Jesus and Race

I took this photo of my friend, Tracie this past Saturday. I'm sharing it today with her permission. It was taken at Empower Ministry's season kick-off where 27 of our volunteers gathered for Ron Ovitt's "Wired for Ministry" seminar. We have been serving in Ministry with our friends at Christ Temple for the last 4 years. For those who don't know, we serve the community at 95th and the Dan Ryan twice a month. We offer homemade hot lunches, free clothing and shoes for men, women, and children; the Gospel, prayer, love, relationship and connection. Pastors Eldridge and Dianne, along with their congregation, minister in this neighborhood everyday. For me personally, serving with them and coordinating this ministry has been one of the biggest joys of my life. It has grown me in ways I never could have imagined. It has given me fresh perspectives on my life and others. It has humbled me. Bent me. Caused tears, prayers on my knees, laughter, exuberance, and deep satisfaction. It has been one of my hardest challenges and yet the most deeply simple calling! I think I will always hold this particular photograph near and dear to my heart. First of all, I have great affection for the people in it. The sacred prayer time at the end of the conference was my favorite part of the day. Each of us were prayed over in very personal and Holy Spirit led ways. But going a step further, I was struck at the contrast of Tracie's beautiful white skin against the warm brown skin of Pastor Eldridge. A contrast that should not be ignored but celebrated. Acknowledged. Did you know that there are roughly over 7 billion people in the world and approximately 6,500 different languages spoken? It is too much for my brain to comprehend. The Lord has literally knit together billions of people. Each one separately knit together in the wombs of their mothers. He created the color of their eyes, numbered the hairs on their heads, gave them unique and special gifts, and knew the sound of their laughter before it even came to be. Who is this marvelous Creator of ours? Who can even begin to fathom His ways? Forget bilingual, our King of Kings speaks over 6, 000 languages and even understands the words that don't make a sound! He created cultures, skin colors, traditions, histories and families! Heaven, people. THIS is what we will see in heaven. Praise the Lord! Hallelujah! And, in my very tiny corner of the world where we are serving the Lord with all we have, at 95th and State in Chicago, we are coming together as God desires. Commands. Celebrating our differences and uniting under the same beautiful precious Savior, JESUS CHRIST! (I am laughing out loud as I write this. I am imagining Pastor Eldridge leaping off his chair right now with a shout that sounds like, "WHOOOOOOOOO!!!") May the Lord continue to guide and direct us. May we be honest and authentic with each other. May we be humble, kind, and extenders of grace. May we be open to learning from each other and always open to learning from the Lord. He is the best Teacher we could have. May we always seek to understand, connect, and relate to each other as Jesus would have us do. I LOVE YOU, LORD!!!!🙌❤️✝️

Enjoy Jesus

This morning as I sat down to pray, I envisioned Jesus at my favorite spot. He was along the shoreline at the cabin and lake my parents used to have in Parsons, Tennessee. He's always there and this time He smiled at me and said He had been waiting for me. Most of the time, we don't talk. I hang out with Him while he skips rocks and sometimes He stands, while sort of grasping a tree branch, just enjoying the nature. He is always completely relaxed without a seeming care in the world, despite the world resting on Him. I am conscious of the fact that His rested and peaceful countenance is intentional. He's always trying to teach me something, even without words. Sometimes, we sit on the bench together that is also on the shoreline. The air is cool but the sun is warm and soothing. It's early November. I'm aware that He invites me into His peace and other times into His playfulness. I'm totally comfortable grasping His hand and sometimes resting my thumb over the nail scar. Every single time,  it moves me to quiet tears. These times with Jesus are my most favorite. It is when everything falls into perspective.
We do not have to arrive somewhere to enjoy the Lord. We don't have to be a theologian. We don't have to have a healthy past. And, even if our present circumstances are dark, we definitely can still enjoy the Lord. We can move everything to the side and seek His face. It may take some practice and intentionality, but I promise you that the Lord enjoys us and you can enjoy Him, too. Just because we may have chaos, grief, heartache, or just big time things going on, does not mean we are by any means a mess. We simply are not those things. It may be a part of our life that feels big, but remember, it is only a part, not the whole. Consider yourself a delicious Fall pumpkin pie! Bear with me! Our troubles are only a slice or two. Jesus, the Truth Maker, knows that our problems are momentary and that we are so much more! The enemy on the other hand, would like to have us parked in that place of despair, confusion, and pain. It is all he wants us to see. No way out. Nothing will ever change. Your life is crashing down. There is no hope. Does that sound familiar? Haven't we all been there? Today, let's make a conscious decision not to park there. If we move ahead with God's grace, we will see better scenery. Jesus is the Way Maker!
If there is one thing you make a priority today, let it be taking some moments to really enjoy Jesus. Imagine spending time with Him in one of your favorite places. Just you and Him. Bask in His marvelous countenance. Watch and feel as the tension eases. Share a moment. He is waiting for you and He loves to spend time with you!

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17