Revised Edition Part 1
“Don’t worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition.”
– Abraham Lincoln
The Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary defines Recognition as, the act of recognizing, or the state of being recognized; acknowledgment; declaration; knowledge confessed or noticed.
Is it beneficial when others Recognize and acknowledge your faith, personal growth, spiritual journey, passion, and love for God?
It is natural to wonder if the people who know us well think differently about us when we undertake a major change in our lives. Do they think of us as the same person, or do they view us with a new perspective? It’s also worth considering if they believe that our lives have been transformed through Jesus Christ and that we have become a new creation in Him. Are they confident that we have improved and that we are no longer the person we used to be? These are all important questions to have answers to, as they can help us to understand how those closest to us view us in our new life. Ultimately, the answer to this question will be unique to each individual.
Some may find that their friends and family are accepting and supportive of their faith, while others may find that there is resistance and discord. However, no matter the response, it is important to remain steadfast in our faith and to continue to spread love and understanding to those around us.
It is so easy for us to become so concerned about how others view us, rather than how God sees us. We focus so much on trying to make a good impression on those around us that we forget that the most important opinion of us is God’s.
When it comes to being judged by my friends, it can be hard to know if they are judging me based on my past, for my current state, or who I am now becoming. Do they truly understand my faith and its importance to me? Are they judging me based on their misunderstanding or lack of agreement with my beliefs?
It can be difficult to distinguish between gossiping, mimicking, or laughing at me because of my religious beliefs and practices. It can be hard to take criticism from people who do not understand or accept my values. In a way, it can be liberating to not be surrounded by those that do not understand me, as it allows me to focus on those that are supportive and understanding.
Luke 6:37 – The Message – (MSG)
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier.”
My family has had mixed feelings about my Christian life. On one hand, they are proud of me for taking the bold step to turn my life around and embrace a new lifestyle centered around my faith. They Recognize the effort I have put into living a life of faith and the commitment I have made to staying true to my beliefs. On the other hand, they understand how hard it was for me to make such a drastic change, coming from my past life as a non-believer.
I understand the feeling of being in transition and how it can feel like it won’t pass. I have been through times of struggle before and know how hard it can be to stay true to my faith. But I am determined to continue my journey and remain strong in my beliefs. I am confident that I will rise above this period and come out the other side with a better understanding of myself and my faith, it can be hard to understand why my family and friends might be so hesitant to accept my decision to live a more faith-filled life. I can sense their judgment and doubt, but I also know that it takes time to prove to them that I am sincere in my faith. I understand that it may take patience and understanding on both sides to form a consensus, and I am ready for the challenge. My family members have been filled with doubts about my Christian faith, but I remain hopeful that they will eventually come to Recognize the good that God is working in me.
There is no need to feel embarrassed for being a Christian or a “Jesus Freak”. Everyone has the right to choose what they believe in and how they express it. Despite the fact that some may consider it to be an extreme lifestyle choice, ultimately it is up to you to decide what you are passionate about and how you choose to live your life. As Christians, it is important to remember that we have the right to practice our faith without fear of judgement or ridicule. It is up to us to stay true to our beliefs and stand firm in our faith. As long as we are not harming anyone, we should be proud of our faith and our convictions. We are all unique and have the right to express our beliefs in whatever way we choose.
John 3:30 – in the English Standard Version speaks to this very concept,
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
This is a clear call to humility, that we as humans must take a step back and accept that we are not the center of the universe. We are to give up our pride and concede that there is something greater than ourselves. This is a hard pill to swallow, and it can be difficult to put our own desires aside, but it is a necessary step to leading a life of humility and true servitude to God.
Today, we as a people, have become so focused on demanding Recognition and attention that we are unwilling to share or give them away to anyone else. This is a great shame, as it often leads to us taking away the focus and attention that should be given to God. We must strive to remember that all the Recognition and attention we receive should be shared and used to glorify the Lord, rather than just ourselves. Only then can we truly understand the importance of being thankful for what we have and being willing to share it with others.
Today, we as a people, have become so focused on demanding Recognition and attention that we are unwilling to share or give them away to anyone else.
Pride, boastfulness, and seeking Recognition and acceptance are all too common in our society today. We are often driven by the need to be accepted and admired by our peers, to be seen as successful or important in the eyes of others. We often fail to remember that the most important approval and acceptance we can seek is not from our fellow man, but from God.
Remind yourself that it is not your own Recognition or accomplishment that matters, but rather that you are a vessel for Him who deserves to be Recognized. Let go of the pride, for it is not yours to take. Instead, focus on how to best lead others to acknowledge and accept Him in their lives. Show them the same compassion and love that He has shown to you and actively lead them towards Him. Help them to understand their need for Him and the peace and joy that comes from His grace. Allow them to experience for themselves the extraordinary power of His presence. Let them know that when we Recognize Him and His glory, we are Recognizing our own destiny. Without Jesus, we are lost in the darkness. We need Him to guide us and shine a light on our path. He is the match that lights us up, like a stove waiting to be lit.
We must turn to Him for guidance and knowledge, for only He can provide the light that we seek. Once we turn to Him, He will ignite us and provide us with the light we need to find our way.
“We are the candle waiting to be lit, and Jesus is the match that will light us up.“
When we surrender to Jesus, we flip the switch, and our lives are filled with light, joy, and peace. We no longer walk in darkness and are free from the chains of sin. We are offered forgiveness and grace, and a relationship with our Heavenly Father. We are no longer bound by our own selfishness and idolatry, but instead, seek to serve Him.
“When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we flip the switch and are able to live in the light of His love and grace.”
We can experience true joy, happiness, and peace, and can live a life free from the sin and darkness that held us captive before. We can now surrender to God and walk in the light of His love and grace.
When the on switch is flipped, it is an acknowledgement of repentance, forgiveness, and loving those who are the hardest to love. In this moment, we call out to the Lord, asking for His guidance and light. In response, He will create a new and pure heart within us, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. He will never abandon or forsake us, and when we accept Him as our Lord and repent, He will light up our life with His presence. We Recognize that this act of repentance, forgiveness, and love is what truly brings us closer to our Lord.
John 8:31-32 – Good News Translation – (GNT) – The Truth Will Set You Free
31 So Jesus said to those who believed in him, “If you obey my teaching, you are really my disciples; 32 you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Our primary goal in life should be to Love the Lord and serve Him. We are called to be faithful to our families, and to love even those who may treat us with hostility or persecution. We are not here to please the world, but to seek and speak the Truth.
To Be Continued
Willie Torres Jr.
6/9/2024
Coming Soon – Revised Edition Part Two
If you feel inspired and uplifted by this content, please consider supporting my work at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/willie13. Every contribution helps me create more of what you enjoy!
If you found this story captivating, stay tuned for more tales in my upcoming works. You can also delve deeper into similar narratives in my book, “The Latter Times of Being Crazy For Christ,” accessible on various platforms such as Amazon, Books-A-Million, Google Books, and Barnes and Noble. Explore a collection of stories and testimonies crafted for your enjoyment, edification, and study. Dive into the richness of these narratives and embark on a journey of discovery and inspiration.
When you purchase a book, you’re not just supporting me financially, but you’re also providing the encouragement I need to continue following God’s calling. Your support means the world to me. Thank you sincerely.
Willie Torres Jr. 
59 responses to “Recognition”
Great detailed definition of Recognition. Makes me remember what David Wilkerson teaches about pride. He said that Pride is independence from God and Humility is dependence on God. Love your pictures!
Blessings to you Willie! ❤️
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Thank you for Reading and Commenting!
David Wilkerson’s teachings about pride and humility are truly insightful. It’s a great reminder to stay grounded and dependent on God.
I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures too! It was definitely a challenge.
God Bless You today and always. 🤗
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Despite our differences in religion and belief, but I salute you. You are a great man and writer. You love God and Jesus. You love to strive in faith and urge people to love, regardless of the differences in religions and beliefs. This in itself is a great matter.
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Thank You for Reading and Commenting and Thank you so much for your kind words and respect.
I deeply appreciate your salute and Recognition.
It’s important to me to encourage love and understanding, regardless of our differences.
Faith and striving for a better world are universal values that can unite us all.
Blessings To You today and always.
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👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻💐❤
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Greetings to the faithful writer Willie Torres
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Greetings to You.
Thank You 🤗
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Your blog post is filled with wisdom and encouragement. Keep sharing your journey and insights—it’s sure to touch many hearts and inspire others in their faith.👍👌🌷
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Thank you for Reading and Commenting!
I’m glad my post resonated with you.
I appreciate your support and will definitely continue sharing my journey and insights as long as the it’s the Lords Will.
It means a lot to know that it can inspire others in their faith.
Be Blessed and Be a Blessing.
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It always comforts my heart knowing that God knows me and values me for who I truly am, regardless of others ‘recognition. Thank you for such important words, Willie; truly worth considering. Sending you light and blessings to you, my friend*
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Amen 🙏🤗
Thank you so much for Reading and Commenting and Thank You for your heartfelt words!
It’s a comfort we all need sometimes – knowing that we’re valued by God for who we truly are.
Your kindness and blessings mean a lot.
May God Bless You Today and Always…
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Yes Willie! We are to be vessels of His glory. Let the glory and recognition be to Him.
Keep blogging!
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Amen 🙏🤗
Thank You Sister for Reading and Commenting.
As long as the Lord continues to guide me and give me Words to share, I will keep blogging.
There will be a lot more to this story coming in the next few days. This is going to be a LONG topic.
I hope you stay tuned …
God Bless You Dear Sister, Today and Always.
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What an engaging and thought provoking post Willie. I agree that all glory should go to God but I sometimes forget to do that and then feel bad when I do remember. This post rocks and imporvements are easily recognized, Have a great day brother!
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Thank you so much for Reading and Commenting.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad the post resonated with you.
It’s definitely a common struggle to remember to give all glory to God, but the “Recognition” of that is a step in the right direction.
I truly appreciate your encouragement, and I’m grateful for your support.
Have a fantastic Day, Brother and remember that You Are Loved!
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Very well written! A theme that makes us reflect on the situation in which humanity finds itself. A frantic search for recognition, titles, labels and honors. When in fact we should be concerned about being instruments of spirituality, ambassadors of Christ and contributing to a better world. It is a fact, this whole maneuver causes discomfort to those around us, who have not yet reached the same evolutionary level, just as we are also very far from being as evolved as the ascended masters, in short, everyone is at their own pace. It’s not easy, but we must move forward, looking at the target. Thank you for sharing with us!😉🙏
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Amen
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment!
I’m glad the theme resonated with you and sparked reflection. You’ve beautifully encapsulated the essence of the message – the importance of prioritizing spiritual growth and contributing positively to our world.
Your insights on the journey of evolution and the varying paces at which we all progress are truly profound. Let’s indeed continue to move forward, keeping our eyes on the target of personal and collective betterment.
I hope you stay tuned for more of this story. It’s a long story but the message I believe is very profound and impactful.
Thanks again for engaging with the piece!
You Are Loved
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😉🙏 Amém!
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Willie ❤ … Thank you so much for this wonderful writing and you have really opened my eyes about what is looks and feels like to be recognized through God! I want it no other way! Bless you ~ Always 🙂
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Thank you so much for Reading and Commenting and Thank You for your kind words!
To God be the Glory, Honor, and Praise for allowing me to share this message with you all.
I’m truly humbled and overjoyed to hear that it has opened your eyes to what it looks and feels like to be “Recognized” through God.
There will be more of this story to come. It’s going to be a long story, I Hope you will stay tuned.
God Bless you today and always.
Willie ❤
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Amen! Keep on keeping on
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Amen Brother
Thank You for Reading and Commenting.
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🌹🌹😍
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🤗🤗
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I have uploaded one video, please upload the second
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🤗🤗
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Well written, Willie!
Blessings! 🤗🙌
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Thank You for Reading and Commenting.
To God Be All the Glory, Honor and Praise.
You Are Loved..
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My pleasure.
Blessings! 🙏
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Our primary goal in life should be to Love the Lord and serve Him..
This is so profound 🙏🙏
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Thank you so much for your kind words!
I completely agree that loving and serving the Lord is the foundation of a fulfilling life.
Thank you for Reading and Commenting.
To God Be All The Glory.
God Bless You today and always.
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💓❤️💖💝
Blessed and Happy afternoon 🌞
Greetings pk 🌎🌈🇪🇸
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God Bless You today and always.
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Thank you for Reading and Commenting.
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This minister to me. Good quote from Abraham Lincoln.
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Thank you so much for Reading and Commenting. This quote is truly fitting for this post; it’s definitely a good one.
God Bless You Today and Always.
Hope the Ministry went well or is going well.
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Ministry is going well overseas here! It’s a multiple country trip and the next one will be more difficult this weekend
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Good to hear and good to hear from you. You are all in my Prayers. Please Be safe.
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Thanks
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NICE 💓💖💚
Blessed and Happy afternoon 🌞
Greetings pk 🌎
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God Bless You
Thank you for Reading and Commenting.
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[…] you missed the first part, I encourage you to go back to the beginning (Here) and then return to this discussion. As mentioned earlier, we are delving into a lengthy and […]
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Really well done, Willie! Thank you! It brought me peace! The LORD is God – He alone!!
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God Bless You today and always.
Thank you so much for Reading and Commenting.
I’m glad it brought you peace. All Glory, Honor and Praise to the LORD – He is truly God alone!
Have a Blessed Day.
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Thank you, Willie!
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Thank you, Willie!
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You Are Very Welcome.
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This was such a good post……..it is a great reminder that it is “not about us!” It is about JESUS period. In all of our faith walks, HE breaks down our pride and when we stand the tallest, is when we are on our knees!! May we continue to pray for and ask GOD to give us a kind and humble heart and turn all attention to HIM, because HE had enough grace for us in the first place.
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To God Be the Glory, Honor and Praise .
Thank you for Reading and Commenting, and thank you for sharing such a powerful reminder.
It’s so true that our faith journey is not about us, but about Jesus. He humbles us and teaches us to rely on His Grace.
Your words resonate deeply, and I look forward to more of your insights. This is a story that’s sure to continue unfolding, and I hope it blesses many along the way.
May we all seek a humble heart and turn our attention to Him who gives us abundant Grace.
Stay tuned—I’m eager to see where this journey leads next!
You Are Loved.
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Thank you so much for again for Reading and Commenting. Thank you for your Beautiful encouraging words and for sharing your faith journey.
It’s amazing how God always provides the words we need when we rely on Him. I’m Humbled and Blessed to be a vessel for His Glory, Honor, and Praise; and still find myself asking Him, “Lord, why me? Of all people, why have You chosen me? (Feeling I am not deserving of such a Gift).
Your support means a lot to me, and I’m grateful that God’s light shines through my writing. Like you, I strive to be an ambassador for Christ in all that I do, including my blog.
Let’s continue to lean on Him for Guidance and Inspiration. It is always about Him and for HIm.
Your Prayers and Encouragement are truly appreciated and are uplifting.
May God continue to bless your journey and may God Bless You Today and Always!
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[…] you missed the first and second part, I encourage you to go back to the beginning (Here) , Part One (Here) , Part Two (Here) Part Three and (Here), Part Four; before continuing with this […]
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[…] you missed the first and second part, I encourage you to go back to the beginning (Here) , Part One (Here) , Part Two (Here) Part Three , (Here), Part Four and (Here) for Part 5; […]
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Greetings, my brother, from the Land of 10,000 Lakes. First of all, know that I am a late comer to the Recognition Train. Today is July 30th and you posted the first episode of this season (sounds like I am promoting the pilot of an already established series on Netflix or Prime Video!) on June 10, 2024. So to say I’ve got some catching up to do is truly an understatement. With that said – job well done introducing us (especially teens and new believers) to the challenges and opportunities associated with being “transformed” or having had a mountain top transformative faith experience (like Peter, James and John with Jesus’ transformation)
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Hello and Good Evening my Brother (Hope you are a Vikings fan – You are going to love my next series).
Thank you so much for your Visiting, Reading and for you Thoughtful Message. I’m honored that you’ve taken the time to catch up on the Recognition series, even if it’s a bit of a marathon! Sorry about that – I am terrible at short stories even when I really try my hardest it doesn’t happen). It’s been a journey for me to explore these themes and share insights on transformation and faith.
I’m grateful for your kind words and am glad to hear that the series has resonated with you. The Hope is that it can also resonate with teens and new believers. It’s been my hope to present these concepts in a meaningful way that can inspire and encourage others.
While I’m humbled by your praise, I know that any impact comes not from my own efforts, but from God’s Guidance and Grace.
Thank you for your support and for engaging with the series. It’s deeply appreciated. I Hope you get to go to the beginning and finish it before the next series begins. I would love to get your feedback and thoughts.
God Bless You today and always and may we Continue to Grow Together With Christ.
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I’ve been known to “binge” watch a good series – in this case I’ll spend some time “binge reading” this week. We welcome our students at Cotter Schools in Winona, MN on Aug. 19th and I’d like to incorporate some quotes, lessons and maybe even create (co-create? 🤔) a lesson plan on Recognition Pt. 1 (with your permission, of course). And yes… #SKOL
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My Brother , I would be absolutely Honored and Humbled. The only request would be, that you let me know how they react to it. 🤗😂😁.
The book would be easier to read unless you can find a way to print it out from WordPress.
Thank you so much. I am truly Grateful to you.
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You have a deal, Willie. I’ll keep you posted on my thoughts re: the remaining episodes on Recognition and how I see myself using some of your material. And who knows… acquiring a copy of your book might just be the way to go. Peace 🕊️
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Thank you so much Brother. I would love to hear how it goes with the students. It would truly be a Blessing to get some feedback.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and I Hope that you can find something in it of use.
God Bless You today and always.
Looking forward to getting your thoughts once you’ve read through Recognition.
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[…] or childish, but if you are a writer or an author, I’m sure you can relate ✍️ We long for Recognition and acknowledgment, especially from those close to us, When I receive a Blessing like this from you […]
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