“Your convictions are only as strong as they hold up under pressure.” — Streams in the Desert devotional Several years ago, our pastor presented the acronym “H.A.L.T.” while preaching about the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle and sound mind, especially before making important decisions. The sermon stressed the importance of thinking before acting, especially when people experience extreme Hunger, Anger, Loneliness, or when they are Tired. I’ve never forgotten the acronym — Continue Reading
God – not Leaders or Virus – is in Control {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
“There is no situation I can get into that God cannot get me out.” Evangelist James Brown I read a story about James Brown that serves as an excellent illustration on trusting God when we lose control over our circumstances. Brown was taking flight lessons one day when his instructor told him to put the plane into a deep and extended dive. Brown was scared and unprepared for what happened next. The engine stalled, and the aircraft started plunging downward, entirely out of control. It was Continue Reading
Anne Frank: Finding Gratitude During Quarantine {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
“I simply can’t build up my hopes on a foundation consisting of confusion, misery, and death. I see the world gradually being turned into a wilderness, I hear the ever-approaching thunder, which will destroy us too, I can feel the sufferings of millions, and yet, if I look up into the heavens, I think that it will all come right, that this cruelty too will end, and that peace and tranquility will return again.” ― Anne Frank, “The Diary of a Young Girl” I was 14 years old when our school 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
Time to Pray and Wait… Or Time to Pray and Act? {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
Dr. J.B. Gambrel, an accomplished captain during the American Civil War, became a pastor and seminary professor following the war. As a speaker, he was known for his eloquence and humor. In one of his writings, he tells an amusing story about Gen. Stonewall Jackson’s campaign through the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia during the spring of 1862. The incident supposedly happened when Jackson’s army ended up on one side of a river when it needed to be on the other side. The only way to get that Continue Reading
This Mother’s Day, Give Mom Forgiveness, Compassion and Grace {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
It’s Mother’s Day weekend, and when I started thinking about the theme for my column, I had a recurring thought. For the past several years, I have been in constant prayer about some mothers I know and their children, whose relationships are filled with unforgiveness, separation or constant conflict. In each of these situations, I can easily understand the motives behind the estrangement: overbearing and controlling mothers, children who neglect or disrespect their mothers, mothers who Continue Reading
