Sunday, June 21, 2009

Fight!

Sunday Service was good and the Word God sent was great! While our pastor's message was designed to speak to men and father's in particular it could be applied to every believer present. It's actually amazing how God confirms His Word. There were a few phrases used that were identical to ones God gave me earlier in the week. I was listening to Chicago Public Radio last Tuesday and was impacted by the words of one of the men being interviewed. As he spoke of his family history of men who were willing to stand for what was right. It suddenly occurred to me that there maybe several areas in my life where I haven't taken my rightful role. I've allowed the enemy to intimidate and even take areas of my life and world that God has promised. I knew it was the voice of God speaking when today we were encouraged to fight. Fight for our marriages, the health and safety of our neighborhoods, and the best for our children. Fighting is as common to many of us as breathing. Now, I believe God is calling us to fight for the change we so desperately need in our homes, neighborhoods and places of employment. As I continue to explore what this looks like, I'll keep you posted. What I do know is that without a fight nothing ever changes. Not changes positively any way. Besides who is interested in having anything remain the same. So, join me in the fight. We may actually be able to restore communities, build marriages, save our children.....and only God knows what else.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Learning more about forgiveness daily!

As most of you know Summer is a real softee and her sister....well that's another story. What God is teaching me through these two is absolutely amazing. Yesterday they were involved in a little skirmish and let me tell you...Autumn was winning. She snatched a toy from Summer and as I entered the room I noticed that Summer was crying and struggling to get it back. As I began to intervene Autumn held on to the toy tighter. Summer suddenly released it and grabbed her sister and starting literally hugging all of the defiance right out of her. I could see the strain leave Autumn's face as she fell into her sisters embrace. I started lecturing Autumn on the value of sharing and her sister interrupted and said, "oh it's okay mommie...I forgive her it doesn't matter now." Whoa... how many times in my own life has God called me to just forget it and recognize how little the things I have blown up really matter. I am praying that the next time I am quick to blow up and harbor a grudge that God will bring this little example back to my remembrance. By the way the toy was a Barbie Doll, it was Summer's and Autumn did break the leg off. (lol)

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

There is a word from the Lord!

I can't believe I haven't updated in months. It's amazing how time flies especially when you're working hard. Autumn is walking...moving like a drunken sailor but walking nevertheless. Summer is budding into a little independent girl! I am finding my rhythm and starting to dream again about my own future and not just the future of the girls. I am ever awestruck by God's amazing provision and grace. Yesterday while during a conference with one of the participants in our men's center I realized how difficult life is for many, particularly those living without Christ. This wasn't a new discovery but a confirmation of an old truth. A few other staff members called me into a meeting as sort of an intervention. This handsome, well spoken brother was in the battle of his life with addiction but hadn't decided to fight. As I listened to him retell the events that led to our meeting my heart was broken by what he described. His attempt to dabble in language semantics and to skirt around the real issues indicated how desperate he was to escape his current situation. He is over 35, homeless and unemployed. If being a black man in America isn't hard enough! I'm not making excuses for his drug use or belligerent behavior I'm just acknowledging that I understand how he ended up on this road. After expressing our support and love for him I could see a tiny spark of hope in his eyes. I prayed that spark would be enough to get him moving into the direction of recovery. In that moment I could hardly breathe, I felt the weight of addiction, unemployment and poverty crushing my lungs and spirit. For just a nanosecond I felt overwhelmed by hopelessness and despondent over the growing needs in my community. When that second was over the Spirit of God reminded me that... We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair. Ahhhh... What a word of comfort!