New Year. New Me. Not Really.

I often wonder why we go through the work of creating New Year Resolutions that we never seem to keep, instead of sticking with the the changes we make for Advent or Lent.

I mean, when will we learn that when we make resolutions not grounded in our faith, that we don't usually keep those things. Yet when we decide to make changes to be more conformed to Christ, those changes are more lasting.

So with the New Year just hours away, I must be honest with myself, I won't be making any sweeping changes. I'm going to be the same ole timone. Check with me again as Lent begins, then you'll find me working to be a new me, conforming myself to Christ, for the glory of God.

Peacefulness

Blessing Through Scandal

Teenage pregnancy; divorce; lying politicians; murder of innocent bystanders; escape to safety. Long ago a young girl didn’t think twice about saying yes to life. Long ago, divorce was waved around like it was the solution. Long ago, politicians plotted and schemed against people and innocence was murdered. And into this a child is born offering us a way to safety. These ancient situations are new, calling on the Elizabeth’s of today to rejoice in the presence of our LORD. These ancient new situations call on the Mary’s of today to sing a song of Thanks Living showing others the blessing in the mess. As Advent comes to an end, we are asked to be women of courage, not afraid to say yes to God no matter the adversity, understanding that blessings are THROUGH the scandal. Rejoice! for God is moving us out of the darkness to dwell in the LIGHT.

Peacefulness
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Go Tell It On the Mountain

As I was reading the gospel this week, I wondered why Jesus told John’s disciple to tell what they had seen and heard instead of just answering the question. It seems so simple a question. But then I realized that sometimes the answer to a simple question is not enough. To report on what one sees and hears is to speak from experience. It is the experiences of others that we value more than answers. As women, we long to hear the stories of other women’s experiences in the hope that their story will shed light on our own circumstance.  I can better understand what Jesus asks of me when another recounts  a story of what Jesus has done for them. I can feel it; see it. It is more complete. Women of God, we are the first teachers of faith for our children. They depend on us to speak about who Jesus is and what Jesus does. Let us go to the mountains of our lives and tell what we have seen and heard. People are counting on us. 

Peacefulness

Repentance for Freedom

Oh Freedom. As Americans, we often connect freedom to our country and to our rights.  Freedom is not usually seen from the standpoint of flesh, yet it is the flesh that holds us prisoner.  For it is the flesh that seeks sin and is at war with the spirit. It is also the flesh in the form of Christ's sacrifice on the cross that gave us salvation.  The Black woman, seeking to be set free, knows that freedom, true freedom, comes from the Divine within her being. With the Divine within, the Black woman is set free. In setting herself free, the Black Woman sets everyone free. That freedom comes from aligning oneself with the Holy Spirit.  John the Baptist calls us to move beyond lip sync repentance toward repentance of heart where true freedom lies. It is being set free from our sins that we learn how to deal with the injustices, imbalances and losses in life.  Take time this week to repent and enjoy the freedom of the Holy Spirit.

Peacefulness