It was a day just like any other only this time I felt something in the air. I had no idea what it was; just something in my spirit told me the day would be a memorable one.
The sky was clear but the air was very crisp and cold. There was no wind; just bright sunshine and the bite of winter in March. The birds sounded a little happier, I remember. There had been a few of them sitting on the ledge outside my bedroom window just chirping and chatting, probably catching up on what had been going on in Bird Land.
The trees were still barren; they had not begun to bud yet although spring was just around the corner. Most of the winter had been mild so they were probably confused about the seasons just like the rest of us.
I decided to go for a walk that morning. I did not have to be at work for another few hours but I was feeling restless. I knew I needed to get back into exercise mode and a walk on a day like that one would get my juices flowing and prepare me well for the day ahead.
Isn’t it funny how the universe orders things? We think we have so much control, but really we don’t.
Anyway, I was walking up the avenue with no clear destination in mind when I saw him. He was still several yards away from me and had not seen me, and although it had been years since I’d last seen him, I recognized that slow stride of his just as if I’d seen it yesterday.
My heart started beating a little faster the closer I got to him. He had stopped by a car and was reaching down to open the passenger door when he noticed me. I don’t know what he felt in that moment, but he paused right where he was, leaning down with his hand on the latch and gave his full attention to me as I approached.
Slowly rising to his full height of six feet, three inches, I could see that his looks had only gotten better with age. He wore a thinly trimmed mustache and goatee and the hair on his head was cut short, no longer black but a mix of salt and pepper. Then he smiled at me and the brown pupils of his eyes lit up like light bulbs. Of course, I couldn’t help but return that beautiful expression; I was overjoyed to see him looking so well.
He took a few steps toward me until we were face to face and wrapped me in an embrace that was so warm the cold I had been previously feeling immediately dissipated.
We chatted for a while, just skimming over surface stuff, but I learned in those few minutes that he was a widower now for about five years. His son and daughter were grown and married and he was the grandfather of five children. I shared that I was divorced and that my kids were grown and I was the grandmother of one.
We were surprised that we lived in such close proximity to one another and had been for the last 18 months, since I had moved back into town. He was on his way to work and couldn’t talk for long but asked if I would call him. He reached into his breast pocket and retrieved his business card, then opened the car door and the glove box and removed a pen. “This is my home number,” he said as he scrawled on the back of the card. “Please call me. I’d love to see you and catch up. Maybe we could get together for tea or hot chocolate.” I was flattered that he remembered that I don’t drink coffee.
He embraced me again, this time holding on a little longer than might have been necessary, but long enough to let me know that he was genuinely happy that we had connected once again. His lips brushed against my forehead and he whispered a gentle good-bye before he released me and let me continue on my way.
As we parted and I resumed my walk, the smile on my face and in my heart could not be contained. I turned to look back at where we’d stood and found him standing in the opening of the driver’s side of his car watching me. My heart skipped a beat at what I saw in his eyes, and I waved and turned back around, afraid that he would see I was still, after all these years, in love with him. But the fear was not so overwhelming because I could see in his eyes that the feeling was mutual.
Cheryl Faye
Copyright 2011. Cheryl Faye Smith.
Not to be reproduced without permission.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Called to Serve-Breakfast
The number of children who go to school hungry each morning across the United States is easily in the thousands. In urban areas this number rises exponentially when you consider national averages. It is a documented fact that children are more attentive, productive and participatory in school when they have a full stomach; basically, when they are not distracted by hunger pangs. First Corinthian Baptist Church (“FCBC”), where the dynamic Michael A. Walrond, Jr. is the senior pastor, is a church in Harlem that has taken a hands-on approach to making sure the number of children going to school hungry in our community steadily declines.
On the first Monday of October 2011, the Breakfast Before Books (“BBB”) Program was initiated at FCBC. This program is the heart-child of Tory Liferidge, FCBC’s youth and young adult pastor. Pastor T, as he is affectionately called by the young and younger members and friends of FCBC, had been looking for a way to engage the local school community since the summer of 2011 and this is one of the ways he thought FCBC could make an impact on our kids’ lives. “The BBB program was something that hit me one day as I was thinking about the cuts to schools’ budgets and the fact that many children go to school on an empty stomach. I thought that it would be great to help kids with a nutritional beginning to their day and some positivity for their attitudes,” Pastor T states.
At the program’s inception, FCBC would open its doors from 6:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. each first Monday of the month to provide a balanced breakfast for children in the Harlem community. FCBC tries to provide meals that include something from each of the five major food groups as defined by the Food Guide Pyramid (see www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/). If the children properly budget their time, they have the option of sitting down and enjoying a bowl of hot cereal; if they do not, they can grab a bagged breakfast to go.
Currently serving approximately 60 children, the BBB program is fully funded by FCBC and there is no cost to the families of the children participating. Additionally, in response to the community, beginning on January 9, 2012, the BBB program schedule changed to every Monday of each month. With the expectation that the number of children being fed will grow as knowledge of the program spreads throughout the community, Pastor T is calling on our congregation to support this program by picking up an extra case of cold cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, fruit cups or breakfast bars when they make their Costco and BJ’s runs for their own families. I am asking everyone who is able to make a monetary contribution to this very necessary program.
Every New Year’s Eve at FCBC’s Watch Night service, Pastor Mike, as he is lovingly called, gives us a theme for the coming new year; a charge, if you will. The theme for 2012 is “Chosen for Greatness!...Called to Serve! This charge is based on the scripture in Matthew 23:11 where Jesus tells his disciples, “The greatest among you will be your servant” (NRSV). FCBC, through the BBB program, is embodying this charge.
Pastor T speaks excitedly about the volunteers who have made the BBB program their ministry. “We have grown to 7 consistent volunteers for the program. They have been extremely faithful and have developed a protocol, system and culture for the program.” Although the doors of the church do not open until 6:45 a.m. for the children, the dedicated volunteers are there each Monday at 6:00 a.m. “Each session begins with set up, bag prep and then prayer that we will have an impact on the attitudes of our youth,” says Pastor T. “As an aside, it allows us to be outside and change the demeanor of the many children who do not take advantage (of the program) by saying ‘good morning,’ asking them if they want breakfast, and then encouraging them to have a ‘great day at school today.’ That has been a great ministry in and of itself,” he says.
As a member of FCBC, I feel it is my obligation and privilege to support the BBB program and all other service-oriented programs by whatever means I can, either with my time, talent or tithes and offerings. I believe that is why God placed it on my heart to write and tell you about the Breakfast Before Books Program. If your heart leads you to make a monetary donation to the BBB program, we would be ever so grateful for your support. You can send your check or money order, made payable to FCBC, to First Corinthian Baptist Church, 1912 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., New York, NY 10026. Be sure to write “BBB Program” in the memo section of your check or money order. All monetary donations of $20 or more are fully tax-deductible. If you prefer, however, feel free bring your cash or food donation with you when you join us in service. We have two services each Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. and we would love to see you.
Nowhere in the United States should a child go to school hungry because his or her family cannot afford to buy food. Sadly, in this country, one of the richest in the world, many children do. It is the responsibility of each of us who can, to do whatever we can, to change this awful dynamic. FCBC is a church already known for its service to the Harlem community, whether because of our regular Food Pantry Ministry, clothing drives and resultant free community shopping sprees, or the many times throughout the year when we open our doors and feed the people as a way of sharing our love. Under the leadership of Pastor Mike, we are constantly working to change the lives of God’s people by attending to their needs. Our purpose statement says it all: “We are an ever-evolving community of visionaries and dreamers who have been called by God to live the lives we were created to live; commanded by God to love beyond the limits of our prejudices and commissioned by God to serve.” You, too, were chosen for greatness. Are you ready to serve?
On the first Monday of October 2011, the Breakfast Before Books (“BBB”) Program was initiated at FCBC. This program is the heart-child of Tory Liferidge, FCBC’s youth and young adult pastor. Pastor T, as he is affectionately called by the young and younger members and friends of FCBC, had been looking for a way to engage the local school community since the summer of 2011 and this is one of the ways he thought FCBC could make an impact on our kids’ lives. “The BBB program was something that hit me one day as I was thinking about the cuts to schools’ budgets and the fact that many children go to school on an empty stomach. I thought that it would be great to help kids with a nutritional beginning to their day and some positivity for their attitudes,” Pastor T states.
At the program’s inception, FCBC would open its doors from 6:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. each first Monday of the month to provide a balanced breakfast for children in the Harlem community. FCBC tries to provide meals that include something from each of the five major food groups as defined by the Food Guide Pyramid (see www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/). If the children properly budget their time, they have the option of sitting down and enjoying a bowl of hot cereal; if they do not, they can grab a bagged breakfast to go.
Currently serving approximately 60 children, the BBB program is fully funded by FCBC and there is no cost to the families of the children participating. Additionally, in response to the community, beginning on January 9, 2012, the BBB program schedule changed to every Monday of each month. With the expectation that the number of children being fed will grow as knowledge of the program spreads throughout the community, Pastor T is calling on our congregation to support this program by picking up an extra case of cold cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, fruit cups or breakfast bars when they make their Costco and BJ’s runs for their own families. I am asking everyone who is able to make a monetary contribution to this very necessary program.
Every New Year’s Eve at FCBC’s Watch Night service, Pastor Mike, as he is lovingly called, gives us a theme for the coming new year; a charge, if you will. The theme for 2012 is “Chosen for Greatness!...Called to Serve! This charge is based on the scripture in Matthew 23:11 where Jesus tells his disciples, “The greatest among you will be your servant” (NRSV). FCBC, through the BBB program, is embodying this charge.
Pastor T speaks excitedly about the volunteers who have made the BBB program their ministry. “We have grown to 7 consistent volunteers for the program. They have been extremely faithful and have developed a protocol, system and culture for the program.” Although the doors of the church do not open until 6:45 a.m. for the children, the dedicated volunteers are there each Monday at 6:00 a.m. “Each session begins with set up, bag prep and then prayer that we will have an impact on the attitudes of our youth,” says Pastor T. “As an aside, it allows us to be outside and change the demeanor of the many children who do not take advantage (of the program) by saying ‘good morning,’ asking them if they want breakfast, and then encouraging them to have a ‘great day at school today.’ That has been a great ministry in and of itself,” he says.
As a member of FCBC, I feel it is my obligation and privilege to support the BBB program and all other service-oriented programs by whatever means I can, either with my time, talent or tithes and offerings. I believe that is why God placed it on my heart to write and tell you about the Breakfast Before Books Program. If your heart leads you to make a monetary donation to the BBB program, we would be ever so grateful for your support. You can send your check or money order, made payable to FCBC, to First Corinthian Baptist Church, 1912 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., New York, NY 10026. Be sure to write “BBB Program” in the memo section of your check or money order. All monetary donations of $20 or more are fully tax-deductible. If you prefer, however, feel free bring your cash or food donation with you when you join us in service. We have two services each Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. and we would love to see you.
Nowhere in the United States should a child go to school hungry because his or her family cannot afford to buy food. Sadly, in this country, one of the richest in the world, many children do. It is the responsibility of each of us who can, to do whatever we can, to change this awful dynamic. FCBC is a church already known for its service to the Harlem community, whether because of our regular Food Pantry Ministry, clothing drives and resultant free community shopping sprees, or the many times throughout the year when we open our doors and feed the people as a way of sharing our love. Under the leadership of Pastor Mike, we are constantly working to change the lives of God’s people by attending to their needs. Our purpose statement says it all: “We are an ever-evolving community of visionaries and dreamers who have been called by God to live the lives we were created to live; commanded by God to love beyond the limits of our prejudices and commissioned by God to serve.” You, too, were chosen for greatness. Are you ready to serve?
Sunday, January 1, 2012
2012-A New Year, Right Where I'm Supposed to Be
So we've made it through another year. Was 2011 a hard one for you? For me, it was a year of breakthrough after breakthrough. In line with the FCBC theme for 2011, I made a choice to do what I'd never done, go where I'd never gone and be who I'd never been. As such, I made definitive decisions where I once flip-flopped and was indecisive. I took a journey to a place I'd never been; not geographically, because I had, in fact, been to the physical space of this particular breakthrough, but spiritually and mentally, it was a place I'd never visited before. 
And I became a couple of things I'd never been in my life -- a straight "A" student and an award-winning author.
Although as this new year begins and the old one ends I find myself financially, physically, and geographically in the same space I've been in for a minute now, I realize I am actually right where I am supposed to be.
God has a plan for me in 2012 to continue doing some things I've never done before, becoming more of who I've never been before and going places I've never visited before. I know that I have been gifted for a particular work, and while I may not be completely sure of what that work will be, I know there is nothing to keep me from God's favor and no one who can alter my favored status. Right now there is still much that I must do to get to where I need to be in order for God to use me exactly how God wants me to be used, but I am patient and won't try to rush to get to a space, the location of which, I am not even sure of.
Nonetheless, I am in a beautiful space right now -- more satisfied with my life, overall, than I have ever been before. God has shown me favor in ways some may not even understand, but the fact that I am so in love with who I am and excited about where I am and ecstatic about where I've grown from and jubilant about what I have overcome, and eagerly anticipating where I will be going in my future. . .shucks, there is no better space I'd rather be in. I've got a long way to go to get to where I want to be, but God made it clear in 2011 (just a few months ago when I was planning to make MY OWN move to another space) that I am to stay put. So here I stand. Right where I need to be; right where I'm supposed to be for God to do what God needs to do when, where and how God decides to do it.
Happy New Year my beautiful Sisters and Brothers. Hold on; stand still and see the salvation of the Lord right where you are. Right where you're supposed to be. God's favor is upon you and your Gifts will make room for everything else.
Peace, blessings and love in 2012 and beyond,
Cheryl Faye
And I became a couple of things I'd never been in my life -- a straight "A" student and an award-winning author.
Although as this new year begins and the old one ends I find myself financially, physically, and geographically in the same space I've been in for a minute now, I realize I am actually right where I am supposed to be.
God has a plan for me in 2012 to continue doing some things I've never done before, becoming more of who I've never been before and going places I've never visited before. I know that I have been gifted for a particular work, and while I may not be completely sure of what that work will be, I know there is nothing to keep me from God's favor and no one who can alter my favored status. Right now there is still much that I must do to get to where I need to be in order for God to use me exactly how God wants me to be used, but I am patient and won't try to rush to get to a space, the location of which, I am not even sure of.
Nonetheless, I am in a beautiful space right now -- more satisfied with my life, overall, than I have ever been before. God has shown me favor in ways some may not even understand, but the fact that I am so in love with who I am and excited about where I am and ecstatic about where I've grown from and jubilant about what I have overcome, and eagerly anticipating where I will be going in my future. . .shucks, there is no better space I'd rather be in. I've got a long way to go to get to where I want to be, but God made it clear in 2011 (just a few months ago when I was planning to make MY OWN move to another space) that I am to stay put. So here I stand. Right where I need to be; right where I'm supposed to be for God to do what God needs to do when, where and how God decides to do it.
Happy New Year my beautiful Sisters and Brothers. Hold on; stand still and see the salvation of the Lord right where you are. Right where you're supposed to be. God's favor is upon you and your Gifts will make room for everything else.
Peace, blessings and love in 2012 and beyond,
Cheryl Faye
Monday, December 12, 2011
"Hi, Gorgeous!"
This morning just before I got in the shower, I looked at the upper half of my naked self in the medicine cabinet mirror. Mind you, I had just gotten off the scale, and I was pleased with the number it displayed; especially considering that I'd eaten an entire package of lobster ravioli for dinner yesterday (about 16 pieces) plus 2 little (and I mean very little) chocolate ice cream cones last night. But I guess because I had countered the ravioli with an entire bag of romaine lettuce topped with a few homemade croutons and just enough of a lite caesar salad dressing to moisten all of the lettuce, I was okay. Aside from a slice of sweet potato pie early that afternoon that was all I'd eaten on Sunday.
But I'm getting away from myself.
As I stood in front of that mirror looking at my breasts that were losing the battle with gravity more and more each minute and my midsection that had curves in way too many places, I smiled and told myself, "You are too gorgeous." Then I told myself, "I love you so much. I love who you have grown to be. You are so special to me." Then I thanked God for making me and keeping me through all of the self-inflicted "stuff" I'd put myself through over the years.
As I write these words, I'm immediately reminded of the powerful sermon Pastor Tory preached yesterday about who and what we let into our houses--into our hearts. All those years ago, I had let so many people who were not worthy to be in my house into my house and I let them do whatever they wanted to do in my house. I let other people establish rules for my house instead of establishing my own rules for my house. By the same token, all those many years ago, I never stood in front of a mirror and told the beautiful woman there how much I loved her. I always relied on someone else to tell her that. (Yes, I lived with years of disappointment relying on that.) Well, no more of that! Thank You God.
I am in love with the me God is still creating me to be and I hope, my Sisters, that you are in love with you, too. Make sure you tell that gorgeous woman you see staring back at you each time you look in a mirror how beautiful she is and how much you love her. The smile she will shine at you for your declaration will be brilliant and, I tell you, it will brighten your day.
You know what I did after that? I got in the shower and sang to her. I sang so jauntily that she laughed and told me I was crazy. But crazy in a good way.
My sisters, be sure to pay attention to that beauty in the mirror. Love on her. Sing to her. Laugh with her. She will appreciate it and You because when you really think about it, how can you expect anyone else to love her if you don't?
Peace, love & blessings always,
Cheryl Faye
But I'm getting away from myself.
As I stood in front of that mirror looking at my breasts that were losing the battle with gravity more and more each minute and my midsection that had curves in way too many places, I smiled and told myself, "You are too gorgeous." Then I told myself, "I love you so much. I love who you have grown to be. You are so special to me." Then I thanked God for making me and keeping me through all of the self-inflicted "stuff" I'd put myself through over the years.
As I write these words, I'm immediately reminded of the powerful sermon Pastor Tory preached yesterday about who and what we let into our houses--into our hearts. All those years ago, I had let so many people who were not worthy to be in my house into my house and I let them do whatever they wanted to do in my house. I let other people establish rules for my house instead of establishing my own rules for my house. By the same token, all those many years ago, I never stood in front of a mirror and told the beautiful woman there how much I loved her. I always relied on someone else to tell her that. (Yes, I lived with years of disappointment relying on that.) Well, no more of that! Thank You God.
I am in love with the me God is still creating me to be and I hope, my Sisters, that you are in love with you, too. Make sure you tell that gorgeous woman you see staring back at you each time you look in a mirror how beautiful she is and how much you love her. The smile she will shine at you for your declaration will be brilliant and, I tell you, it will brighten your day.
You know what I did after that? I got in the shower and sang to her. I sang so jauntily that she laughed and told me I was crazy. But crazy in a good way.
My sisters, be sure to pay attention to that beauty in the mirror. Love on her. Sing to her. Laugh with her. She will appreciate it and You because when you really think about it, how can you expect anyone else to love her if you don't?
Peace, love & blessings always,
Cheryl Faye
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Seaons
I know it's been a minute since I've posted anything here, but I have not been idle in that time. I've got a lot going on with school and different responsibilities I have to myself and others.
School is progressing steadily and I'm doing pretty well. I've got 42 out of 60 credits under my belt and my GPA is 3.92 (6 A's and 2 A-'s). Mama would be proud.
But that's not what this post is about. I wanted to talk briefly about seasons. This past Sunday, Rev. LaKeesha preached a powerful sermon about the seasons of our lives. We all have them. Time comes when we find ourselves sowing, then time comes when we reap. Then there are times when we are neither sowing nor reaping, but we are simply waiting. Whatever your season, embrace it. Don't make the mistake of trying to reap during a season of sowing or even waiting. You'll only end up frustrated, angry, and maybe even depressed.
I am trying to stay attuned to the changes in my own seasons so that I can move when, where, and how God is directing. I am learning to live life simpler. I recently went through my closets and bagged up clothes I have not worn in over a year or more and most likely will never wear again. I came away with 2 extra large shopping bags of clothing. There is a woman somewhere who can use those items. Right now, I'm in a season of weeding -- removing those things (and even people, in some cases) that are hindering my growth. Yes, THINGS can hinder our growth when we hold on so tight to them that we leave no room for God to pour something new into our hands.
Don't miss out on your blessing by trying to plant a tree when you should be plowing a field in preparation for the planting. Be patient and wait on God, but while you're waiting, pay attention to what is happening all around you. Be still and listen for God's whisper. God will not fight for your attention, but God will always be there to meet your need.
Love, peace and many blessings always,
Cheryl Faye
School is progressing steadily and I'm doing pretty well. I've got 42 out of 60 credits under my belt and my GPA is 3.92 (6 A's and 2 A-'s). Mama would be proud.
But that's not what this post is about. I wanted to talk briefly about seasons. This past Sunday, Rev. LaKeesha preached a powerful sermon about the seasons of our lives. We all have them. Time comes when we find ourselves sowing, then time comes when we reap. Then there are times when we are neither sowing nor reaping, but we are simply waiting. Whatever your season, embrace it. Don't make the mistake of trying to reap during a season of sowing or even waiting. You'll only end up frustrated, angry, and maybe even depressed.
I am trying to stay attuned to the changes in my own seasons so that I can move when, where, and how God is directing. I am learning to live life simpler. I recently went through my closets and bagged up clothes I have not worn in over a year or more and most likely will never wear again. I came away with 2 extra large shopping bags of clothing. There is a woman somewhere who can use those items. Right now, I'm in a season of weeding -- removing those things (and even people, in some cases) that are hindering my growth. Yes, THINGS can hinder our growth when we hold on so tight to them that we leave no room for God to pour something new into our hands.
Don't miss out on your blessing by trying to plant a tree when you should be plowing a field in preparation for the planting. Be patient and wait on God, but while you're waiting, pay attention to what is happening all around you. Be still and listen for God's whisper. God will not fight for your attention, but God will always be there to meet your need.
Love, peace and many blessings always,
Cheryl Faye
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
In Love vs. Love
Last night at TNT (First Corinthian Baptist Church in NYC, Tuesday Night Teaching), Pastor Mike dropped some stuff on us that still has my head spinning. He asked a question about our relationships with God. Namely, do we have a merely physical relationship with God or an intimate one? Let me explain.
He used the analogy that many people have sex without being in love with their partners. He addded that in those moments, most people do not kiss because kissing makes the moment more intimate. Although sex, in and of itself, is very intimate, one can perform the act of coitus and remain completely detached from their partner.
Kissing is a face-to-face endeavor, however, which goes much deeper.
Pastor Mike went on to say that many of us love God, but asked, how many of us are in love with God?
The issue of love vs. in love, is a topic that I have contended with on many occasions. I have argued that when you love someone, it transcends space, time, etc., etc. because true love does indeed cover a multitude of sins. I have also argued that "in love" is fleeting; people fall in and out of love all the time. Myself included.
However, Pastor Mike suggested that we make the mistake of equating the way we fall in and out of love with people to the way we feel about God.
Being in love with someone means you have opened yourself up to the point of total transparency. You cannot hide your true self when you are in love with someone. Your every heartbeat is for that one you are in love with. You think about the person you are in love with 24-7. No matter what you do, you cannot get that person you are in love with off your mind. And you don't want to. Thinking about that person makes your insides quiver, your face glows, your step is lighter -- everything is right with the world when you are in love.
Can you imagine feeling that way about God? God, who is in love with us. God who has proven time and time again God's love for us. I know God is in love with me. When you are in love with someone, you can forgive them anything. ANYTHING!!! Just like God forgives us, ANYTHING!!
I have been in love before; several times in fact, but I realize that in recent years, I stopped fully letting go of myself because I was afraid of losing control. See, you cannot be in love and be in control at the same time. Uh, uh, that won't work.
Last night's conversation has opened my mind to the way I have claimed love and in lovedness (I just made that word up, y'all).
Can you imagine God treating us the way we treat each other? When something doesn't go quite the way we want it to, we fall out of love with our partners. For us, human beings, being in love seems temporal. It's about time, place and space. For God, being in love with us is eternal.
Can you imagine what your life would be like if God suddenly fell out of love with you? I don't even want to think about that.
Have you ever kissed God? Have you ever tried to kiss God? Have you ever even thought about kissing God?
We kiss our parents, our children, our friends, and, of course, those we claim to be in love with, but have you ever considered that God wants to share that intimate act with you?
Last night's TNT has made me (and several of my sisters and brothers at FCBC) really dig deep and examine our relationships with God.
Have we been treating God like a booty-call? Hit God up when we get that sudden urge, spend a little bit of time, put some money on the dresser, and be about our business until the next time?
Ouch!! It hurts when you think about it like that, doesn't it? It should.
When the only time you spend with God is on Sunday morning at church, you are in effect, doing just that. You come, get your prayer and your praise on, listen to the Word being delivered, put a little offering in the collection plate (sometimes), then you leave and get on with your day and don't have anything to do with God until the next Sunday.
God has been in love with us since the beginning of time, and I think, all God wants is for us to love God the same way God loves us. That takes work, but more than that, it takes complete and utter surrender and exposure to the object of your in lovedness. GOD!!
Peace, blessings & God's love,
Cheryl Faye
He used the analogy that many people have sex without being in love with their partners. He addded that in those moments, most people do not kiss because kissing makes the moment more intimate. Although sex, in and of itself, is very intimate, one can perform the act of coitus and remain completely detached from their partner.
Kissing is a face-to-face endeavor, however, which goes much deeper.
Pastor Mike went on to say that many of us love God, but asked, how many of us are in love with God?
The issue of love vs. in love, is a topic that I have contended with on many occasions. I have argued that when you love someone, it transcends space, time, etc., etc. because true love does indeed cover a multitude of sins. I have also argued that "in love" is fleeting; people fall in and out of love all the time. Myself included.
However, Pastor Mike suggested that we make the mistake of equating the way we fall in and out of love with people to the way we feel about God.
Being in love with someone means you have opened yourself up to the point of total transparency. You cannot hide your true self when you are in love with someone. Your every heartbeat is for that one you are in love with. You think about the person you are in love with 24-7. No matter what you do, you cannot get that person you are in love with off your mind. And you don't want to. Thinking about that person makes your insides quiver, your face glows, your step is lighter -- everything is right with the world when you are in love.
Can you imagine feeling that way about God? God, who is in love with us. God who has proven time and time again God's love for us. I know God is in love with me. When you are in love with someone, you can forgive them anything. ANYTHING!!! Just like God forgives us, ANYTHING!!
I have been in love before; several times in fact, but I realize that in recent years, I stopped fully letting go of myself because I was afraid of losing control. See, you cannot be in love and be in control at the same time. Uh, uh, that won't work.
Last night's conversation has opened my mind to the way I have claimed love and in lovedness (I just made that word up, y'all).
Can you imagine God treating us the way we treat each other? When something doesn't go quite the way we want it to, we fall out of love with our partners. For us, human beings, being in love seems temporal. It's about time, place and space. For God, being in love with us is eternal.
Can you imagine what your life would be like if God suddenly fell out of love with you? I don't even want to think about that.
Have you ever kissed God? Have you ever tried to kiss God? Have you ever even thought about kissing God?
We kiss our parents, our children, our friends, and, of course, those we claim to be in love with, but have you ever considered that God wants to share that intimate act with you?
Last night's TNT has made me (and several of my sisters and brothers at FCBC) really dig deep and examine our relationships with God.
Have we been treating God like a booty-call? Hit God up when we get that sudden urge, spend a little bit of time, put some money on the dresser, and be about our business until the next time?
Ouch!! It hurts when you think about it like that, doesn't it? It should.
When the only time you spend with God is on Sunday morning at church, you are in effect, doing just that. You come, get your prayer and your praise on, listen to the Word being delivered, put a little offering in the collection plate (sometimes), then you leave and get on with your day and don't have anything to do with God until the next Sunday.
God has been in love with us since the beginning of time, and I think, all God wants is for us to love God the same way God loves us. That takes work, but more than that, it takes complete and utter surrender and exposure to the object of your in lovedness. GOD!!
Peace, blessings & God's love,
Cheryl Faye
Thursday, July 7, 2011
My Gift
For years I presumed that the gifts God gave me were those of imagination and writing. After all, I love to write, I always have. As far back as my teen years I’ve been writing; it has always been a salve for my soul. I've been dreaming up stories about imaginary people that touch real folk’s lives for as long as I can remember.
But as I sat on the subway this morning on my way to work, God made me see that my gift was not about imagination or writing per se, although those are gifts. It’s not even about communication, which I thought it might be as I sat pondering this matter. The gift God gave me that He will use for His glory is the gift of transparency.
I have always been willing and able to share my experiences with others freely, sometimes to my detriment, but that simply taught me that I must always be mindful of my audience. My Mom, girlfriends, and numerous others have told me for years, “You have to keep some things to yourself.” And while that may be true, their reasons for feeling this way were largely based on fear. Fear that someone would view me in a less than pleasant light, fear that someone might tell someone else what I had revealed, or simply fear that what I’d shared would be used against me. But when you reveal your own secrets or less than stellar times in your life without coercion or shame, what power does anyone have to use your stories against you?
I’ve learned that the mistakes I’ve made in my life are lessons for someone else’s life. The testimony I give has the power to free another sister chained by her decisions. That I have been able to grow through my bad choices and emerge stronger, wiser and feeling oh so good about who I am will help my sister become everything God created her to be. Simply because through my transparency she will see that she, too, is the beloved of God.
Our gifts are not for our benefit; they are given for the benefit of others. The gift of my transparency is not so people can see through me, but so they can see through their trials to the same victory God has blessed me with. If God can deliver me out of the messes I’ve gotten myself into or allowed others to put me in, or even the ones I’ve been in that were beyond my control, God will do the same for you. I am no more precious to God than you are or anyone else.
God loves us unconditionally and when we recognize that and embrace that assurance, a whole new world will be opened up to us and our gifts will be made manifest through us. You might have to go through some storms first, but just remember, God is with you even then; especially then.
Just turn around.
See, didn’t I tell you?
Peace, love & blessings always,
Cheryl Faye
But as I sat on the subway this morning on my way to work, God made me see that my gift was not about imagination or writing per se, although those are gifts. It’s not even about communication, which I thought it might be as I sat pondering this matter. The gift God gave me that He will use for His glory is the gift of transparency.
I have always been willing and able to share my experiences with others freely, sometimes to my detriment, but that simply taught me that I must always be mindful of my audience. My Mom, girlfriends, and numerous others have told me for years, “You have to keep some things to yourself.” And while that may be true, their reasons for feeling this way were largely based on fear. Fear that someone would view me in a less than pleasant light, fear that someone might tell someone else what I had revealed, or simply fear that what I’d shared would be used against me. But when you reveal your own secrets or less than stellar times in your life without coercion or shame, what power does anyone have to use your stories against you?
I’ve learned that the mistakes I’ve made in my life are lessons for someone else’s life. The testimony I give has the power to free another sister chained by her decisions. That I have been able to grow through my bad choices and emerge stronger, wiser and feeling oh so good about who I am will help my sister become everything God created her to be. Simply because through my transparency she will see that she, too, is the beloved of God.
Our gifts are not for our benefit; they are given for the benefit of others. The gift of my transparency is not so people can see through me, but so they can see through their trials to the same victory God has blessed me with. If God can deliver me out of the messes I’ve gotten myself into or allowed others to put me in, or even the ones I’ve been in that were beyond my control, God will do the same for you. I am no more precious to God than you are or anyone else.
God loves us unconditionally and when we recognize that and embrace that assurance, a whole new world will be opened up to us and our gifts will be made manifest through us. You might have to go through some storms first, but just remember, God is with you even then; especially then.
Just turn around.
See, didn’t I tell you?
Peace, love & blessings always,
Cheryl Faye
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