Happy Spring #BahHumbug

Happy First Day of Spring! #BahHumbug :)  I make it no secret, Autumn is usually my favorite. I enjoy the richness of the colors found in God's creation. Taking a drive down the highway lined with trees bright with yellows, oranges, reds and greens - breathtaking! Spring, on the other hand, has been my least favorite season. Why? Well, let me tell you: even though I'm a Spring baby, it's usually too cool on my birthday. Not that I desired the heat of the Summer; I just wanted to wear a cute outfit and shoes without fear of colder temperatures and rain.


This year, I have found myself excited about Spring's arrival. Surprisingly, it has nothing to do with my birthday. My life has recently experienced some heated situations, colorful commentary and bitter cold. To say I'm ready for something new is an understatement. But, let's be honest: how many times have we heard "this is your season" exclaimed by pastors, teachers, friends and family? We can play "It's Working" by Pastor William Murphy on repeat, declaring our season of grace and favor, all while nothing seems to have changed in our favor. In fact, sometimes seems can feel and appear worse.

The past three seasons, I have learned by experiences (because some mistakes we have to grow through on our own) first hand the sovereignty of God. It's an extremely humbling thing. Humbling not just because of the way in which I experienced it, but in the Person He Is - yet He cares for and loves us. Growing up "in church" and even the intimacy with God prior to this point is nothing compared to what I see and know now. Still I recognize: there is still so much of Him I do not know, understand, see, and never will.  However, I am extremely blessed and grateful for the revelation of Himself He has shared to this point.

What has changed that makes me excited this year about Spring? Some could say nothing at all, but I say: everything. What's changed? Me. The Spring Equinox is one of two days in the year when "the sun shines directly on the equator and the length of day and night is nearly equal - but not quite."  In other words, there is a sense of "balance" between the light and darkness. I have learned just how unbalanced my life was. Seems like the perfect time to submit, and become balanced with God as He changes seasons, balancing day and night.

I may not know... in fact I do not know, what this Spring and following seasons will entail. What I do know is this: there is a season for everything. (Ecclesiastes Three). I don't have to understand it (which is a daily struggle for me). I choose to trust God is all-knowing and purposeful in all that He does. It is that trust in Him that creates the balance I was so desperately in need of. Are you lacking some balance? Off kilter in your career, relationships, finances, spirituality, or all of the above? Learn from me. Get in line with God. Align yourself with what He's doing in your life; align yourself with the seasonal shifts.

Remember I didn't like the (strong) possibility of rain on my birthday, and the entire season of Spring? Well, rain helps things grow. His Reign helps you and I grow. This year, why not truly Spring Forward! Trust. Expect. Watch. See.  Make it Reign, by letting Him Reign. 

...In His Majesty's Name.  

Offensive Forgiveness

I know the title probably makes little sense to you, but allow me a moment to explain... 

Last month, I shared in a brief conversation with someone who wanted to "confess" they'd been harboring ill feelings toward me. They were offended by something I had said or did -- years ago. They couldn't even remember verbatim what it was, but they were still mad. They'd held onto it for all this time allowing it to eat away at them and poison them - mind, body & soul.

I knew something had changed between us, but because we weren't really "close" I wrote it off as nothing major. Little did I know this change was really the result of miscommunication and lack of intimacy in the relationship. Neither of us knew each other well to know (1) how actions/words were meant, or (2) that one would take offense by such words/actions.

Needless to say, I was completely taken aback by this confession. Both the timing and the content caught me by surprise. However, at the end of the tearful and emotional exchange forgiveness was sought and given. Walking away, I felt challenged by the Holy Spirit to review those I was holding something against.

The Bible tells us... "But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.'" (Mark Eleven Twenty-Five) Like this old friend, I had been holding on to some grudges. Some of them were buried so deep and held on to for so long, I did not realize I was harboring such thoughts and feelings. Upon some soul searching and reflection, I acknowledged some things I thought I was over were actually still holding me in bondage.

Looking some offenses in the face has not been easy. While some quickly disappeared once acknowledged, others will require a bit more work in order for true forgiveness and healing to take place.  You cannot change what you will not confront. Confrontation is not easy nor comfortable. It can sometimes be volatile and is often done incorrectly. However, when it comes to areas of life that require change for the sake of liberty and growth, confrontation is necessary.

I'm learning that in order to truly be the example of royalty God created me to be, forgiveness is necessary. Forgiveness of others. Forgiveness of self. Forgiveness of past hurts. Forgiveness of hurts to come. What offenses are you still holding on to? I guarantee you - it's doing more harm to you than the one guilty of the offense. Do yourself a favor... let it go. You'll be better for it!

Besides, no one wants a king or queen with a constant scowl on their face because they're holding on to offenses. ;-)

...In His Majesty's Name.