Welcome to your monthly inspiration, W.I.N.E.! There has been great devastation in our country over the past month due to natural disasters. Loss of life and property destruction is horrific to say the least. Likewise, we experience tragedy in our own lives in some form or another. Tragedy is a surprise attack that no one desires to experience. Yet even in the midst of all that is occurring in our world and in our personal lives, we must rise from the ashes, much like the phoenix to embrace the newness of life our Heavenly Father has given us, His beloved creation.
Change Begins with Y-O-U:
The decision to soar above life's tornadoes, to rise above the tragedies, begins with
you and me. As many of you know I am an educator and recently we studied acrostics. An acrostic is a poem or series of lines where the first letters spell another word. Much like the acronym W.I.N.E., (Women In Need of Empowerment). Now, I do not proclaim to be a poet but in keeping with the inspiring word this month I could not help myself. We want to pursue what is good, we want our fruit to bear a 100% manifestation, we want, we want, we want. But the critical thing we miss is that wanting change and having change are two very different concepts. Plainly put, to expect change, yet to continue doing the same thing is known as insanity. In order to manifest change in our lives we must consider the following:
You are the captain of your soul
Own your actions
Utilize and develop opportunity
I am certain many of you have read or heard the controversial poem "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley. You may have watched the movie Invictus which came out some time ago where Morgan Freeman recites the poem from a prison cell while playing the role of Mandela. I say controversial poem because at first hearing I find it to sound quite arrogant and self-reliant. As a believer I am sold out in my belief that I need God and He is the answer to all of life's challenges. Nevertheless, every time I hear this poem something deep stirs within me. I decided to do a bit of digging this time and discovered some basic truths that each of us can stand to be reminded.
First, this poem affirms the truth that we have the ability to choose. God has given each of us free will, we are in charge of what we choose to think, watch, or listen to. Second, we take total ownership of our actions and the activities we pursue, there is no one else to blame for that one. Finally, it is up to us how we utilize and develop the opportunities God places before us.
Now what does all this mean? You are in control my sister. The scepter is your hand. We often look to blame our best friends, jobs, relationships, society and yes even our faith as being responsible for our undesired condition. This month I am challenging each of us to look beyond this state of blame by shutting out all the noise. If we look back just a bit, the Bible clearly gives us examples of many who had to do this very thing. Job had to shut out the noise of his wife and friends exhorting him to curse God and die, Ruth had to shut out the noise of Orpah's longing toreturn back to where they came from, both wanted more, desired more, yearned for more, but only one had the courage to reach for more. David had to shut out the influence and power to cut off a nation, that happened to be his own family who had betrayed him, but he longed to please God more.
So you see we all have moments where life simply tastes sour. Nevertheless, you must take responsibility. After all, if you don't who will? The answer to that question can be quite scary if you are not connected to the True Vine and His will for your life. Christ was accused, persecuted and executed. He was tempted and still came out shining like a new pearl. The meaning in all of this is we must acquire the will to survive in the face of life's challenges.
Finally, I leave you with this encouraging scripture to ponder: "My soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge," (Psalm 57:1). All of my dependence is upon God and in the meantime, by faith and prayer, I will make Him my place of safety and peace, (Matthew Henry Commentary).
Jacqueline
"I am the vine, you are the branches." Jn. 15:5
