Today is the last day of 2011. And with that I would like to conclude the year with the Word of Lord for the next year 2012. There are three things that the Lord has really pressed in my spirit that I would like to share.
First, God says there was a shift in the season. 1 Chronicles 2:19 says, When Azubah died, Caleb took Ephrah as his wife...Azubah in Hebrew means desolation, which is devastation, ruin, drought, joyless, barren, lifeless and destitute.
Ephrah in Hebrew means fruitful place, a place of abundance, fertile, conducive to productivity, profitable, abundant yield and good results.
This is a season of turn around, a new season. There will be a great release of blessings to those who serve the Lord and were faithful in giving of their tithe and offerings and time, blessings to those who were loyal to God in service to others and who sincerely worshipped God regardless of the testing they may have encountered. God rewards loyalty.
Secondly, Malachi 1:6 says a son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am the Father where is my honor? And if I am a Master where is my reverence? says the Lord of host. God says, He wants His reverence back, His honor as King, His glory. Just as we are waitng in expectation of what He will do for us, He too sits in expectation of what we will do for Him.
The third thing God desires is that we in the Kingdom of God move as one nation and not as separate entities. He desires that we draw together as one movement, in thought, and actions. Having the same heart beat, following after the same thing. We will not survive alone, but must draw together as one. God calls for national unity of the body of Christ. (Isaiah 66:22-24)
I believe that as the new year dawns upon us this will be a year of transitional order. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare. Be flexible. Change is on the horizon.
Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Farewell 2011
Good bye, good riddance, so long. With a few more hours to go, I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of 2012. Yes, with open arms, expectation and hope. Hope that had been diminished by being on "pause", because of the fiery trials, test, turmoil, tumult and transition that this year brought to my doorsteps.
Now don't get me wrong, like so many others who had the same type of year, the God-given conclusion is I Made It Through! I learned some valuable lessons, grew a lot and changed for the better. The tests made me stronger, steady, stable and sober. I've come to trust God and to be wholly dependent upon Him as my source and resource.
So while I embrace the lessons of this past year, I release the baggage and am running full speed ahead into a new year full of expectation that the journey of life will be full adventure, intrigue, new places and people.
Happy New Year!
Now don't get me wrong, like so many others who had the same type of year, the God-given conclusion is I Made It Through! I learned some valuable lessons, grew a lot and changed for the better. The tests made me stronger, steady, stable and sober. I've come to trust God and to be wholly dependent upon Him as my source and resource.
So while I embrace the lessons of this past year, I release the baggage and am running full speed ahead into a new year full of expectation that the journey of life will be full adventure, intrigue, new places and people.
Happy New Year!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Let It Go and Move On
2 Samuel 19:4-6 (NKJV) - But the King covered his face, and the King cried out with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom my son!” Then Joab came into the house of the king, and said, “Today you have disgraced all your servants who have saved your life… in that you loveyour enemies and hate your friends.
I just couldn’t shake myself. For weeks I sat brooding each day over the loss of a friendship I
truly cherished. After a few months of prayer concerning my situation, I received a phone call
from someone the Holy Spirit gently prompted to reach out to me.
In the brief time we spoke I was lovingly rebuked for allowing myself to fall into a slump. Just like David, we often grieve and do so for long periods of time for relationships that are not good for us. We tend to forget about friends who are still around us, remaining faithful and true.
Often times we get caught up and so absorbed by our situations that we don’t celebrate and appreciate those who have been by our side in adversity. But, after that call I knew it was time to let it go and move on.
*Comments are welcome.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Pooped Pastors
I was browsing the internet, actually I had a thought and wanted to see if there was any info on my question: what does a pastor do when their ministry assignment changes? I know the obvious answer is to do what God says, or follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, etc. But, when you are in the midst of serious transition sometimes you look for reassurances that it is God and not you pushing yourself toward change.
In my search I came across this information. I believe the website is keylife.org:
At any given time, 75% of pastors in America want to quit. 1,500 pastors leave their assignments each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention within their local congregations. 70% of pastors do not have a close friend with whom they can openly share their struggles.*
Chances are that your pastor is pooped. And if you are a pastor...well...you know. It’s a uniquely tough job, and Steve has just launched an equally unique website to help.
Now there’s a safe place of grace and help for the shepherds of God’s flock. Stop by PoopedPastors.com and spread the word!
Visit PoopedPastors.com
* Statistics from Focus on the Family, Fuller Institute of Church Growth and Church Resource
Ministries
SELAH! Hm-m-m! This is a serious indictment against the church. We have to do a better job at taking care of our leaders as they are entrusted to take care of the flock. Encourage a leader today!
In my search I came across this information. I believe the website is keylife.org:
At any given time, 75% of pastors in America want to quit. 1,500 pastors leave their assignments each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention within their local congregations. 70% of pastors do not have a close friend with whom they can openly share their struggles.*
Chances are that your pastor is pooped. And if you are a pastor...well...you know. It’s a uniquely tough job, and Steve has just launched an equally unique website to help.
Now there’s a safe place of grace and help for the shepherds of God’s flock. Stop by PoopedPastors.com and spread the word!
Visit PoopedPastors.com
* Statistics from Focus on the Family, Fuller Institute of Church Growth and Church Resource
Ministries
SELAH! Hm-m-m! This is a serious indictment against the church. We have to do a better job at taking care of our leaders as they are entrusted to take care of the flock. Encourage a leader today!
To my fellow labourers in the vineyard, Happy Pastoral Appreciation Month!
Friday, October 14, 2011
God Knows What You Need
The story in the Bible of Jacob's relationship with his wives Leah and Rachel is perhaps one of the most intriguing stories to me. It starts with Jacob fleeing for his life. He tricked his father Isaac who was old, blind and about to die into blessing him with the birthright blessings of his brother Esau. (Genesis 28) He ran to the very place and family that God had years prior told Abraham to separate from. Yeah, Jacob was a slickster, but had no ideal he was about to run up into the king of slick, Uncle Laban.
As Jacob entered into Haran coming upon a well where shepherds’ were, he began to inquire about the town and his uncle. While they spoke, along came Rachel with her sheep. Not many days after being taken to his uncle's tent, Jacob became smitten and desired to marry Rachel. Having no dowry, he agrees to serve Laban seven years for her hand in marriage.
Seven years seemed like only a few days of toil for the love of his life. I can imagine the shock, anger, hurt and disappointment Jacob must have felt when the day after his betrothal he found out he had been tricked; and it was Leah instead of Rachel. Now God knew that Rachel was what Jacob wanted, but Leah was what he needed. Jacob complained to Laban and was given Rachel also as his wife. He agreed to toil another seven years for the thing he was already promised.
God knew that Leah, though not the most attractive had a right heart and motives. And like so many other women she desired to be valued, accepted and loved. But, Jacob despised the one God had selected for him and still wanted Rachel. Rachel, the gorgeous one that made his heart beat and his manhood throb.
Oh, but God had a plan for Leah the despised one. Leah was humble, submissive and unassuming. Hated by both her husband and her sister, God opened her womb. Rachel on the other hand was prideful, a liar, bitterness laid in her heart and though she was beautiful, she was also barren. God shut up her womb because she despised her sister.
The more Leah was mistreated the more fruitful she became, and birthed forth a nation of sons for Jacob. Rachel on the other hand was like a bitter herb and unfruitful. She had two sons, but being a woman of little strength, she died while giving birth.
Because Leah was fruitful, Jacob’s status at the gate of the city was elevated. Leah’s lineage produced a kingly heritage through which our Lord Jesus Christ would come. Let us recognize the hand of God in our lives. He will not always give you what you want, but He will give you what you need. He knows the end of a matter and what will bring you to a low estate as well as what will bring you to elevation. Selah.
As Jacob entered into Haran coming upon a well where shepherds’ were, he began to inquire about the town and his uncle. While they spoke, along came Rachel with her sheep. Not many days after being taken to his uncle's tent, Jacob became smitten and desired to marry Rachel. Having no dowry, he agrees to serve Laban seven years for her hand in marriage.
Seven years seemed like only a few days of toil for the love of his life. I can imagine the shock, anger, hurt and disappointment Jacob must have felt when the day after his betrothal he found out he had been tricked; and it was Leah instead of Rachel. Now God knew that Rachel was what Jacob wanted, but Leah was what he needed. Jacob complained to Laban and was given Rachel also as his wife. He agreed to toil another seven years for the thing he was already promised.
God knew that Leah, though not the most attractive had a right heart and motives. And like so many other women she desired to be valued, accepted and loved. But, Jacob despised the one God had selected for him and still wanted Rachel. Rachel, the gorgeous one that made his heart beat and his manhood throb.
Oh, but God had a plan for Leah the despised one. Leah was humble, submissive and unassuming. Hated by both her husband and her sister, God opened her womb. Rachel on the other hand was prideful, a liar, bitterness laid in her heart and though she was beautiful, she was also barren. God shut up her womb because she despised her sister.
The more Leah was mistreated the more fruitful she became, and birthed forth a nation of sons for Jacob. Rachel on the other hand was like a bitter herb and unfruitful. She had two sons, but being a woman of little strength, she died while giving birth.
Because Leah was fruitful, Jacob’s status at the gate of the city was elevated. Leah’s lineage produced a kingly heritage through which our Lord Jesus Christ would come. Let us recognize the hand of God in our lives. He will not always give you what you want, but He will give you what you need. He knows the end of a matter and what will bring you to a low estate as well as what will bring you to elevation. Selah.
*Selah means to pause, think about it and give God praise.
Hallelujah!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Weekly Money Matters- Let Faith Supercede Frustration
One thing I have learned in life is, being broke is no joke. Nothing to laugh about. Everyone that is in the broke status is not there because they have mismanaged their money. Some just don't make enough to make ends meet. And when you are living a life of faith, if you aren't careful frustration will set in.
These are difficult times we are living in and difficult times call for drastic measures. It is time to stand on NOW Faith (Hebrews 11:1). That is tenacity in the face of doubt, it is faith that will man up and go toe to toe with unbelief, it is faith without measure that supercedes even the most frustrating situations. It is the type of faith that will stubbornly stand and say, "I will trust God no matter what."
Apostle Paul summed it up like this, "We walk by faith, and not by sight." But the reality is that many are so focused on what's in front of them. So when we talk about faith sometimes they don't get it. Walking in faith doesn't mean that problems won't arise, it doesn't mean that you won't have to wait, or that you won't be tested. So far from the truth.
Life can present some very challenging financial moments and it seems no matter how you maneuver the money it just isn't enough and something ends up not getting paid. Some have experienced foreclosures, losing their apartments, car repo, electric being turned off, no food to feed their family, etc. Many marriages fall apart because of financial strain. It is during these times that the enemy of our soul will cause us to be frustrated with God, and to doubt His word.
Frustration is defined as to prevent from achieving a goal or a gratifying desire. Being frustrated will actually stop you from moving and getting to your next step. It will stop you from seeing the future and realizing the lessons of every finanicial challenge we encounter.
Faith on the other hand is always moving forward, is always seeking information and new strategy. Faith will keep you focused and at peace, even when chaos is swirling all around you.
Let your faith supercede the frustration you may be experiencing. Stand on your NOW faith knowing that God will deliver you out of all your trouble. Continue to honor God in giving tithe and offerings and watch as He turns every situation around for you.
As you stand on tenacious faith without measure watch as God brings you from a broke status to a status of blessings and living in the overflow.
These are difficult times we are living in and difficult times call for drastic measures. It is time to stand on NOW Faith (Hebrews 11:1). That is tenacity in the face of doubt, it is faith that will man up and go toe to toe with unbelief, it is faith without measure that supercedes even the most frustrating situations. It is the type of faith that will stubbornly stand and say, "I will trust God no matter what."
Apostle Paul summed it up like this, "We walk by faith, and not by sight." But the reality is that many are so focused on what's in front of them. So when we talk about faith sometimes they don't get it. Walking in faith doesn't mean that problems won't arise, it doesn't mean that you won't have to wait, or that you won't be tested. So far from the truth.
Life can present some very challenging financial moments and it seems no matter how you maneuver the money it just isn't enough and something ends up not getting paid. Some have experienced foreclosures, losing their apartments, car repo, electric being turned off, no food to feed their family, etc. Many marriages fall apart because of financial strain. It is during these times that the enemy of our soul will cause us to be frustrated with God, and to doubt His word.
Frustration is defined as to prevent from achieving a goal or a gratifying desire. Being frustrated will actually stop you from moving and getting to your next step. It will stop you from seeing the future and realizing the lessons of every finanicial challenge we encounter.
Faith on the other hand is always moving forward, is always seeking information and new strategy. Faith will keep you focused and at peace, even when chaos is swirling all around you.
Let your faith supercede the frustration you may be experiencing. Stand on your NOW faith knowing that God will deliver you out of all your trouble. Continue to honor God in giving tithe and offerings and watch as He turns every situation around for you.
As you stand on tenacious faith without measure watch as God brings you from a broke status to a status of blessings and living in the overflow.
Hebrews 11:1- Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
*Order my book, Lord, I'm Broke Again! It is a book that is geared toward financial healing. It is a quick easy to read lesson on financial matters. You can prchase it on Authorhouse.com, Amazon. com or BarnesandNobles.com
Join my blog- Selah with Pastor Tracy or leave a comment.
*Order my book, Lord, I'm Broke Again! It is a book that is geared toward financial healing. It is a quick easy to read lesson on financial matters. You can prchase it on Authorhouse.com, Amazon. com or BarnesandNobles.com
Join my blog- Selah with Pastor Tracy or leave a comment.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Oh Boy! What am I suppose to do......Tia is getting married!
Tia Cherie, I had her name picked out since I was about 14 or 15 years old. I carefully searched out the meaning of her name (Tia means princess in Greek and Cherie means beloved in French). I always knew one day I would have a daughter. There is so much I want to say about this special young lady who is one of my pride and joys, but I can't write it all here.
From the time I carried her in my womb I prayed for her, I read to her daily, sang to her and prophesied into her future. The day Tia was born was one of the happiest days of my life. I looked at her face and she looked so sweet and innocent like a Cherub. She became my Angel-face. My love for her grew day by day. I made a decision to be the best example as a wife, mother and woman I could possibly be. It has been a joy to raise her and to see her grow up to be the fantastic woman she has become. Now don't get me wrong she was not the perfect child, but she was mine. Inspite of a sometimes bumpy journey through life I was determined that my daughter would always have my ear. That no matter what was going on, she could come talk to me about anything. I vowed be her biggest cheerleader in whatever she endeavored to do and to be a fierce protector of my daughter. Most of all, I worked hard as a mom to have a fantastic relationship with both of my girls.
Years ago I made one of the hardest decisions in my life to separate and eventually divorce her dad. I completely changed our lives. At the time I also chose to walk away from God and threw in the towel of ministry. She grew up being a PK and here I caused upheaval and turmoil by my decisions and taking away the christian lifestyle she knew. And even though Tia didn't understand, she never judged me. She was a source of inspiration and was my steady rock on days when I was out of my mind. You can't ask for a better daughter, friend and support.
One of the hardest moments in my life was the day my parents and I dropped her and my youngest daughter off at Del State to begin their freshmen year. Some days I felt as if I couldn't breathe, inhaling when they were away and exhaling on the days they would come home. I eventually got over it and began to breathe again as I became use to my new life and found things to occupy my time. During her sophmore year of college I gave my life back to the Lord. Upon seeing my example and the change in my life she decided to also give her life back to the Lord. Every weekend she would drive 3 hours from Delaware for service and go back back to school afterwards. When it was time for her to go back for her third year of school she decided to stay home. Though I was not happy about the decision, I knew God had a plan for her life and who is big enough to fight with God......not me!
I have watched Tia develop into a precious jewel of God and an awesome worship leader with a heart for God. What has impressed me most about her walk with God is her faithfullness and refusal to compromise on the standards of holy living. In so doing even when others were dating she waited on God. Through tears sometimes of doubt of her worth and questioning if God had someone for her. She remained faithful and waited on God. God heard. God saw. And God has blessed this vessel of honor with a wonderful young man and on November 12, 2011 a part of her life's dream will be fulfilled.There is so much I want to say, but, I am going to end by saying, Tia, I love you with my heart, I'm proud of you and know that marriage is another chapter to be written in the story of your life. I have been so blessed by God that he chose me almost 25 years ago to be your mother. I will always cherish our relationship. I pray that you and Will have a long loving, blessed and prosperous life together.
Congratulations to Min. Will Lowery and my precious Angel- Min. Tia Gittens!
So with all that has been said, what am I going do? Pat myself on the back for a job well done, kick back and enjoy life. The newest chapter of my life is just beginning.....
SELAH!
Means to pause, think about it and give God praise.
HALLELUJAH!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Weekly Money Matters- Financial Education
Financial trends have changed and we have to change with the trends. It is important especially now with so much uncertainty that we pay attention to what is happening financially. We have to re-educate ourselves to the new money system that we are unwittingly being ushered into, and yet as Christians remain faithful to the principals that are outlined in God's Word concerning tithing and giving offerings.
No matter what is going on with the world's system the Laws of Prosperity and Reciprocity do not change. As long as we continue to follow the principles of God's Word it will always work for us because He is bound by His word and not moved by the failing economy of America, the diminshed standing of the dollar, the unemployment numbers, famine in the land or drought.
However, we cannot ignore what is going on around us and need to use wisdom and pay attention to the financial trends that are taking place. I believe that this is a good season for Christians to receive the blessings of the Lord, the latter rain, the blessings that make one rich and adds no sorrow. This is our season to recieve our Abrahamic blessings and to live in the overflow.
We need to pay attention to what's happening with the banks. New charges are being added to some bank customers who use their ATM cards, fees added to your account to store your money in the bank, fee if you use their automated bill pay systems, etc. Pay attention! These fees are eating up our money dollar by dollar, little by little. We need to become better skilled at handling our finances and managing credit card debt.
Sometimes we get ourselves in trouble because we don't pay attention to the financial details of our lives and we end up being in a big hole and we want God to come with His economic bail out plan designed just for ourselves. Not so. In this hour we have to educate ourselves and make adjustments to our life style. The truth is the economy will never be the same. It will never go back to what it once was.
Not only that, only those who educate themselves about the new financial trends will survive.
SELAH!
Pastor Tracy
*Purchase my book, Lord, I'm Broke Again! which deals with getting out of debt, breaking emotional soul ties to money and Kingdom financial principles. Can be purchased at Authorhouse.com, Amazon.com and Barnesand Noble.com.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Peeling back the layers of Prejudice...(part 3 of 3)
Prejudice is a divisive scheme of Satan to keep all of God's creation at odds with one another. He knows that if God's people were to truly come together in unity that there would be so much power that we would cause mass destruction to the kingdom of darkness. Division of any kind is not of God. It is not Christ-like when we purposely malign others, set out to destroy one race in favor of another, it's not cool to be racist. God is not pleased with those who are skin-heads, Nazi's,or involved with the Klu Klux Klan, display racial, ethnic or gender bias, he is not pleased with ethnic cleansings that take place in Africa, racially motivated hate crimes or even black on black crimes. It's not right when prejudice is practiced in our families, the work place, our neighborhoods, schools and most of all not in our churches.
The Church has standards according to the laws of God that we must adhere to. We should not compromse on certain positions when it comes to sin or things that are contrary to what we believe to be right according to the Bible, but we do not have to be intolerant of sinners, and we should not display racial or ethnic prejudice. Bigotry does not belong in the pulpit.
As the layers of my own heart was being pulled back I was reminded that through the pains I have experienced and the distaste left in my mouth by racism towards African-Americans, I still have to practice Matthew 5:44 says, "love my enemies, bless those who curse me, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who despitefully use you....." I am responsible for what the Holy Spirit has exposed in my heart and I am required to change, Romans 12:2 says, "Be not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...." I am open to change and like the Apostle Paul I choose to forget those things that are behind me and press towards what's ahead, the prize of the high calling.
John 3:16, For God so loved the world.....God loves everyone and does not want anyone to perish. He doesn' judge man like we do but, judges the heart of man. My responsibility as a Christian is to love.
1 Peter 4:8 says, " And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover the multitude of sins."
The soil of our country is stained with the blood of many Indians, slaves, African Americans and others who have stood for racial equality in this country. Healing starts with us and our willingness to face our past history so as not to allow it to be a part of our future, to have an honest conversation concerning race. We have to be willing to forgive others of past atrocities to our ancestors and even the things we still experience today.
I forgive but, will never forget as I pray for the healing of America.
The Church has standards according to the laws of God that we must adhere to. We should not compromse on certain positions when it comes to sin or things that are contrary to what we believe to be right according to the Bible, but we do not have to be intolerant of sinners, and we should not display racial or ethnic prejudice. Bigotry does not belong in the pulpit.
As the layers of my own heart was being pulled back I was reminded that through the pains I have experienced and the distaste left in my mouth by racism towards African-Americans, I still have to practice Matthew 5:44 says, "love my enemies, bless those who curse me, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who despitefully use you....." I am responsible for what the Holy Spirit has exposed in my heart and I am required to change, Romans 12:2 says, "Be not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...." I am open to change and like the Apostle Paul I choose to forget those things that are behind me and press towards what's ahead, the prize of the high calling.
John 3:16, For God so loved the world.....God loves everyone and does not want anyone to perish. He doesn' judge man like we do but, judges the heart of man. My responsibility as a Christian is to love.
1 Peter 4:8 says, " And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover the multitude of sins."
The soil of our country is stained with the blood of many Indians, slaves, African Americans and others who have stood for racial equality in this country. Healing starts with us and our willingness to face our past history so as not to allow it to be a part of our future, to have an honest conversation concerning race. We have to be willing to forgive others of past atrocities to our ancestors and even the things we still experience today.
I forgive but, will never forget as I pray for the healing of America.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Peeling back the layers of Prejudice...(part 2 of 3)
Today I need to confess that I have an issue and that I'm willing to allow God to peel the layers of my heart. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (NKJV)
Prejudice can stem from many sources, it can be instillled in childhood by a parent, it can come from anger from past atrocities of Native Americans who were forcibally removed from their lands, the frustration of African Americans over slavery, the anguish of Jews because of the Holocaust and the bitter taste that the Civil Rights Movement has left in the mouth of those who lived through it. Prejudice is seen every day in current trends of bigotry against homosexuals, those who are obese and the internal prejudice that has been brewing since 9/11 against Muslims and those of Middle Eastern descent, I can go on and on about prejudice and the racial division of America. Prejudice lurks about in our churches, we don't want to admit it but, in many communities you still have segregation in churches and by denominations. There is prejudice by nationality and even financially, the caste system is not only in India but in America also.
Some are prejudice because of fear (of being a victim of sheer ignorance a the hands of others); anger (over past and even current situations of hate crimes); disappointed (that it is 2011 and we still have not changed in tolerance towards others); bitter (about the injustice that people of color still face in this country). I have to admit that in the past I have boiled at what I have preceived to be racially motivated actions of police officer who in New Jersey were doing racial profiling for years and the killing of Sean Bell in New York some years back the night before his wedding at the hands of undercover cops. I get angry over the senseless incarceration in Paris, Texas of a 14 year old girl for seven years for pushing a teachers assistant; or the cruel, torture and killing of black men as they are dragged to their death by being tied to the back of pick up trucks, oh I can go on but, I won't. I think you get the point.
The issue of prejudice is one that I think we will never understand. Even in the Bible we see some glimpses of prejudice as with Miriam berating Moses for marrying an Ethiopian woman (Numbers 12:1); Jonah not wanting to go to Nineveh (Jonah 1:1-3); Jesus with the woman of Samaria (John 4:9).
God had to deal with Peter through a vision of his ministering to Gentiles (Acts 10:9-15). Two powerful scriptures are found in verses 28 and 35: "But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him." (NKJV)
My experiences of racism and those of others who have experienced racism, sexism, bigotry or any other biased behavior does not justify me nor gives me the right to be prejudice or hold everyone else responsible for the actions of a few. Today, I wholeheartedly repent for harboring anger, bitterness, fear and dislike toward anyone because of their actions whether toward me or others. But, I also repent for my thoughts, remarks and actions toward others that have been unkind. I choose to let go of my prejudice and I forgive those who have called me the "n" word, treated me unfairly and unkindly, and have stood in the way of my success. I choose to break the barriers and strongholds that have ensconced me from 1968 until now.
Prejudice can stem from many sources, it can be instillled in childhood by a parent, it can come from anger from past atrocities of Native Americans who were forcibally removed from their lands, the frustration of African Americans over slavery, the anguish of Jews because of the Holocaust and the bitter taste that the Civil Rights Movement has left in the mouth of those who lived through it. Prejudice is seen every day in current trends of bigotry against homosexuals, those who are obese and the internal prejudice that has been brewing since 9/11 against Muslims and those of Middle Eastern descent, I can go on and on about prejudice and the racial division of America. Prejudice lurks about in our churches, we don't want to admit it but, in many communities you still have segregation in churches and by denominations. There is prejudice by nationality and even financially, the caste system is not only in India but in America also.
Some are prejudice because of fear (of being a victim of sheer ignorance a the hands of others); anger (over past and even current situations of hate crimes); disappointed (that it is 2011 and we still have not changed in tolerance towards others); bitter (about the injustice that people of color still face in this country). I have to admit that in the past I have boiled at what I have preceived to be racially motivated actions of police officer who in New Jersey were doing racial profiling for years and the killing of Sean Bell in New York some years back the night before his wedding at the hands of undercover cops. I get angry over the senseless incarceration in Paris, Texas of a 14 year old girl for seven years for pushing a teachers assistant; or the cruel, torture and killing of black men as they are dragged to their death by being tied to the back of pick up trucks, oh I can go on but, I won't. I think you get the point.
The issue of prejudice is one that I think we will never understand. Even in the Bible we see some glimpses of prejudice as with Miriam berating Moses for marrying an Ethiopian woman (Numbers 12:1); Jonah not wanting to go to Nineveh (Jonah 1:1-3); Jesus with the woman of Samaria (John 4:9).
God had to deal with Peter through a vision of his ministering to Gentiles (Acts 10:9-15). Two powerful scriptures are found in verses 28 and 35: "But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him." (NKJV)
My experiences of racism and those of others who have experienced racism, sexism, bigotry or any other biased behavior does not justify me nor gives me the right to be prejudice or hold everyone else responsible for the actions of a few. Today, I wholeheartedly repent for harboring anger, bitterness, fear and dislike toward anyone because of their actions whether toward me or others. But, I also repent for my thoughts, remarks and actions toward others that have been unkind. I choose to let go of my prejudice and I forgive those who have called me the "n" word, treated me unfairly and unkindly, and have stood in the way of my success. I choose to break the barriers and strongholds that have ensconced me from 1968 until now.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Peeling back the layers of Prejudice...(part 1 of 3)
Prejudice: a preconceived usually unfavorable idea; an opinion held in disregard of the facts that contradict; intolerance and hatred of other races, etc.; injury or harm, as by some judgment..
Thesaurus: biased, directed against, influenced, dogmatic, opinionated, narrow minded, intolerant, racist, chauvinistic, bigoted, partial, etc.
Writing about the topic of prejuidice is probably one of the hardest things I have done. I have been fretting all day long because this is such a sensitive subject, and in talking about it leaves me vulnerable. My writing about ths subject is not to further fuel the fires of prejudice but, to hopefully help someone else find healing from the pains and atrocities of past experiences.
Today as I took my early morning walk the Holy Spirit spoke these words to me, "You are prejudice." As he spoke these words it was as if a dam broke loose and the tears streamed down my face. Being prejudice is not something I wanted to readily admit nor is it something I ever talk about with anyone. It has been one of those "dirty" little secrets I have held in my heart and as long as no one talked about it, in my heart it would have remained.
But, this morning was different. I had watched a program that talked about the Jewish nation and how we put ourselves under a curse whenever we speak any disparaging remarks about them. So as I was walking I was casually repenting for not praying continuously for Israel and for any remarks I may have made concerning anyone of Jewish descent.
My prejudice towards white people stems from my childhood memories of growing up in Virginia. Having been born in the 60's during the Civil Rights era, I remember being bussed from my neighborhood to an white school district, I know what it's like to be called the "n" word and the negative emotions that causes you to boil inwardly and oftentimes cause you to hold your head down in shame. I know what it's like to go into a store and because of the color of your skin you emit distrust to the the point that you are either followed around the store or never acknowledged when you enter. I've expereinced prejuidice in the workplace and as recently as three years ago at a friend's wedding reception in North Carolina the fuel for my prejuidice began boiling again as we watched in horror the blatant disrespect given by the banquet hall owner to the newly weds.
Now please don't get me wrong I don't dislike all white people. One of my closest and dearest friends named Martha is white, and then there is Liz whom I love whith my whole heart and there has been white people in my family and there are those that I do associate with that I truly love and when I'm with them there are no color barriers. It's just the rest of white America (ok not all just the ones I've encountered during my life's journey) that I have a problem with and this morning as the Holy Spirit pricked my heart I repented.
Mark 4:25-26- And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But, if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses. (NKJV)
Today was the beginning transformation for me.
Thesaurus: biased, directed against, influenced, dogmatic, opinionated, narrow minded, intolerant, racist, chauvinistic, bigoted, partial, etc.
Writing about the topic of prejuidice is probably one of the hardest things I have done. I have been fretting all day long because this is such a sensitive subject, and in talking about it leaves me vulnerable. My writing about ths subject is not to further fuel the fires of prejudice but, to hopefully help someone else find healing from the pains and atrocities of past experiences.
Today as I took my early morning walk the Holy Spirit spoke these words to me, "You are prejudice." As he spoke these words it was as if a dam broke loose and the tears streamed down my face. Being prejudice is not something I wanted to readily admit nor is it something I ever talk about with anyone. It has been one of those "dirty" little secrets I have held in my heart and as long as no one talked about it, in my heart it would have remained.
But, this morning was different. I had watched a program that talked about the Jewish nation and how we put ourselves under a curse whenever we speak any disparaging remarks about them. So as I was walking I was casually repenting for not praying continuously for Israel and for any remarks I may have made concerning anyone of Jewish descent.
My prejudice towards white people stems from my childhood memories of growing up in Virginia. Having been born in the 60's during the Civil Rights era, I remember being bussed from my neighborhood to an white school district, I know what it's like to be called the "n" word and the negative emotions that causes you to boil inwardly and oftentimes cause you to hold your head down in shame. I know what it's like to go into a store and because of the color of your skin you emit distrust to the the point that you are either followed around the store or never acknowledged when you enter. I've expereinced prejuidice in the workplace and as recently as three years ago at a friend's wedding reception in North Carolina the fuel for my prejuidice began boiling again as we watched in horror the blatant disrespect given by the banquet hall owner to the newly weds.
Now please don't get me wrong I don't dislike all white people. One of my closest and dearest friends named Martha is white, and then there is Liz whom I love whith my whole heart and there has been white people in my family and there are those that I do associate with that I truly love and when I'm with them there are no color barriers. It's just the rest of white America (ok not all just the ones I've encountered during my life's journey) that I have a problem with and this morning as the Holy Spirit pricked my heart I repented.
Mark 4:25-26- And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But, if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses. (NKJV)
Today was the beginning transformation for me.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
I am so excited about this inaugural posting of SELAH with Pastor Tracy. I have been wanting to do this for a long time. SELAH means pause, think about it and give God praise! We have so many instances in our lives that are AHA! moments and we need to Selah. We not only need to pause and think about it but, find opportunity in everything to give God praise.
I pray that you will take the daily journey of life with me as I share my thoughts, inspirations, weekly Financial Savvy tips , a weekly entry of My Picks of the week and of course our moments to SELAH!
So in an effort to kick off this inauguration in style here is my thought for the day:
Awake! Awake! Put on your strength, O Zion.....shake yourself, arouse yourself from your place of slumber. It's time to get up and subdue the enemy. We have layed down long enough and wallowed in the furroughs of defeat and shame as the enemy has brought many in the kingdom of God low and some even to their demise. But, its time to awaken and arm ourselves for the battle that is at hand. It is time to use the intelligence data that we have about our enemy and strategically pursue and conquer as the mighty army of God that we are. Through Jesus Christ we can achieve victory in every area of our lives. Not only that but remember we are in the trenches with our brother and sisters and must learn to cover and protect each others back. Time out for the "friendly fire", and wounding our own soldiers, It's time to stand in unity.....where there is unity in the Kingdom of God there is definitely strength.
I pray that you will take the daily journey of life with me as I share my thoughts, inspirations, weekly Financial Savvy tips , a weekly entry of My Picks of the week and of course our moments to SELAH!
So in an effort to kick off this inauguration in style here is my thought for the day:
Preparation for Spiritual War
Awake! Awake! Put on your strength, O Zion.....shake yourself, arouse yourself from your place of slumber. It's time to get up and subdue the enemy. We have layed down long enough and wallowed in the furroughs of defeat and shame as the enemy has brought many in the kingdom of God low and some even to their demise. But, its time to awaken and arm ourselves for the battle that is at hand. It is time to use the intelligence data that we have about our enemy and strategically pursue and conquer as the mighty army of God that we are. Through Jesus Christ we can achieve victory in every area of our lives. Not only that but remember we are in the trenches with our brother and sisters and must learn to cover and protect each others back. Time out for the "friendly fire", and wounding our own soldiers, It's time to stand in unity.....where there is unity in the Kingdom of God there is definitely strength.
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