You are Unique & Special

Have you ever wondered why God made you? In bad times, do you ever ask the question "why was I born?" The answer is very simple. God made you because He needed and wanted a you. No one else that He had ever made was like you, and no one else ever will be. Psalm 139:14 (New Century Version) says, "I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well." No one walks the way you walk, no one has your smile. You have a unique sense of humor. You have a style that is distinctly yours. You don't have to be like anyone else. Take time today to celebrate you. Don't let the negative words of others distort your self-impression. Regardless of what others may say, God says you're wonderful. If God said it, that settles it! Don't expect anyone to love you if you don't first love yourself.

Too Close to Turn Around

What have you been waiting on God to do in your life? Help you finish your degree? Restore your marriage? Save your children? Start a new business? Get a new job? Whatever it is, you must know that you are close to completing the task. Sometimes it seems as if we take one step forward and two steps back. It appears that everytime we make a little progress, some negative circumstance comes along to derail all of our efforts. But you can't give up. You've come too far to turn around. Romans 13:11 tells us that our salvation is closer now than when we first believed. Whatever you are believing God for right now, know that it shall come to pass if you keep pressing forward. You've made a lot of progress and come a long way. Even though you are not perfect, you are a lot better than you used to be. You've cleaned up your language; kicked some bad habits; you're praying more; reading your bible; you're going to church. Look at you - you're on your way! You may say "I still have a long way to go," but God says "You're Too Close to Turn Around Now." Press on my brother, press on my sister. You're almost there!

It Remains To Be Seen

Many of you know that my favorite scripture is 1 Corinthians 2:9, "...eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." This scripture reminds all of us that God has so much more in store for us. In Jeremiah 29:11, God says "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Be encouraged today and know that regardless of how difficult life may seem for you right now, God has plans for you. Plans of blessings, plans of prosperity, plans of peace. During days of challenge (we all have them), these scriptures encourage me by reminding me that God has not forgotten me. In fact, I am always on God's mind as he prepares and plans my future blessings. The same truth applies to you and all who love God. Your best days are ahead, not behind. Go forth child of God. You're on your way to your blessing place.

My Superwoman

I think our church has a pretty good pastor. However, I know we have an awesome first lady! Congratulations to my wife, Dr. Cynthia, for being appointed by Governor Charlie Crist to serve on the state Board of Pharmacy. In this four-year position, she will be responsible for licensing new pharmacists in the state, as well as reviewing and managing the professional standards that govern all pharmacists. Our daughters, who are both pharmacy majors at FAMU, may have the privilege of having their mom review and approve their application for license once they finish school and pass the board exam. God is an awesome God. In addition to all of her professional accomplishments, she is a loving, supportive wife, a terrific mom, a wonderful first lady, a prayer warrior, a community volunteer, a role model for young women, an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and the list goes on and on. God has blessed me with much more than a wife - He has given me a Superwoman!

Random Acts of Kindness

Do you remember the days when almost everyone was nice? Back in the day, people spoke to each other, even if they were strangers. Men opened doors for women, and assisted the young and the elderly. I remember growing up in church during a time when an adult churchgoer would give a child a quarter for no reason. Let's bring those days back! Let's find a way to be kind. Pay for someone else's lunch. Allow the car to merge in front of you. Say good morning to everyone you come into contact with. Give a compliment. Call someone just to tell them you appreciate them. Send a card. These are just a few ways we can show kindness and the love of God to our brothers and sisters. Have a blessed day. Now go out and be kind!

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, which signifies the beginning of the Lenten Season. Today is the day that we, as Christians, begin to travel with Christ on His way to the cross. In the bible, ashes were a symbol of mourning. Esther 4:1 (RSV) says, "When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai rent his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, wailing with a loud and bitter cry." While we are thankful that Jesus died for us, we are also sad that because of our sins, He had to. The Season of Lent lasts forty days (count the number of days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, excluding Sundays). Many people make a sacrifice, or "give up something" for lent. This is done to symbolize the awesome sacrifice that God have through His Son, and that the Son gave through His life. One should not give up certain foods for Lent because they want to lose weight. Whatever you give up, it should be done from the perspective of sharing in the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus our Savior. During this season, we should reflect on our spiritual walk with God, and vow to live an even better life for God's glory. May God bless you during this special time of the year.

Look Inside

What is it that you have been waiting for? Are you looking for a new job? A better financial situation? A stable relationship? Where have you been looking? Have you looked to others? If so, you have been looking in the wrong direction. Instead of looking outward, turn and look inward. 1 John 4:4 says "...greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." God has gifted you with everything you need to succeed. If God lives in you, He will lead, guide and direct you (in His own time) to your destiny. Don't loose patience when it seems as if everybody is progressing except you. Stay true to yourself and your God, and in due season you will reap, if you do not faint. You know you can trust God. Now you've got to learn to trust yourself. If God lives inside of you, in order to find Him, all you have to do is look inside.