It’s Friday. You know what that means … Five Minute Friday.

Lisa Jo (http://lisajobaker.com/2014/05/five-minute-friday-nothing/)always seems to come up with a prompt word to make you think. And even though the rules call for spontaneous five minute writing and see what comes out — not necessarily a perfect post, not even a profound post, just five minutes of focused writing — you have to have a general game plan. Even though the words flow, they need a direction — or at least a start. And yes, the mind’s eye often changes direction as the fingers skim across the keys.

You see this diversity in the writing flash mob that follows Lisa Jo. And that’s what makes Five Minute Friday so special.

This week’s prompt is NOTHING! So, here goes … the timer starts NOW:

I was living large, enjoying life, doing what I wanted when I wanted. Suddenly the winds changed and I became addicted to {fill in the blank}. I realized it, and prayed. Lord, please help me in my moments of weakness.

Nothing happened. I remained in bondage … in fact I got in deeper.

My addiction cost me plenty. My income was soon depleted. I was living on borrowed time, another bondage. So, I prayed.

Nothing happened. In fact, things got worse. My savings dwindled, my earning power dropped significantly.

Next, my personal relationships soured. Friends didn’t want to see me. Those who did were enablers. My family shunned me. My significant other left me.

I blamed myself, but I prayed. Lord. Please help me!

Nothing happened. In fact things got worse. My health … STOP

… deteriorated. And I prayed. But it was a different prayer. “Lord, I’m empty. I have nothing. I am nothing. I deserve nothing. I’m so sorry I squandered my life … Your precious gift. I tried doing things my way, but I have nothing to show for it. Nothing.”

And the Lord reached down and touched me.” I do My best work with nothing. Just watch My handiwork and let Me shine through you.”

Well, that’s it. That’s what I came up with from Nothing.

Just as a postscript, this was written in the first person, but it was a universal first person with the message resonating for each and every one of us.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Anytime God puts a dream in your heart and you start pursuing it, you can be sure the critics will show up. Choose to rise above the negative voices!