New eBook Release!

I’m convinced that God purposed me to inspire and encourage others to grow in their relationship with Him. Part of my assignment in encouraging and inspiring others is to offer the necessary resources and tools to help people develop their spiritual life.  My greatest emphasis is on “prayer” and the ministry of the Word.  I believe developing a consistent prayer life along with reading and studying the Word of God (Holy Bible) are most important in order to grow as a follower of Jesus Christ.  Therefore, I’m always seeking ways and opportunities to answer the call and fulfill His purpose for my life.

Consequently, I just published a new resource, “Prayer Principles for Beginners”.  This eBook is also a supplemental resource for my online course, Prayer Principles for Powerful Living  at www.udemy.com

If you are struggling with your prayer life, would like to improve it, or perhaps you know someone who could benefit from this resource, please check it out.

Power of Presence

Online course: Overcome the Power of Frustration

Course Summary: Prayer Principles for Powerful Living

Enroll in this course at: Prayer Principles for Powerful Living

Nevertheless, not my will…

32 They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” 33 He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. 34 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

35 He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. 36 “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

37 Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 38 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

39 Then Jesus left them again and prayed the same prayer as before. 40 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open. And they didn’t know what to say.

41 When he returned to them the third time, he said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But no—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

As I read the above passage, tears began to flow softly as I imagined how Jesus must have felt in that moment as He faced death knowing He had done nothing to deserve such a humiliating death. The separation from His Father was a pain that crushed his soul with grief, which made the ordeal seemingly impossible to face. I also thought how I would feel if my close friends I looked to for support at such a critical time in my life could not provide the support I wanted from them. It was a moment of being alone, yet not alone.

“My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.” No one asked, “Why, Jesus? Why are you overwhelmed with grief? Why are you so sad?”

Did they not care what was going on with him? Surely they’d never seen him at this low point since being with him for three years. He’d always helped others, going to and fro caring for everyone that came to him for help—opening blind eyes, healing all manner of sicknesses and diseases, raising the dead, forgiving sins, working miracles and giving hope to the hopeless. Now he’s overwhelmed with grief. His simple request to Peter, James and John, “Stay here and keep watch with me.” How difficult could it be for those you consider your closest friends? From my own experiences I know it can be difficult when others don’t understand God’s plan for your life, or the depth of your grief. Sometimes what we expect of our friends is impossible even though what we ask seems to be a simple request. I’ve learned that surrendering totally to God’s will means releasing my family and friends from my expectations.

But when I read verse 35, I was immediately strengthened. Why? It reminded me of the power of prayer…crying out to the Father in my times of distress, when I’m overwhelmed by grief. Within Jesus’ prayer his relationship with the Father leaps off the page…”Abba, Father…everything is possible for you.” Although he makes his request known, he wants the will of his Father above his. This says to me that whatever I must face as a part of God’s plan for my life, regardless of how painful it is, God’s purpose for allowing me to go through it will supersede my understanding of that purpose. Therefore, I must trust Him to do the impossible and complete the work began.

After I’ve prayed, prayed and prayed again expressing my honest feelings to my Father, He sends the help I need to strengthen me to endure (Luke 22:43). When I’m strengthen and empowered to suffer the will of my Father, I can’t be upset with my family and friends. In essence, I can’t depend on them to give me what only the Father can, or to do what’s impossible for man but possible with God.

How often have you “cried out” asking God to take away your pain…to take away what’s unpleasant and uncomfortable? Yet, your prayer ends with, “Nevertheless, not my will but Yours be done.”

Everyday Love

By the time I finish this post Valentine’s Day will be in the past.  I held off as long as I could…my intention was not to write anything simply because everybody does it.  I know that’s probably shallow; nevertheless that was my justification.  Of course, I’m learning how not to lean on my understanding.  I’m getting there, apparently, because I’m writing even at the last hour.

Now that Valentine’s Day will be in the past, how many will carry it over into the future by expressing the love they demonstrated today by giving roses, candy and gift?

All week I’ve been meditating on the love of God…

Apostle Paul asked the question, “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?” And he answers, “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” (Romans 8:35, 37 NLT)

God’s love is always questioned when we’re facing adversity, life’s challenges and traumas.  Somewhere along the way we’ve been deceived into believing that if God loves us we shouldn’t experience the pains of life.  I’m convinced God does not cause pain; it all began in the Garden of Eden.  However, God will use it to our advantage and for His purpose. (See Romans 8:28 NLT).

While we don’t have all the answers as to “why”, we should keep telling ourselves that God loves us in spite of the situations we’re in or the unpleasant circumstances and painful experiences we suffer. I’ve learned that what I say is what I believe!

“If God is for us, who can ever be against us?  SINCE God did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” (Romans 8:31b, 32, NLT)

Although Valentine’s Day, February 14^th, is now in the past, I can still look forward to tomorrow because God shows His love for me every day .

Transition: Changing of the Guards

As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.  —Joshua 1:5

As the New Year approaches, transitions are inevitable. God’s plans, from the foundation of the world, are in motion  for 2013.  Many will be impacted by those plans; but keep in mind, God’s plans for us are always for our good even though it may feel as if they aren’t because you don’t know all the details.  This is why you must trust His heart.

Feeling abandon is a real-life experience after the death of a leader, or someone you have worked closely with for many years.  My own experience gives insight into how Joshua may have felt after Moses’ death.  It was indeed a time of transition—CHANGE for purpose—moving forward.   God had appointed this time to move His people from forty years of wilderness wanderings to possess their inheritance.

Are you in transition?

Is it time to possess your promise?  

The Israelites’ transition would result in the promise made to Abraham long ago. Not only would this be a geographical move, but it would also mean psychological adjustment for Joshua and the people.

If we’re honest, we don’t always like the way God brings His purposes and promises to pass.

Usually transition is uncomfortable and puts us in unsettling and uncomfortable positions. As a result, we are forced to exercise another level of faith.  Transition should compel us to position ourselves in God’s presence to hear His voice for clear directions. Hearing the voice of the Lord is extremely critical during times of transition. We are more vulnerable emotionally, and susceptible to demonic assaults on the mind.  The fiery darts of the devil are hurled in the form of defeating thoughts and feelings of rejection, abandonment, discouragement, and the list can go on and on.   When death occurs it thrusts us into a time of transition that can be emotionally overwhelming.  It’s easy to lose focus on God’s perspective in transition.  We spend too much time reflecting on the process and analyzing the details surrounding every aspect of this whirlwind of change.  Consequently, we risk getting stuck in the present and worrying about the future instead of trusting God to move us forward.

Assisting the leader is one thing, but being the leader raises the level of responsibility and accountability to God.  Although Joshua had been there with Moses as his assistant, he didn’t have to make any decisions.  Moses had always been the one; he was the leader chosen by God.  It was Moses who gave instructions from God—“said what God said.”  Moses had dealt with the rebellious, stiff-necked people. He had been the object of their complaints and murmuring because they had become comfortable being in bondage and wanted to return. Moses had been the one to intercede on their behalf when God wanted to kill them all.

Now, everything that Joshua saw Moses deal with as the leader he would inherit. Would it be any easier for Joshua than for Moses?  After all, this was the second generation (Joshua 5:4). They didn’t have the “bondage” mindset; they had a “wilderness” mindset. This second generation hadn’t experienced the miraculous deliverance from Egypt.  They hadn’t walked across the Red Sea on dry land. They hadn’t witnessed the power of Moses’ rod.

Do you think it was easier for Joshua to lead this generation as Moses’ successor? No. It was not any easier.  Although it was another generation, the sinful nature of humanity remains in opposition to God’s law, then and now.

Man’s disobedience to God will always make leading people challenging (Joshua 7:1-11). There are good times and difficult times.

 Nevertheless, the challenge of transition in leadership affects not only the leader but also the people. They must adjust to a new leader and leadership style. Joshua had been faithful in assisting Moses. He had been prepared to lead the Israelites, and assumed his leadership role at 80 years young.  What we must remember is that transition is always about God’s plan, purpose, and promise. 

Joshua’s assignment is clearly stated, “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead thespeople, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.” —Joshua 1:2

God understands how transition can affect us mentally and emotionally.  He assured Joshua of His presence, protection, and plan that guaranteed his success (Joshua 1:3-9). Not only did God assure Joshua of being an effective leader, He also established him as His choice to lead before the people.  This is important in times of transition.  It validates and affirms the new leader (Joshua 3:7). Since it was a time of transition, there would be a new strategy for accomplishing what God purposed and assigned to Joshua. Although the promise was made to Abraham, the strategy for possessing the promise would be different—the transition resulted in a time of conquest.  Israel would have to fight to obtain the promise.

Oftentimes, transition involves conflict, challenges and struggles in order to move you from the place of familiarity and comfort to another place where God’s plan, purpose and promises are waiting for you.  Transition requires a “faith fight.” 

The good news is that you have the assurance of God’s protection and presence—“I will not fail you or abandon you” (Joshua 1:5c, New Living Translation).

Although feeling abandon is a real-life experience after the death of the leader you’ve assisted in ministry for many years the assurance of God’s presence makes the transition a peaceful process.  Just make sure you obey His instructions to reap the rewards.

The Advantages of Weakness

Weaknesses, in general, are considered negatives.  Consequently, it seems impossible to see or even imagine any good from being weak, or in a state of weakness.  However, Christians can view weakness as an advantage.  We will be victorious and benefit in spite of our weaknesses, if we depend on God’s strength to sustain us.

 Apostle Paul wrote much of his second letter to the church at Corinth in self-defense of his authority as an apostle sent by God.  False apostles and teachers were corrupting the minds of Christians there.  In the 12^th chapter he continues to convince them further by telling them of his visions and revelations.  Keep in mind that during Paul’s day, visions and revelations were believed to be marks of special saintliness as well as authority.  It was a generally accepted belief that a man having visions was blessed of God; however, a man having pains was under God’s displeasure.  Of course, this was not the case with the apostle, Paul.

 In the text, we find that Paul had been given a thorn in the flesh.  In other words, he had a weakness.  There are two separate uncertainties about the phrase, “thorn in the flesh.”  Some scholars say thorn refers to a mental-spiritual affliction, while others say a physical pain or condition.  Many believe Paul used the term ‘flesh’ speaking of the natural (physical) body.  Yet, others believe he spoke of the nature of man.  Since there is no explanation, or specific details, we can be assured the attention should not be on the specifics of his condition, or what the “thorn in the flesh” was.  Instead, the attention is on the fact that he had a weakness. Therefore, we should focus on how God chose to respond by allowing Paul’s weakness to remain for a specific purpose.  

 The purpose for Paul’s ‘thorn’ (weakness) is clear— “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations…” (2 Cor. 12:7).  In essence, the weakness was for Paul’s benefit.  Nevertheless, he went to the Lord three times asking that it be removed.  This is no strange request.  As humans, it’s a natural desire to be perfect, strong, healthy, and self-sufficient with no weaknesses.  (Note: it’s a natural desire, but the sin of the first Adam made it naturally impossible).

Giving Thanks

Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].   —I Thessalonians 5:18 AMP

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Like me, you probably learned the common courtesy of saying thank you as a child.  If you have children you probably taught them also, and if you have grandchildren, you’re probably teaching them too. In fact, like me, you are probably annoyed when this common courtesy is neglected by children today, and especially adults.

As children, it may have taken some of us awhile to develop the habit. And some may have learned quickly in fear of the consequences if they showed signs of ungratefulness or forgetfulness.  However, the circumstances surrounding our expression of thanks as children usually centered on our receiving something.  It was always exciting to receive toys, gifts, goodies, and other items and rewards just for expressing gratitude. 

Oh, remember the birthday presents, and the Christmas gifts? I vividly recall the exchange of gifts at Christmastime. The room reverberated with excitement as the rippling and crumpling of wrapping paper mixed with unrehearsed but harmonizing expressions of gratitude sent exhilaration off the chart. The atmosphere reeked with gratitude because everyone had received the gifts they desired. Our hearts were overjoyed and giving thanks was easy… 

Also, saying, “Thank you” in response to compliments about our appearance or apparel was equally important but not equally grasped as a child. Children must be taught how to be thankful. Occasionally, while in the market I hear the same training technique used years ago especially among African-Americans. If the child does not respond immediately after a compliment, the mother mediates by asking the child, “What do you say?”  She may have to ask the question again before the child remembers what to say, but not really knowing why he should say it because he’s accustomed to saying thank you only when he receives something tangible.

Power: How important is it, after the storm, Part 2

Photo By SHANNON STAPLETON/Reuters

After the storm, I pray that all will have hope and grab hold of the visible and colorful reminder that God keeps His promise.  Like many of you, I watched the news and read about the destruction and devastation caused by Super storm Sandy throughout the eastern coast, which impacted some twenty-three states.  Sandy has been classified as an unprecedented storm by those who have covered storms in the past and weather related news for many years.

As I watched and prayed, I was saddened because many will write it off as “Mother Nature” doing her thing…it’s just something that happens.   I am certainly thankful for man’s giftedness to provide a scientific explanation of how storms are formed, to track them, and give warning to prepare and evacuate, if necessary. However, I believe preparation should go beyond the physical.  When the warning to prepare is given, it’s the perfect time to prepare spiritually— where are you in your relationship with God? Pray. Repent. Ask for forgiveness. Do you even believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? What if there’s a real heaven and hell, where do you want to spend eternity if you die in the storm? Are you ready to go, if you must? Ask God to save you, rescue your life to fulfill your life purpose if you know your heart is wicked and evil. This is the essence of spiritual preparation.

While systems are in place to track and trace a storm, no man can stop it! No one can change the course of its winds powerful enough to uproot huge trees, or stop the fifty-foot waves and floodwaters from breaking through dams and levees.  Storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes should help us put life and power in perspective.  Only God can speak to the winds and waves and they obey His voice. Psalm 107:29, “He calms the storm, so that its waves are still.” Mark 4:35-41, records this unprecedented power that Jesus demonstrated, which gripped the attention of the disciples.

Knowing this is reason enough to give greater consideration to how important is man’s power and authority in comparison to God as being all-powerful and all-knowing.  It’s something about being vulnerable or in a life or death situation that raises our awareness to what matters most.  Usually it is in times of disaster and tragedies that we personally and as a nation realize pain is not prejudice, and death does not discriminate.

Consequently, my prayer is always that people ponder and give deeper thought to the spiritual implications or supernatural aspect of storms that sends a message about power and authority. A storm reminds us of our human frailty, our vulnerability, and speaks to the power and authority that’s totally out of man’s control.   Storms should get our attention. They should make us to search within, change our actions and attitudes, look at life differently—its sacredness. After the storm, we should seize the opportunity to regroup and reevaluate our priorities.  Those greatly impacted by a storm should forever look at life differently; it should never be taken for granted, if you survived the storm or even if you lost loved ones in the storm.

Kurt Wilberding, a fashion and street photographer, snapped this Instagram photo in lower Manhattan, after Superstorm Sandy made its way through New York City.

The destruction and devastation our fellow Americans are experiencing as a result of Sandy should remind us all of what matters most—love for one another, promote justice for all, and to walk humbly with our God.

Once again, disaster reminds us that division is the greatest downfall of a nation that “supposedly” believes in democracy.  But,, even after the storm, there is hope.  The LORD God always keeps His promise amid the destruction, devastation and sorrow for the lives lost.  After the storm, I pray that all will make the decision to have hope and grab hold of the visible and colorful reminder that God keeps His promise. You are not alone.

Praying for peace after the storm,

Power: How important is it?

How important is power to you?  How are you keeping it in perspective? These are questions that candidates should be asked, especially during an election year for the highest office in the land. Not only should the presidential candidates be asked, but we should ask ourselves. Perspectives on positions of power and authority are critical to the influential outcome of a nation, government entity, organization, home and family environment, as well as the personal leadership role in any sphere of influence.

I’m a witness that power can go to an individual’s head, especially if they’ve never held an official or professional position of power. I say, “official” position because we all have personal power—influence—over others in our circle of friends or acquaintances.

Help the Others

When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.” That ended Paul’s discussion with them, but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the council, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

—Acts 17:32-34

 

The above Scripture passage really caught my attention and inspired this short word of encouragement and insight.

Everyone may not take what you have to say seriously, and receive it in faith.  You shouldn’t take it personal. You are the messenger carrying the Light of hope to help others. You are the bearer of “good news.” So what if they laugh in contempt at the good news of the Kingdom? Don’t be offended.  There are others who want to hear more about it, and will receive it in faith. Tell them. They will believe. Praise God for the ones who are drawn to the Light the world—Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately, you don’t know who will laugh and who will listen; therefore, you should keep telling the story of hope and redemption. Don’t lose heart and stop being a witness because you fear of rejection. When people don’t receive the message of hope, they are not rejecting you. They are rejecting the Christ—the One able to rescue them from eternal torment.  

Focus on the ones who will join forces to advance the Kingdom of God. They are the others; help the others that want to hear what you have to say about Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, and His unconditional love that will transform their life.

Pray for them. Encourage them. Help them. Also, pray for those who will respond negatively and in contempt and laughter. Pray for their souls; they are also the others…help them by interceding on their behalf. Why? Because all things are possible with God.

 

Keep running!

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnare us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.                         —Hebrews 12:1-2

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I’m certain several of you watched the 2012 Olympics and enjoyed seeing the athletes compete. Consider, in particularly, track and field.

Did you see any of the athletes stop running prior to the end of the race? Although they knew the possibility of coming in last, no one gave up. They kept running to the finish.  At least I didn’t see anyone give up. Did you?

 In order to make it to the Olympics they had to have a “made-up” mind…an absolute resolve that said I’m in the race to run, and I want to win. It’s a chance of a lifetime to win the gold! Therefore, they trained and exercised to be physically fit. They worked hard to achieve their goal. They believed in themselves; others believed in them and cheered them on.  They remained focused and motivated. They didn’t allow negative thoughts, doubt and unbelief to keep them from running. The spirit of defeat and hopelessness didn’t overwhelm them to the point of giving up. Of course, they knew from the start that everyone couldn’t win the gold, but they didn’t lose hope.

The above is an analogy with spiritual significance and truth. However,  I’m convinced that as Christians, we have an advantage in running our race. In the above passage, Apostle Paul encourages us not to give up by reminding us of all those before us who are now in the Faith Hall of Fame (chapter eleven). Their faith should motivate and inspire us. They are our invisible witnesses cheering us on. However, they did not have the advantage we have today—the Cross.  You probably never thought about Jesus’ death on the cross as being an advantage for us.   Relating to Jesus’ earthly race of endurance that ended in death on the cross, but resulted in victory for us through His resurrection is our greatest motivation to keep running in life’s Christian race. He is the Source of our faith, and the only One who completes it. He empowers us to stay in the race! Once we make up our minds to stay focused on Him, not get distracted by the naysayers and spectators on the sidelines, but instead stay in spiritual shape, we can keep running to the finish line. Still, it is our personal responsibility to do whatever it takes to stay in life’s marathon of faith—such as rid ourselves of everything that weighs us down, and the sin that trips us up and causes us to fall. If we fall, get back up and keep running! We must believe in Jesus Christ and remember all those in the Hall of Faith are cheering us on.

Best of all, in this race, we are all winners if we keep running. Stay spiritually fit through much prayer, praise, worship and the study of God’s Word.  Jesus is our role model. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Study Him. He stayed focus on His goal—He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside the Father’s throne.

Keep running! The Holy Spirit will remind you of the glorious future that awaits you when you finish the race, and receive your reward…a gold medal? No! better than that…eternal life!

 Here’s the truth: You are in a win-win race! Keep running!

Spiritual Leverage

Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, “Remember, LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.  —2 Kings 20:2

Reading this passage of scripture encourages me to be committed in my relationship with God. It inspires me to be consistent and persistent in my prayer life. Not only does it remind me of the power of prayer, but the credibility that my obedience to the Lord has when I petition him in prayer.

When God sent word telling Hezekiah to prepare to die, he chose to cry out to God for life.  For so long we have been taught that if God says, “It’s your time to die,” you get everything in order, and wait until you gasp for your last breath.  Not so with Hezekiah! Instead he chose to reject his confrontation with death.  He positioned himself for prayer. He made a decision to turn his back to what he was facing—death.  By turning his face toward the wall he would not be distracted by what he was facing but would look toward the place that represented stability, safety, and protection.   From that position he fervently petitioned God. 

No doubt you have received painstaking news, faced challenges with sickness and disease, felt gut-wrenching pain, and out of desperation and anguish you wept bitterly before God pleading for His mercy.  Scripture does not imply that Hezekiah asked for mercy.  Usually, when we pray for healing we appeal to God’s mercy.  However, Hezekiah sought God on the basis of covenant relationship. He asked God to remember how he had lived before Him—faithful—as a man wholeheartedly devoted to pleasing God.  Wow!!  How many of us can ask God to examine our lifestyle, and based on His findings extend the length of days—heal us.   Hezekiah seized the moment to hold his life up before God.  He had spiritual leverage and used it to petition God.  Amazingly, God responded favorably. Hezekiah’s prayer changed things!  Beloved, I believe this truth for us even now—prayer changes things.  God hears the prayer of His people.

 The bible says, “And it happened, before Isaiah reached the middle court that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you.” God heard Hezekiah’s prayer, and saw his tears, and promised to heal him.  Actually, God healed him and added fifteen years to Hezekiah’s life.

Reading this passage of scripture has inspired me to remain committed in my relationship with the LORD.  Living in obedience to His word, walking in truth with a loyal heart devoted to the things of God gives me spiritual leverage to petition God for healing and help in times of adversity, and hopeless situations.

Got spiritual leverage to petition God?

©Queen E. Phillips.  All rights reserved. Permission granted for nonprofit use only by the copyright owner.

Make the Light Prevail

Darkness (Photo credit: Roberto F.)

Sometimes the darkness that surrounds us brings dread and doubtful thoughts of never seeing the light of day. And unfortunately, many give in to the hopelessness that pierces their soul.  Then they are held hostage, caught in the mental crossfire between optimism and pessimism.

Felix Adler says it like this:

An optimist is a person who sees only the lights in the picture, whereas a pessimist sees only the shadows.  An idealist, however, is one who sees the light and the shadows, but in addition sees something else: the possibilities of changing the picture, of making the lights prevail over the shadows.

But may I encourage you? As a Christian believer of Jesus Christ, know this: Not only should you be an idealist seeing the possibilities of changing the picture, of making the lights prevail over the shadows, you have been given the authority to command the change through the powerful energy the Light radiates through your life (John 1:9; 8:12).

Thankful for the Memories

In Memory (1932-2003)

Today is Wednesday, and that day is almost here—Sunday, May 13, 2012, MOTHER’S DAY! It is still a bittersweet holiday for me.

It has been 9 years since my dear mother transitioned from this earthly life. I can’t believe it’s been that long. Yet, there’s not a day that my loving memories of her vanish as the years are quickly passing. For that I’m thankful.

Her sense of humor, confidence in me, and the joy that filled her heart are my inspiration as I pursue purposeful living without her.  Although her prognosis was overshadowed by the inevitable, she chose to live by faith every day.  She believed that her attitude about life and her hope in Jesus Christ made the difference in her timeline.  She chose not to give up, but to fight the good fight of faith even as the cancerous cells fought ferociously against her.  However, they did not overpower her will to live; she did not retreat in fear. Although her body was weakened, her mind was stronger because she fed her spirit daily in the Word of God and prayer.  Therefore, her short-numbered days were extended to years.

As I embark upon this next journey in life, I’m comforted in knowing she’s cheering me on now just as she did for as long as I can remember.  The pain of separation was greater than I could have ever imagined, but on December 26, 2003 I experienced the comforting presence of God.  I learned that His grace is sufficient in weakness, and that He gives strength to the faint-hearted.  I am convinced that the Lord Jesus Christ will carry you through the tough times until you’re strong enough to stand and walk again.

To everyone who has suffered the loss of a mother I pray you are comforted by the good memories and times you shared.  May the God of all comfort console you as He did me (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

And when all you have left are memories, you learn to be thankful for the memories that bring laughter as well as sadness.