In so many of my prior blogs my thoughts are sequential, streamlined, organized, deliberate and ultimately arrive at a destination; however anyone who truly knows me, knows that my thoughts are random, haphazard and when truly expressing myself, I can change lanes without giving a signal, so fasten your seatbelt and sit back and come and take a ride with me in my mind…
I recall from a child that in December the major networks would air all of their Year in Review programming where they would recount the major events of the year. Lately this year I have been in a reflective space this year recounting my successes and struggles of the year. I read prior blogs from earlier this year where I asked God specifically for tangible maturation within our youth ministry this year and God as usual has exceeded my expectation. I have listened and watched the spiritual growth and evolution of our young people in countless manifestations. Young people have pursued God this year with reckless abandon and dealt with the realities of being in the presence of God, how no flesh can glory in His presence, and how God’s light reveals areas of us that aren’t like Him in an attempt to shape us and make us in His image, ultimately when God looks at us, He should see a reflection of Himself. I am invigorated by countless conversations, emails and texts from young people sharing their triumphs and adversities. This year has brought for our young people, new educational endeavors, new career moves, relationships that have developed and deteriorated, the development of individual and corporate ministries. (I can’t wait to reinstitute Commissioned, a class where we train youth and young adults for all types of ministry…look out for that in the 09!!!) All of the various mountains and valleys of 2008 have been stretched and strengthened.
Personally, I am so grateful that I get to (not have to) travel the United States and Canada to help young people unlock the greatness that resides within themselves. This year I have been afforded the opportunity to share the word of God at several youth conferences, churches, but ultimately, keep it real, there is no place like home. The hunger from the congregation at the Cov pulls the word out of you, not just on Youth Sundays, but Christian Education, worship and arts workshops, all night prayers, and the list continues. Instead of complaining about what I don’t perceive as right and what I don’t have, I am choosing to be thankful for what I do have.
At the end of the day (I can’t believe I used that phrase I can’t stand it, but at the end of the day, I guess it sums things up) Jesus is it for me; he is the only constant amidst a fluctuating world. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Jesus is the fulcrum of the seesaw we call life.
As I am thinking about Jesus, I had a thought today about relationships, and what I can’t stand are couples that aren’t proud to be with each other, as if they are ashamed of one another. It is a trick of the enemy to constantly make one desire what they don’t have. The person you choose to be with is simply a reflection of you. With that said, I have to ask, how many times have I denied Christ and not claimed Him in my life? How many times have I prayed faster because others were watching in public, not prayed at all in private? Tried to blend so I wouldn’t have to deal with the pressure of standing out, placed God on hold, but never clicked back over? Now I am reaffirming my love for him, not merely with my words, but with my life.
The end of the year always makes come to grips with the fact that we are another year, month, week, day, hour closer to the return of Jesus Christ. It is incumbent upon us that we keep this in the forefront of our minds. It causes or lives to be lived with proper perspective. As I prepare for 2009 I am going to embrace the last few weeks of 2008. I am speaking in Los Angeles and Sacramento on December 28th and I am working on a message that deals with how change is created by a Decision, a Declaration, and A Duty. First we must decide that we desire change. Second we must clearly and identify what path to take to instigate change, and finally a Duty, a responsibility and commitment will bring it to pass.
All right I am rambling, so I will pull over…
Monday, December 15, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
The Past, The Pain, The Power
It is amazing how much time of our life is spent living in the past, both reliving victories and wallowing in losses. If the past isn’t used to affect the future then the past is overrated. Don’t get it twisted, I am not implying in the slightest, to adopt the mentality of, “Oh, well, the past is the past, get the dirt off your shoulders, get over it and move on…” only to later repeat the mistakes of the past again in again. What I am suggesting is that one treats the past as an archaeologist, using the past as a place for discovery, to reconstruct a new you for the future to see. Deal with the consequences of your history so you can embrace the possibilities of your future.
“But time don’t go back, it goes forward can’t run from the pain, go towards it.” –Jay Z Kingdom Come “Lost Ones”
(Did he just quote Jay Z? yes and I totally am willing to discuss the implications of music, how the Lucifer prior to being kicked out of heaven was influential in the arena of music, how masses are hypnotized by a beat, while subliminal sinful, misogynistic messages are woven into the tapestries of their minds, that later effect behavior. The debate of life imitating art vs. art imitating life, how the church can ill afford to reach the world by mimicking it giving them what they already have without any creativity, without any message of Jesus, how if one is going to cross-over, they must carry the cross (the gospel) over literally. With all that said, this quote simply substantiates the point I am attempting to make regarding the past and pain.)
-But time don’t go back it goes forward
No matter how much we live in the past, it is what it is, the past. Only God has the power to effectively and directly address our past. Genuine true repentance that comes from a sincere heart, and turning away from what we are repenting for, and asking God for a clean heart and right spirit, and allowing the blood to cleanse us is how we deal with our past. 2 Corinthians 5:17 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. The best tool for me to address the past is the present and the future. Paul a man with a checkered past, flaws and all pre Christ (Acts 9) and Post Christ had the courage and wisdom to declare Philippians 3:13-14 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Jesus told Peter, Satan desires to have you to sift you as wheat, but I prayed for you that your faith fails you not, and when you are converted, strengthen the brethren (I am so doing this text an injustice not mentioning Peter’s impulsive nature, how he constantly gets things 100% right in one instance only to get it 100% wrong the next, how he was a part of Jesus’ inner circle (James and John the sons of Zebedee being the others) yet, he denied Christ 3 times at the time when he needed him most, but later affirmed his love 3 times and preached the inaugural message of the New Testament church) Peter takes the mistakes of his past and uses them as fuel to make him a better Peter in the future.
-Don’t run from the pain run towards it
I had the pleasure of spending time with perhaps the most insightful introspective person I know, my mentee Matthew Mason this weekend. I will tell anyone clearly he is the real mentor in the relationship. We discussed this idea of the past and pain the scripture that clarifies the matter is when Peter after seeking God three times to remove pain, listens to God’s response. 2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Many people deny the pain and try to masquerade it. While others fail to acknowledge their weaknesses and some after acknowledging them loathe and wallow in their weaknesses. I ask God intentionally when I experience pain, setback, or heartbreak, allow me to feel the pain completely and so I don’t have a pseudo-healing only to have the pain reemerge later. Satan wants us to run from the pain, because there is power behind the pain. When we identify these areas of pain and surrender to Christ, when we discover our weakness we have just discovered Christ’s strength and it will infuse and empower us to transcend the past, and empower us to accept the future and destiny God desires for us.
“But time don’t go back, it goes forward can’t run from the pain, go towards it.” –Jay Z Kingdom Come “Lost Ones”
(Did he just quote Jay Z? yes and I totally am willing to discuss the implications of music, how the Lucifer prior to being kicked out of heaven was influential in the arena of music, how masses are hypnotized by a beat, while subliminal sinful, misogynistic messages are woven into the tapestries of their minds, that later effect behavior. The debate of life imitating art vs. art imitating life, how the church can ill afford to reach the world by mimicking it giving them what they already have without any creativity, without any message of Jesus, how if one is going to cross-over, they must carry the cross (the gospel) over literally. With all that said, this quote simply substantiates the point I am attempting to make regarding the past and pain.)
-But time don’t go back it goes forward
No matter how much we live in the past, it is what it is, the past. Only God has the power to effectively and directly address our past. Genuine true repentance that comes from a sincere heart, and turning away from what we are repenting for, and asking God for a clean heart and right spirit, and allowing the blood to cleanse us is how we deal with our past. 2 Corinthians 5:17 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. The best tool for me to address the past is the present and the future. Paul a man with a checkered past, flaws and all pre Christ (Acts 9) and Post Christ had the courage and wisdom to declare Philippians 3:13-14 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Jesus told Peter, Satan desires to have you to sift you as wheat, but I prayed for you that your faith fails you not, and when you are converted, strengthen the brethren (I am so doing this text an injustice not mentioning Peter’s impulsive nature, how he constantly gets things 100% right in one instance only to get it 100% wrong the next, how he was a part of Jesus’ inner circle (James and John the sons of Zebedee being the others) yet, he denied Christ 3 times at the time when he needed him most, but later affirmed his love 3 times and preached the inaugural message of the New Testament church) Peter takes the mistakes of his past and uses them as fuel to make him a better Peter in the future.
-Don’t run from the pain run towards it
I had the pleasure of spending time with perhaps the most insightful introspective person I know, my mentee Matthew Mason this weekend. I will tell anyone clearly he is the real mentor in the relationship. We discussed this idea of the past and pain the scripture that clarifies the matter is when Peter after seeking God three times to remove pain, listens to God’s response. 2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Many people deny the pain and try to masquerade it. While others fail to acknowledge their weaknesses and some after acknowledging them loathe and wallow in their weaknesses. I ask God intentionally when I experience pain, setback, or heartbreak, allow me to feel the pain completely and so I don’t have a pseudo-healing only to have the pain reemerge later. Satan wants us to run from the pain, because there is power behind the pain. When we identify these areas of pain and surrender to Christ, when we discover our weakness we have just discovered Christ’s strength and it will infuse and empower us to transcend the past, and empower us to accept the future and destiny God desires for us.
Monday, November 17, 2008
An Encounter with God, Recap and Pictures
A Walk Through the Tabernacle was an evening that we will not soon forget. Young people and Young at heart began to gather around 10pm with a spirit of anticipation and expectation. As we entered, we discovered that our Church was transformed into a replica of the tabernacle, complete with the veil and the most holy place. (Thank you Butler Family and Sis Ellora!!!) After introducing ourselves, we began the evening with a prayer of Thanksgiving, where we didn’t ask God for anything, but thanked Him for everything that we so often take for granted.
While in the outer court stopped at the Brazen Altar which was made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze which represents judgment, indicative of how Jesus who came in human flesh took on the judgment of God for our sins. It is here where we prayed a prayer of repentance. This prayer of surrender broke the chains of sins that many have grappled with for years. We then stopped at the Laver where we prayed a prayer of cleansing and purification for our minds, bodies and spirits. This prayer left us with that feeling you have when you get out of the shower. Our hearts were cleansed, our minds were ignited, our spirits were refreshed and rejuvenated.
We then journeyed into the inner court where we encountered the lamp stand. We accepted the mandate of Jesus Christ to let our lights shine so that men may see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. The entire room was dark and we each individual was given a candle, as our individual candles were lit the light illuminated the room and dispelled the darkness. Ultimately we brought our individual lights to the altar which caused a greater corporate light to illuminate the room.
At the altar of incense we were given a partner and transparently shared with each other our testimonies, insecurities, thoughts, and spiritual desires, and natural aspirations and then interceded for one another. The prayers of the saints went directly towards God. As we continued in the inner court we encountered the table of showbread. We were in small sharing groups, and after getting to know each other, we did an activity entitled “Baking Bread”. Each small group was given the task of making the word of God come alive for the entire audience. Everyone was truly fed of Manna from on High!
We arrived at an intersection between the inner court and the Most Holy Place and what separated was the veil, which was indicative of our flesh. We wrote down on post it notes intimate things that separate us from the presence of God. We attached these issues to the veil as a sign of surrender and desire to crucify our flesh, just as Jesus nailed our sins to the cross through His crucifixion. As we began to pray, the veil was open and I can’t describe or begin to express with words the power and anointing that permeated the room as the light from the Most Holy Place where the Ark of the Covenant and the presence of the Lord resided began to shine on us as we worshipped God.
God has given us access reminiscent of David’s tent, where we can come boldly to the throne of grace, through Jesus Christ who satisfied every requirement and addressed every tabernacle furnishing just as the High Priest did in the old testament. Nothing in life will satisfy the intrinsic hunger God has placed inside of us except God. Never allow the distractions of life, to disconnect, or disrupt, your passion or pursuit of God. Because in His presence there is fullness of joy and in His right Hand there are pleasures for evermore.
While in the outer court stopped at the Brazen Altar which was made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze which represents judgment, indicative of how Jesus who came in human flesh took on the judgment of God for our sins. It is here where we prayed a prayer of repentance. This prayer of surrender broke the chains of sins that many have grappled with for years. We then stopped at the Laver where we prayed a prayer of cleansing and purification for our minds, bodies and spirits. This prayer left us with that feeling you have when you get out of the shower. Our hearts were cleansed, our minds were ignited, our spirits were refreshed and rejuvenated.
We then journeyed into the inner court where we encountered the lamp stand. We accepted the mandate of Jesus Christ to let our lights shine so that men may see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. The entire room was dark and we each individual was given a candle, as our individual candles were lit the light illuminated the room and dispelled the darkness. Ultimately we brought our individual lights to the altar which caused a greater corporate light to illuminate the room.
At the altar of incense we were given a partner and transparently shared with each other our testimonies, insecurities, thoughts, and spiritual desires, and natural aspirations and then interceded for one another. The prayers of the saints went directly towards God. As we continued in the inner court we encountered the table of showbread. We were in small sharing groups, and after getting to know each other, we did an activity entitled “Baking Bread”. Each small group was given the task of making the word of God come alive for the entire audience. Everyone was truly fed of Manna from on High!
We arrived at an intersection between the inner court and the Most Holy Place and what separated was the veil, which was indicative of our flesh. We wrote down on post it notes intimate things that separate us from the presence of God. We attached these issues to the veil as a sign of surrender and desire to crucify our flesh, just as Jesus nailed our sins to the cross through His crucifixion. As we began to pray, the veil was open and I can’t describe or begin to express with words the power and anointing that permeated the room as the light from the Most Holy Place where the Ark of the Covenant and the presence of the Lord resided began to shine on us as we worshipped God.
God has given us access reminiscent of David’s tent, where we can come boldly to the throne of grace, through Jesus Christ who satisfied every requirement and addressed every tabernacle furnishing just as the High Priest did in the old testament. Nothing in life will satisfy the intrinsic hunger God has placed inside of us except God. Never allow the distractions of life, to disconnect, or disrupt, your passion or pursuit of God. Because in His presence there is fullness of joy and in His right Hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
History in the Making
As I sit in my hotel room on a presumably historical evening, I remember the prior elections I have experienced and must admit there has been something unique about this one. I assume that voter turnout this year has far surpassed previous years. I could address all of my political views, and their social implications, and eschatological (biblical prophecies concerning the end times) implications (I will save these conversations for Pastor Woods, Lee and Kasey, Lauren, and my other political analyst lol), but I don’t want to miss the moment by being over analytical. For a moment (the length of this blog lol), I am going to set my theology Often, I wonder if people realized the magnitude and the brevity of a moment while they were in it, or if they allowed the significance of the moment to pass them by as the lived in it. I am resolved to capture the social history of this moment.
I do want to express how I feel. I am so honored that on this history making day, I traveled from California, to Chicago where I purchased a copy of the Chicago Tribune, and finally to Pennsylvania, a historically rich state. As a child I can recall looking at Encyclopedia’s and when I noticed pictures of the presidents I saw no one who looked like me. So while I was taught that anything is possible, subliminally there were limitations that contradicted these teachings. Tonight for children all over the world, these limitations will be removed. For America, not just African Americans, this night is special. While many may argue over his stances and policies as we should, it must be acknowledged that Sen. Obama matriculated through some of the most prestigious institutions of learning (Columbia, Harvard, and served as president of the Harvard Law review) excelled and advanced in any arena. He overcome obstacles such as his parents divorce and transcended this by showing devotion to his wife and children. And prior to the most significant day of his political career, he looses his grandmother the woman who raised him, and still stood with courage. For real, I analyze everything, but when I was watching the Democratic National Convention (and I watched the RNC also) the moment that humanized me, was when Sen. Obama’s youngest daughter affectionately known as Sasha, said “Hi Daddy!” to the screen. She stole my heart in that moment.
With all of the oppression that has existed based on race and gender, it is beautiful to see Sen. Obama stand on the shoulders of those who sweat, marched, bled, and paid the ultimate price of giving their life to fight for this moment. Regardless of where one stands politically, it must be acknowledged, Sen. Obama possibly Presidential-elect Obama is inspiring, and unequivocally the American Dream personified.
Allright…I will get back to spiritual stuff, got to post some pictures from “A Walk Through the Tabernacle” as soon as I learn how to post photos! lol
I do want to express how I feel. I am so honored that on this history making day, I traveled from California, to Chicago where I purchased a copy of the Chicago Tribune, and finally to Pennsylvania, a historically rich state. As a child I can recall looking at Encyclopedia’s and when I noticed pictures of the presidents I saw no one who looked like me. So while I was taught that anything is possible, subliminally there were limitations that contradicted these teachings. Tonight for children all over the world, these limitations will be removed. For America, not just African Americans, this night is special. While many may argue over his stances and policies as we should, it must be acknowledged that Sen. Obama matriculated through some of the most prestigious institutions of learning (Columbia, Harvard, and served as president of the Harvard Law review) excelled and advanced in any arena. He overcome obstacles such as his parents divorce and transcended this by showing devotion to his wife and children. And prior to the most significant day of his political career, he looses his grandmother the woman who raised him, and still stood with courage. For real, I analyze everything, but when I was watching the Democratic National Convention (and I watched the RNC also) the moment that humanized me, was when Sen. Obama’s youngest daughter affectionately known as Sasha, said “Hi Daddy!” to the screen. She stole my heart in that moment.
With all of the oppression that has existed based on race and gender, it is beautiful to see Sen. Obama stand on the shoulders of those who sweat, marched, bled, and paid the ultimate price of giving their life to fight for this moment. Regardless of where one stands politically, it must be acknowledged, Sen. Obama possibly Presidential-elect Obama is inspiring, and unequivocally the American Dream personified.
Allright…I will get back to spiritual stuff, got to post some pictures from “A Walk Through the Tabernacle” as soon as I learn how to post photos! lol
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
3 Days Until the Encounter
Expectation and anticipation are beginning to mount. It began Sunday with our morning worship services. I encourage you all to add the cd “The Perfect Recipe” to your collection. Using the story of Ruth we discovered how seemingly random and haphazard events were the perfect recipe for Ruth’s redemption. Many young people have told me they have downloaded this one into their ipods. (technology is amazing!) During our evening service, Bishop David Foster preached a message entitled “A More Excellent Way” in which he discussed the approach to God through the tabernacle and how Jesus has provided a more excellent way.
This Friday night has been set aside by God before the foundation of the earth to be a night of fellowship, learning, and intimate fellowship with the presence of the Lord. In “A Walk through the Tabernacle” we will journey from the outer court, through the inner court, beyond the veil into the most holy place. There are specific moments that you never forget in your spiritual walk and this evening will be one of them. This evening will provide us with an opportunity to reprioritize our lives, placing God in 1st position where He belongs. When God is placed in proper perspective our entire life can be repositioned for greatness where God will get all of the glory. With all of the calamity in our world it is quite apparent that the return of Jesus more immanent than ever. God says, 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. (okay this is deep I am in my hotel in Maine, and as I am typing, a gospel program that I have never seen entitled Hope for America, just flashed the same scripture on television while I am typing it, God you are ridiculous!!!)
See you this Friday at 10pm! Come with a spirit of expectation, bibles, notebooks, and hunger for God. Matthew 5:6 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Things happen when people get together with the sole purpose and intention of bombarding the presence of God. Okay I got to get back to studying for Friday!
This Friday night has been set aside by God before the foundation of the earth to be a night of fellowship, learning, and intimate fellowship with the presence of the Lord. In “A Walk through the Tabernacle” we will journey from the outer court, through the inner court, beyond the veil into the most holy place. There are specific moments that you never forget in your spiritual walk and this evening will be one of them. This evening will provide us with an opportunity to reprioritize our lives, placing God in 1st position where He belongs. When God is placed in proper perspective our entire life can be repositioned for greatness where God will get all of the glory. With all of the calamity in our world it is quite apparent that the return of Jesus more immanent than ever. God says, 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. (okay this is deep I am in my hotel in Maine, and as I am typing, a gospel program that I have never seen entitled Hope for America, just flashed the same scripture on television while I am typing it, God you are ridiculous!!!)
See you this Friday at 10pm! Come with a spirit of expectation, bibles, notebooks, and hunger for God. Matthew 5:6 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Things happen when people get together with the sole purpose and intention of bombarding the presence of God. Okay I got to get back to studying for Friday!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thursday Night
Thursday Night was the night that held great significance for me as a child. I would come home finish my homework, and wait with great anticipation for 8pm to arrive, because then the Cosby Show would come on. That show was simply phenomenal! I could get into the social implications and how culturally significant it was for America to see a powerful black family with a doctor and lawyer which contradicted historical images that were portrayed. The fact is I wasn’t thinking about all that back then, I was just laughing! “I brought you in this world, I can take you out!” “Denise you messed up my Gordon Gartrelle!” After the Cosby show, A Different World came on, and this was my first look into what college life could be like. When Dwayne Wayne interrupted Whitley’s marriage to Byron was one if not the best moments in television history. As I got older, I switched my Thursday Night viewership to Fox. I would watch Martin, (again if I were doing a seminar, I would acknowledge how subliminally America accepted an unmarried couple living together, but again, back then I wasn’t thinking about all of that, it was just funny) After Martin, of course Living Single would come on and my Thursday’s again were complete. For that hour of time I could escape the world on Thursday Night.
I have to admit, I am quite nostalgic. I watch Martin on TV One and have the DVD Sets. I watch the Cosby show on TV Land and also have the box sets. When I watch it now, I reflect on the hope and optimism I had as a child when I watched these shows. I notice how my life in many ways doesn’t match the life I dreamed as a child. With that said, on some levels it exceeds what I could have expected as well. I am working on paying homage to both positive and negative aspects of life, but I digress.
Yesterday was Thursday night, and it wasn’t television that provided my escape but rather, my 3 Fathers. My heavenly Father God and I were in communion as I prepared for my message for this Sunday dealing with Ruth. God is the ultimate Father, He affirms me when I do right like He did Jesus, when He said, "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased." He corrects me and most of all He loves me. He blessed me with the greatest natural father.
Then my natural father called, just to check in on me. I love my dad, and the greatest compliment I have ever been given is, you are just like your father. He is kind, compassionate, and the personification of love. After I spoke at the Alpha Phi Alpha Men’s breakfast, I had a renewed appreciation for my dad. My heart was heavy last night, and disappointed, but when I talked to my father, everything felt alright. He ended the conversation by telling me I can always talk to him no matter what, He sounded like my heavenly Father who said, I will never leave you or forsake you.
I then received a call from my spiritual father, Pastor Woods. Honestly God gave me men after His own heart. I was able to talk to Pastor Woods, and the moment I heard his voice I felt peace in my spirit. I shared with him, my feelings, my frustrations, and my fears and he listened to me, and felt my burden, and then helped put things in perspective. I always tell people, don’t heal me until you feel me, and Pastor did just that.
So last night I wasn’t with the Huxtable family, not with Martin and Gina, but with my 3 Fathers, and felt empowered, renewed and revived. I am who I am, because they are who they are. I want to in reference to God, my dad, and my Pastor, exemplify attributes from them that allow me to testify like Jesus did, if you have seen me then you have seen the Father. My prayer is that everyone will experience the love of a Father on many if not all of these levels at some time in their life.
I have to admit, I am quite nostalgic. I watch Martin on TV One and have the DVD Sets. I watch the Cosby show on TV Land and also have the box sets. When I watch it now, I reflect on the hope and optimism I had as a child when I watched these shows. I notice how my life in many ways doesn’t match the life I dreamed as a child. With that said, on some levels it exceeds what I could have expected as well. I am working on paying homage to both positive and negative aspects of life, but I digress.
Yesterday was Thursday night, and it wasn’t television that provided my escape but rather, my 3 Fathers. My heavenly Father God and I were in communion as I prepared for my message for this Sunday dealing with Ruth. God is the ultimate Father, He affirms me when I do right like He did Jesus, when He said, "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased." He corrects me and most of all He loves me. He blessed me with the greatest natural father.
Then my natural father called, just to check in on me. I love my dad, and the greatest compliment I have ever been given is, you are just like your father. He is kind, compassionate, and the personification of love. After I spoke at the Alpha Phi Alpha Men’s breakfast, I had a renewed appreciation for my dad. My heart was heavy last night, and disappointed, but when I talked to my father, everything felt alright. He ended the conversation by telling me I can always talk to him no matter what, He sounded like my heavenly Father who said, I will never leave you or forsake you.
I then received a call from my spiritual father, Pastor Woods. Honestly God gave me men after His own heart. I was able to talk to Pastor Woods, and the moment I heard his voice I felt peace in my spirit. I shared with him, my feelings, my frustrations, and my fears and he listened to me, and felt my burden, and then helped put things in perspective. I always tell people, don’t heal me until you feel me, and Pastor did just that.
So last night I wasn’t with the Huxtable family, not with Martin and Gina, but with my 3 Fathers, and felt empowered, renewed and revived. I am who I am, because they are who they are. I want to in reference to God, my dad, and my Pastor, exemplify attributes from them that allow me to testify like Jesus did, if you have seen me then you have seen the Father. My prayer is that everyone will experience the love of a Father on many if not all of these levels at some time in their life.
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