WSR: BREATHLESS

Greetings …

I pray all is well with you tonight - 

Even as I am full aware and saddened that THINGS ARE NOT WELL

They are not well in our spirits

They are not well in our emotions

They are not well in our nation … the United States

‘United’ … that is strong word

Thus far, 2020 has seen us ‘united’ –

United is witnessing the tremendous loss of life due to COVID-19

United in enduring restrictions due to COVID-19

United is disbelief of a MAN being gunned down by vigilantes

United in shock and horror of the life being squeezed out of a MAN

Yet, despite all of these instances of being united –

There remains such great disunity and division

It leaves me BREATHLESS

My heart aches tonight –

Part of it is because I am still attempting to cope with the loss of my mother two weeks ago. However, part of it is because of the tremendous injustices which take place on a continual basis. It resurfaced intense feelings and opinions regarding injustices in this world – regarding my mom, regarding our communities, regarding our society at large and regarding myself. This has been a hard year and it is only the end of May.

Again, it leaves me BREATHLESS

When I viewed the video of George Floyd –

it filled me with intense and profound sadness.

I was sad for this MAN

I was sad for his family

I was sad for our communities

I was sad for black people – men and women

That could have been one of my sons

That could have been one of my nephews, one of my cousins

That could have been my brother or my Father

That could have been me –

I have had the ‘discussion’ with my sons – in an attempt to try to preserve their lives if ever they have an encounter with the police. And they have had encounters. Thankfully, they have lived through the encounters. But it is a real concern. I am concerned every time they leave the house. This should not be.

I have been profiled by the police – pulled over by two police cruisers for a working ‘non-working’ tail light. One approached on the right, one approached on the left – and I sat terrified, knowing full well that one wrong move by me could mean I would never see my sons again. This should not be.

DO NOT MISUNDERSTAND ME –

I am not anti-police. My cousin was a police officer, my ex-husband was a police officer and a corrections officer. I have great deal of respect for law enforcement officers and the unique challenges they face on a daily basis. But, like any field of employment, there are good and there are bad. When it is bad … it is very bad, and sadly, often directed at people of color. But that is not the only thing that has me troubled.

I am saddened at the violence being perpetrated by civilians; I am overwhelmed at the destruction taking place in cities throughout our nation.

There are protesters who should have the right to peacefully demonstrate. They are attempting to draw much needed attention to the disparities which exist in our communities. And then there are terrorists who are bent on destruction and dishonest gain. They should be ashamed of themselves and they should be arrested. ALL THE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE BEEN OUT IN THE STREETS FOR THE PAST FEW DAYS – THEY ARE NOT ALL THE SAME.

There are peaceful protesters who should have the right to peacefully demonstrate.

Yet sadly, there are many who will continue to ignore the voice, the cries of the protesters – using as an excuse or justification, the actions of the terrorists. This should not be.

 

UNDERSTAND, THAT THERE IS A DIFFERENCE EVEN IN HOW MANY POLICE VIEW AND TREAT WHITE AND NON-WHITE PROTESTERS

 

When there were protests to have the country open back up, some of those protesters, white protesters, were screaming right in the face of police officers. Contrast that with a video from New York last evening where a young black man, hands raised and standing in front of an officer, was approached by that officer, had his mask removed by that officer and was pepper-sprayed in the face by that officer. This should not be. I love all people – but I am also not blind to disparities based upon race and socio-economic factors.

I’m saddened and overwhelmed and BREATHLESS.

I do not know what the answer is …

I have been having some hard discussions with the LORD

I do not understand how or why wickedness seems to prevail in so many instances. It has been a triggering situation for me – unearthing painful feelings associated with many of the injustices I have witnessed and endured … both generally and personally.

However, this I do know –

‘I would have lost heart unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.’  Psalm 27:13

This is what I am clinging to this evening.

 

I pray you have a blessed and safe evening –

I pray you will join me in praying for our world

WSR REPORT: THE LIGHT

Good Morning …

I pray all is well - 

I wanted to share this post with you today

I came across it while I was preparing my message yesterday.

The content was originally posted in 2014 – part of a series called ‘The Light’

However, I believe it holds a special significance in view of the past several weeks and ongoing challenges with COVID-19. Sheltered in place for weeks, there has been ample time to reflect … on everything.

Now, I will not pretend to know why all of what has happened has transpired. However, I believe the LORD has the ability to work through every situation and circumstance we encounter – to develop us, to grow us, to shape our character and to help us prioritize and refocus on what is important and essential. We cannot make Him known without knowing Him. Therefore, it is necessary and critical to undergo inner transformation. 

It all begins at home. I hope you enjoy!

Have a Blessed Day!

______________________________________

-originally posted January 25, 2014

‘… and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’ Acts 1:8

Many are well familiar with the commissioning declaration in Acts 1:8. However, in verse four of that same chapter, we find the disciples being commanded to not depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father – The Holy Spirit.

Jesus told them that they would be His witnesses,

And that it would begin right where they were … at home

Yet all too often, it is the home which suffers the most – even among those who have dedicated themselves to being the light in their church, in their workplace and in their communities. Know that you cannot effectively and credibly export what is not first cultivated and established at home.

Noted humanitarian Mother Theresa has been quoted as saying, ‘We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.'

I Timothy 5:8 tells us [when speaking of families caring for widows] that anyone who does not provide for his own household is worse than an infidel.

We must understand – whether physical needs, spiritual needs or emotional needs – the light which emanates from one’s life should first be impacting the ones closest to them. My children would have a tremendously difficult time understanding all the giving that has taken place over the years if I only concentrated my attentions outward. However, my aim has always been to convey – by my words, my actions, my life – that they are my number one priority. So I ask …

• Do our families get the best part of us or what is left over after work and other obligations?
• Do they get quality and quantity time?
• Do they know they are loved?
• Do we speak the truth in love?
• Does our commitment to quality and respectful communication extend to the family – or do we raise our voices and use sarcasm?
• Do we actively strive to block the day’s frustrations from entering our home?
• Is there an overwhelming feeling of peace in the home?
• Is dinner special every night or only when there are guests?
• Are we able to laugh and have fun?
• Do they know they are loved unconditionally?
• Do we pray and demonstrate an unyielding and unwavering commitment to the LORD?
• Do the fruits of the spirit permeate the atmosphere - love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?
• If our family members were asked to describe us, what words would they use?

Understand, no one will hit the mark every day, in every instance – not at home or anywhere else. However, our heart desire should be to want to give our very best to our loved ones, to be our very best – in Christ – for our loved ones. 

I fail often. Yet I will quickly acknowledge my faults, apologize and work to remedy the situation. It is not a matter of being a perfect, excellent, shining example in every interaction with family. It is, however, a matter of striving for excellence in every interaction.

Ultimately, as we tend to the light in our hearts and in our homes, we will realize that the task of shining a light for others is significantly eased. Rather than searching for opportunities to shine the light of Christ, we will find people curiously drawn to the light of love which floods every area of our lives.

2014: The Light … keep it shining … start at home

May God Bless You Abundantly … Have a Great Week!

WSR REPORT: CAST THOSE CARES

Hello Friends …

I pray all is going well for you this Saturday afternoon

Today has been a beautiful day –

The temperature has been perfect,

And I have had this overwhelming feeling of calmness all day

There is a song I have been listening to all week –

The song is ‘Always Faithful’ by Bethel

This song has been resonating somewhere deep inside

The song talks about how:

‘I sought the LORD and heard me,

‘I sought the LORD and heard my cry,

‘I sought the LORD and He heard my cry, and He answered me’

I cry every time I hear it …

I keep reflecting on His goodness … how good He has been to me

His goodness is nothing new … neither is my thankfulness for it

However, there are times when you are so much more aware –

It is like all your senses are turned up to a thousand

‘Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you’ I Peter 5:7

This verse –

It has taken on an entirely next-level degree of significance in my life,

Especially during this season of my life

This is probably one of the shorter posts that I’ll write

                I tend to be a bit long-winded …

I just want to encourage you this evening –

Cast those cares on Him – it’s all about trust

His shoulders are broad enough

He has no rival, He has no equal …

He has inscribed you on the palms of His hands

He cannot forget you … He will not fail you!

There is NO ONE like the LORD God Almighty!

There truly is no place you can go where He will not meet you

There is no place you can go where He will not chase after you

He’s faithful!

I pray you will have a peace-filled evening …

God Bless & Stay Safe

WSR REPORT: THE TRUTH

Good Afternoon Friends

I pray all is going well for you this Sunday afternoon

This is a blessed day – but if I am honest – it has been a challenging week.

The week began with a re-visit to urgent care,

And I still do not feel 100% - in the midst of a shingles flare-up

However, that being said, I still recognize how tremendously blessed I am

The truth is that the LORD has blessed me beyond my expectations

                And certainly more than I could ever deserve [if there is such a thing]

THE TRUTH –

This is a subject which has been on my heart and mind for a few days

It started Friday with my reading of the following verse:

‘And, you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free’ John 8:32

Today – I will not be focusing on my long-held observation that,

                The truth shall generally make you mad, long before it sets you free

Neither will I focus on the traditional angle from which I have heard that verse preached

                That the truth of the Word of God, the Scriptures, will set you free

No – today I will be focusing on The Truth who is the Word, Jesus

This is truth –

John 1:1-3, 14 tells us, ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.Through Him all things were made; without Him, nothing was made that has been made ...[and] the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.'

That Word, who was there from the beginning of time,

That Word, who was with God,

That Word, who was God – He is Jesus

However –

It is also a statement of truth that Jesus is The Truth

He, Himself said, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life’ John 14:6

And as I read and studied Friday, this is the thought that occurred to me;

When we know the truth, the truth sets us free

My focus was on Jesus being the Truth in the context of that verse I read,

And it brought me a whole new level of comfort as I wrote in my journal:

 ‘Jesus is The Truth – therefore, no matter how many enemies come against me – no matter how many lies are spoken, no matter the attempts to bend the truth – Truth is my Defender, He is my Refuge, He is my Strength, He sets me free’

THE TRUTH – JESUS 

HE IS SOMEONE ON WHOM WE CAN DEPEND & TRUST WHOLEHEARTEDLY

There are a great many things that we have realized we cannot place our trust in:

Economies, health, traditional supports, employment and relationships,

                They are all subject to change

However there is one thing which never changes TRUTH

The Word which is truth does not change;

The LORD Jesus Who is Truth does not change.

In my book, When Storms Rage, I note that we can trust the LORD:

“Trust and call upon the One who works all things together for the good. He works the good and the bad, the things you get right and the instances where you completely miss the mark. He answers the call – every time. Be assured, He will protect and defend, effectively anchoring you through your situation and ensuring that you are not swept away or overtaken by the challenges that invade your life.”

As we delve into the Word of God –

As we read, study, meditate, memorize and put it into practice,

The truth of the Word truly does set us free.

As we draw near and get to know personally The Word who is The Truth –

As we pray, sing, listen and cry out to Jesus the Living Word, Who is Truth –

He, the Truth, truly does set us free.

He frees us from insecurity, fear, confusion, intimidation, anxiety, loneliness & brokenness

Therefore – I declare

§  No weapon formed against you shall prosper & every tongue which rises against you is already condemned (Isaiah 54:17)

§  The LORD shall cause the ground to rise and meet your feet in every place your enemy has dug a pit (Psalm 26:12, Habakkuk 3:19)

§  The Light of the LORD is exposing every wicked scheme (Luke 8:17)

§  Every mountain that stands is your way is reduced to rubble that you may walk through, unencumbered on smooth ground. (Isaiah 45:2)

§  Every fiery dart is extinguished before it ever comes near you (Psalm 91:5)

§  Every promise the LORD God has made to you & the truth of His Word is fulfilled and is flooding your life – right now. (II Corinthians 1:20)

It is an amazing thing – truth

He is an amazing LORD – Truth  

Take some time to get to know truth and The Truth –

You’ll be surprised the freedom which will impact every area of your life!

Have a Blessed Afternoon!

WSR REPORT: ENJOY THE JOURNEY

Good Morning Friends

It is very early Monday Morning – April 20^th

This is a day which is full of memorable events, many of them not pleasant:

The birth date of Hitler, the leader of Nazi Germany –

an individual responsible for the death of 6 million Jewish people

The anniversary of the United States Columbine High School shooting –

                where 13 students and faculty lost their lives and 24 were injured

April 20^th is also a noted ‘holiday’ and day of significance in cannibis culture.

Truthfully – it may not seem like there is a great deal to be thankful for on this date.

However – for me personally – it is a day of great remembrance

April 20^th is the day I was married back in 1990. And, although that marriage ended in divorce, the day on which it began is a reason for great joy in my life. You see, if that day had never occurred, I would not have three of the most important people in my life today – my three sons. This day, April 20^th, serves as a constant reminder to me that God is always present, always working things together for my good, always bringing beauty from the ashes.

This day, April 20^th 

It also serves as a springboard for today’s WSR REPORT: ENJOY THE JOURNEY

While many states are working on plans to reopen their states amidst the COVID-19 crisis,

My state of Virginia remains under a ‘shelter in place’ order.

Yet, all I could think about this weekend was,

‘If I have to shelter in place, I am so thankful it is with people I love and who love me back.’

It seems a simple and obvious thing – yet it is one that should not be taken for granted

Sadly, it is not everyone’s experience

WE MUST RECOGNIZE THE BLESSINGS IN LIFE & BE THANKFUL FOR THEM

EVEN IN THE MIDST OF TRIALS, WE MUST MAINTAIN A HEART OF GRATITUDE

Yesterday and this morning,

I spent some time re-watching a Korean drama series Netflix entitled, Chocolate

I wrote about it at the beginning of this year in a post entitled, 2020: CHERISH THE DAY

And in that post, I shared an observation and quote from a scene in that show:

“Standing on a beach, with the waves crashing in the background, one of the characters makes this poignant declaration:

“As if today is your last day,
and as if you know that this moment will never return,
cherish  every single moment that comes by ladies and gentlemen.
The day you wasted today – is the tomorrow that someone who died yesterday so badly wished for.”  – Tae-Hyun

This touched me intensely and immensely.

It touched me because it is all about the value of life.

It touched me because it is something that I am realizing is so vitally important;

It is something that I know I need –

this need to value the days which the LORD blesses me with

It is something where I am developing a keen awareness of the need for – intention.

You see, making the most of each day will not happen by accident.

I must make a choice to focus on the people and things that matter most.

I must make a choice to appreciate the people who the LORD has blessed me with.”

When I wrote that post back in January of this year,

I had no idea what 2020 would hold for us as a nation and for the world at large

That post ended with the following verse:

‘Teach us to realize the brevity of life so that we may grow in wisdom’ Psalm 90:2

Those words hold an entirely new significance for me as I reflect on them today

We must learn to appreciate and enjoy the journey.      

In my book, When Storms Rage, I note that  we should “never be so concerned with blessing and destination, that [we] miss opportunities to enjoy the journey and God’s Company today. He has already given us more than we could ever deserve in sending His Son Jesus to suffer and die for us. What can be so troubling and massive that the love of God cannot overshadow?

I promise you, no matter what your storm is today, you can rest assured that the LORD cares for that which concerns you. None of your storms have caught Him by surprise. He is still the same all-powerful God He has been since the beginning of time. Therefore, if the storm is present, He must be allowing it. And if He is allowing it, He has a plan and a purpose in mind – plans to prosper and not to harm.”

‘I delight greatly in the LORD: my soul rejoices in my God.” Isaiah 61:10

Despite all which has occurred, and all which is occurring –

I still choose to hope in the One in whom I have believed;

to remain steadfast and confident in the One in whom I have placed my trust.

And I choose to enjoy the journey – today and every day.

I pray you too will find something in your journey to enjoy today.

Have a Blessed Day!