National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Today we highlight National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Access our reflection at: 

http://www.looknlive.com/apps/blog/show/41361777-national-black-hiv-aids-awareness-day



Find a testing site today by visiting http://hivtest.cdc.gov/
 

Get Educated, Get Tested, Get Involved, and Get Treated.

As always, continue to look and live!

World Cancer Day

Last weekend, I spent Saturday morning in a hospice center during the final minutes of a loved one’s life. Although he did not transition due to cancer, there were likely others there wrestling with the “Big C.” 

As we stop to acknowledge World Cancer Day, I am mindful of all who journeyed through this world with a cancer diagnosis. I learned many years ago that cancer does not discriminate. As a news reporter, I interviewed cancer patients in all age groups.

 Recently, I Googled the name of a baby whose parents I interviewed in 1997 due to his rare cancer diagnosis. Thankfully, he is now a teenager and his cancer is in remission.  I wish I could find similar follow-up narratives on all I have known with cancer.

While it appears there are miles or years to go before cures are discovered and tested, I know there is still a healer for all manner of disease. 

May we continue to pray healing and comfort for all impacted. Today, I speak the names of all who transitioned from labor to reward, now resting with the one who also heals through death.

I speak encouragement to those striving to live abundant lives even in the midst of doctors’ appointments, chemo, radiation, and the unknown. 

 For more information on Look 'n Live Ministries, visit www.looknlive.com.

Remembering Dr. King and the Other Dreamers in the Movement

I will always remember the song Mrs. Harley, my elementary school music teacher, taught us about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We learned the song in a modular unit in the back of the school, which was also attended by my mother and her siblings. Much had changed for the Title I school, but teachers like Mrs. Harley always made us feel special while making do with  minimal resources.

"He wanted peace and love all over this land." We sang our parts and reflected on the man and his dream. He was a great man!

As we approach the celebration of the national King Holiday, I honor the sacrifice of Dr. King and remember the sacrifices of those whose names will never enter the historian's inquiry.

I shared these reflections in a guest column published at:

http://m.chronicle.augusta.com/life/your-faith/2014-01-17/remembering-faith-king-and-all-those-who-worked-freedom

As always, look and live! Visit the new Web site at www.looknlive.com

What is Your Legacy?

 Check out the latest entry at our new Web site: www.looknlive.com

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New Addition

Excited to announce the launch of our new Website: www.looknlive.com

Weekly Prayer Call and Reflection - Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 8 p.m. EST

What About Your Friends?

Psalm 41:9 Even my bosom friend in whom I trusted,
   who ate of my bread, has lifted the heel against me. 

Reflection: A quick review of my Facebook Timeline suggests the New Year has arrived with a few “friends” being in love or like “under new management.” Oh, some will remember that 1989 Miki Howard tune where she sings about changes taking place in her love life. My 15-year-old self would sannnnngg, honey, like I knew what she was talking about. I didn’t even know the half. 

For some, both romantic relationships and friendships are currently in transition.

In recent years, friends once labeled “best friends” are now identified as simply “friends.” Time and circumstances have changed the dynamics. The older I get, it seems like the fewer genuine friends I have. My granny says we often just have “associates.” 

While our FB friends may equate to hundreds of people, our real friendships may be limited as way to protect ourselves from hurt or manipulation. I am cautious when someone is quick to establish a relationship with me; I want to know their motives. I want to know what their intentions are. I want to know if they can be trusted with hearing my hopes and dreams. I want to make sure that what takes place in this passage above does not happen to me.

God has blessed me with some of the most amazing friends who are more charitable and patient than I deserve. However, I have come to realize that while earthly friendships are important, the most important relationship is the one I have with God. My earthly friends would call and have me committed if they ever heard some of the conversations we have. In the words of the familiar hymn, “there’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus. No not one, No not one.” If you’re reading this today, my prayer is that you will also know the love and friendship of Jesus. It is also my prayer that friends after God's heart will be sent your way!
 

Prayer: Lord, please continue to bless those friendships that you have ordained for my life. May I be able to discern those relationships that are not in your will? Thank you, Lord, for sending people into my life that will help me to accomplish all that you have given my hands to do. Bless my friends and those who extend their love and kindness toward me. Keep them in your care and allow our relationship to bring you all the honor and glory. Amen!

As always, Look and LIVE in harmony!