Cool

Morris Day always comes to mind when I hear the word cool. Billy Dee Williams. Idris Elba. James Bond. Dick Tracy. A lot of other names and things come to mind when I think of the word cool, but not Jesus Christ. Growing up it never seemed cool to be a Christian. There were so many rules and regulations. However, I can think of a few other religions that are far more strict than Christianity. Jesus has never really been mainstream. A few fads every now and then. I’m sure you remember what would Jesus do and Jesus take the wheel. Kanye made it cool for Jesus to walk with me. God is Dope made it cool to rock pseudo-inspired apparel. God knew that salvation wasn’t a popularity contest. God knew that it wasn’t about likes and shares but more about followers. Remember that when you find yourself scrolling on social media. Who are you following?

Fiction

Did you ever play “make-believe?” I loved making up stories and tales. It was my favorite part of a sleepover. I still enjoy works of fiction, especially the ones that transport you to another world. I like the Hobbit and Harry Potter. I like the idea that magical places exist. I do not however like my news to be works of fiction. I prefer facts over fiction. I need my news to be relevant, fact- checked and true. We live in a day and age when fiction can be reported as truth. We live in a day and age where false flags occur daily and everything and everyone has to be scrutinized. I’m not saying everything is a lie. I’m just saying the truth can be skewed. Numbers can be miscalculated. Pay attention. Be alert.

“Fiction reveals truth that reality obscures.” ― Jessamyn West

But God!

Gen 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

1 Corinthians 1:27 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;

Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

But is a conjunction used to connect contrasting ideas. I tell my children that but negates everything said before it. That's a word right there....I was lost, but now I'm found. I was hurt, but now I'm healed. Now add God into the mix. You planned to hurt me....but God! I'm down and out, but God! I don't understand, but God! I don't see a way out, but God! It's okay to acknowledge your feelings and your situation, but don't count God out of the equation.

Borrowed Time

It’s Lovecraft Week. I’m sorry. I’m still digesting everything I experienced over the last couple of weeks. So, I came to the conclusion that Tic was living on borrowed time, and so are we. Most of us, like Tic spend our time running from the inevitable. We are all going to die. The only choice we have is how we spend our borrowed time. Will we choose to heal? Will we choose to love? Will we embrace our birthright, our magic? Will we pass the blame? Will we hurt others? Will we manipulate situations to our advantage? Will we live unapologetically? Will we be our most authentic self? Will we be a hero or a monster? Either way we still are living on borrowed time. The choice is yours….

Vital Signs

If you have ever been to the doctor, one of the first things they do is check your vitals: temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure. These are all important measurements when evaluating your health. Of course, there are other things they check as well, but these are key. When was the last time you got your vitals checked? Naturally and spiritually. Do a temperature check. How’s your mood? How’s your attitude? How’s your environment? When was the last time you enjoyed yourself? When was the last time you felt a thrill or a chill? How’s your breathing? How are you sleeping? Have you gotten any good rest? Pause Take a breath. What’s your blood pressure like? What have you done to get your blood pumping? When’s the last time you let yourself really feel? Check your body. Check your soul. Check your mind. Check your vitals signs.

Vantage Point

noun. a position or place that affords a wide or advantageous perspective; viewpoint: to survey a valley from the vantage point of a high hill.

God sits high but looks low. He’s got the whole world in his hands. God has always had divine perspective on our lives, and maybe that can be attributed to his vantage point. I’m sure if we had his view of creation, we might feel differently about our circumstances too. We might not sweat the small stuff. We might not worry as much. We might not stress as much because we could see the big picture instead of the moment. There is a lot going on in the world, and probably a lot going on in your world as well. Remember, that God still sits high. Remember that trouble don’t last always. Remember, this too shall pass. Remember, that your perspective might change if you choose a different vantage point.