Friday, December 30, 2011

Catching My Own Drift

I am a lover of music – all types.  If there is a message in the song, I can usually find some form of appreciation for it.  One song that has been on my mind lately is Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror.  The gist of the song is that if you desire to make the world better, you’ve got to start with yourself.  Over the past few weeks, I’ve been engaged in a battle with myself.  What is my responsibility to my family, my friends, my community, those I’ve yet to meet?  What is my responsibility to myself? Was I ready to look at myself and be honest about what I thought, felt, saw..? Would I let fear rule or would faith dominate? Would regret and remorse regulate my course or would belief in the redemptive power of God to transform the human spirit/mind/will triumph? It is normal for people to start to make resolutions as we enter into a new year.  However, this year I’ve decided I need to do more than simply resolve to make something happen.  I need to make a promise to myself and find those that will help hold me accountable to make 2012 the most unforgettable, spectacular year ever. I need to do more than write the vision; I’ve got to act on it.  Consequently, I’ve deemed 2012 as “The Year of the Comeback!!!” 
This year, in fact the past few years, have been filled with difficulties, disappointments, disillusions, - in other words there were many, many moments when I felt just plain - DISSED.  But somehow there remains a glimmer of hope, there is something within that inspires me to continue to believe.  The past few weeks have been especially difficult and certain transitions have left me feeling as if I’ve lost my grounding.  I had to find the strength and courage to move beyond this space.
The phrase, “Do you catch my drift?” is used when asking a person if they understand what you are saying.  I found myself in a battle with myself and had to literally speak to myself. I literally stood in the mirror and had a conversation with myself. I had to have my own come to Jesus meeting. I had to do what the bible says and bring those negative thoughts captive – making them subject to the spirit of God in me.  I had to remind myself that in spite of what I may be feeling, I remain the apple of God’s eye.  I had to encourage myself to move beyond emotions and walk into purpose. Essentially, I had to catch my own drift. I approach this upcoming year with great expectation, but please understand there is some fear and trembling that accompanies me.  Nonetheless, instead of reverting to old habits of allowing fear to stop me in my tracks, I will use it to propel me into purpose. 
So this is my end of an old year, beginning of the New Year wish to each and every one of you – I pray that you would start with the woman/man in the mirror, find your source of strength and “Catch Your Own Drift.”

Abounding in Love and Growing in Grace,

Veronica

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Handle With Care

These three words warn the person about to handle a package that there's something delicate inside. Recently, I was transporting a fragile item which belonged to a friend.  It was in packing and transporting this item that I thought of life's journey. During the packing process, I made sure to carefully insulate the item and strategically place it within my luggage so that it wouldn't be damaged during the transport. While the item was designed to withstand a certain amount of pressure, temperature and handling, the wrong move, the wrong force could damage it beyond repair. 

Just like that item, even the strongest among us have areas, moments, days, spaces in our lives where we are vulnerable to circumstances and need some extra care.  I've learned over the past few years that God is masterful at handling us with care.  While we sojourn through this thing called life, we are certain to be bounced around from time to time. Even though we may feel every bit of turbulence, we may experience some motion sickness and we may even be frightened during the ride, God skillfully insulates us so that the ride doesn't break us. God carefully places us so that we can arrive safely at our destination.  What feels as if it will be our certain destruction turns into a testimony. We realize that there were some people surrounding  us to comfort us, some circumstances underneath us holding us and some prayers covering us that kept us from irreparable damage.

 I'm reminded of the song lyrics, "...But the Captain of my soul, He's always on board, He rocks me in His arms, While riding through the storm..."  If we can just trust God while in transport and stay in place, we can avoid the breaks, cracks, chips, scratches that we encounter when we are out of position.

....to be continued.....

Abounding in Love and Growing in Grace,

Veronica