Sharing your gifts through the pain

Chadwick Boseman’s death affected the world! Was it his humble demeanor, gentle spirit, or his ability to command attention before opening his mouth? I continue to ponder that during his darkest hours of life, he never complained. He pressed on. I also reflect on what if Chadwick had the attitude many of us have about life’s conflicts? What if he quit making movies because he had cancer? We would have missed his gift. The genius of bringing characters to life on the big screen. Never experiencing Marshall, the Avengers, the end game, Black Panther, 21 bridges, the 5 Bloods and even his forthcoming movie Ma Rainy Black Bottom. All which were made between 2016-2019, at the pinnacle of his battle with colon cancer. Chadwick didn’t extinguish his light. His selflessness to continue using his talent through pain, allowed us to witness his great acting prowesses.  

2020 has been a year of unpredictability. We faced pandemics, epidemics, riots, senseless killings and deaths of iconic people. In some way they all have impacted us. Don’t let life’s circumstances keep you from using your God given purpose or talents. Like Chadwick let us keep pressing forward. For each time we don’t allow our light to shine just think of how many people missed God’s blessing through us!  Chadwick Boseman sacrificed himself despite affliction. He used his gift to bless us all. So what is your excuse? 

 

I will not complain any more

As the nation mourns the loss of actor, Chadwick Boseman, we were surprised to learn Boseman endured colon cancer for four years. The takeaway is, He never complained. He continued to worked through the pain and performing at the Highest level of excellence! So many of us lament over little things like finding reasons why not to go to work. But this young man completed seven movies during the darkest part of his life. Several movies as the leading actor which took a lot of time and endurance all while going through chemotherapy and surgery. There's a lesson in  Chadwick Boseman’s death. Before a seed can produce fruit it has to die. I believe his death, becomes a symbolic message for us to view life. Stop complaining. Stop sweating the little things. Don’t give up. Be Resilient and have a willingness to persevere through the pain. Learn to be more grateful. God’s grace is sufficient. His power is made perfect in our weakness (pain). May Chadwick’s life be a living example for us all.

Are you leaking?

Leaks are gradual. One does not know a roof leaks until it rains. The leak go unnoticed until it’s too late. In life, we disregard the warning signs of our leaking souls when we stray from God. Our prayers are shorten, we put off studying the Bible for another day, and we skip church a Sunday or two. It’s when the storms of life affect us do we realize that something is missing. It’s not that God has left us, we have put less emphasis on God. This is the time we seek him - Save me God for the waters come unto my soul (Ps. 69:1). We cannot be foolish in our daily living. At all times we should strive to keep ourselves filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:19-21.) yield completely  to God so that you can be filled with the Holy Spirit. 

Do a new thing in God

You find yourself in a rut. Stuck unable to move forward. The children of Israel were no different. They hated their conditions in Egypt and they were ready to try something new with God. They followed Moses out of Egypt,yet when they faced their first Chasm - the Red Sea, they were ready to go back to deplorable conditions. We make life harder when we take matters into our hands. Life can be easier when you let go and let God be in control. God’s yoke is easy and His burden is light. Decide today to look forward, don’t look back and most importantly let go and let God order your steps.

Trouble lurks every time you step out your house

Every time you step out your house trouble is  lurking. Everywhere you go there is potential chaos. Trouble comes in various forms. Anxiety, danger, disorder, unrest, grief, and even a cluttered life. Whatever the angst, give them to God (1Peter 5:7). There’s no need to fear, The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11) Remember, you are protected. God is always standing by! For He Himself is our peace…”  Ephesians 2:14

Everyday may not be perfect but the day always has purpose

This pandemic has altered the lives of people in various ways. No social engagement, working from home or not working at all. Whatever the case don’t lose faith and don’t lose hope. Everyday may not be perfect but the day always has purpose. Do something today to lift up someone who are really hurting.

There are benefits in prayer

All too often we claim to believe in God and the power of prayer. Yet, No sooner than we finish praying our minds divert back to believing we can solve our problems or we doubt If God can fix the problem. Daily prayer is essential.

1. PRAYER develops a relationship with God 

2. PRAYER helps you gain understanding 

3. PRAYER helps you find direction in life

4. PRAYER aligns you with God’s will

There are benefits in prayer. Take time to pray and give thanks daily. 

Encourage yourself even when it hurts

Mornings are getting harder to face. Your mind is flooded with the horrors of past due Bills broke down car, under paid or no job at all. All while enduring a COVID pandemic! You feel abandoned. Asking where is God? Prayers go unanswered. Your thoughts pull you into the abyss of depression. As hard as it may be, during these dark Moments, find the strength to encourage self. How do you encourage and jump-start self in times like these? When I find myself faced with despair Here are a few things I do for self motivation. 

Pray – ask God to pull you from this pit

Praise – find a song to sing unto his name

Gratitude – count blessings one by one

think of how God has covered you during these unprecedented times we are facing. Thank God for where He has brought you from.

With COVID, the mere fact you are not sick or was able to recover from the virus becomes a praise moment. 

Do something that make you happy; that brings you joy. Something that centers you. 

Read a book. Put a puzzle together. Call a friend or family member and lift them up. 

Finally, Take on a spirit like David and celebrate. Dance like David Danced. Find ways to encourage and recapture the joy in your life! Especially during this pandemic! 

 

The favor of God

God’s favor can be described as divine kindness. Many correlate material blessings such as cars, homes, and jobs as Favor from God. I see Favor as protection. An undeserving act of kindness which saved one from a calamity. What has God protected you from? The story of Joseph is an example of God’s favor (Gen. 37:18-36). In spite of all of Joseph’s circumstances and encounters; from near death, to being sold as a slave to prisoner, God was with him and rescued him. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt. That is favor. I can look back over my life and count many times how God’s favor protected me. I should not be here. Favor toward unworthy men or women is also referred to as God’s “grace” – which means “the unmerited favor of God.” What has God protected you from? Why did God let it happen to you in the first place? God don’t get glory from what don’t happen. His favor allows you to glorify and testify of what God did. If it had not been for the Lord’s favor where would you be?