Good Measure

Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

I have heard this scripture referenced so many times right before the church offering. I remember ushers passing baskets down the row or beckoning us to walk around to give our offering in the baskets that the deacons were holding. My grandfather was a deacon at the church I grew up in, so devotion and offering were two times I knew he would be front and center. I also knew that it was not a time for me to have conversations or to play in church because I would be in his line of sight. My grandmother always made sure that I had some change or a dollar to put in church. 

I was taught that even if you didn't have anything to give, you still touch the basket. My mother instilled in me the principles of tithing. I can admit that I didn't truly grasp what I was doing until I was much older. I knew that God should get at least ten percent. Interesting enough, I learned about the 80-10-10 financial plan. Live off 80% of your income, save 10%, and give 10%. Of course, you can live off a smaller percentage and invest and save more. The percentages are personal, but the plan works. I choose to give 10% to God, some may choose to give 10% to a charity. Some may choose to give more or save more. We can not discount the fact that most of us have been given a good measure. We just don't always maximize what we've been given. We don't save. We don't invest, and most of us live above our means. It's a new year. We can change old habits. We can do something new. We can make better financial decisions. We can choose to be financially healthy. We can take our good measure, and be good stewards.

Vision

Habakkuk 2:2 “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. 

It seems easy. Get an idea. Write it down. Have a dream. Write it down. Most of us use our phones to help keep us on track, anyway. We make "to do" and grocery lists. We set calendar reminders, and some of us even schedule text messages. Fancy! Then, why don't we prioritize our ideas or our vision? Why don't we invest in ourselves? Why don't we support other visionaries? I'm sure the reasons may vary. However, we should consciously cultivate our ideas. Who knows? They could be an additional income stream and potentially grow into a thriving business. Write the vision! 

Peace Be Still

Today is the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. It's hard to imagine that it's been 16 years. I remember sitting in my apartment with my college roommates waking up to chaos in my house. We were glued to the tv. Classes were cancelled. People were trying to get in touch with loved ones. Phone lines were busy. There was a combined feeling of panic, fear, sadness, and disbelief. 

Today is almost Day 4 of Irma watch. As a New Orleans native, we have a love/hate relationship with water. We love its gifts ample fresh seafood, but hate its destructive power of hurricanes and floods.  It's easy to be reminded of Katrina or more recently Harvey. It's easy to let fear and anxiety set in. However, as a woman of faith, I am reminded that God has not given me a spirit of fear. I am reminded that even in the midst of a storm, with rain battering my window, God is still in control. My life and times are still in his hands, and I will remain in perfect peace. Peace doesn't mean nothing is going on. Peace doesn't mean that the storms of life won't rage around us. Peace is a choice. Peace is acknowledging that same God that allowed the storm to rage can cause it to be still. 

 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39 (KJV)

Lamentations

First, they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— 
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— 
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

- Martin Niemöller

This was poem was written by Martin Niemöller, a German pastor who did not immediately speak out against the Nazi regime and eventually found himself in a Nazi concentration camp. The above words can be substituted with immigrant, African American, Hispanic, Muslim, and LGBTQ. Being silent is being complicit. We need to stand with one another because our turn is coming. This administration is targeting everything that is different. They are targeting immigrants, black and brown people, and anything that does not fit into their Euro-centric America. Just because the mob has not knocked on your door, or burnt a cross on your lawn doesn't mean that they will not eventually come for you as well. Be sober. Be vigilant. Stay woke.