Live. Love. Lead.

     Over this past school break I had the opportunity to read more than usual.  So I read a biography about a man who was a slave and how he eventually ran away to freedom in Canada.  Interestingly, I was more than intrigued by his story...I was humbled and empowered.       As I read about Bibb's struggle to try to work in and change a system that was unjust to the core I saw his incredible courage being forged in the crucible of Southern slavery.  As I read about his fearless resolve to keep his family intact "or die trying" I felt his deep determination, love, and hope. As I read I cried. I cried because these are the shoulders that our Black American community stands on today and I ask, "To what degree have we honored their resolve?"      In the biography, Bibb explained the cost of a slave learning to read and write. So I asked, how diligently am I working in my education? So I decided, because my ancestors who grac...

     What makes us discouraged in our prayers?       I can think of a few things for me personally:  sometimes G-D's timeline does not line up with outside expectations that I allow to attach themselves to me  uncertainty if its G-D's will or not I usually have to wait and at times what I pray for seems like an "impossibility" (what is impossible with men is possible with G-D)        Yet, in the midst of the tireless currents that seek to keep us away from the shore of faith we are called to fight discouragement in our prayer life (Luke 18:1).  In Luke 18, Yeshua tells us about a widow who consistently goes to a judge to get justice. He then goes on to ask, "will the Son of Man find that faith on the earth?"  There is so much here in this portion of Scripture.  As I seek to understand and study this by the grace of G-D, I am immediately confronted with two point blank questions: "Do I have the cour...

     Recently, I had decided to read through the gospels again.  How blessed are we to be able to read the Words of our Messiah Yeshua! The other morning I was struck with an encouragement and exhortation that I cannot ignore.  Currently I am in the book of Luke.       The beginning of Luke 18 starts out like this: "He then told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not become discouraged..."  Wow! I could have just camped right there! So often our Heavenly Father gifts us with a "load" to carry that at times feels too heavy.  Daily we confront situations that grant us the humble realization that we are just human and the battles we must fight are beyond the scope of our aptitude. So what do we do?-We pray.  Too often prayer is a last resort when it should always be our first.       Right here in the Scripture that the L-RD graciously preserved for us so that we could be "equipped for ever...

     Recently, I was sitting around the table with some lady friends and naturally the topic of conversation turned to men and relationships. I got a little amped because prior to the conversation I had seen a panel of so called "experts" give relationship advice that was so far from the amazing plan that G-D has for us as women.  People were clapping...LOUD at some advice that when compared to the loving will of G-D was absolute trash and foolishness.       Right on time the Holy Spirit reminded me that one message we must reiterate to ourselves, our daughters, our sisters, our moms, and our lady friends is that we are treasures. We, as women, are treasures because G-D created us with a specific purpose. He fashioned us.  Our "treasure-hood" lies in the One who created us...and He is perfect. Our "treasure-hood" is never at the expense of someone else's dignity; nor is it constructed because we are putting someone else down to find it. Our ...

   This fall is filled with holy days for us; beginning with Rosh Hashana and ending with Shemini Atzeret.  One of the main motifs of this season is "starting over."  This season we hear messages and admonitions about repentance, making our community and world better, working on our shortcomings, and more.    Today, I was so blessed to hear one of the most fantastic Bible teachers I have ever met in my life. In that room today the presence of G-D was so real! All of me was re-awakened with the depth of the wisdom, knowledge, and love of G-D as He has expressed Himself through His Word. My heart could barely contain the sense of purpose and urgency to renew my commitment to studying the Word, living the life of obedience, and just being close to our Heavenly Father.    I love this season precisely because of the emphasis on "starting over." The fact that we serve the G-D who consistently allows us to experience these holy days year by year is pro...

     In only a few hours I begin a new chapter in my life.  I am excited for the opportunity, honored to have been chosen by G-D, and so humbled to be in this position for "such a time as this."  Yet, as I got closer to turning "this page" my heart and mind got cluttered with fear.  The "what ifs" began to pile up and the fears transformed into frustrations.  This morning I emptied my heart before the L-RD. Here's the Word He so graciously gave me (Man, we serve a G-D that loves us so. May we know the depths of it).      The book of Deuteronomy speaks about how HaShem readied the Children of Israel to go into the Promised Land and "take possession" of the Land.  He tells them "not to fear."  He promises to go before them.  Further, Moses reminds them of all the times He has been faithful throughout their wilderness journey.  As I went back and meditated on chapters 1-12, the Holy Spirit refreshed and strengthened my...

     This past week, we completed the celebration of the Hannukah holidays! This Hannukah season was and continues to be so pivotal for me in this particular season of my life.      One Rabbi said this regarding the Hannukah season, "At the time of the Maccabees somebody could have said 'That is only one jar of oil! Look at our situation! What can one jar of oil do? But, it was that first person who chose to ignore despair and choose hope that re-kindled hope for generations to come."  It only took one jar of oil that kindled the light of the menorah that HaShem miraculously allowed to last 8 days!      When considering this, I thought about the current circumstances that many people I know are engaged in right now. Too often, it is expedient to say or think, "That's just one little good thing. Look at all the other bad things around us. What can one little act, word, thought, or gesture do?"  I believe this is one of the biggest ...