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KEEPING CALM IN THE CHAOS

Mon, 06 May 2024 13:17:35 GMT

Times change, seasons change, era changes, knowledge is increasing by the second. Everything is moving so fast that we can hardly keep up. As technology rapidly improves, so it is that we find ourselves moving faster and faster, sometimes without realizing how fast we are going. It has become the norm.

For example, cooking on the stove top starts feeling slower and slower. We prefer to use the microwave. It is always tempting to go much faster than the speed limit because we are rushing to get to our destination. The clerks in the retail store or the supermarket cashier just seem to move too slowly for us. We are always in a hurry. The truth be told, sometimes there is no next appointment we just want activities to speed up. We do not ever want to wait. Heaven forbid!

We tend to think at times that even God is moving too slowly. We want our prayers answered right now. When situation does not work exactly the way we want it and in the time that we expect it, we get so impatient and wonder “Why is my life like this”? We are constantly in a mad rush going to the next place.

Technology might change, governments might change, nations will rise and fall but God’s principles remain eternal. Regardless of how sophisticated we become gravity will always be gravity and it is not to be defied. You will die if you jump from a twenty story building.

The Ancient of Days is not baffled by what we have created in the form of medical breakthroughs, robots, AI, and a whole host of new discoveries. As a matter of fact, as our Creator, He gave man the creative power. Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, Elon Musk and many other geniuses are not ahead of God in technology. Apart from God they know nothing.

As a matter of fact, if we look at the life of Jesus as He walked on the earth, we can learn from His activities which will help us to navigate through the chaos that we might be facing. Some activities are:

Community

In order for us as human beings to have good mental health it is imperative that there be social interaction. Jesus loved to interact with people. In Luke 10:38 the Bible says that when he entered a certain village Martha received Him into her home. Her sister Mary was also there. They had a brother whose name was Lazarus and he had a great relationship with all three.

Most of us know that Jesus’ first miracle took place in Cana at a wedding where He turned water into wine. It is mind blowing that the Pharisees called him a glutton and a winebibber because he would often socialize. He socialized with everyone, the rich, the poor, the outcasts and the sick. He did not stigmatize or ostracize people based on their economic or social background.

Jesus is all for community and sharing. He chose twelve disciples whom He trained. He is the ultimate master coach. For three years they slept together, ate together and were in constant fellowship. He was training them to be His disciples and ultimately men of God who would turn the world upside down with the gospel. They are still impacting the world today even though back then they did not have Facebook, YouTube, Instagram or any marketing funnel. Being part of a community helps to fortify your physical, mental and spiritual health.

Rest

We see in Luke 8:23 where Jesus fell asleep as they set sail on the lake. The winds and the water became so boisterous that the disciples feared for their lives. The Prince of Peace knows how to rest in the storm. Some of us are so sleep deprived that we think we are sick when all we need is to develop a healthier sleep pattern. Our body speaks to us. When you are tired, take a nap or if it is bedtime, go to bed. This is an activity that I am working on myself.

Prayer

Jesus was all God and all man when He was on earth yet He was constantly in communion with His Father. According to scripture, Jesus often prayed early in the morning. After ministering on any platform, it can be draining because virtue has left your body as a result of giving out so much to the people. In Matthew 14:23, it stated that after Jesus ministered to the multitude He would also go into the mountain or just away from the crowd to pray. Prayer restores and realign your mind, body and soul.

Fasting

Fasting has spiritual, physical and emotional benefits. It is important that you take a break from the constant eating and give your digestive system rest every now and then. There are different kinds of fast. Some people do intermittent fasting where you fast for a few hours or miss a meal every few days or once per week. You also have the Daniel fast which essentially consists of grains, fruits and vegetables for three weeks.

You have the dry fast which is usually a fast without food or water. There are people who have fasted for forty days but this you need to hear clearly from the Lord and speak to your doctor before attempting.

Fasting can be any amount of days as you are led by the Lord. If you have medical issues it is important that you check with your physician before embarking on a fast. However, spiritually it is the catalyst that propels you into a closer, deeper and more intimate walk with the Lord. There is nothing like denying the flesh and seeking the face of God. The reward is immeasurable.

Years ago when my pastor at the time suggested that every Christian need to fast the first thing that came to my mind was that I would not be able to do it. I was leery because I was sure that gas was going to fill me up. Shortly after that when the warfare intensified, I was fasting three days dry fast sometimes twice a week. You never know what you are capable of until you are faced with the test.

Exercise

Jesus and His disciples walked everywhere. The only time I read about Jesus riding was during Palm Sunday when He entered Jerusalem on the donkey. Exercise, even if it is moderately done helps with the blood flow to our vital organs and the brain. This is essential in maintaining good health physically, spiritually and emotionally. This in turn helps you to feel better about yourself and enable you to enjoy your relationships. In other words, you like yourself, it becomes contagious and so other people will gravitate towards you.

Hopefully, if you are experiencing chaos in your life you will be able to use one or more of these activities to help you remain calm.

Love and Blessings,

Sheron

COURAGE TO LIVE WELL

Sat, 04 May 2024 13:17:36 GMT

I was recently in a prayer meeting when the Spirit of the Lord showed me the word “Courage.” It was actually written twice. This virtue is worth reflecting on, as we all need courage. All of us have some amount of courage, I believe, but just like every virtue or every gift the more we exercise it is the stronger we become in that area.

What is courage? According to Google, it is the ability to do something that frightens one. Or strength in the face of pain or grief.

Miriam Webster. Com says, “The mental or moral strength to venture, persevere and withstand danger, fear or difficulty.

We all need to be courageous in the time that we are now living in. Many of you have found out just how resilient and courageous you are especially since so much has happened over the last few years. I believe that you find strength when you focus on the positive results that come from negative situations. As you focus on the word of God and have positive thoughts you will gain inner strength. You will also become more courageous in order to confront the giants in your life.

In my life, I have had more than one goliaths to contend with as I am sure you have as well. We all know about David’s Goliath but the reality is that all of us here can look back in our lives and say, yes, that situation that almost took me out was my goliath. However, without the goliaths we would not be able to exercise our courage muscle.

The challenges in our lives give us boldness and courage to walk the next mile on this journey of life. Whenever you miss your chance to slay your goliath or deal with the issues at hand in your life, you will not enjoy peace. It will make you feel miserable on the inside. Your attitude may even become sour. Why? Because you will be upset with yourself for not having the courage to take life by the “horn” so to speak. You were created to dominate; not ruminate. There is more within you to live the life God has for you than you could ever imagine.

What is it that is causing you to live in silent desperation? Is it because you know that there is so much more on the inside of you dying to get out. In order for you to not only survive but to thrive, you must become stronger than the forces coming against you.

David said in Psalm 27:1, that the Lord was his light and salvation. Whom shall he fear? The Lord is the strength of his life of whom shall he be afraid? (Personalize this verse with your name in.) This bold statement can only come from a man who knows his God. The only way to truly know God is to go through the tests and the challenges. Yes, some goliath experiences.

It is good to know the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation. However, you must seek understanding and revelation that comes from investing time in your relationship with the LORD. But if at the end of the day, you never venture from your prayer closet, the truth is that you lack courage. Courage is facing the world with all its darkness and sinfulness and yet having the courage to be different by bringing light. Courage is to know that you are an overcomer in the face of adversity. Courage is to excel in spite of disadvantages. Courage is also to love those who will even betray you.

Recently, as I thought about courage, these words came to me. “If you have courage to live well ; You will find courage to die well ; To live life to the fullest!"

May you find courage:

To love well

To laugh heartily

To forgive totally and to admit when you are wrong

To walk in your God-given calling and gift

To not back down from the adversary or adversities in your life

To be different from the crowd

To speak as the Lord leads

To get out of debt

To start a business or ministry.

To live life to the fullest.

In William Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar there is a line that says “A coward dies a thousand deaths but the valiant taste of death but once…”

Love and Blessings,

Sheron

RESILIENCE

Sat, 04 May 2024 13:17:35 GMT

Life is a journey and the entire global community knows what it feels like to live in uncertainty, negativity and darkness. We know that many experienced firsthand what it feels like to literally fight to receive oxygen through the crevices of their lungs. Those of us who have made it through the COVID 19 pandemic can safely say that we had never experienced anything like that before.

So in a post COVID 19 season, how do we continue to navigate through these rocky terrain and rough seas? How do we maintain our composure when we do not know what is next? How do we cope with the lingering memories of loved ones and friends who were taken suddenly from us? With all these emotions swirling around in our mind, we must still find a way to keep living, loving, giving and striving to be who we were meant to become.

Yes, life is full of uncertainties but in the midst of uncertainty if you look long and hard enough you will find a solid ground to stand on. There are great ideas that are perfect for you and your family that are just waiting to be discovered. Do not allow the multitude of voices around you to crowd out your creativity. Globally, every news station is screaming their side of the story in the hopes of getting greater ratings. Facebook is full of a mirage of ideas and theories. YouTube has a barrage of videos shouting for you to view. I am not saying it is all bad. I am encouraging you to not let this overwhelm you and stifle your creative voice. As a matter of fact, use it to your advantage.

There is no better time than now, to tap into the strengths that you have and soar in whatever area of growth you desire. During the COVID pandemic so many new businesses were started. Ideas that have been on the shelf of so many peoples’ heart took on new life when their backs were against the wall. Many have dusted off the skills that were buried under everyday tasks.

In high school I had music lesson but understanding the notes were extremely challenging for me so I did not particularly enjoy it. However, in my adult years I have this urge to learn to play the piano. So, I started learning the keys again on YouTube. What skills would you like to brush up on? Or what new skill would you like to learn? Maybe, it is a sport that you can enjoy with a family member or friends. Engaging in activities that you enjoy will uplift your spirit and put you in a frame of mind that makes it easier to bounce back from challenges.

For us to be resilient there can’t be too much weight on our mind. That is why it is imperative that you find the time to do activities that make you feel alive. I do not believe that you were meant to be going through life, every day, week after week, year after year, decade after decade trying to survive the rigors of merely existing. You were meant for much more. You have so much to give to this world. The mere fact that you are here shows how resilient you are.

What are some other things that can prevent you from being resilient? Hebrews 12:1 says that we should lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us so that we can run with patience the race that is set before us. So the weights that you need to get rid of are the emotional baggage that you carry around for so long that it has become the invisible part of your attire.

You know it is there, but you try to not let it bother you. In order to have greater bounce-back-ability, which is resiliency, it is imperative that you release un-forgiveness, bitterness, resentment, regrets and any other negative emotion you might have against others, against yourself and even God.

Having a strong resiliency comes from within. It is knowing that you are somewhat balance in your life’s journey. You are not perfect but you have an inner joy, you are not afraid to venture out of your comfort zone and try new things. You are connected to community and you feel authentic. You have weathered many storms in life and you have faith that you will overcome the next storm.

Love and Blessings,

Sheron