“Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing Himself.” Leo Tolstoy. There hardly is anything more challenging for human beings than committing to change. Whether it is changing how we think or act; overcoming weaknesses or implementing new habits, the old maxim “you cannot teach an old dog new tricks” is indeed, to many of us, as true as it is sad. I thought about that as I talked to someone this past week. Once again, this person reacted to a situation in a way that Continue Reading
Stop Allowing Your Past to Define Your Present {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
I spotted her on the first row, eyes filled with tears as I spoke about God’s healing of emotional wounds. Once the assembly dismissed, she was the first to come to my table, where she started sharing her burdens. She struggled with insecurities, addictions and broken relationships. She nodded in agreement as I spoke of God’s faithfulness and unconditional love. And yes, she agreed that he has the power to set anyone free. But when I started talking about freedom from past experiences, she Continue Reading
Welcome the Valley {It’s where you will grow} – The Atlanta Journal Constitution
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” King David – Psalm 23 There are no official records of when King David wrote the most quoted Psalm in Scriptures, but the depth of its metaphorical language suggests the writings of an older, seasoned man. There is a tone of submissive, quiet confidence which suggests a heart that has been tested by many trials and proven the faithfulness of God, time Continue Reading
Don ‘t Try to Run Someone Else’s Race {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
I watched the scene from a distance, fully aware that I was invisible to the group of teenagers standing in front of me. It’s amazing how parents disappear whenever teens get together. As an avid observer, I sat back to pay attention to the scene unfolding before me. A group of beautiful girls and dazzled boys conversed animatedly, talking about the day at school, while planning their next big thing. Two girls stood out. Tall, skinny and blond, every boy and girl in the group seemed hypnotized Continue Reading
When Impulsivity Generates Regret & Loss {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
A couple rushes to the altar after a short-term courtship. A spouse gives in to lust and commits adultery. A wife spouts off insults against her husband. A mother lashes out at her children, with no regard for the damage thoughtless words will cause. Impulsivity is perhaps one of the most primal instincts known to men, and most everyone is guilty of acting impulsively at least once in their lifetime. A common mark of youth, lack of self-control and restraint often bears consequences which can Continue Reading
God Loves to Use the Unlikely & Inadequate {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
Thomas Edison. Colonel Sanders. Dr. Seuss. Walt Disney. Vincent Van Gogh. Albert Einstein. Helen Keller. Michael Jordan. If I were to ask anyone to ascribe common adjectives to describe these famous figures, the words “successful” and “persistent” would probably appear on top of the list. Thomas Edison, the man who revolutionized the world by inventing the light bulb, is known to have failed before succeeding — 1,000 times! Colonel Sanders was rejected repeatedly as he drove around the Continue Reading
