"Can't We All Get Along?"

"Therefore, as the elect of God
...put on tender mercies, kind-
ness, humility, meekness, long-
suffering (Colossians 3:12)

I woke up the other morning to some discouraging news! 
Indianapolis had experienced seven murders over a single weekend!  If that wasn't bad enough, I learned later in the day  that Chicago, where many of my relatives live had 24 murders in as many hours!

Violence of every kind, I'm sad to say, is common in America.  It doesn't matter where you live whether in the heart of the inner city or the elite suburbs!  I'm sick of it and like activist Rodney King said in 1991, I wonder: "Can't we all  just get along?"

I'm no psychologist or sociologist with answers to this overwhelming problem but I can offer some guidelines for maintaining good relations on a smaller scale.  These are geared toward brothers and sisters in Christ but will work with anyone with whom you are at odds!   They sort of jumped off the pages of a recent Sunday school lesson focusing on the "One Another" scriptures in the bible. So I'd like to share them with you here.

There are approximately 59 of these scriptures but even if you're not a Christian they bring practical wisdom and insight for living in harmony with just about anyone! However, if you are a follower of Christ, know this...dealing with difficult people is our spiritual assignment from God!  So you just might want to review a few of these.

• Mark 9:50 - Be at peace with one another!  Don't automatically write certain people off.  Pursue a peaceful relationship with everyone. Christ said that we are salt and light to the world (Matthew 5:13, 16).  We make this sin-darkened world just a bit more tolerable by just being in it.  How about taking this salt out of the salt shaker and doing a bit more sprinkling!  

• Ephesians 4:2 - Be patient with one another!  We like things fast and convenient. But good relationships take time to cultivate.  I can't tell you how many times I almost sabotaged a good relationship because I didn't want to stop long enough to explain a task; listen to an alternate plan of action; or just simply wanted to do things quickly my way!  Humility goes a long way in producing quality work and keeping good relations. 

• Romans 15:7 - Accept one one another as Christ accepted you!  We're different for a reason.  Ever wonder why there's so  many species of fish, variations of flowers and birds?  God specializes in using things that are unique to bring glory to Himself! We have been duped into thinking that homogeneity (being alike) is better, safer, and in some cases superior to the mainstream. From the beginning God has shown us that this is not so! (Genesis 1:20-31)  Although birds are all birds, plants are all plants, fish are all fish. Within each there are an array of spectacular colors and sizes.  I'd hate to think what life would be if we were all the same. God finds beauty and value in His creation and so should we!

• Galatians 5:13 - Serve one another in love!  The Golden Rule still applies today.  If you wonder who is doing all the destructive, violent, and ungodly deeds in our world, look to those who have learned to be self-serving!  They are greedy, pleasure seekers, heartless, and evil in all their ways!  Yet God has commanded us to love them!  Sounds insane doesn't it? But this is just what He did for us~Romans 5:8.  This love is not the warm and fuzzy kind, but simply treating others the way you want to be treated (Luke 10:25-28).  Treat others with respect, simple kindness, and with human decency. And by the way if you can meet a need do so!

Other principles that the One Another scriptures teach are:

1. Handle disappointments from a spiritual perspective (Gal. 6:2; Ephes. 5:26; Heb. 10:24)

2. Show in your lifestyle the Fruit of the Spirit (Ephesians. 4:32: Coloss. 3:12-13; Ephes. 4:2)

3. Stay dressed for Spiritual battle and don't forget to pray for one another  (James 5:16; Rom. 12:18)

In other words:  Put yourself under God's authority, obeying His instructions, and all His commands.

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

If you would like to leave a comment please send an email to: sisters4sisters@att.net OR  scroll to the bottom of my blog page at  http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com  click on the  no comments by the pencil and it will change to a writing space.

And A Little Child Shall Lead Them...

"Suffer the little children to
 come unto me...for such is the
kingdom of God." (Luke 18:16)

With milder temperatures on the horizon and the promise of Spring in the air, I am at last coming out of some winter doldrums!  Just taking a quick survey of my own family and thinking about all the sickness and calamities we've been through  this winter, I'm  praising God for a change of season! How about you?

Speaking of a change, my heart was so encouraged as I tuned into my church's 6:30 a.m. prayer line this week and heard young people, one as young as 4 years old reading God's word and praying for the needs of our community and country!  Now that's something you don't usually see kids do on Spring Break!

It certainly sparked a ray of hope in my life and a bit of optimism for this world!  With deeper thoughts on the matter, I got this insight...youth have always been in the forefront of hope and change during times of darkness. Throughout history the greatest moves of social activism and human rights have been led by young people! The civil rights movement, marches for gun control, women's education in the middle east, are just a few! 

 It sure gives credence to the many scriptures that point to youth vitality, strength, and value in the world.  Perhaps that's why the enemy is so determined to wipe them out!  He perceives them as a great threat to his evil campaign and anything he can do to deny, extinguish, or destroy their potential in Christ is on his agenda.

Even as I type this blog, scripture after scripture tells me this is so!  In the Gospels (Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:16), Christ's own disciples discounted the importance of children to His kingdom!  Incredible when you think that the Lord, Himself at the tender age of 12 was found in the Jewish temple schooling the Rabbis (Luke 2:45-50).

It's true,  present day young people are sometimes hard to understand!  Their lives are so complicated.  Their thinking is beyond what I can decipher.  Their outspoken, sometimes ill-mannered speech and conduct a bit offsetting at times.  But I still respect and honor and I am generally inspired by them for the most part. 

That's why I tend to stop and listen, even while gritting my teeth when they are passionate about something! Psalm 8:2 (NLT) says, You (God) have taught children and infant to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you. Youths can be sources of wisdom!  We may have to check our ego a bit and get beyond what we see on the surface.

We see the Apostle Paul encouraging a younger generation in I Timothy 4:12 (NLT): Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example for the believers in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.  He warns those of us who are mature in the faith to heed Ephesians 6:4 (This is after admonishing children to be obedient in 6:1) - do not exasperate (frustrate) the children by being too harsh in discipline but take them by the hand and lead them (Message Bible Translation).  It's hard to imagine isn't it that we can frustrate our children as much as they frustrate us!  Maybe that's why in Isaiah 40: 30-31, he says that that even the youth grow tired and weary...

So then maybe our prayers should become a bit more focused.  Yes!  Continue to pray for their safety and protection!  Yes!  Let's pray that they obey the voice of God rather than culture and return to the faith of their parents!  But let's also pray that we may be a voice of influence to help guide their energy and passion toward things that are wholesome and character building.  Let's help them use their passions for Christ!

Youth are not the leaders of tomorrow, we need them right now!  Our young adults are called Millennials.  This makes me think of the role Spirit anointed youth will play during the Millennial kingdom (the time when Christ returns and sets up His kingdom on earth). 

The prophet Isaiah describes a scene in Isaiah 11:6, that shows  a time of peace and harmony in the world. We are told symbolically that those with natures like wild beasts (wolves and leopards) and deadly and poisonous snakes (cobras and vipers) will be changed and under the submission of Christ. When you read carefully the text you see that children have no fear of them.  They are quite comfortable and confident in their midst.  I see this boldness and confidence foundational to the prominent role they will be playing. 

We don't know when Christ will set up His kingdom but what we can do in preparation for it is  set a godly example before our young people and continue to show unconditional love when they fail!  OUR YOUTH NEED PARENTS NOT FRIENDS, so let's make sure we're doing our part before THROWING SHADE!

Why not start by encouraging a young person you know with a kind word! Catch them doing something good and tell them so!  I'd like to start with the young people who hosted my church's prayer line this week: 

THANK YOU!  KUDOS!  GOOD JOB! 

 Chris, Mason, Daniel, Joshua, Lexxus, and A'via

YOU ARE GREAT EXAMPLES OF LEADERSHIP AND COURAGE!

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

If you would like to leave a comment please send an email to: sisters4sisters@att.net OR  scroll to the bottom of my blog page at  http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com  click on the  no comments by the pencil and it will change to a writing space.

Celebrating Women Who Make a Difference!

"I glorified you on earth having
accomplished the work you gave
me to do," (John 17:4 ESV)

Greeting Sister Soldiers!  The fight continues as we enter into another year of successes and defeats both secular and within our Christian circles.  

On a good note, a record 117 women won political elections in the November 2018 elections.  Forty-two of those were women of color.  So 2019 started off with more feminine faces than the year before....maybe now we'll get some things done!

 Women still constitute more than half of the congregants in mainstream Christian churches according to a recent Pew Research poll.  That means that God is definitely using our gifts and skills and our ministries are making a Kingdom difference!  However,
 women the most religious worldwide, are also the most persecuted!

In an Open Doors report on persecution of Christians it was found that atrocities visited upon women are much different than those for men.  Women are kidnapped, raped, and sometimes forced to marry their captors.  If they are later rescued some must leave their children behind and are then shunned by family and community.  This is a type of sexual warfare resurfacing and being used (see link below).

Cheaper to Rape A Woman than Waste a Bullet

But praise the Lord! The world just can't keep us down!  I am so happy to be part of a gender of survivors!  And that's why I welcome the opportunity to celebrate women not only this month, International Women History Month, but every day of each month!

My February post featured Black History reflections in recognition of the month.  Yes, it was a bit on the negative side but I truly believe what George Santayana said:  Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it!  So let me redeem myself by sharing with you something more positive this time.  

I mentioned in that post, The Green Book by author, Victor H. Green. It was a traveler's guide for blacks from 1936-1967 in racially torn America.  I'm ashamed to say that I'd never heard of it!  Now that a movie by the same name has won an Oscar for Best Picture, more of us are acquainted with its significance.  I've still not seen the movie but was fortunate to catch a documentary on the Smithsonian Channel the other day: The Green Book: Guide to Freedom.

It showed the ingenuity and business prowess of many blacks forced to fill the void of decent accommodations for black travelers, i.e.,  hotels, restaurants, rest stops, etc.  Advertisement for these businesses were published in The Green Book, and many of the most successful ones were owned by black women! One in particular was entrepreneur Alberta Ellis, owner of Alberta's Hotel in Springfield, Missouri, a prominent establishment on the famous Route 66 of the 1940s and 1950s.

Miss Alberta, as she was known, worked for the Bell Telephone Company.  She used her wages to initially start an eatery, and then parlayed those earnings into ownership of a hotel.  With $10,000 in cash, she purchased and renovated an old hospital up for auction.  The finished project included a beauty salon, barber shop and dining room.  It was frequented by celebrities such as Nat King Cole and the Harlem Globetrotters.

She later acquired a farm and was positioned to build an empire of sorts until racism reared its ugly head.  Alberta eventually lost the hotel through eminent domain and the various stresses she endured hastened her demise.  She died in her early fifties.  But what a trailblazer she was for young business women today who now have a model for both brains and beauty!

Another firebrand personality featured in the documentary was civil rights pioneer, Modjeska Monteith Simkins, owner of Motel Simkins in Columbia, South Carolina.  She too  owned a hotel but was also co-founder and employee of Victory Bank, the first black-owned bank in South Carolina.  Her passion for better health and education for the poor caused her to start the South Carolina Conference of the N.A.A.C.P.   This conference held planning meetings that championed the renowned Brown vs. Board of Education court case ending school segregation in America.

Modjeska Simkins, endured much discrimination in her lifetime.  Her hotel was attacked several times by local racists.  Her name was besmirched during the McCarthy Red Scare era, and suffered many other forms of harassment.  Yet, she like Alberta Ellis were among the unsung heroes of the twentieth century who left legacies that inspired men and women for years to come!

As a Christian blogger you may wonder why I chose to highlight these two since I have no idea of their religious background.  Unfortunately, none of the resources I came across mentioned their personal histories.  But this I know.

These women discovered their purpose early in life and hatred and bigotry could not deter them.  They knew that they were fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14).  Their passion was fueled by a spirit of service  and kindness to others -  For I was hungry and you fed me.  I was thirsty and you gave me drink.  I was a stranger and you invited me in (Matthew 25:35).  They persevered and accomplished the work God gave them to do (John 17:4).  And To God goes all the glory!!  These attributes among others make them as much like 
Jesus as any Christian I know!

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

If you would like to leave a comment please send an email to: sisters4sisters@att.net OR  scroll to the bottom of my blog page at  http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com  click on the  no comments by the pencil and it will change to a writing space.

AMERICA'S ROYALTY: A Shameful Past Revisited

After this I saw a vast crowd,
too great to count, from every
nation, tribe and people and
language, standing in front
of the throne...
(Rev. 7:9 NLT)

Dear Readers.  I'm really struggling with this post!  It's only a couple of days before Valentine's Day and I should be writing to you about love and all the sentimentality that goes with it.  But right now, I'm just not feeling very loved!  Nothing personal mind you, just a weariness of the soul!

February has long been one of my favorite months of the year.  So much to celebrate in it isn't there?  National Heart Month.  Mardi Gras and Lenten season that often falls in February and always a reminder of my own ethnic history,  National Freedom Day (commemorating the signing of the 13th amendment abolishing slavery) and Black History Month! 

 Speaking of the latter, this is the one month that I can easily find great classical movies displaying the phenomenal acting skills of people of color.  Community programs and events are plentiful and they help me relish the memories of the contributions of black people all over the world.  These go beyond entertainment and the arts of which we are most noted but in every discipline.  It just makes me feel proud to be a Black American with a national legacy of purpose and value!

Unfortunately, the jubilation is always short lived because of the painful past of racism that accompanies each historical event.  No matter how noteworthy or awe inspiring the presentations, the issue of racism arises!  Even something as common as a royal wedding in England is marred with crude jokes about the bride's color.  

It struck me recently, after the reporting of such news across the Big Pond, that America has a lot in common with Britain.  We too are ruled by a royal family!  Using the terminology of black historian, Ser Seshsh Ab Heder (Clifford Boxley),  curator of the Forks of the Road Exhibition -- King Cotton, Queen Sugar, and Prince Tobacco is indelibly linked to  this country's history and their economic offsprings are alive and well in our society today!

Whereas from the 15th-19th century sugar, cotton, and tobacco crops produced by slaves created wealth in this nation and kept them slaves; more recently we see distribution of power; the limitation of economic resources and mass consumerism keeping  poor people enslaved.  Like Britain's  monarchy, our royal family is also steeped in tradition.  Classism and the suppression of economic freedom is an ongoing priority.  And for the most part, there's a feeling even among poor white people, to hang on to unearned privileges and past superiority.

Resplendent in the jewel tones of this Cultural Crown are the colors of our shameful past:

The Black Codes -1865-1866 - Laws passed after the Civil War in the south restricting the movement of newly freed African Americans. Examples: Freedmen could not be taught to read or write; Freedmen could not assemble together without the presence of a white man; after freedom must gain immediate employment or face vagrancy charges and jailed.

Today: Racial profiling and the assumption that people of color without jobs are lazy and abusers of government aide.

The Green Book -1936-1967 -Negro Motorist Green Book by Victor Hugo Green was given to travelers in the south to show them the places they could safely eat, gas up and lodge.  Especially helpful when traveling near towns that had sun-down rules.  No Negroes welcome after sun down!

Today: Starbucks Sally, Barbecue Becky, and Permit Patty, nicknames for women who called police on blacks for casual activities prove that what would be considered the norm for whites become a criminal offense if you are not.

The Red Book - Early-Mid-1950s -  Red Channels: The Report of Communist Influence in Radio and Television.  A book used by television and radio producers, agents, advertisers,  and others that listed the names of entertainers who supposedly had communist affiliations. If their names appeared in the book they were black listed and denied employment in their field of expertise.

Today:  Entertainers and Sports figures like Colin Kaepernick who dare exercise their right to protest social injustices are nationally castigated and accused of anti-patriotism. They suffer loss of pay, job opportunities, and slander.

The Blue Book of the John Birch Society -1958-present - This was a book that encompassed the standard operating procedures undergirding this ultra-conservative and anti-communist group. They oppose among other things, Big Government and redistribution of wealth.  Although they vehemently deny being racist, their actions and rhetoric seem to have disapproved of the civil rights movement of the 1960s and other legislation that leveled the social playing field for minorities. Many believe they are supporters of one of President Trump's  political bases instrumental in bringing him to power.

Today: There is a resurgence of politically motivated bases that support similar ideologies that restrict wealth distribution and human rights especially as it concerns people of color.  These are purportedly founded on the tenets of the constitution and idealism of American patriotism. 

Other colors in this Crown of Shame are the usage of maps by realtors, banks and other financial institutions to keep metropolitan areas segregated and deny mortgages for poor people seeking homes in perceived risky neighborhoods.  They were designated as below:

-Type A - green line denotes affluent neighborhoods
-Type B - blue line denotes still desirable neighborhoods
-Type C - yellow line -denotes declining neighborhoods
-Type D - red line denotes most risky 

Has much changed?  I think not!  Just over the weekend we were hit with the political fall-out of Virginia's blackface controversy.  Sadly, there is a rising popularity of black memorabilia (mammies, grinning big lipped, watermelon eating caricatures, etc.) making a comeback and big bucks.  Replications of demeaning images are being seen in fashion and advertising!  The use of the N-word is common place today and with it the lack of respect for us as humans!   It is as if it says in the bible, Americans ... 

Having lost all sense of shame, they have

 given themselves over to sensuality

 for the practice of every kind of impurity

 with a craving for more.

 (Ephesians 4:19 Berean Translation)

PRAY, MY SISTERS PRAY!  That America will learn before it is everlasting too late that respect for life and justice is due all who set their feet on this soil.  Each person has the right to a peaceful life free from ridicule, with ample opportunities to pursue happiness!  If we clean up our act, denounce the shame and treat each other with compassion, perhaps some will believe that happiness is through a life demonstrated by Jesus Christ!

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

If you would like to leave a comment please send an email to: sisters4sisters@att.net OR  scroll to the bottom of my blog page at  http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com  click on the  no comments by the pencil and it will change to a writing space.

FOCUS: Who's the Real Enemy?

Be sober, be vigilant, because
your adversary the devil walks
about like a roaring lion...
(I Peter 5:8)

Wow, dear sisters!  The month of January nearly slipped by without me checking on your progress!  How are you doing on those new year's resolutions?

You may recall in my last post I challenged you to look seriously at your plans and where you are putting your time! What are your priorities?   It's a dilemma that is centuries old.  Just ask our bible sister, Martha of Bethany who had to figure it out for herself! (Luke 10:40-42)

January  2019 has been brutal so I'm not surprised if you've gotten distracted.  Whether it was due to severe weather conditions that extended throughout our nation, or those financial woes that come after Christmas.  Perhaps you even experienced situations unexpectedly. Thousands of federal workers and their families are feeling the impact of a prolonged government shut-down.  Two income homes have been reduced to one or even none.  If you are experiencing either of the above scenarios, please know that you are in my prayers! 

All this unrest and upheaval in our lives make for a perfect climate to complain and point fingers.  But I've  just got to tell you, no matter where you're pointing yours and placing the blame, it all boils down to this statement by Dr. Tony Evans:  "Everything we see in the physical realm is caused, provoked, or influenced by something in the invisible realm." (The Battle is the Lord's, Waging Victorious Spiritual Warfare, Moody Press, Chicago).

I believe even the most fundamentally sound Christian will sometime forget that we are living in a fallen world with a powerful enemy lurking about!  We are shocked and distraught at the happenings in our world when really we shouldn't be THAT surprised!  We've been on a downward slide of immorality, violence, and corruption since mankind's fall in the Garden of Eden.  This is where Adam and Eve were both beguiled by our real Enemy, Satan!

A quick re-read of Genesis 3:14-19 will prove that sin and its originator (Satan) is the root cause of every societal woe.  Not one man, Not one political system, Not one particular philosophy! The Face behind all the pain, chaos, perversion and violence we are experiencing is that of the Real Enemy. Until we citizens of the world acknowledge this fact, and deal with it God's way  nothing we do will be effective!

Just think about it!

1.  In the Bible, God exposes Satan as the Liar that he is and relegates him to the earthly realm and the atmospheric heavens, i.e. the stars, moon, and surrounding earth. This is the only place that he can exercise his limited authority and power. (Genesis 3:14-15; Ephesians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4)  

Greenpeace, is an environmental activist group fighting daily to protect our oceans and forests; devises plans to address the devastating affects of global warming and tries hard to reduce man's carbon foot prints on the earth today.  They see the government, consumer goods manufacturers, and irresponsible humans as the enemy.  They are partially right. We do have a responsibility as stewards of this physical earth to nurture and protect it (Genesis 2:15).  But the main culprit behind the abuse of our natural resources is Satan, who provokes the behaviors and practices of the abusers.

2.   The pain and difficulties of parenting along with issues surrounding violence, divorce, women's rights, employment and the workforce emanate from God's punishment of the sin of disobedience by Adam and Eve. (Genesis 3:16-17; Ephesians 5:1-6:1; Colossians 3:17-23)

Satan loves to insert himself into human relationships and cause confusion.  He's very much like the Allstate Insurance commercial character, Mayhem doing his damage and then walking away with a satisfied smirk! Any time he can interrupt the peaceful and orderly function of these relationships or confuse us regarding our godly roles he's happy.  Rebellion, lack of respect, misuse of power and authority, racism and the like all have Satanic roots.

3.  The Opiods and Healthcare Crisis.  Men and women have been self-medicating for years, trying to stave off the negative affects of our aging and dying bodies.  It is a normal thing to crave relief from the physical and emotional pains that come with life.   It has become for many, a lucrative business providing this temporary relief.  We see it in a multitude of pills, shots, herbal and dietary supplements tablets and powders, some legal and some illegal.   But none are able to prevent death (Genesis 3:18-19; Psalms 90 10; Hebrews 9:27)

God never meant for mankind to be sick a day in our lives or to die!  But we know Satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy everything and everyone God created (John 10:10). God has always provided what was needed for our health from the leaves and herbs of His garden (Genesis 2:9; Revelation 22:2).   But Satan is a Deceiver and Perverter of all that is good! We can't beat death in this life but Christ has prevented it in the next one (I Corinthians 15:55-57).  It is not rocket science to know that the greed, self pleasure, vanity, and the narcissism we see today was first demonstrated by Satan, the anointed cherub of God in eternity past (Isaiah 14:12-13; 2 Corinthians 11:14).

True, everything that goes wrong in our lives cannot be placed at Satan's feet. The Devil Made Me Do It is a weak and often baseless defense nowadays!  We must acknowledge our own responsibility be accountable.  This is especially important since we have access to a powerful weapon. Sixty-six books of a comprehensive Spiritual Warfare Guide (the bible) to help us diffuse the Enemy's influence.  Why not stop all the blame shifting and take some time to pick it up! Learn how to recognize who the real enemy is in your midst.  It could be Satan but then it just might be you!

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

If you would like to leave a comment please send an email to: sisters4sisters@att.net OR  scroll to the bottom of my blog page at  http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com  click on the  no comments by the pencil and it will change to a writing space.

FOCUS: On What Matters Most!!

"...but only one thing is needed.  Mary
has chosen what is better, and it
will not be taken away from her."
(Luke 10:42 NIV)

Happy New Year Sisters!  I'm wondering if you've been as busy as I have since the calendar turned from 2018 to 2019.   We're only a couple of weeks into the month and already I'm scheduling appointments and events that have taken me well into the Spring of the year!

There's lots going on in my part of the world...actually a lot is going on all over the world!  So, maybe that's why I think it's a good time to talk about an old Nemesis of mine, time management!  Actually, the phrase time management is a misnomer.  We can't really manage time!  It goes on no matter what we do!

Yet, we try to get more of it any way we can don't we?  Many of those wonderful New Years resolutions we made were designed to do just that.  Who cares that they very rarely work! But don't be discouraged dear ones.  I believe there  is a way to get, if not more time... more out of the time that the good Lord has given us!

Over the past few weeks, the Word of God has been pounding an undeniable message into my head and heart.  This year focus only on what matters most!  Let me tell you how I know this message is for me; not just for this year but for the duration of my life!

First, this scripture verse screamed in my spirit after hearing it on my church's morning prayer line!  It was only a day or so into the new year:  "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).  To put this principle in context you really need to include what Moses said in verse 10: "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by  means of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away"

If you're like me with more years behind you than in front of you, those verses can stop you in your tracks and make you start thinking about what's important in life, then question how you're spending the gift of time!

Second, our quarterly Sunday school curriculum recently moved us into a new unit of study that began in 2019.  Guess what the study was entitled:  What Matters Most!  These wonderful lessons are giving us opportunities to examine whether we are living out the gospel in our daily lives; if our character is standing up to culture, and if our bible training in godliness can endure to the end!

Third,  each year my pastor casts a vision for our church.  He gives us a theme to meditate on and provide scripture as a focal point for growing spiritually throughout the year.  This year is a very special one for our church.  We will be celebrating 100 years of ministry!  I can only believe that it was the providential will of God that stirred his heart to choose as our theme.....Wait For It!!!!!!  What Matters Most: Leaving a Legacy that Lasts!

Time is elusive, a mysterious and ethereal thing like our lives!  It can appear for a while and then suddenly disappear like a vapor (James 4:14)   It behooves us to treat this precious gift with both wisdom and respect, focusing attention and resources on that one thing that is really needed!  This is the powerful lesson Christ was teaching Martha in Luke 10:38-42.

Her sister, Mary chose the better part...that which mattered most, sitting at the feet of Jesus!  We should do the same. When deciding between what is good and what is best, choose the one thing that glorifies God, makes a kingdom difference, and leaves a legacy of godly wisdom.  Remember my dear sisters:  Only what you do for Christ will last!

Books for suggested reading:  Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Joanna Weaver (Waterbrook Press) and Life Management for Busy Women, Elizabeth George (Harvest House Publishers)

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

If you would like to leave a comment please send an email to: sisters4sisters@att.net OR  scroll to the bottom of my blog page at  http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com  click on the  no comments by the pencil and it will change to a writing space.

WINDING THROUGH THE CIRCLE OF LIFE

"For what is your life?  It
is even a vapor that 
appears for a little time
and then vanishes away."
(James 4:14)

While most households, those who celebrate Christmas that is, were noisily opening up gifts. I found myself doing something quite unusual that morning.  At least I thought so until I sat down to read my devotionals.

I was just trying to clear away a bit of clutter from my desk i.e., rubber bands, paper clips, and Christmas cards yet to be opened.  Trying to bring some order to the space. A writing desk sits in the corner of my rarely used living room and it is my favorite spot to meet and chat with the Lord!  

I picked up an obituary from a recent funeral to file it away. (Call it an age thing but for years I've been bringing funeral programs home, reading through them again and promptly putting them in a folder in my file drawer.)  I can't seem to throw them away. It feels disrespectful, like throwing away the memories or legacy of those departed!

I have obituaries of church members, family friends, family members of friends, and relatives (misfiled because I have a separate folder for those!).  A collection of different sizes, various styles, full page and bookmarks.  It was like leisurely looking through a family  photo album. 
  
They commemorated people of all ages.  One was of a baby only a few months old.  A few had lived to their eighties or nineties! They dated back to the early 2000s, so of course I began to see members of the same family appear (husband and wives, mothers and fathers of friends, sadly, some of children of parents still  living).  There were beautiful and brilliant twenty year olds; talented millennials, and I grieved all over again for the knowledge and wisdom taken to the grave by  senior saints who blessed and encouraged me while they were alive!

I stood there just remininscing,  thinking about where I was in my own life when these souls transitioned.  I was beginning to feel a bit morbid when I settled down to read my In Touch Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley.   He put it all into perspective.  Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on life, death, and eternity.  After all isn't that why Jesus came into the world? (John 3:17; John 10:10; John 14:1-3).

Mary, Jesus' mother had to consider His death not long after rejoicing at His birth (Matthew 2:13-21).  King Herod pronounced a death sentence on all Jewish male children, two years old and younger to deter the One prophesied from taking the royal throne.  In those critical hours, Jesus' earthly parents had to envision the brevity of their son's life and so it should be with us.  

For some the Circle of Life may be long and winding filled with many high points.  But for others short and abrupt! The reality of it all is that some that we celebrated Christmas with this year may not be with us next Christmas.  Show them love while you can and remind them when they start to complain, that the greatest gift they could ever receive is Jesus!

In reading the title of this blog post your mind may have wandered back to the movie Lion King, one of my favorites!  The similarity in name and theme was no accident.  I love the song, Circle of Life.   In fact the entire movie teaches life lessons worth sharing.  But when I look at the lyrics of this particular song a bit closer I find a great deal of wisdom in them.  Wisdom that is appropriate no matter what stage of life you are in or your religious preference.

As humans we all flow through a life cycle predetermined by our Creator (Psalms 90:10). It is up to us to find our place and purpose in it while we can because as is attested to by both the psalmist David and writer James in the bible, it goes by so quickly.   Now that Christmas is over, our minds tend to lean toward the future. New resolutions, prospects, and opportunities to look forward to.

While we prepare for what will be a wonderful year of beginnings for some, let us be thoughtful.  It may also be a year of finality.  Sadness and regrets may also be in our futures. Still your hearts now against anger or bitterness for any losses that may occur.  Embrace it all as it comes!  The ebbs and flows, the ups and downs.  All are normal and with God's help we'll find our way through it.  

It's the Circle of Life

And it moves us all

Through despair and hope

Through faith and love.

'Til we find our place

On the path unwinding

In the circle,

The Circle of Life.

(Circle of Life lyrics by Lebo M.)

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

If you would like to leave a comment please send an email to: sisters4sisters@att.net OR  scroll to the bottom of my blog page at  http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com  click on the  no comments by the pencil and it will change to a writing space.