There have been times in my life that I have appeared self-assured, bold, and confident of the path that I was on. The truth is, under the self-confidence was an insecure person, second-guessing herself all the time!
The older I have gotten, the more time I spend wanting to do what’s right for God and others. There are times that I have immobilized myself second-guessing, and not wanting to be out of God’s will. I’ve come to learn that as I’ve kept close to my creator that it is His desires that He has placed on my heart!
Life’s circumstances and making the right decisions can be so hard. Do this, but don’t do that….
To follow Jesus truly is to be okay not knowing the when’s, the how’s or the why’s, but simply trusting that our creator knows our every thought, our every step – the good, the bad and the ugly and Loves us anyway! He will love us through it. It’s not our efforts. It’s not our mistakes. It’s not our accomplishments. It’s none of this those things that matters. What God seeks is an intimate relationship filled with childlike trust.
We are Loved. We were created to Love. We are not mistakes. We are perfectly created in the image of God. Gods plans for us are good.
In this climate of the daily increase of division, hatred and political vitriol, let us all remember the Oneness in which we were created. Let us put away all hypocrisy and keep our hearts and meditations on love and unity. Neither Father, Son or the blessed Holy Spirit are American politicians. All it takes is a little pressure and out of the mouth bursts the truths of what the heart full of.
Sometimes life can feel like a strenuous, uphill battle. A little reprieve will come, and there you are again, on that uphill battle. It can feel so very lonely and exhausting. It’s OK to rest. In fact, although that rest may feel painful, it might be exactly where God wants you to be. Trust Him. When the time is right, one touch from Him, and everything becomes brand new.
Thinking about Black history month and the amazing black women that have been and continue to impact my life in such wonderful ways! Women in ministry, women in the arts, poets, authors and First Ladies. Do you know Madam CJ Walker? How about George Floyd?
Lord help me to remember that there are no “excepts” in this commandment. No except: that color, that side of the border, that side of the world, those that disagree with me, those that don’t follow You Jesus, those that I deem as sinners….and so on, and so on. Lord, help me to walk in LOVE.
Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves of how very much we are loved by Love Himself. When we truly grasp that deep down in our hearts -self doubt, fear and unworthiness evaporate. After all, if God is for us, who can be against us?
The Holy Spirit is there even when you’re unaware of Him. He’s thee comforter. He’s gentle and He’s strong. He can handle it all. I believe that a praying friend is a wonderful gift. I also know the profound help we offer when we sit quietly and listen to the hurting. Even if all they can do is weep. Even if all they can do is breathe. The quiet presence of a loving friend ushers in the awareness of the closeness, the goodness of God.
We are called to love those who contend with us. We are called to rise above circumstances and love our enemies.
In doing so, fear can creep in and grip a broken and wounded heart. Sometimes those “enemies” are those who held our hearts in their hands. It can feel, as if you won’t survive. That fear can also be devastatingly isolating. Fear not!
Sometimes you just have to encourage yourself. Remind yourself that God is with you and He will never fail. I’ve seen mountains of opposition utterly crumble and be rendered silent in a moment. He’s a good, good Father that way! When people and circumstances let you down, remind yourself that God never will.
