settingatthepoolofgrace

Be quiet, don’t speak; no one wants to hear what you have to say.  Why are you always complaining any way, we gave you freedom didn’t we? Freedom to work the jobs we didn’t want and we paid you what we thought was good enough for you, didn’t we; we let you live without incident for the most part didn’t we, what more do you want from us? Suffering in silence that is what is expected as our blood flows in the street, our doors kicked in and death lays under the sheets.  Playing in the park is prohibited for me; mothers, fathers and children too, no one is exempt from the hate dwelling in you.

Why are you so afraid of my Blackness?   Is it because I excel at living even though you have used every means you have to hold me down, yet; still I rise. Black mothers have birthed Doctors, Lawyers, Inventors, Teachers, Philosophers and the like.  The silence is broken I will no longer hide in the shadows of life, I’m awake from my sleep I can see the sunlight.  A new day is dawning for all mankind where everyone sees clearly and no one is left behind.  Unity has awaken the spirit of Love, the enemy has been uncovered; no longer can evil hide.

Our voices united cry in the street no more killing we demand peace; peace from the fear of walking the street,watching the birds or just peaceful sleep.  The silence is broken we demand to be heard, failure to listen; cities could burn.  Those in power refuse to see the plight of the silent majority, but; they are silent no more so it would be wise to not only listen, but; hear.  It’s time to change the atmosphere, to honor the creed this nation claims, time to let freedom ring from shore to shore of this land and it will be great again.

The world is tired of the injustice it sees, everyone cries out let freedom ring. We will no longer suffer in silence, it’s time to be heard; every voice and every word.  No matter the ethnicity, color or creed we are unified with one voice we speak.  No more injustice, justice for all; those who are great and those who are small.  Things must change it’s apparently clear, so those who have ears let them hear.  My heart is crying out, I’m hurting; do you hear me?  I , will be silent no more.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

 

It was spreading like wildfire, no one had an answer on how to stop it; everyone  everywhere was concerned how it would affect them or their loved ones.  So many were falling prey to it, many not surviving.  The leaders all called for a state of emergency, rules were put in place to keep everyone safe or so they thought; however, just telling someone to keep rules doesn’t always work.  Not everyone thinks or acts in accordance with rules set in place for them.

Remember we are all individuals which means our opinions vary and our concerns differ, what is important to some may not be as important to others.  we must not be critical of someone because they chose to do something different from what we chose to do.  Anytime unexpected changes occur to what we consider to be normal it requires us to rethink our plans and the direction we are going.  Seldom do we realize how these things will directly affect us on a collective basis.

We only think of self and how we are impacted, not until the icy fingers of death claims someone dear to us do we realize we should be thinking of others also.  How do we combat a threat when we are so divided, it is very important to realize division is a tool of the enemy; divide and conquer the objective in every conflict but strength is found in unity.  The victory over anything that creates havoc is standing together on one accord doing what is best for the masses and not just self.

Caring for the weak among us must be a priority, grandmothers, grandfathers, the sick and shut ins, the babies and the forgotten.  Yes a state of emergency can be an inconvenience, our choices may be limited and our plans changed; but, we all benefit when rules are followed.  Each of us must decide what side of the fight for life we stand  on, do we criticize others for what they do to protect themselves and others because it is not what we chose to do? Do we consider if and how our choices may impact more than just us?

My  revelation as i sit by the pool of grace

When was the last time you were awaken from sleep with tears streaming down your cheeks?  You ask yourself why am I crying? Is it for someone else? Was it a dream that has me so upset? Can’t put your finger on it, but the tears continue to flow.  As your eyes become accustomed to the darkness in the room, memories flood your thoughts of all the tears never shed.  He had been your companion for many years, he would wag his tail every time your face appeared.

Now he’s gone, your very best friend; all dogs go to heaven, don’t they? No tears shed.  The decision has to be made, they have suffered enough, it’s time to let them go.  Remove the tubes it’s in Gods hands; quietly you stand by to see Gods plan.  No more suffering, no more pain, this was the best thing for them so no tears shed.  You couldn’t believe what was said, it broke your heart; the words fell from their lips like droplets of dew on a rose.  Your heart was shattered, not a word did you say you took it like a man, no tears shed.

The well was filled it overflowed, but; why now was the question? The answer you may never know, yet; the tears continue to flow.   This happened once before in a secluded olive grove, Gethsemane was it’s name; the fate of the world rested in his hands.  His companions were no support as they slumbered close by, not realizing their leader was preparing to die.  Kneeling in the darkness of night tears of blood he began to cry, looking down through time he saw you and me; sinners lost to destiny.

The weight of the worlds sin rested on his shoulders so the tears flowed on.  There is something therapeutic about crying in the dark, no one sees or hears; freedom to release all the stress building up from life.  No judgement, no one asking what’s wrong, or what can I do to help, just you letting go.  The rain comes to cleanse the soil preparing it for new life.  Our tears cleans away the clutter we have collected from day to day preparing our spirits to soar.

The weight of the sins that so easily beset us we carry no more, we are free from those chains to be slaves no more.  Remember the next time you find yourself crying in the dark, your Creator cried in the dark for you.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

For years they had wondered about the value of the jewelry grandma had left them when she departed from the earth plane.  They were sparkly and shiny, but that didn’t mean they had no real value.  The jewelry box was filled with rings, bracelets,  ear bobs and necklaces; they all looked very expensive.

We have all heard the saying adversity is the mother of invention or something like that; as fate would have it there came a time when the jewels needed to be tested.  The value of the jewels could supply the family’s needs.  The jeweler sit quietly examining each piece of jewelry one after the other; he separated them in two piles.

Finally he placed the last piece in it’s pile and turned his face to the family members. He cleared his throat and began his explanation, in this pile we have costume jewelry which has very little value, however; in this pile there are some that have some blemishes, imperfections, or damages but they are still somewhat valuable.

You are that jewel in the eyes of God, though you are flawed by the world in which you live; envy, jealousy, anger, hate, selfishness, and such like things have caused an erosion in your character.  Your blemishes, imperfections, and damage in the eyes of man have diminished your value; in Gods eyes you are still of great value.

When he looks through the jewelers lens he sees the rough edges as smooth, the flaws as correctable and the cleansing blood of Christ as the finishing cloth. Gods jewelry box is filled with many precious jewels, none are the same; he has a great variety different in color, size, and shapes but to him they are all his special treasure , you are one of them.  All your flaws have been erased by the blood of Jesus, you’re his priceless possession.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

The rain poured as her feet trucked through the jungle caring her sick child to the only  help she knew.  The little clinic had been helping the islanders for many years, but had recently received a new doctor.  Tears flowed down her cheeks as she handed him to the nurses, she was so over whelmed with emotion and fear she could barely tell them what happened to the child.

She sit silently in the waiting room fearful her life was about to change forever.  The nurses worked feverishly to prepare the young patient for the doctor.  Dedication, compassion, and love for humanity were the qualifications needed to work in this type of environment; death lurked around every corner for the people living in isolated areas of the country.This was his first case since he arrived on the island, he had been a doctor for many years; he felt this call of duty was his ministry and was eager to serve God in this capacity.  As he looked into the face of his young patient, the past came back with a fury; he had to walk away.  The nurses continued to work hoping the doctor would return soon.

Sitting in his office in the dark for what seemed an eternity, he had to come to grips with a past he thought he had long forgotten and a man he thought he had forgiven; it happened in a setting similar to this one.  Deep rooted hatred lies dormant in the heart until it finds a reason to surface.  Sometimes it has no grounds or explanation for why it exist in the hearts of men.Often it is passed on by those who have deep seeded influences from the past or it stems from unnecessary mistreatment of others.  Maybe it happens because we forget we were created in the image of God.  In the beginning he created one man  and from him one women, all of humanity came from those created in the beginning; we are all one blood.

Because we strayed so far away from compassion and love our Father creator sent his son to show us hate was not the way he wanted us to live, but; man so filled with evil couldn’t accept the Son. Each generation has the choice to walk in love and compassion or evil and hatred.  To come to grip with the truth lying in their heart hidden from the eyes.  The question is, is it really hidden; our actions tell the story we think no one sees.It is said the eyes are the window to the soul, if this is true our actions must be the window to the heart; from the heart flows the issues of life.  Are you in the same predicament as the doctor? Are you proclaiming the title Christian without the character of Christ? Is compassion or hatred the driving force in your life?  To thy own self be true, when you look in the mirror is it Christ you see looking back at you?

Have you forgiven  and forgotten the hurts of the past and stepped into the future with God holding your hands?

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

Her tears fell like rain as she gazed upon her son, hanging on the tree as he gave the world his blood.  Her heart was breaking even though she knew this day would come, for this was the destiny of God’s only son.  Were these people worthy of saving was the question on her mind, the very ones he healed were crying crucify; yet , as his mother she understood his love for them could not be denied.

As his life was slipping away, his thoughts were on the mother he would leave behind that day.  The tree will forever stand an emblem of sacrifice, the place where God gave his life.  The one who wiped his tears and bandaged up his knees, released him to die for you and me.  Nothing can compare to a mothers love, her kisses and her hugs.  Hands that caught you when you fell, a smile that cheered you when sad; someone willing to give you everything they had.

Always placing your needs above her own never allowing you to walk through the trials of life alone.  Do you recognize the jewel you have in her?  Many seem to realize when she is there no more, when the flowers are no longer seen and I love you no longer heard.  The time is now to show her your love tomorrow may be to late, let her know how important she is to you and how much you need her in your life today.

Thank her for the sacrifice made to give you a better life, teaching you to love God and always do whats right.  Everyone that has a child does not a mother make, however; there is a promise that we are given when we honor her who gave us life.  No matter your circumstances you still have reason to smile, your Father in heaven as he hung on the tree looked down through time to see your face; by his blood your pain erased.

Celebrate the women God has placed in your life, could be an aunt, niece,sister or friend; they all shower you with his love in one way or another.  The same love that flowed from Calvary’s tree to save sinners like you and me.    HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

They had hired the most popular party planner they could find, after all this was a very special occasion; everything had to be perfect.  The invitations were sent to a select group of guest, it was very important the right type of participants were in attendance for the guest of honor that was  to speak.  Only those who’s influence came with money and power were considered acceptable for this gathering.  The speaker was of such prominence it was thought the common man wouldn’t understand his lecture.

Have you ever wanted to go to a function, but; thought it was to high society for you? The cost was out of your price range because of who the guest speaker was? Or you felt you just didn’t fit in?  In life we are most times placed in categories based on our station in society, the wealthy feel most comfortable with the wealthy; those without wealth are considered beneath them.  Their life styles are different, conversations are different and their companions are different.

Many of them are highly educated and considered very knowledgeable in things of this world, many of us feel intimidated and inadequate in their presence.  I have a surprise for you, you’ve been invited to be the guest of honor; the preparations have been made just for you.  How great is that, plain oh you can be the most important one at the table.  No wealth is needed, no popularity is required, you are OK just the way you are.  The guest speaker thinks you are the most important reason to attend the party.

How does that feel?  I can only imagine that must have been how Mathew the tax collector felt when Jesus came to his house for supper.  He was despised by his own people and considered the biggest sinner of all sinners, however; he and his companions were on the heart of Jesus.  Jesus looked at them through eyes of love and not condemnation, he looks at us through those same eyes; we are all sinners in need of grace.  It is when we sit in the presence of Jesus we are changed.

Looking into his eyes of love causes our hearts of stone to melt, his compassion for the lost is prevalent in all his actions.  He wants to make you the guest of honor at his dinner table, he is hoping his love for you is enough for you to want to share a meal with him.  The question is are you willing to be his guest of honor?

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

No one could have imagined the destruction the storm would leave behind, dreams gone in the twinkle of the eye; years of memories washed away be the wind.  It was all gone the house, the trees, everything; nothing but rubbish was left.  Years of tears and sweat now nothing remains, so where do we go from here? How do we start over?

So many questions, so many unknowns; searching through the rubbish looking for any signs of life, is this yours? said a unfamiliar voice, it was just a picture; yes it is was the reply. A priceless gift that gave hope, a simple picture reflecting a family during happier times.  The tears began to fall, not from sadness but from joy.

The realization that the same family was unchanged by the storm opened eyes to the protection of The Father. Material loss could be replaced, new memories made, and more trees planted.  The enemy in all his fury unleashed his anger on the world; he desires to shake our faith, to separate us from the Father, and to blame the Father for our struggles and losses.

We find ourselves asking the question, “where is God”?  Especially when we are in the storm, we sometimes forget he is riding in the boat with us.  It is in the aftermath we see his face; it is reflected in all the meals our neighbors share, in the many smiles that say this too shall pass, in every hand that helps clear the rubbish, and every prayer prayed.

It is when we come together to help each other the love of the Father is reflected to the world. When we stand together we are not defeated, the enemy will lose his power.  Although he will not wave the flag of surrender, we will keep our hands in the Fathers hands as we stand upon the wall; waiting on the next storm.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

Have you ever given much thought to how it was before the mystery of electricity was revealed to the mind of man?  How without that one element the life of man is impacted.  In today’s world of machinery, computers, internet, streetlights, railways  and the like should the electricity be interrupted, how difficult things would be for all.

This type of interruption can be caused by shortages, overloads, and the most impact; storms.  Shortages and overloads may be a challenge to one or a few, but; a storm impacts many.  Seldom are we prepared for this type of interruption, the loss of power changes our lives; refrigeration is at risk, no appliances or electronics will function.

After the light of day fades, darkness engulfs the home like a tomb of silence.  Some of us will have flashlights or candles in store, they provide a gleam er of light in the darkness. Just imagine how you would fair if this was your daily existence,  this was once the norm for all people; everything was done by candlelight.

All labor was done during  the daylight hours; the cooking, cleaning, tending the crops, and bartering at the market place.  Can you imagine how dedicated the disciples must have been to painstakingly write the story of Jesus the Christ by candlelight with pen and ink on paper of their day.  The light they received from accompanying him was so powerful they had to share it, so trans formative they could not keep it to themselves.

He was the light that shatters all darkness, pure love. He came into the world that man could receive the light of truth found in him, granting freedom from darkness to all who chose to walk in light and not darkness.  As we light candles to bring small glimmers of light to spaces in our homes because our norm has been interrupted, think of the greatest light given to men; Jesus the Christ.

when you begin the worry about your food supply going bad, remember he has assured us he owns the cattle on a thousand hills, he will never forsake us nor will our seed beg for bread; our bread and water will be sure.  As the flickering candlelight sing it’s lullaby, rest in peace knowing a new day is on the horizon; his grace and mercy will cover you and it will be well with your soul.

The interruption of your norm will be over soon, you can resume the hussel and bussel of life again; just remember change can come unawares like a thief in the night, prepare yourself for the unexpected through the light that Christ offers to each of us. If we are impregnated with the light of Christ we will never walk in darkness or fear.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.  written by candlelight after a tornado hit Chattanooga leaving 60,000 homes and business without power.

I heard the news today, you said your goodbye and slept quietly away; no more pain or sorry, disappointment with the world we live in these days.  The tears will fall from every eye that embraced your smile, who held your hand or walked with you a mile along life’s way.  Memories will flood our minds causing our heart to rejoice, out of sight, but; never far away. We can be at peace with your leaving, you left all your love behind; you enclosed us in your arms and looked into our eyes, it’s time for me to go now; don’t worry or fret, just remember I’ll be at rest.

The time will come for everyone to cross the river of time and leave this physical world behind.  Some we will feel are gone to soon, so we question; asking the reason why, they never got the chance to reach the peak of life.  For some we are grateful, their sufferings are at a end; we then consider how we should live so we can see them again.  There are those who stand on the wall against tyranny and fear, they fight the battle on foreign shores that we might sleep in peace.  We know that for every soldier his time will come to fall, it is then the army in which we fight will matter most of all.

There is only one choice to be made, two armies in which to fight; if you have made the right choice you’ll have eternal life.   Jesus conquered the sting of death, in 3 days he rose again; death and the grave just couldn’t hold him.  If you choose to serve him, you too will live again; the trumpet will sound, his voice you will hear, and the chains of the grave will disappear.  The reunion with loved ones will be so sweet, your joy in the Lord will be complete, and you’ll walk upon golden streets.  So shed tears if you must, but; remember the love left behind will keep you through the long dark nights,  love never dies.

My revelation as I sit by the pool  of grace.