Friday, April 8, 2022
Greetings, Dear Friends ~
I pray no matter where you are in your life today, you know the unfailing and unwavering love of Almighty God. He is forever faithful! As we prepare to embrace Palm Sunday—remembering all that Jesus’ triumphal entry meant during His time and ministry on earth, especially the people for whom He came—I pray we find a way to be a blessing to those that are suffering in our nation and all peoples of continents around the world.
As an aside: I want to thank my favorite rabbi, Rabbi Bruce Aft, for the blog article that he wrote and sent to me—not only acknowledging the Passover seder and its meaning, but also the need for humanitarian aid for victims of the Ukrainian war; the confirmation of the first Black (African-American, Person of Color) woman to the Supreme Court of the United States, The Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson (I hear the shattering of another glass ceiling!; and the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson and all that he did to break down “the color barrier in major league baseball.“
As our Jewish brothers and sisters recall their journey from slavery to freedom, may we too remember the enslaved people around the world (including within our own borders), those subjected to human and sex trafficking, gross inequities (socially, systemically, racially and ethnically, between men and women professionally, financially, and educationally), and the need for all of us to, in the words of the prophet, Micah (6:8): “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.” Lord help us and Lord, please have mercy.
The Selah blog article for today is a reminder of the providence, sovereignty, and omniscience of God.
Let us begin by considering this thought: The end from the beginning—if we could know how something will turn out before it happens, would we behave differently? Would we choose more carefully? Would we be better people? Would we be more kind or gentle; a better listener; a more empathetic, caring, and compassionate person; more patient and giving; more affirming and encouraging? Better—not for the sake of some perceived reward but because it is truly the best thing to do?
I have spoken with many people over the years about words…. that is, the power of our words. Words build up or tear down. Words create or destroy. Words not only communicate, but within the communication, they reveal. Think about it. Words disclose what is within our hearts—and that is not always a good thing. Sometimes, it is best that we just keep our mouths shut! How many of us grew up hearing the words: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”? These words are true. I am not referring to those infrequent times that we open our mouths, insert foot, and wish could reel our word back in! We all have our bad days when we are not at our best. But what I am speaking of here is the person that is habitually destructive with his or her words—the person that is always negative, demeaning, belittling, condescending, or ridiculing. This is not the conduct that God wants from His children. It ruins our witness and causes us to appear hypocritical.
We all set out on the journey called life, and our parents are tasked with teaching us what we need to know to be successful. Part of that teaching is how we should live—including how we should treat each other. Influences, good and bad, help to shape us as we journey. We learn what to say and what not to say to each other. Going back to my earlier question, if we knew who we were going to become, would we do things differently? Would we treat every person like they matter to us? Would our words hurt, or would they heal?
Daily, I consider conversations and encounters I have had with people—both personally and professionally. If, through my reflection, the Holy Spirit shows me something I need to apologize, clarify, or correct, I try to make sure I follow-up. I never want my words to be hurtful, unthoughtful, offensive, or demeaning. Words and behaviors matter.
As you spend the next several days leading to Resurrection Sunday, I encourage all of us to think about what we might need to do differently. How is the related to the topic of the end from the beginning? Well, though we do not know the end from the beginning, we do know our destiny is in the Lord; our times are in His hands. What we allow or invite into our being will shape who we become—including our words. We are responsible and accountable to each other, and there is a greater calling. Here are just a few suggestions (myself included!):
- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (Matthew 7:12)
- Do justice; love mercy; walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)
- Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; love your neighbors as yourself. (Luke 10:27)
- Trust in the God that knows the beginning AND the end. (Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 57:15)
Again, our times are in God’s Hands. We are daily being molded and shaped into an image, but whose? Let the shaping and molding be done by the One that knows our beginning and our end. The outcome? Complete victory, My Friends!!!
Thank you, once again, for allowing me to share with you! May our God fill your life to the brim and allow you to see the overflow! This is my prayer for you as you remember my mantra . . . This world is definitely a much better place because you are in it!
God’s peace and blessings!
Until Next Time, My Dear Friends,
Selah