Would Jesus support vaccinations? Let me tell you what He would NOT do first: 1. Jesus would not divide – the vaccinated against the unvaccinated. He would invite both to the table. 2. He would not refuse to heal and he would not judge. 3. He would not vilify leaders on either side. 4. He would not mock, exclude, or wish death on either side. 5. He would not accuse...
Moved by Compassion
Jesus was often “moved with compassion” before a miracle. Another way of saying that is, “He was moved by love.” When people in need approached Jesus, He never reprimanded at that point; He didn’t counsel, He didn’t even teach. He loved. And Jesus’ love language is healing. When the downtrodden approached Jesus, He didn’t blame. He didn’t accuse. He didn’t judge. He loved. And Jesus’ love language is forgiving and...
The Ultimate Demonstration of Love
When I was growing up in the Black Baptist Church, Thursday and Friday before Easter, we would have a church service called “The Last Seven Words.” Seven prominent Black Pastors would gather and each would preach on one of the last seven sayings of Christ. That is a fond childhood memory. As I read those last seven sayings today, I see the perfect love of God demonstrated. “Forgive them.” Love...
Mercy
My students have been “over cookin’ my grits” this week and my mercy meter is running dangerously low. I have literally begged kids to turn in work. I have made remediation assignment to help improve their grade. I have sent text messages and emails to parents and still nothing. Along with the technology issues I’ve had this week, yesterday, I was done. Or so I thought. After entering make up...
Be the Change
This week my eyes were opened. I was unaware Asian Hate was a thing. But as I have read people of Asian descent’s stories, my heart has ached and my eyes were opened to the ugliness in people’s heart. As a teacher, I always come back to this question: “How can we do better?” My Christian friends would say, “Jesus is the answer. We will just pray and it will...
Prophesy
Apostle Paul encouraged us to “be eager to prophesy.” I want to increase my prophetic voice in 2021. Do you? Here are a five suggestions from scripture: 1. Love. Love ALL people. Democrats, Republicans, believers, non-believers, people of different faiths, immigrants. Love. Paul said, “Let love be your highest goal.(I Corinthians 14:1)” God is love. He speaks love. He communicates in love. If we want to speak on His behalf...
Influence Through Love
This morning, I needed to be reminded of this truth God shared with me five years ago. Perhaps we all do. I have been listening to some teachings that have really challenged me lately. The basic thought is this, if I am going to be a person of influence, if I am going to walk in the prophetic, I need to love and honor people I don’t agree with, people...
The True Sign of Maturity
As I read Paul’s letters to the churches, I’m amazed how often Paul addressed Christian behavior. He always began by reminding us of our identity because we can’t live a godly life without the indweliing of the Holy Spirit. In Colossians 3, Paul reminds us that we are dearly loved by God and chosen to be holy. And because we are loved, we love! I pray that the church that...
Restoring a Loved One
Teach in love. Correct in relationship. Rebuke without judgment. Convince with gentle words. Call up into purpose. Seek to restore. Demonstrate a better way. Bear each other’s burdens. Laugh together. Break bread together. Love relentlessly. Preserve dignity. Point to Jesus. No, we don’t turn a blind eye if a brother or sister is overtaken with a fault. We seek to restore and correct but that must be done in the...
Remember Who You Are
Friends, lately I have been asking some hard questions of you and of myself. This election season has challenged me. My emotions have run high and I have had to scroll past many posts when my inner teacher wanted to stop and drop Truth. I didn’t because I couldn’t find a way to wrap that truth in kindness. So this morning, I want to ask you another hard question. This...