faithwalk | NEW LIFE

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;”
1 Corinthians 1:27

I did a follow up call with someone that I was talking with earlier today. She was concerned about whether she was going to get paid or not due to school closings. I found out the information that was needed and as a courtesy, I wanted to follow up with the call. In doing so it opened up a door for conversation. I didn’t know her and she didn’t know me, but we talked as if we had known each other forever and we talked on the phone for at least 15 minutes.

Do you sometimes wonder why does it always take a tragedy for us being a little more kinder, to show more love and support, going the extra mile, for us to be doing more of what we should have been doing already?

It would probably be safe to say that sometimes we forget, we lose sight, we lose touch or allow the cares of this life to cause us to be disconnected.

Though things are so uncertain at the moment and they have changed so many times in the course of a day. As people are hurting and in turmoil they grow weary causing them to be unsure of what to do next. It is in these moments in the midst of tragedy everywhere, that I still feel that there is hope for humanity.

God knew us before we were even formed in our mothers womb and knows actually what it takes to get us back on the path that he has called for us to be. Just like the ingredients it takes to bake your favorite cake or meal, it is those ingredients of life that God uses to create us into who he has called us to be. Unfortunately, he uses a little of bit of tragedy, sorrow, along with joy, happiness, peace and discomfort, etc. and he mixes them all together to mold us an make us.

” Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am they God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will up hold thee with the right hand of my righteousness”
Isaiah 41:10

Sometimes things have to die, so that other things can live. Dying to old habits, old mindsets, our selfish ways, so that we can birth to new habits, new ideas, create a better path that others may follow. It’s up to each one of us to be willing to make the necessary changes so that we will become better as a result of it. There is still life even in the midst of tragedy.

In this time of quarantine we should all be willing to do a self examination of the things we need to change within ourselves. What are the areas where we need to heal? Is there someone we need to forgive? As much as we want things to go back to the way they used to be, things will never be the same again.

Yet I still have this hope that we will all be better after this, as it is causing us to change and have a different aspect on life. Only those that remain the same are the ones that refuse to change.

Here I am Lord, let the work begin in me!

“Create in my a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit with me”
Psalm 51:10-19

Song List

Holy Spirit by Kim Burrell https://youtu.be/hpOjwb9w1cU

Holy Ghost, fall down on me
Let Your spirit fall down on me
Holy Ghost, fall down on me
Let Your spirit fall down on me

Create in me a new heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit within me
Cast me not away from thy presence, oh God
Take not thy Holy Spirit from me

Holy Ghost, fall down on me
Let Your spirit fall down on me
Holy Ghost, fall down on me
Let Your spirit fall down on me

Holy Spirit help me to walk right
Talk right, live right, help me to be right
I’ll never do anything without
Your leading spirit, Holy Spirit

Cast me not from thy presence, oh Lord
Take not Your spirit
Take not Your spirit from me
Take not Your spirit from me
Take not Your spirit from me

Romans 8:28

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

As a result of COVID-19 we are now working from home, and as the Adminstrative Assistant, I am on call for our Human Resources Department for the City of Asheville. I am having to triage calls that come in from all over the City, as well as other local governments from other City’s who are calling for advice or to see what we are doing in this situation. Though some of these calls had nothing to do with local government I tried to give as much assistance as I could and directing people to the correct place.

Currently our phones had been rolled to my phone because we weren’t able to get my City phone up and working in time. We were finally able to get it up today, so that means that I will have to go back into work to roll the phones over to my City phone.

For work we have been doing virtual stand up meetings. Some how trying to keep things as normal as possible in light of what is going on. Yesterday was a bit overwhelming to say the least, but it pushed me out of the house to take a much needed walk. I walked for an 1 hour and 45 minutes. Some much needed time to just be and be able to breathe some fresh air.

A couple of days ago I had a Pastors wife calling to see what was the status for churches. I could hear it in her voice, her over all concern and worry. Though we don’t have all the answers, I gave her the information that was known at this time and then I tried to offer some other options for her church. More than anything to give her hope.

This morning we were in the middle of a virtual stand up meeting and my work phone started ringing, and I felt the need to answer it. I turned away from the virtual call and answered. It was the Pastors wife calling back from the other day. By that time we were ending our stand up meeting, so I disconnected from it. She said do you remember me and smiling I said yes ma’am. She said, I was praying that you would answer again. She was wanting an update and then God showed up. In most cases I wouldn’t, but I was led to give her my number, so if she needed any further assistance and to stay connected. I really felt like it was a God connection. She was very grateful and before getting off the phone she expressed her hoping to meet me someday.

This is uncharted territory for us all and we are all trying to navigate our way through this. Even as ministers of the gospel and people of faith, we are human first. Yet, we still have to be the source of light and encouragement that is needed for such a time as this. Sometimes that means lifting each other, even at the moment you might need some encouragement too.

This is an opportunity for the body of Christ to rise up. Don’t get it twisted God is still working.

I see now more than ever the scripture from Mark 16:15 which says, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature”. It is being manifested through this COVID-19.

People don’t need more fear, but hope in someone greater than themselves. Offer them Jesus!

Song List

Shana Wilson “Give Me You” https://youtu.be/uC0UHJagWNE