Lamenting for our Nation

            I am confused and I am disappointed. I have encountered several negative attitudes in many different situations where people really needed uplifting. What disappoints me the most is that the majority of these people consider themselves Christian, and are being called out by those who are not. I have been left with so many questions:

·       When did it become okay to discourage someone who is trying to become a better person?

·       Why do people use this term, “cuffing season”, as if it feels good to have someone lying beside them in bed only during the cold months?

·       Where is it written that you should not only judge someone because their beliefs are different from yours, but you also spread hatred for these people?

·       Why is someone labeled a “snitch” by being their brother’s keeper?

·       When did people become so evil that they abuse children and have no regard for human life?

·       How do parents, with a straight face, teach their children that it is okay to bully?

I listen to so many people complain about the society we live in today. I long for the time when it was okay to encourage someone to do their best, and mean it. I miss those days when you could go to the playground and play, and there may be a disagreement or two, but the kids were able to have fun. I look forward to the moment when collectively men and women decide that they are deserving of real love, versus what is displayed on reality television.

I have lost family and friends on my journey to becoming a better me. I was told it would happen, but I don’t think I believed it. I honestly thought that the people I had closest to me would never judge me, (because I didn’t judge them), and that we would all encourage each other’s growth. I have found the complete opposite. It seems that when people see that you are striving to become healed and whole, they almost resent you. I could be wrong, but I feel that they would prefer I remained down and out so that they could feel better about themselves.

I do not proclaim to be perfect, by any sense of the word. But I certainly know that encouragement, blessings, prayers, or anything positive I can give to another can only bear positive fruit. I have struggled with my call to be a life coach. I have encountered way more people who are satisfied with complaining about how their life is, than people who want to see their life change. I question how effective I can be if people insist that shows like “Love and Hip Hop” is reality, and that is the only way to live.

Then came revelation. During Myles’ hospitalization, I was determined to have faith to move mountains, because we had (and still have) several mountains lying before us. People began to share with me how much I inspired their faith in God. Seeing Myles’ recovery went beyond sending out positive energy- it was the miraculous work of God- and it transformed the lives’ of many. I learned that little ol’ me had the ability to cause a Butterfly Effect- the gentle flap of my wings of faith caused many people to believe in the power of God.

In the 4^th book of Acts, shortly after Peter and John are released from jail for preaching the resurrection, the believers in their community gather and pray for boldness. Verses 27-30 says, “For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, who you anointed, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch our your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Instead of becoming afraid that they would be arrested, these people prayed to have the ability to be bold in their faith!

I lament over our nation. I weep at people’s ability to not care about their own growth, and their desire to hinder someone else’s. However, I have faith. I pray that those of us that consider ourselves believers  take up our cross and do the right thing. Again, this walk with Christ is not about being perfect, but when you hurt or discourage someone close to you, you have no resemblance to Christ. Our walk with Christ is one of love. Sometimes it is a very lonely walk. Unfortunately, people will mock you as being “Holy Ghost-filled” simply because of your desire to do what’s right. Do it anyway. We serve a great God and when we, all alone, make a conscious decision to uphold what is just, He will see that the small flap of our delicate wings will cause a tremendous effect.

            Hold on. Stay strong. Love. Flap those wings. Have faith.

Peace.

If you have any comments, questions, suggestions, or prayer requests, please feel free to email me at: faithfrfr2014@gmail.com.