Pressure

My grandmother used to make greens in the pressure cooker. I remember the sound of that whistle. It is a signature sound. I want to encourage you that God is aware of the pressure you are under. There is purpose in the press, to get the oil out. The pressure is producing. It's purifying. It’s refining. It’s making diamonds. It's not comfortable. It’s not nice, but it will be worth it in the end. Just like that pressure cooker, when it’s close to being done. You will hear a signature sound. The test will come to an end. The pressure will subside, and you will come out as pure gold.

Tools

Every trial you’ve experienced in your life has given you a tool. Over time, you accumulate these tools. They are yours to share with others. They are yours to build or remodel with depending on your choice. You have a wheelhouse. Use it. Some people refer to them as keys. They can lock and unlock doors. They give you perspective. They give you insight. They give you wisdom. Use the tools God has given you.

Unforgiven

I’ve heard about loved ones remaining alive until they’ve handled all their unfinished business. People let go of lifelong fueds and offenses when faced with tragic circumstances. Families hold onto grudges and offenses far too long. How many things have gone unforgiven? How many words have been left unsaid? Every day is an opportunity to make things right. Every hour is a moment to salvage a relationship. Apologize. Forgive even if it's hard to forget. If 2020 has taught me anything, it has been to let it go. It’s not that serious. If they close their eyes was all the time lost worth it in the end? The answer is probably no. So, let it go. Get over it. Time is too precious to waste. Don’t let unforgiven things keep you from what really matters. And if all else fails, let go and let God. Be blessed people.

Greater Than

God is greater. Period. Point blank. It doesn't matter what it is. It doesn't matter how it seems. Yes, it hurts. Yes, it's uncomfortable. No, it's not unavoidable. Nope that doesn't make a difference. You're right. It's not fair. But let me remind you, God is greater. God is greater than insert blank...your feelings, your doubt, your diagnosis, your circumstance. It doesn't matter what you put in that space. Say it with me. God is greater! You're welcome.

Talent

Proverbs 18:16 Kjv  A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

Gifts. Things you’re good at. Things that come easy to you. Something you would do for free. These are all your talents. What are you doing with your talent? Are you honing your skill? Are you burying your gift? The Bible says, “your gift will make room for you.” So, let it. Walk in it. Put it on full display for the world to see. Give it away. Make someone pay for it. Just use it, before you lose it.

Have your way

Truthfully, we never had a dog in this fight. We were just choosing the lesser of two evils. Most politicians make promises they never intended to keep. I’ve always held to the belief that I have a civic responsibility to vote to honor my ancestors, but God is in control. Always was. Always has been. Always will be. My prayer has been Lord….have your way…in my life, in my city, my county, my state, and my country. You are still God. You are still a way maker. You are still a keeper. And if we can be perfectly honest, we have been kept under every administration. Have your way Lord….in the Senate, in the House of Representatives, in the Supreme Court, in the White House and my house. Not my will, but yours. Have your way, Lord!

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