God's Promises

In Romans 4:20 Paul talks about Abraham's faith in God's promise. No doubt, just belief that God would do as God had stated.
So unlike Abraham, I don't always trust God's timing. I sometimes allow the whispers of uncertainty to interfere, creating in me not songs of praise but wails of loss.
As I meditated on the above passage, I was encouraged to stand in God promise as it being fulfilled. I need only live in the completion of it as though it was already. In doing so, I align myself to God and there I am able to find joy, unspeakable joy.

Moving Past My Anger

What a waste of emotional energy, prolonged anger that keeps you immobilized. Yet there is a righteousness to anger that moves you to positive action. On Monday I was so angry I could spit fire, by Tuesday I could think beyond the indignation. On Wednesday I was delighted to know and love the LORD, my Savior. By Friday I was having intelligent conversation about the situation. What changed? Me! When I could breath easier, I moved from injury to seeking God's voice. Upon hearing God I was transported to Philippians 4:6-9. (I would put the text here but I rather you picked up a bible and read it there). ;)
That passage set me free.

The voice of my father also rang clear: "I love myself too much to allow any anger towards anyone to get in the way of what God has for me. And really, I don't know them well enough to allow hate or anger to deprive me of God's grace."

The Institute for Black Catholic Studies

This Reflection was given 5 July 2011 at the noon Mass of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies (IBCS). The IBCS is a cultural and academic immersion experience for anyone who ministers in the Black Catholic Community. For more information go to Xavier University of LA . THe reflection is entitled, The Hook Up. It is based on the first reading of the day, Genesis 32:23-33

Been Awhile

More than six months have passed since my last blog entry and that's way too bad, because so many things have happened that I should have written about.  This post is not going to play catch up even though that may serve to inform those who follow me what's been happening. Perhaps as I return to the blogosphere you will surmise some of what has taken place. But since this blog is about Moving Towards Peace, I'll keep it moving.

Last week I went to a pre-screening of The Way, starring Martin Sheen and directed by his son Emilio Estevez. The Way is this year's must see movie for anyone who is discerning life's meaning and those who assist others in that process. I'm not willing to tell you about the movie because I'm convinced that I won't do it justice. Suffice it to say that it is worth paying full price. I will be going to see it again. After the viewing Martin and Emilio did a 30 minute Q & A session that was full of humor, love and passion for God. What a way to share one's love of God. Check out the trailer at The Way-The Movie. I'm sure you'll like what you see. If not, we need to chat. LOL!

Yeah it's been awhile and I find that I've missed blogging. Look for more Skinny Thoughts on a weekly basis. And if time permits more than that.

I look forward to hearing about your journey to peace.

Marked For the Journey

Today is Ash Wednesday. I am not prepared for my cleansing. I've plunged head first into this journey pulled down by the demands of living beyond God's intentions for me. So though I am not prepared, I am grateful that today I mark the journey. Today as my forehead is sealed in ash I will be released from my own demands on my life and begin the process of welcoming God again into a life eager for grace and mercy.

Can we ever prepare for cleansing? What does that look like? For me it was the total disregard for the upcoming season as far as my personal involvement. Sure I had purchased reflection materials, but personalizing the journey was not considered until late last night. That's why I'm glad we have the Lenten Season. It forces me to stop spinning, to stop the rollercoaster.

Today I will be marked for the Journey. I was not prepared. Now I am. Grateful for this opportunity to refresh my spirit, I gladly allow ash to mark me for the world to see, to remind me that no matter what I intend, if it is not in and though God it is useless.