Your Calling: Fire in Your Bones

I have wondered for years "What am I called to do?" That is, until I realized, it is that thing I can talk about nonstop because it's like igniting the fire shut up in my bones. 

For me it is communicating the Good News, which encompasses a variety of mediums. Whether I am preaching, teaching, writing, or educating on how my Gullah ancestors sang the Lord's song in a strange land, I am living out the fullest expression of myself. (Thanks, Ms. Oprah) For you it could be whatever and wherever you feel the Spirit at work, and just talking about it makes your cup run over. Fa True! #TapIntotheUnseenin2014

A Time To Forgive

During the holiday season, inevitably someone may encounter friends or loved ones who have wronged them in some way or another. Maybe it was the cousin who borrowed $1,000 of your student loan refund and then never began repayment, or a relative who touched you inappropriately during childhood?

Whatever the violation, you may be left struggling to figure out to navigate the rocky terrain of holiday fellowship. While I pray you seek the necessary counsel, I also encourage you to search your own hearts to see if there is even a microgram of forgiveness resting there.

Even in my own life as I have sought apologies from others, I have asked God to search my own heart. My heart and actions have not always been pure, and like King David I must now pray: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10). No, the road to forgiveness may not be a short one, and it’s likely unleveled with a few potholes.

Today, however, I am grateful that the path to forgiveness does not bear a “road closed” sign. Doctah Lele

Look, Live & Learn Registration is below! Can't wait to see you there! 

Reach Up!

Whether in the pit or in a safe space, it's always a good idea to Reach Up! Shared recently at a 7-Up program where there were 7 speakers/7 passages/5-10 minutes. Take a listen to the homily on Psalm 28:2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-40DXiQ2SlXRmdEZ0FGS3NaTWhUUVU4OVFYRFZBSllZRFdF/edit?usp=sharing

World AIDS Day 2013

Tonight Oprah Winfrey will interview Magic Johnson on Next Chapter and discuss the NBA Legend’s HIV diagnosis among other life events. Johnson’s announcement of his infection was made public in a press conference that I recall watching as a high school senior. In the 22 years since that announcement, much has changed as it relates to the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS. While researchers may be getting closer to a cure, the pandemic is still adversely impacting women and people of color in the United States. In distant lands the disease is still leaving orphaned children who must care for themselves and siblings.

In March during a Red Pump Project awareness event (http://www.theredpumpproject.org/), I listened as a young Atlanta woman in her early 20s talked about contracting the disease and how her life has changed since that time. Although Johnson and the woman can share their stories with the masses, so many people are still undiagnosed and living with complications in silence.  I often sense that there is now a false sense of security as it relates to the disease, as some still dismiss the risk of unprotected sex with known and new partners.

It is my prayer that on this World AIDS Day, we not only remember those who have transitioned but also pray for those living with HIV/AIDS. I will speak the names of many close to me who have succumbed due to AIDS related complications, and encourage continued education and testing. Just because HIV/AIDS isn’t prominently placed on the media’s agenda does not mean AIDS has disappeared. I am reminded that what has disappeared are some of the people we loved whose lives were cut short by a disease that did not discriminate based on age, gender, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation.

As always, continue to look, live and learn more about HIV/AIDS. #ashe #gettested

In EVERYthing?

1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Thanksgiving Day became an official Federal holiday 150 years ago. I believe many people publicly gave God thanks way before that time. In the brush arbors I imagined my enslaved ancestors whom some will say had nothing to thank God for while in bondage, still thanked the Creator for guiding them through the struggles of this life. For many, they thanked God for life “on this side of the dirt” as well as the eternal life awaiting them on the other side of the river.

Today, some 150 years later, I am still giving thanks for being allowed to live, breathe and having my being on this side of the dirt. Thanks to my ancestors who likely prayed for me as they asked God to bless their children and children’s children. I thank the God who heard their humble cries and responded. God still responds. While it may not always be on the schedule we desire, there is a response. Consider the times God has responded to you, even when it was an answer you did not desire. Even during and after long seasons of waiting, we are still to give thanks.

For many of us this year has not been as smooth as others, but in every circumstance we are called to give thanks. A few weeks ago I thanked God for an unexpected car repair bill of nearly $700. You see, if I had gotten on the road as requested the day before, my car might have blown up due to a major oil leak. A few hundred dollars versus a new car? THANK YA! Some days in the midst of mouthing a lament I refocus my words and say “Lord, I thank you.” Oh, and when we begin to think of the goodness…I won’t preach here, but I will give thanks and go to bed after posting. While every day is a day of thanksgiving, it is my prayer that this day will be filled with good eating, fellowship and love! Whether you are alone, with family and/or friends,eating turkey or a bologna sandwich, give God some thanks.

 Until next time, remember to look and live!

Recently during an aqua aerobics class at capacity the instructor said "I am not sure what we are going to do in January with all the new people?" For a second I wondered, "Will our churches have the same problem?" Are people more concerned with their bodies or souls? What are you more concerned about? Do you spend more time strengthening you physical muscles while your spiritual ones suffer from atrophy?

YES I CAN

It was nearly a year ago that we waited in anticipation for Nov. 4. Some doubted, some prayed, some vowed to leave the U.S. if prayers were answered. Some said it wouldn't happen, and then it did. If you are discouraged today, think back to just a year ago. Remember the chant, "Yes We Can!" ...Personalize it and prophesy over yourself, "Yes I Can! Yes...I...CAN" Believe it, receive it...and it is so!