You Know My Name

And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. ~ Exodus 33:17 

The other day, I was doing research for an educational brief that I’m writing. I came across many good resources and practices. However, one practice stood out. It spoke to the inclusive power of greeting students by their names. Research affirmed the benefits of asking students for the correct pronunciation of their names—if needed—then correctly saying it when talking to them.

Wow! What a simple act—that means so much. Calling someone by their name explicitly avow… I see you. I know you exist. And I respect you.

This reminded me of a young woman who spoke passionately about how important her name was to her. She shared that her name had been changed when she was adopted as a child. As an adult, she now had her birth name tattooed on her body, in honor of her identity… her ethnicity… her heritage. It reminded me of a physics professor, who called me Amelia for an entire semester… instead of by my name. It reminded me of a friend, who claims that when her husband calls her name, she feels giddy, happy and loved.

In John 10:3, Jesus said, “…and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.”  Jesus also told His disciples, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine” (John 10:14). What an amazingly wonderful precious comforting thought? Jesus knows my name!

We’re not a number, a symbol or an abstract idea… out there… somewhere. We’re the King’s kids—embraced within His glorious loving fellowship and protection.

As one of His own… we can agree with the Psalmist. We know our God’s name (Psalm 91:14). We know His name… Elohim… Jehovah… El Shaddai… He is Omniscient… Omnipresent… Wonderful Counselor… Provider… We know He’s Holy… Just… and True. We need not feel insignificant or afraid… if someone forgets to call us by our names. Cause in victory… we hear His voice. Tenderly… He calls to us by name. We are His and He is Ours.

God Bless… I am Wiley’s granddaughter.

The Power of Our Words

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. ~ Ephesians 4:29

Words can communicate infinite meanings. Whether through sign language, written, or in braille… But especially when spoken—words have spiritual energy. Words are powerful! Isaiah 55:11 states, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it (NIV).

Words can encourage or discourage. Words can cause fear, anger, sadness, joy, disgust, shock, trust, hope, peace, comfort or anticipation. Words can teach, heal, harm, inspire, help, hinder, humiliate, destroy, guide or restore. Words can validate dreams or disrupt hopes. Words can break a heart or cause it to rejoice. Life and death is in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).

So, use words with caution. Choose words courageously, intentionally and wisely. Speak in love. Speak life. Speak hope. Speak faith. Speak healing. Speak good—positive, uplifting, and reassuring words. Being careful… not to limit… or hurt yourself and others with words.

Use your words to affirm that you’re who God says you are! Speak into existence your inheritance.  I am blessed. I am favored. I am healed. I am beautiful. I am wealthy. I am an overcomer. I am _____. You complete the sentence with the word(s) of your choice. Remember everything began with a word (Genesis 1:1-31).

With words, our thoughts become reality. So, choose the very best words to create the very best reality. Know the power of your words. Acknowledge misfortunes and problems… but speak less of them. Speak more of God’s goodness, favor, and grace. Speak of your heart’s desire. Give thanks for things that have yet to come to past… as though they were. Speak spiritual wondrous words in your life and in the lives of others…. and watch God change things.

God Bless… I am Wiley’s Granddaughter.

The Nails of Jesus Christ

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. ~ Matthew 28:6

A simple object—the nail—shows just how powerful Jesus’ death on the cross was for us.  Crucifixion is one of the most painful and excruciating forms of punishment leading to death ever contrived. Jesus’ arms were stretched wide and His feet crossed. Nails… Made of heavy, tapered, square shaped iron about 5-9 inches long were used. One nail was driven in each of His wrists (not as most paintings portray in the hands) and one nail through His feet. In agony Jesus hung His head and died for us.

Jesus paid the ultimate price for our sins through three massive rugged nails! Nails that spiritually meant the difference between heaven or hell, sin or forgiveness, sorrow or joy, life or death. In the Old Testament, Jesus is represented as a unique nail fastened by God in a sure place for a glorious throne (Isaiah 22:20-25). In the New Testament, Jesus wasn’t overcome by men… but laid down His life (1 John 3:16). Everything that matters was made or broken by the will of God on the cross through the nail.

  • The nail of sin (Isaiah 53:4-5; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
  • The nail pierced (Psalm 22:16; Zechariah 12:10; John 19:37)
  • The nail fastened (Isaiah 41:7; Jeremiah 10:4)
  • The nail freed (Hebrew 9:12-14; Colossians 2:14)
  • The nail of forgiveness (Luke 23:34)
  • The nail of loyalty (Luke 22:42; Matthew 16:24)
  • The nail of love (John 18:37)
  • The nail of proof (John 20:25)
  • The nail of freedom (Exodus 21:2-6; Colossians 2:13-16)
  • The nail of holiness (Zechariah 14:20)
  • The nail of faith (Judges 4:17-24)
  • The nail of righteousness (Ecclesiastes 12:11; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Jesus saw beyond the painful nails piercing His flesh to the hammer-holding hands yet un-cleansed (Luke 23:34). He saw those He came to save—who were yet in sin. So, He transformed the nails… into everything that we need. When we surrender… we know that Jesus is able to keep us (2 Timothy 1:12) … He has risen! Therefore… we can live because of His nails.

God Bless… I am Wiley’s granddaughter.

Trusting God that I Shall Lack Nothing

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. ~ Psalm 23:1

One of my favorite books, God is More Than Enough by Dr. Tony Evans, describes explicitly why we need not be afraid… when we trust God. The scriptures referenced below are from Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV).

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. In this verse… David, the Psalmist, uses the Hebrew word for Lord, which is Yahweh—God’s formal name. Declaring that God is right now present as his shepherd… the One who cares for him and provides everything that he needs.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. This describes the normal nature of David as a member of Yahweh’s flock. Safe and protected in His care, forgiven from all anxieties. David is confident of the freedom to enjoy all the simple pleasures that makes up his life—the freshness of the meadow, the coolness of the stream—he feels satisfied beyond his own capacity.

He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. When David is exhausted and weary, Yahweh renews his strength and leads him in the paths of righteousness, pleasantness and peace. So that David can magnify Yahweh’s name as a gracious and merciful God.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  When in the midst of dangers, deep as a valley, dark as a shadow, and dreadful as death itself, David will not give way to his fears. He will trustingly rely upon the Word and promises of God… persuaded that His grace shall comfort him.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Yahweh supplies David with plenty, and a variety of provisions and comforts. While his enemies seeing, envying, and fretting over it—cannot hinder it. With aromatic ointments, David enjoys an abundant portion—signified by his cup overflowing.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. David has God’s favor. And due to the blessed and comfortable effects of it, justifiably concludes that God would continue to show him favor. Thus, David rest assured that he shall constantly enjoy the loving commune of worshipping and praising God in his sanctuary—now and in the future. For the divine goodness and mercy that has been following David all the days of his life… would surely follow him into the house of his heavenly Father forever.

As sheeps in the care of Jesus Christ, we know that He will seek and protect those that belong to Him—no matter where they may stray (Luke 15:1-7).

God Bless… I am Wiley’s granddaughter.

Remembering the Sacrifices: Promoting the Legacy

For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe. ~ Deuteronomy 10:17 (NIV)

February is Black History Month or National African American History Month. A time to emphasize the wealth of knowledge passed from generation to generation. An occasion to remember the men and women, who are worthy of celebration. Some whose contributions were ultimate sacrifices—because they had a dreamed. Others who continue the dream—who promote the legacy. Working for a better life for African Americans… for all Americans… for humankind.

As a child of about seven, I remember reading with misty eyes. A story about a little boy who would sneak beside the chimney’s fire—late at night with a tattered primer—because he wasn’t allowed to learn to read. Back then… I couldn’t comprehend why a child was denied the right to read. I was a child and I loved to read. That’s one of my earliest memories of African American history.

So, I feel the passion of Frederick Douglass’ words, “I set out with high hope, and a fixed purpose, at whatever cost of trouble, to learn how to read” (Douglas, 1845, p.29). For a long time… I thought about those words every time I would read something. I understand “an expression of feeling…found its way down my cheek” (p.12) because I feel empathy every time I read Douglass’ autobiography. His words move me with compassion, understanding, and gratefulness.

Frederick Douglass wrote with clarity—eloquent, discerning and expressive—a testament to God’s grace. Hope that took a slave to freedom. Faith that turned illiteracy to literacy. And God’s favor, which flowed in the harshest of circumstances. A remarkable man who experienced an extraordinary journey. A man determined, courageous and inspiring—unapologetically who God created him to be.

God Bless… I am Wiley’s granddaughter.

Sometimes You Have to Encourage Yourself

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13

There are times in life when we look around… and those we depended on to encourage us are gone—in need of encouragement themselves—or just not helpful. What shall we do then? Let us remember David’s reaction when he faced difficulties. As David looked around him, he saw nothing but discouragement and despair. No one to encourage him, so… David encouraged himself in the Lord his God (1 Samuel 30:6).

In that moment… when we ask ourselves, “Is it gonna be all right?” On the day, we feel stressed out—thinking we’re too young or too old to accomplish our goals. In that hour, when we hope trouble don’t last always because it seems like every time we get up—we get knocked down. Feeling desperate, afraid, and alone… no one to call on. In times such as those—we must encourage ourselves! Remember Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25) and the wise Elihu, who reminded Job that God gives songs in the night (Job 35:10).

We must turn to our faith and seek God (Psalm 13:5; 1 Samuel 30:8, Philippians 4:6 & 8; 1 Peter 5:7; Ephesians 2:18). Listen to God’s voice and follow (John 10:4; John 10:27). Pray our worries away (Philippians 4:6-7; Isaiah 26:3; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Psalm 105:4). Believe God’s Word and rejoice (Psalm 13:5-6; 1 Samuel 30:9; Psalm 28:7-8; Psalm 56:3; Psalm 42:5; Psalm 16:11; Psalm 105:4; Numbers 6:25; Philippians 4:13 Colossians 1:13-14). Meditate on God’s goodness and His promises… give Him our praises (Psalm 13:6; Psalm 22:5; Psalm 40:1-3; Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 5:1).

Through praise and worship, in our prayer closet… we find joy and change our focus. We see the situation in a new light. We gain a closer relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. We come to realize that our situation is not strange. We know many others who have come before us and survived… prospered and grew in grace and favor. By God’s mercy, we will too. We will overcome… with testimonies worthy and strong. Hallelujah! We know how to encourage ourselves in the Lord.

God Bless… I am Wiley’s granddaughter.

Answering the Call of God

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: ~ Ephesians 1:11

God uses our strengths, weaknesses, heartaches, successes, failures, and experiences to shape our hearts and minds… In order to bring us closer to him and prepare us to fulfill our calling. For a calling is a specific part of our purpose—born out of faith and conviction. Like Paul (Acts 9:15), we too… can hear the call of God. A call that may seem great or small. A call that can affect the life of a single person… or change the world for everyone. A call that is not limited to influential leaders, the educated, the rich, or the famous.

God can call anyone—who need only answer and obey. A courageous, wise, and caring man or woman of faith, can be transformed from ordinary to extraordinary. As he or she personifies the will of God. A man or woman answering the call knows that he or she isn’t self-sufficient because a call requires God’s guidance from beginning to end.

On Monday, January 15, 2018, we pause to acknowledge life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A man who advanced civil rights using the strategies of nonviolence and civil disobedience based on his Christian beliefs.

Dr. King’s I Have a Dream, If vs Though Faith, When Jesus Becomes a Reality (Sermon Jam), Overcoming Discouragement, and Love Your Enemies, along with many other speeches  show his courage, wisdom, and faith.

Thank you, Dr. King. May we remember the dream… as we journey along this way.

God Bless… I am Wiley’s granddaughter.

Nothing Shall be Impossible to Those that Believe

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. ~ Mark 9:23

Scientists estimate the probability of you—being born you—at about 1 in 400 trillion. The chance of you winning the Mega Millions lottery… 1 in 259 million. Those are amazing odds. Yet, here we are… and for those who play the lottery, someone will win. We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and none of us are here by chance (Jeremiah 1:5).

For when the mountain seems too high to climb and the task seems impossible. Whether you’re praying for a breakthrough in your personal health… the health of a family member or friend. Or you’re desperately seeking God’s guidance and wisdom because you don’t know which way to turn. Maybe you’re praying for love, peace, and happiness. Perhaps you need a financial blessing. Possibly you’re worried about getting divorced or being married. It could be the salvation and protection of your children that keeps you up at night.

No matter the circumstances you’re facing… keep a godly perspective. Even our challenges serve a purpose (Peter 4:12-13). Continue to pray and trust God, through every situation… because if you can stand the pull… He will pull you out. According to Oswald Chambers, God “will tax the last grain of sand and the remotest star to bless us if we will obey Him”.

So, if things seem impossible—the task unattainable… find wisdom in the words of Nelson Mandela, “It only seems impossible until it’s done.”

God Bless… I am Wiley’s granddaughter.

Behold a New You

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. ~ Isaiah 43:19

When I was much younger, I was always in a hurry. I’d set goal after goal. Then complain to my brother about how hard I tried, yet… still hadn’t succeeded. One day, my brother looked at me and said… “It’s not by your might, or by your power, but by the Spirit of the Lord… that you will accomplish your goals… read Zechariah 4:6”. He encouraged me to continue to work hard, do what’s right, and trust in the Lord’s timing.

I thought about my brother’s words today, as I considered my New Year’s resolutions. Like most… I counted my blessings… gave thanks for family and friends… food and shelter. I looked back on past disappointments… felt a surge of optimism… and embraced the renewal of hope that comes with a new beginning. I welcomed the opportunity for self-improvement… delighted at the possibility to help others… bowed my head in humility and gave praise to the almighty God in Jesus name… for allowing me to see another year.

So, whether your New Year’s resolution in 2018 is to… Attend Church More, Be Happier,  Be Healed, Be Kinder, Buy a Car, Eat Healthier, Eat Less, Fall in Love, Get a Job, Get More Exercise, Get Married, Get Sober, Graduate from School,  Help Others, Join a Choir, Join a Church, Learn to Speak a Second Language, Pray Daily, Remodel Your House, Save More Money, Sell a House, Start a Family, Stay Motivated to Grow in Grace and Favor, Stop Procrastinating, Stop Using Profanity, Teach a Bible Class, Travel Around the World, Visit the Sick, Write a Book, Write a Song… and the list goes on-and-on…!

No matter your New Year’s resolutions… Remember, you can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). But it’s not by your power or your might alone… It’s not just luck, hard work, or intellect either… It’s by the spirit of the Lord that we gain favor, be blessed and increase in prosperity.

Jesus Christ allows you to find your way in a wilderness and drink from rivers in the desert. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Hence, by the grace of God through faith… on this 1st day of 2018, you can start again… and expect to behold a new you… Happy New Year!

God Bless… I am Wiley’s granddaughter.

You’re Not Forgotten on this Christmas Day

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? ~ Luke 12:6

This is my first Christmas without my mom. A day that is bittersweet. A day that I count my blessings and give thanks for my life, family, and friends. A day that is entrenched in joy, sadness, grief, love, gratitude, hope, and serenity. As I prayed this morning, I tried to describe to Jesus how I felt… but, no words seemed adequate to express the bundle of emotions gripping my very soul. Then I realized that Jesus didn’t need my words to understand the desires of my heart. So, I cast my cares upon Him, because He cares for me (1 Peter 5:7).

For those struggling with loss, heartache, or despair… God has not forgotten you. He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to save you. Psalm 30:5, tells us that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. So, on this Christmas day… remember that the birth of Jesus Christ wasn’t an ordinary birth of an ordinary child. It was the incarnation of God Himself. In other words, God became a man in an act of profound love. Therefore, Jesus is both fully God and fully man (John 1:14). He understands what you are going through. You don’t have to feel abandoned. You’re not alone. If you ask and believe… Jesus Christ will comfort you.

God has made it possible for you to have a personal relationship with Him—which is one of the reasons Jesus Christ was born. Therefore, be encouraged on this Christmas day. Think good thoughts, remember the good times and look forward to better days (Philippians 4:8). Know that God has not forgotten you on this Christmas day. Psalm 8:4, tells us that God is mindful of us and that He cares for us. He sent His son Jesus Christ into this world as proof of his love for us.

Know that nothing happens outside of God’s awareness. He knows if a sparrow falls to the ground… He knows all about you, your hopes, and dreams …even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So, don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows (Matthew 10:30-31).

God Bless… I am Wiley’s granddaughter.

Musing the Bond between Fate and Faith

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. ~ Romans 8:28

Fate is a very complex idea. We’re not the sovereign masters of our fate… Only God is sovereign. Even the things that we sometimes call fate is under God’s control. Yet… Scripture doesn’t teach that fate is predetermined and beyond human control. Therefore, we need not feel helpless to change our destiny or fate. We must not take the attitude that… whatever happens, happens… And, we can’t do anything about it. This way of thinking is called fatalism and it’s not biblical.

However, Scripture does teach that we were created with the ability to make moral choices. Even the Fall of Man wasn’t a predetermined incident. Adam and Eve were not held captive by fate. Actually, Adam and his wife had the ability to choose obedience and its connected blessing or disobedience and its resulting curse. They both knew what the result of their decision would be (Genesis 3). When we fail to do what is right, it’s because we chose to. We can’t blame the consequences of our bad choices on fate or God (James 1:13-14).

If fate doesn’t seem kind… or things aren’t going in our favor, regardless of our best efforts to do what is right. Remember Matthew 17:20, teaches that through faith the size of a mustard seed… we can move mountains. Then continue to:

  • love God and others (Mark 12:30-31, Luke 10:27, Matthew 22:35–40),
  • believe that God is who Scripture says He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Genesis 5:24, Hebrews 11:5-6, Jude 1:14-15),
  • stay spiritually minded, because it is life and peace (Romans 8:6-8, Acts 2:38, Luke 15:7),
  • reverence and fear God… hope in His mercy (Psalm 147:11, Exodus 20:20, Proverbs 1:7),
  • study and follow the examples of Jesus Christ, the Master Teacher (Matthew 17:5, John 8:29, Matthew 22:16, 24),
  • obey God…  it is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22, Deuteronomy 10:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3), and
  • work to do God’s will (Hebrews 13:21, Matthew 5:48, Luke 22:42).

Through free will, God has given us the ability to choose… but our choices do affect our fate. God is still in charge. Even though, we may choose to obey or disobey Him. But, everything that happens in this world is made to work out according to God’s purpose

For, when our ways please God… He can affect our past to change our future. So that in the present moment… we see our faith change our fate.

God Bless… I am Wiley’s granddaughter.

The Greater Good: Perspective, Promise, & Prayer

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. ~ Romans 4:21

Years ago, I took a lay theology class. The theologian, who taught the class was fond of saying, “The devil is not creative. He takes what God has given us [to use] for good and finds a way to corrupt it… which leads to sin”. For example; eating is good, but gluttony (Deuteronomy 21:20) is a sin. Love is good, but narcissism (2 Timothy 3:1-9) is not.

Christians don’t have the authority to lift, their earthly good… above their Heavenly Father’s good. We err in the notion of “the greater good” when we do so. For example, when we support moral misconduct, in favor of subscribing to a self-defined, self-serving, “greater good” …we have been deceived. God is not mocked (Galatians 6:7). Christians need not seek, a better advantage or outcome by harming something or someone who is considered less important (Philippians 2:4). The secular gain in the end… doesn’t always justify the means, because the end is not of this world. Scripture affirms that there is an eternity (Romans 14:12).

This world is full of complexities, deceptions, and challenges. Making the best decision, as the right decision isn’t always easy. Since, what looks bad now, may not be bad in the long-term and what looks good now, may not be good in the long-term. That is why we need the wisdom of God, the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit every day.

Our perspectives become clear when we embrace the teachings found in Matthew 22:36-40. We remember the promises of God. We stay in constant communication with Him through prayer. And, we always strive to make decisions that lead to the greater good for all.

God Bless… I am Wiley’s granddaughter.

The Favor of Being Graced by God

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ~ Ephesians 2:8

In our… it’s all about me… self-made state of mind. We sometimes remember that we didn’t make ourselves. In humility, we see our smallness in the vast universe. We thank God for feeling the harmony of life. When the rhythms of this world flow in our favor. In the fiercest storm, we see glimmers of hope. These are the times when we feel the grace of God in our lives. It’s in such moments of clarity, we thank God for His amazing grace.

Hebrew 4:16 says, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. As long as we live… in this world… we need God. We should live each day in awe of His presence. Giving honor to Him… in the name of Jesus for divine favor.

It’s not to say that we don’t make mistakes. But we know that He keeps those in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him because they trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3). We can’t turn lead into gold. Yet, we’re devoted to the One who turned water into wine. We recognize chaos and confusion. But, we know the One… who has it all in control. We work to make this world a better place… as we overcome hardships, experience loss, and sometimes fail.

We may be rich or poor, healthy or ill, popular or shunned, behind bars or free. Others may look at us and wonder, why we sing so loud and praise so hard… Give so much, while asking nothing in return. Pray for those who mistreat us and help those who try to harm us. For we’re not afraid because we know that no weapon formed against us will prosper. Therefore, we boldly do as our Father in Heaven instructs us.

That we may continue in favor… knowing God favors whom He chooses. According to 2 Peter 1:2, grace and peace is multiplied unto those who know God through Jesus Christ. As Christians, we understand… it’s not by our works… or because we’re so good… or by our power… nor by our might that God favors us. We know that it’s by His grace.

God Bless… I am Wiley’s granddaughter.

Staying Inspired for Good Works

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: ~ Hebrews 10:24 

One of the best ways to inspire others… is to let them see that we’re inspired. But, staying inspired as we grow older is much easier said than done. Every disappointment, heartache, or failure chips away at our inspiration. Yet, there are those who manage to stay inspired and do good works.

Last week, I spent several days at a dynamic conference. The founder is a 91 years old woman, who has written several books. She is reported to still be active and engaged in learning. We received a copy of her latest book published by Jossey-Bass, A Wiley Company.

Seeing the name Wiley, flooded my mind with thoughts of my grandfather. Memories from a particular conversation caused me to smile.

“Well I got to work in my orchard by spring,” he said.

“What do you mean daddy?” I asked. He was lean, wise, and weather-worn. Eyes still as bright as any five-year-old. In my mind and when talking with others, I referred to him as ‘grandfather’. Yet, it was ‘daddy’ whenever I addressed him. A childhood habit that followed me into adulthood.

I think that his use of the word orchard caught me off guard. I’d never heard him use the term before. Plus, how many trees are needed before it’s called an orchard? Seeing my puzzled look, my 92 years old grandfather laid out his plan. He told me that his peach trees needed pruning and a couple of the fig trees needed work on them too. His idea for addressing the fig trees was fascinating. He was going to make a concoction out of ashes to put around their roots.

I became caught up in what he was saying. He had to remind me, that it was time for me to go back to work. My office wasn’t that far away from where he lived. So, I often visited him during my lunch break. I called it our breaking bread and storytelling time.

I drove back to work thinking… Wow at his age… he still has dreams. I hope that’s me when I’m that age… I was inspired. I thought of good works that I needed to get done.

Psalms 92:14 affirms that They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing… It’s good to know that God created us… where we can stay inspired for good works as we grow older.

God Bless… I am Wiley’s granddaughter.

Dealing with Mean-Spirited People: Hurt People Who Hurt People

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, ~ Matthew 6:14

In the book Hurt People Hurt People, lingering childhood hurts and generational patterns of being hurt is what causes people to hurt others. In other words, people who are hurting… hurt other people. Through their mean-spirited behavior… they show how they feel on the inside. Romans 1:28–30, list several mean-spirited behaviors that include malice, gossip, slander, rudeness, heartlessness, and cruelty. It’s inevitable… most of us will meet people driven by such behavior at some point. So, how do we deal with mean-spirited people? Keeping in mind that we’ve all stumbled (James 3:2).

Jesus Christ says love unselfishly and endlessly (Matthew 5:44; John 13:34; 1 John 4:7). Are we expected to force a smile, while cringing inside because of the way a mean-spirited person treated us? Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can rely on biblical principles found in Matthew 6:14–15, Matthew 23:12, Mark 9:35, Matthew 5:9, Proverbs 13:3, Luke 23:34, Acts 7:59–60 and Colossians 4:6.  We should keep in mind the following:

  • Respectfully express that the mean-spirited behavior is hurtful.
  • Pray for the mean-spirited person to see the error of his or her ways.
  • Pray for the Holy Spirit’s intervention on your behalf.
  • Treat the mean-spirited person with love and consult the Scriptures for practical advice.
  • Keep in mind that the other person is hurting inside and show empathy.
  • Stop and think before speaking or responding.
  • Refuse to conspire against the mean-spirited person with others.
  • Refuse to retaliate by acting mean-spirited.
  • Pray for discernment and wisdom on how to address the mean-spiritedness.
  • Remember God loves you and the mean-spirited person.
  • Examine yourself and your attitude towards the mean-spirited person.
  • Remember you are accountable to God for how you treat the mean-spirited person.
  • Know that you are not accountable to God for how the mean-spirited person treats you.
  • Give the mean-spirited person respect and act with humility and genuineness.
  • Forgive the mean-spirited person.
  • Sometimes you may need to walk away… less you become the mean-spirited person.

The Bible instructs us to deal prudently with mean-spirited people (Proverbs 15:1, Ephesians 4:31-32; Matthew 5). Consider Matthew 18, as we acknowledge that mean-spirited people are hurting people who hurt people. Know that God can heal and deliver those who are hurting. We don’t have to hurt others and we don’t have to continuously be hurt by mean-spirited people.

God Bless… I am Wiley’s granddaughter.