Summer...A Time For Reconnection, Renewal & Reflection

Hello Everyone! Well, I have been so busy with my doctoral work that I have neglected this page. That being said, I have shared before that sometimes, what's happening with church leadership is indicative of the struggles that the membership is also experiencing (i.e. if there's a mist in the pulpit, there's a fog in the pew). I'm not blind or deaf to that phenomenon. With that in mind, let me begin by stating that this isn't the time to become depressed, discouraged, or beat yourself up. Despite what some of us may believe about ourselves, we are not as proficient as The Father, Son and Holy Ghost! You're ONE person and there's only so much that you can do!

Because of that, if you're focused on a goal, some things will be neglected during that time. That's the price of achievement. As focused as I have been on my schoolwork, Dawn had full custody of my time and attention last week (it was our Anniversary Week- 35 years!) We drove through the mountains of West Virginia & Virginia and ended up on the beach. I wasn't allowed to login to any school or work emails. Last week, was HER TIME. To that end, I was focused and had a singular vision, but school and work got neglected in the process, and that's okay. It's impossible for us to maintain a complete work/life balance 24/7/365. We may be able to maintain that equilibrium for a while, but eventually, one of the factors in our life will outweigh the other. That's just a fact of life.

That being said, please take some time this Summer to refocus and recharge. Go on vacation. Even if you can't leave town, unplug from your day-to-day operational activities and allow yourself some "Me" time. Also, take some time to reconnect with Our Heavenly Father (I'm also talking to myself here, y'all). If Dawn needed time and attention, so does God, so He is going to get His time as well. There's a song that the Inspirational Choir at one of the former churches where I pastored used to sing that went,

"I just want to thank you, for ever, and ever and ever...

For all you've done...you've done for me...

Blessings and Honor, and glory, they all belong to you...

Thank You Jesus, for saaaa-aaaaaa-aaaving me!"

This is the spirit of praise that we need to have for the rest of this Summer in our fellowship with The Most High. This Summer, I challenge you to: 1. Recharge yourself 2. Reconnect with your significant other (or family) 3. Rededicate yourself to your relationship with God. If you can find the time and energy to do this, you will enter the upcoming fall and winter seasons ready to face whatever awaits. I can't wait to hear the testimonies that many of you will have. Please feel free to share those so that other can be encouraged! The word says, "Let The Redeemed Of The Lord, 'Say So!'" Be Blessed, Saints!

🙏🏾😇