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.

Nothing just happens in life

Nothing just happens in life. Ruth experienced a tragic situation, the unexpected loss of wealth, moving to a foreign country then the death of her husband and father-in-law. Enough to change a person’s life and faith forever! (Ruth 1:1-18). We focus on the incomprehensible and then convince ourselves that there is no way to recover. We take it a step further by doubting God. What tragedy have you encountered? Who have you blamed? I can’t reiterate  enough, seek God for everything! It’s during your tragic situations God can do his Greatest work. In your weakness God’s strength is made perfect and his Grace is sufficient (2 Cor 12:8-10). By Ruth changing her mindset, God was able to bless and restore everything (Ruth 4). Whatever the situation, remember nothing just happens. Take time to heal, seek God and grow. Allow God to use your tragedies  to be a blessing to yourself as well as others. 

Words are like fire

Harsh words hurt. When sowed in the spirit, they can harvest hatred and anger.  “You are just like your father”, you are dumb, a failure, no good, an idiot.” Words reverberate in the spirit like an echo. The bible tells us the tongue is fire; it is evil and can corrupt the whole body (Jas 3:1-6). Be mindful of the words you speak. Your words can ruin a person for life! In anger, people say damaging expressions. Once spoken the words echo in the recipient’s mind planting seeds of doubt and disbelief. Watch the words that you say. They can be a matter of life or death. 

Shut up! Just be there

Today's affirmation: #grief #love #friend

they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was. (Job 2:13)

Michael Patterson… Good Samaritan dies after rescuing stranger

Michael Patterson - The Good Samaritan

Read: John 3:16-19

The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in will never die.  John 11:26

WWJD

What would you do if a stranger was in need? Would you sacrifice yourself and help? Would you think twice before diving into a creek to rescue a drowning person or would you be a noisy bystander?  

The Good Samaritan

June 8, 2013 was a sunny day filled with laughter, fun, and food. Michael Patterson and his son were enjoying the park when he noticed a young child struggling in a near by creek.  Without given it a second thought Michael Patterson dove in and rescued four year old Javaeh Jones and within seconds their lives would change forever.

The parable of the Good Samaritan is a powerful illustration of how a stranger took time to help an injured man who had been beaten. During our life journey we may never encounter situations as dramatic as the beaten traveler or a drowning child as did Michael Patterson but if a person was in need would you sacrifice yourself or just walk away?

Michael Patterson’s will to help came with a price. After diving into a creek, he broke his neck, back, and was paralyzed from his chest down.  His complications got worse. Despite his injuries Mr. Patterson’s mother said she knows her son would do it again because that is the type person he was.  God so loved the world that he gave his only son.  Jesus came to earth in human form.  He was crucified, died, buried and rose from the dead for the sins of man.

Mixed emotions

Earlier this week Mr. Patterson succumbed to his injuries.  When I heard the news the first thought that came to mind was “Michael Patterson paid the ultimate price – died for someone else so that they could live.” I am sure there were mixed emotions from both families – a father and husband is now dead. A mother asking what if you were not in the creek this man would be still alive. Are you willing to die for someone? "I will die for you..."

But there is a lesson to be learned. Romans 8: 12-13 we have an obligation if we live by the flesh we will die by it. But if we live by the spirit we will put away misdeeds and live.  I believe in my heart the noble actions of Mr. Patterson is an example of putting way selfish needs and thinking of others.  Though he died in the flesh surely he will live in eternity with Christ.

A family in need

There is a need for us to help Michael Patterson’s family.  At the time of his injury he had just started a new job and did not have any medical insurance.  To compound matters the family now faces burial expenses on top of medical bills.  The following link is how you can assist the family

Let us pray

Father God in heaven thank you for Michael Patterson and his will to sacrifice his life for someone else.  Lord though we will never understand why this man suffered and died I ask Lord that his death not be in vain.  My Christians and non-Christians alike learn from his sacrificing that this man loved a stranger as if they were his own.  Lord Bless his family may your spirit comfort them during this time of need provide for them everything that is needed. keep them covered with your grace and mercy now and forever more.  Father may I learn to have a spirit of helping and sacrificing just as Michael Patterson.  These things I pray in your son Jesus Christ name. Amen.