Dr. Lori M. Nixon- Bethea

In every family, there exists certain strongholds. Of course some families ignore these strongholds, however, the nature in which they silently cause destruction is evident in familial behaviors, attitudes, and relationships. I always tell my clients that there is at least ONE chosen person in a family that can break the cycle of generational strongholds (curse) from manifesting. Whether the cycle is created by broken/ unhappy marriages, financial issues, negative attitudes, substance abuse, violent behaviors, anger, etc, these strongholds often get passed down through the family- however, they can be broken. It takes one person to realize that the stronghold exists and take extreme efforts not to PERPETUATE it in their life. Through prayer, reflection, counseling, you can make positive changes for yourself that will impact the next generation of your family. Remember it only takes ONE person to notice the cycle and make a change by breaking it. You are not defined by issues fr

If you look around at the unhappy people that you know, do you see them enjoying their lives, NO!!! They are not enjoying their lives because they have chosen misery over happiness. They choose defeat over joy! They choose drama over being content. God has certainly given us free will, and we can choose to live our lives fully, partially, or not at all. One of the ways that I choose to live my life, is by looking straight ahead instead of over my shoulder at someone else's life with resentment for things I have not done or achieved. Whatever plans God has placed on your life is unique and created just for you. What you should not do is compare your life to anyone else, or feel hopeless because you are not doing the things that you want. Most recently I made my way to my DREAM city- PARIS. I had been planning a trip to Paris for almost 5 years , but it was never the right time to leave. Finally the right time presented itself, and I was on the plane heading to my dream de

The last year has been AMAZING! In one year, I met my best friend in the world, got engaged to him, graduated with my doctorate, began working at my  private practice full time, began teaching at the graduate level, and am about to head to my dream destination, Paris! I truly could not ask for more. I remember not so long ago, I was in such a state of despair and anguish. I did not know if God was listening to me, and sometimes I thought that he heard me but did not care to answer. I could not have been more wrong in my thinking. Whenever I cried out to him, in those moments is when He heard me. Little did I know, He was preparing a path so amazing for my life!   I believe that everyone goes through a season in the  wilderness at one time or another. It is during this time, that you learn that life is not always going to be easy, it may even be extremely lonely, but God will never leave you. It's normal to feel lost at times, and during those experiences, it's pertinent to

Over the last few years, I have become an extremely introverted person, when it comes to my dialogue with other people. I am careful with the words that leave my mouth and I am even more careful about the  words that I allow to enter my ears. I am intentional about who I share my thoughts with, and I have found this to yield such great results in my professional and personal growth. I have actively utilized my spirit of discernment which has often allowed me to observe such ugly in this world; how evil has caused people to be blind sided and to speak darkness into others. Proverbs 18:21, death and life lies in the power of the tongue. The Scripture said this then, and it's absolutely present today. We have to be careful who we allow into our inner circles, and who we share our dreams, successes, happiness, and even sadness with. Not everyone will be for you in this life. The important thing is to recognize those who are and cherish them. Happy Wednesday! Dr. Lori

    Today I woke up feeling completely different. Today I am beginning a new journey, and following a new career path (same profession, just a different role). The possibilities are always endless when you embrace change in your life, but that does not make it any easier. I am a creature of habit, I have a daily pattern, and I like knowing what's next. Have you ever felt like this? I guess Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, said it best, "Faith is taking the first step, without seeing the whole staircase". I believe that statement is a true testimony to change. You don't know what is going to happen ahead of you, but you must believe that it will be a positive change in your life. The last few years, God has been leading me towards taking more risks, trying new things, which have certainly pushed me to trust in Him completely. Every single time, He has always come through for me. So why would He stop now. I believe that God loves all of us (equally) some of us exercis

    Today as I was completing my morning devotional (spending time with God), I was drawn to the book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 1. Solomon begins the chapter by stating that "Everything in life is meaningless, completely meaningless" (NLT, Ecclesiastes 1:2). I immediately became deeply saddened, and I could not understand why. Maybe this is something that I had thought about before.  As I began to reflect on this verse further, I was reminded that we all must get back to serving our TRUE PURPOSE on this earth. We can easily be distracted by trying to make money, juggle multiple jobs, etc. but life is meaningless without knowing what your purpose is. No matter how much we accomplish in this life, where is the meaning if it is not to serve God?? Today as you move through your day, I ask that you consider how you are leading a purpose filled life? Are you maximizing your potential by using the skills and abilities that God has planted within you? If not, what do you need t

        There was a time when I was not satisfied with any of my accomplishments. I found myself waiting for the next big thing to happen. I was always in constant competition with myself. This became a problem during my doctoral studies, because I soon became my own worst enemy. I did not allow myself to be satisfied with my journey and look at each milestone as a small victory. Instead, I became angry with God,that He was not moving my life quickly enough (because at that time I was not where I wanted to be.) In that moment I became ungrateful. I did not thank God for all that He had done for me. He supplied me with so much, yet I was still unhappy. When we show the Lord that we are ungrateful, how can we expect Him to continue to bless us while we are in whatever season we are in our lives. I finally figured this out, and as soon as I began to actively thank Him for being in my current season, He began to pour the blessings upon my life. I began writing a gratitude journ

    Today I was thinking about how amazing life truly is. We take so much for granted. I know that I often do. Just waking up in the morning and seeing the sun shine is something that is taken for granted. I truly believe that what you think becomes reality, and if your thoughts are negative, you are inviting negativity into your day. God has given us the gift of life. The ability to use each day and make it better than the last. The ability to think positive thoughts. The ability to love and be loved. Are you taking complete advantage of each day that you are given? Do you feel good about your thoughts? Are you living your dreams? Think about these things today and focus on ways in which you can begin to make your life one in which you are excited about. You have the gift, now use it!