in my boots.
Yes Breyln is awesome
Real talk!!!!! I will be more attentive to it.
I receive that we are called to love everyone in Jesus name thanks for that message
Hands down I see Brelyn’s point! She’s a bright young woman…
My experience is when one loves Jesus for real angels are always entertained in love. It’s NEVER about name or your family connection. Matthew 12:48 NLT – Jesus asked,”Who is my mother? Who are my brothers”
This is good, AS ALWAYS!!!
My first thought was to congratulate Dr. Mike and Dr.Dee Dee for rearing a daughter who has the boldness to stand for what is right, even when it means challenging her parents :). Then I thought good for you Brelyn for your boldness and faith in action! After I read the comments,
I thought it is sad that still in this hour, people in His place are made to feel uncomfortable and unwanted. However, life is choice driven, and a person has the option to take offense or not. Yet, people do need people. Walking in love is the only answer and each of us have to submit to this truth. Thank you Dr. Dee Dee for the challenge, watching for the angel!
This article could not have been written any better. For years I felt this way thank God for his infinite grace and mercy delivering me from the shadows of others and reminding me that I am my father’s child with my own identity.
I’ve been wondering whether to leave my church because of the attitude and non communication from ministry leaders. They’ve showed difference in attitude and actions toward me than other relatives who are in ministry I’m very been member for 12yrs – relative just joined and is a head minister daughter strangely they would overlook me and greet her if I pursue to greet they walk away- this has happened to other members as well and they have left – if your not in click they don’t connect (strange) ,I feel sad for them- praying my way through for change
It’s true yet unfortunate. I’ve experienced this at work, church and other gatherings. I can honestly say I’ve experienced this within my family. Thank you for sharing.
Wow that is a really good discussion. I was so used to people not receiving me until I had the mindset of I’m not trying to receive you either. Its was like I will reject you before you reject me kind of thing. I had to repent for that mindset. So now I decided to try to reach out and love on you even if you don’t reciprocate the love back. And God is still teaching me how to love those who don’t love me back. I’m trying to make it in family.
Good point, I love her heart and being tender hearted.
I know I said it before but…Best Yet!!!😊