It Takes a Village..

Everyone knows this common African proverb: "It take a village to raise a child." Right? You knew that didn't you? Well, it also takes a village to support you during tough times. You need a Christian, Word-based village to build you up when you are in the valley, but also to correct you when you are wrong. This week, I have seen that village embrace and transform people. From those dealing with illness to others battling addiction, the village has been there. To pray for, cry with, support, and encourage.

So who is in your village? If your village members consist of folks that look only like yourself and think only like yourself, then you may need a new village. You need folks that will tell you: "Stop. You are tripping. You are not in God's will." Your village needs someone that is a mentor who can educate you on how to best navigate troublesome situations. Your village also needs a "young'un" - someone that is looking to you for motivation and correction. You need a prayer warrior who will step in the gap for you. You need to not only take from the village but for everyone that supports you, you need to support them.

Build up your village. Listen to your village. And love your village. Because I've seen the Christian village come together this week and it's wonderful. Maybe this is the small scale version of "Thy Kingdom Come."

Speak Life - Redux

Months ago I wrote about speaking life in your situation. About how you have the power to change your life, just by opening your mouth. (Proverbs 18:21) Well fast forward to the past 48 hours. I have seen someone go from timid in faith to stepping boldly out there in faith. AMAZING!!!

Well, that person not only spoke life. He cast light on all facets of his situation giving the devil no room to hide. And guess what? He didn't speak life just once. He did it again and again. What?! I am proud to call this person friend. I am cheering for him. But more importantly all the heavens are cheering for him too.

Will there be some arrows that come his way for his leap of faith? Of course! The devil comes to "steal, kill, and destroy." (John 10:10) The enemy isn't just going to give up. The enemy will use former friends, lovers, former confidantes to try to thwart the journey. But today I boldly declare for my life and my friends: Psalm 3:3-8
"3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
4 I call out to the LORD,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.

5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side.

7 Arise, LORD!
Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.
8 From the LORD comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people."

Amen.

I'm Having a Great Day

I am having a great day! Now, yes, the day is still young. And yes, there is still much drama afoot. But I am having a great day. Against all odds, I am having a really nice day. Why? Because I am in a great headspace. It's funny. The more people try to knock me off my game, the more resolved I am to great them in love and stay true to my purpose. I love my husband - flaws and all. I love my kids - ALL of them. I love my friends - I see you K! My family - with all their missteps - are still my family and I love them, too. And despite me loving everyone today, I think the most important is that God loves me. Like Monica said during "Black Girls Rock," "You can't take my joy because you didn't give it to me."