Reflections

I am not and do not profess to be a theologian. I have had many influences over the many decades of my life. These have included the televangelists that my parents, especially my father, watched on television when I was growing up in Chicago. It includes both conservative and more demonstrative Bishops, Pastors, ministers, evangelists in all types of congregations from Baptist to nondenominational to AME. Current television worship broadcasts services facilitated by spiritual leaders of diverse ethnicities, age, gender and culture continue to have a positive influence.

The impact of bible study, corporeal and individual, have also helped to shape my thoughts and development. Devotionals, Christian literature, nuggets of wisdom learned from parents, family, friends, professionals from different backgrounds and strangers alike have added to my constantly evolving beliefs around spirituality.

Praise music – traditional hymns, contemporary gospel and everything in between – also holds a special place in the development of the Christian soul. Earthly phenomena such as the miracle of birth, the breathtaking presence of mountains, the expanse and shifting sands of deserts, the perfection in the placement of the stars, sun and moon against the backdrop of an endless sky, the majesty of clouds that maintain a prominent position during dramatic weather patterns as they do on a clear day, and each sunrise and sunset speak to the glory and power that only God holds in His hands. These awesome wonders add to my spiritual consciousness.

These are the most powerful areas in which my spiritual sensibilities have been nurtured in one way or another. These are my “credentials” and I suspect, in some combination and to some degree, your life reflects many of the same growth experiences. There are other influences that reveal themselves in everyday interactions. They are too numerous to mention and are just as important to me. It continues to be quite a journey.

You have been introduced to two of my siblings in the Conception and Inspiration sections of this blog. I am prayerful that they will collaborate with me in this ministry. I pray that this also will be the case for as many of my siblings and others who would be comfortable with communing with us as well. Hopefully, by sharing pearls and seeds with each other, we all will move closer to a life that is patterned after His will, …his good, pleasing and perfect will as it is written in Romans 12:2 (NIV).

Since I don’t know all the answers, I thought I would start this conversation by asking us all to ponder questions in an attempt to explore biblical concepts that shape our everyday lives as we walk this walk. When we are pressed to seek answers, what is revealed to us will last. I trust that you will find these missives helpful, thought provoking and insightful. Without being “preachy” I hope they offer a path to consider different perspectives and I invite yours as well – learning by sharing, if you will. I do believe that what we give away we get back many times over. I am not certain about the frequency of my blog posts. At this point, I pray that I will initiate communications at least monthly, but I will listen to and be led by the Spirit. I know it will not be easy and I expect to be challenged (I’m pretty good at challenging others). So, as I challenge me, I challenge you to challenge yourself and us to challenge each other.

As you might have noticed, I tend to be long winded. Hopefully, you will stay with me as I grow in experience and wisdom. Continuously, I invite your prayers and collaboration with me in this journey. I thank God for sending every kernel of faith, grace and mercy that have led to this opportunity. I am grateful for His patience, presence and unconditional lovingkindness, now and forever.