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Give Thanks in ALL Seasons!

Posted on November 23, 2020December 22, 2020 by Grace to Greatness

It’s Thanksgiving Season 2020 and I feel so blessed and thankful. I mean like SUPER blessed and thankful where I barely can contain myself. Every year I make a conscious effort to reflect on what I’ve been through and praise God. Taking the time to acknowledge what he has done, is doing, and will do in my life is always encouraging to my spirit. The bible instructs us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This year was no different, but my worship was from a much deeper place.

The year started off so exciting. Everyone was screaming 2020, the year of perfect vision! From a spiritual lens, this would be a time to see ourselves, the world, and the things of God clearly. All of my friends professed how they were ready to take on the world and be unstoppable. I’ll admit, I was also looking forward to checking some goals off from my to-do list. However, things quickly took a turn. In March it was announced that the United States had to quarantine due to the Coronavirus (COVID19). No one could have prepared for a situation this urgent. We were in a state of emergency. People panicked. Fear was continuously rising when it was discovered that the United States wasn’t the only place being effected. This was a GLOBAL PANDEMIC!

Season of Quarantine

To quarantine is to be in a place of isolation. There have been times in the bible when God has instructed his people to remain home. During these times, God stated for his people to hide themselves for a little while until his wrath passed (Isaiah 26). Of course, I never imagined experiencing what resembles his wrath during my life time. Shocked is an understatement.

To date, COVID19 has contributed to significant unemployment and death rates across most all states, industries, and demographics. It has been hard to imagine what each upcoming month would hold. Fortunately, all of my family and friends have been in good physical and financial condition. I rejoiced while typing these words, knowing that many others don’t have that same testimony. Thus far, God has covered us with his feathers and we have found refuge under his wings (Psalms 91:4).Truly, I have a reason to give thanks. The experience of living during this global pandemic has definitely reminded me of the Egyptians facing the ten plagues.

Season of Plagues

The Book of Exodus can be broken down into two parts. The stories of the Ten Plagues of Egypt can be found in the first part (Ch. 1-18). Exodus means to go, depart, or emigrate. The reason for the ten plagues being inflicted on Egypt by God was to force the Pharaoh to allow the Israelites to be freed from the bondage of slavery. Pharaoh was stubborn though. He was determined to keep the Israelites under his feet. So God first sent five plagues to the land to show his power. Pharaoh hardened his heart and refused each time when asked by Moses to release them. Therefore, five more plagues were sent.

The last and most intense of the plagues was the death of the firstborn son. This plague hit Pharaoh were it hurt the most. Moses warned Pharaoh in the name of God that midnight would bring death. He expressed that an angel would descend upon Egypt and wipe out all its firstborns, from the son of Pharaoh to the son of the maidservant, and even those of animals. Pharaoh still would not listen.

God had given Moses instructions to order the Israelite families to sacrifice a lamb and smear the blood on the door of their homes. This would allow the angel of death to ‘pass over’ them. When night came, God sent the angel of death to kill. Death came to Pharaoh’s door and his son died. He was enraged. He summoned for Moses and not only did he say that the Israelites could leave, but he compelled them to go.

Once freed, the second part of Exodus (Ch. 19-40) tells of the Israelites traveling to Mount Sinai. This portion of scriptures is referred to as the Passover.

Plague versus Virus

In Exodus, Pharaoh showed us what it looks like when humans participate in evil behaviors. He hardened his heart and turned from the things of God. He placed his own pride and values above all else. Egypt was being built on the backs of the enslaved. It was a prime example of the rich striving to become richer. But the bible states, “He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want” (Proverbs 22:16).

So, I ask you, what is God trying to tell us about the way the world is now? COVID19 can very well be viewed as our present day plague. Are leaders again taking advantage of their power at the expense of those less privileged? Will there be a new Passover coming for the people of God? And no, these questions are not meant to alarm up or create more fear. These are thoughts that have crossed my mind throughout this season.

What About You? (Life Application)

What have you been doing during this pandemic? Have you used the time in quarantine to start a new hobby or fine tune a skill? Have you spent intimate time with the people in your household and with God? Let me encourage you, don’t get distracted during this season. Stay focused on the things of God and love on the people who matter the most. Allow your spiritual vision to be perfected. Even though things around you may seem chaotic, continuously offer to God a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15). Daily I command my spirit to give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness ( Psalms 7:17a). This is still the season for you to give thanks as well!

Forgiveness is for You

Posted on October 18, 2020October 19, 2020 by Grace to Greatness

God loves family. We see the idea of family come to life in the book of Genesis. And throughout the bible, God speaks highly about two core areas of family: marriage and parenthood. But with family, there will be times of laughter and joy, but also of hurt and disagreement. After all, a family is a unit of individuals with their own identities. I, myself went through a terrible ordeal within my family a few years ago. The issue still causes some conflict now during certain events and holidays. In my opinion of course, a situation that could more quickly had begun to heal continued to take on new life every time the relative wanted to relive the day, spread the word to others, and make attempts to get their point across. It was bad.

Outside of the initial hurt, the hardest part about it all was not speaking my peace about it. Not telling my side or being able to speak against every lie about what had actually taken place or even lead up to that moment. It was torture within myself. As you too may have experienced before, the more times a story is told, the more new versions begin to exist. Some things will be added, while others will be taken away.

Truly, I only spoke part of my peace when I was directly confronted in person by other family members. All other times, I tried to win the battle on my knees in prayer. It was hard. And two years would pass before certain family members would later apologize for choosing sides, taking part in gossiping, or even becoming evolved in a matter that didn’t directly affect them instead of praying for us.

It always amazes me how so many people speak about the importance of raising children the right way (Proverbs 22:6) or children obeying their parents so that they may live a long life in the land. But rarely, does anyone discuss parents not provoking their children to anger (Ephesian 6:1-4). This principle is important too. But, when I got the revelation of forgiving people who may not ever apologize, it was life changing. It allowed me to take the power back from whomever in whatever situation.

A traumatic story that I’m reminded of is that of Joseph and his brothers and how even he was able to forgive them.

Family Feud

Joseph was the son of Jacob. His family lived in Canaan. He was one of twelve sons. Ten were older and one was younger. His mother had passed away during the birth of his youngest brother. He was the favorite of the sons and his brothers knew it. Jacob adored Joseph’s kind spirit and innocence. One birthday Jacob even gifted Joseph a special rob with colors of the rainbow that made the brothers extremely jealous and hate Joseph all the more. The feeling of hate was like a blazing fire inside of them. It was so intense that one day some of the brothers plotted to kill him.

They were out in the fields tending to the flocks when they decided to turn on Joseph. However, there was conflict among some of the brothers about actually going through with it. So, they only striped him down and threw him into a well while they pondered over his ultimate fate. Surprisingly, around this same time, a camel caravan of Ishmaelites coming out of Gilead was observed. It was carrying spices and perfumes to Egypt for trade. The idea then came about for Joseph to be sold into slavery. The traders paid twenty pieces of silver for Joseph and went on their way. The brothers then took Joseph’s coat back to Jacob. They smeared sheep’s blood on it and lied that Joseph had been killed by wild animals. Their father was devastated.

Joseph Forgives

Joseph would endure different hardships while being a slave and imprisoned. Through it all, he never lost faith. A time came when he ultimately gained favor and position in Egypt. Even then, he continuously gave all honor to God. It would be ten years before he would see his family again and his words were this:

“Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt” (Genesis 45:4-8).

Joseph was able to show a different level of strength through forgiving. He had the heart to bless those who had wronged him by being willing to provide them not only with food, but a new home and fresh start. Like Joseph, I too have forgiven everyone. It is key that whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses” (Mark 11:25).

What About You? (Life Application)

Is there anything that you are holding on to that you need to release? A past issue or hurt that needs to be addressed? Let me encourage you to do the right thing. Realize that forgiveness is not for them, but it’s for you. Consciously choose to let go. The person or people who hurt you are living life. If you are carrying those burdens, you’re keeping yourself from elevating to your full potential. Lay those burdens down. Take on the yoke of The Lord (Matthew 11:28-30). You won’t regret it.

My Best Friend Lives in Heaven

Posted on October 4, 2020October 4, 2020 by Grace to Greatness

A Life Changing October

I remember that October night in 2014 like it was yesterday. My mom rushed into my room and screamed, “Daddy can’t breathe!” I jumped up and raced to my grandparents’ room. He was sitting on the edge of the bed with his oxygen mask on, looking at the floor, and struggling with every breath. It made no sense to me at the time. He had the machine. It was working. What was going on? Only time would tell.

I told my mother to call 911, my grandmother to grab him some clothes and his documentation, and for them to get prepared to leave. I then went and threw on my sneakers, grabbed my keys, and went back to get my grandfather. I told him to let me help him up so we could go. He just sat there and looked up at me. I asked him could he move and he shook his head no. My heart dropped. I could have cried right then. I never planned to wait on the ambulance. I just wanted them to know we were in route. But, at that moment I realized my grandfather was afraid. Yes afraid. Afraid because the best machine he had wasn’t portable or helping him at that moment. He knew he couldn’t make it to the hospital without it. I fell to my knees and put my hand on his left knee. My mother and grandmother stood behind me…. “Lord help him! Lord help us!” I prayed.

The Worst Wait

Patience is a virtue. And honestly, it’s one that I don’t pray for. To gain patience, you’ll be tested. And here we were being forced to endure. I was trying not to get mad, but it felt like time was standing still. Then suddenly, the medics came storming in and took him away. When I tell you that Jesus literally “took the wheel” he did. I don’t even remember following the ambulance, but I did. And after being transported to two hospitals the diagnosis was that of a collapsed lung. This is why even the machine couldn’t help. His lung was like a balloon with a hole in it. We were shocked. “Lord help him! Lord help us!” I prayed.

Time between that cold October and a slowly warming May seemed like a roller-coaster ride. An uncomfortable one in which I drastically wanted to get off. A series of emotional ups and downs, good and bad days took place. More trips to and from hospitals even occurred with the ride only ending when my grandfather passed away.

Now, it’s been five years. Five whole years and my heart is still heavy. I sometimes think back on our last conversation. I told him I wasn’t ready for him to go. I didn’t feel like I had done enough yet to make him proud yet. I wanted to be selfish even though I knew he was suffering. But, he assured me that I had done enough and that he was ready to go. I cried. Random days when I miss him dearly, all of my strength comes from knowing that him being absent from his earthly body means he’s present with The Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). But, in these passing years, there were also many moments I wanted my grandfather to have favor upon him like Lazarus. Favor that could allow him to live again.

Jesus Had a Best Friend Too

Lazarus of Bethany was the brother of Martha and Mary. They lived in Bethany which was near Jerusalem. He was regarded as Jesus’ best friend. One day he grew very ill. It was so bad that his sister’s sent word to Jerusalem where Jesus was that Lazarus may die. Jesus finished his business which took two more days before heading there. Once he arrived, both Mary and Maratha confronted him because Lazarus had died and they believed that if Jesus was there, he wouldn’t have. Jesus encouraged them that Lazarus would rise again. Maratha thought Jesus was referring to the resurrection on the last day, but he wasn’t. He made it clear that he was the resurrection!

The sisters and other Jews were deeply saddened by the death. This troubled Jesus’ spirit. He even wept. He went to the tomb and instructed the Jews to roll the tomb away. They hesitated because four days had passed, but did as they were told. Jesus called to Lazarus and he came out wrapped in his linen. (John 11:1–45). All I wanted was for my grandfather to be called by name. To be able to rise up as well. Instead…my best friend lives in heaven.

What About You? (Life Application)

Have you recently lost someone? Do you still have your best friend? It’s important to know that when you loss someone, you need to give yourself permission to grieve. Your healing process won’t look like anyone else’s and that’s okay. Everyone takes different amounts of time on the road to overcoming. There are a few things that I think are key during this time that I would like to express:

One is to be honest about your feelings. Allow yourself to feel the full range of emotions from disbelief, to sadness, and even anger. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). He understands how we feel even when we don’t know how to express ourselves. When we don’t have he words, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us through wordless groans (Romans 8:26).

Secondly, having a strong village (support system) is very beneficial. My village encouraged me to cast all of my burdens about what happened on The Lord (Psalm 55:22). Also, they should encourage you to continue to eat, sleep, and function in a health capacity.

And lastly, allow me to affirm that you will survive. You will not forget their voice, the laughs, or the times shared. Continue to move forward one day, one hour, or one minute at a time.

Dedication

Granddaddy,

I will always cherish all the laughs, talks, drives, late night snacks… the list goes on. I’m living right, not only to see my Lord and Savior, but to see you again. In my heart forever until then… Happy Heavenly Birthday!

Chairman of Trustee, Fermon Brown Feaster (October 2nd, 1943- May 26^th, 2015)

Flooded into a New Beginning

Posted on September 25, 2020September 25, 2020 by Grace to Greatness

I’ll be honest, I waited FORRRREVER to start this blog. How long was forever you may be wondering? Well, for about two years, which I am ashamed to admit. At the time, I felt God nudging me to use my voice through writing to speak to his people. I treated the feeling casually. Basically, like I had all the time in the world. Then, the third week of July 2020, God said, “You have until your birthday.” I said “Oh my!” My birthday was only about two months away. I did not even know where to begin, only that I had to start, and could not rest until the task was complete (Proverbs 6:4).

As I prayed and played around with ideas in my head for the next few days, only one thought was crystal clear. Do you want to know what that thought was? Of course you do. It was the simple fact that this was a NEW BEGINNING. And how fitting considering that August was quickly approaching which is the eight month on the year. The number eight is one of my favorites. In case you did not know, it actually represents new birth, new beginnings, and resurrection.

Immediately, my thoughts went to a very familiar story in the bible about a man named Noah.

Oh, to be Chosen

Noah was viewed as a righteous man during a time when many others seemed corrupt and perverted. God was sadden by the state of humanity and the hearts of the people then. So much so that he decided to allow a flood to cover the Earth, but only after he informed Noah of how to prepare for what was to come (Genesis 6 and 7). A NEW BEGINNING.

I know that when most people think of this story, a few key points may come to mind. For example, Noah building the Ark and the animals that would find shelter there. For me, at this moment, it was about the people. The fact that Noah’s family was a family of eight chosen to be a part of the birth of a new world. I found encouragement in knowing that if Noah can build an ark, care for animals, keep his family together, and survive a storm for one-hundred and fifty days, surely I can build this website. Most definitely, I can build this website!

So, I started. I was happy to being doing what I knew I had been instructed. And God ordered my steps throughout the process like I prayed. Now look, it’s launch day (09/24/2020)!

What About You? (Life Application)

But, what about you? What do you know that God is nudging you to do that you maybe procrastinating on? Is it going to college? Starting a business? Giving back to your community? Let me state that the time to do what God has been telling you to do is now. Do not be like me. Be obedient from the beginning. Take a step no matter how big or small. Have faith that outweighs any fear. Tomorrow may be too late, but today could be your NEW BEGINNING!