Keep Letitia Wright In Your Prayers

Pray For Letitia Wright | original background image: Hollywood Reporter

Letitia Wright is an Actress that stands firmly in her conviction of faith and she is open about having given her life to The Lord. She made a major breakthrough after the fact when she landed a key role in the blockbuster film Black Panther.

As reports are circulating of an injury on set and many mainstream news outlets are posting contrary to the truth. Now is the time for believers to stand together with each other, and Letitia in this moment. 

May she be encouraged that the same GOD who brought her to one breakthrough can bring her to many more.

Praise GOD for her resilience and the resilience of the saints. We are keeping Letitia in prayer.

Check out her interview below talking about the pressure of being an Actress in the film industry and giving her life to Christ:

Jonathan McReynolds & Mali Music Co-Release New EP, JONNY x MALI: LIVE IN LA

GRAMMY^® Award winning hitmakers Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music have teamed up and co-released a new EP project, Jonny x Mali: Live in LA. Available to order now, the live project contains six songs, including “Adulting,” which is available now as an instant great track. The EP was released on Friday, September 24th. A live performance video of “Adulting” was also released. 

A co-artist release between the chart toppers, the live project follows on the heels of their GRAMMY^®-winning #1 hit song, “Movin’ On.” Featured in a new performance take on the EP, the prolific songwriters and musicians have taken their artistic collaboration further, co-writing all the songs, which also include the tracks “Jump Ship,” “Enough, “Miracle,” and “Everlasting.” The new EP is a co-artist release in partnership between Jonathan’s label Life Room Label, eOne Music, Mali’s imprint K Approved Enterprises, and RCA Inspiration.        

 

Bringing together the fresh lyricism and eclectic melodies that Jonathan and Mali are known for, Jonny x Mali: Live in LA sets the stage for their current co-headlining tour. Bringing their new songs on the road, the Jonny x Mali Tour kicks off on Thursday, September 30th, in Atlanta, GA at The Tabernacle. 

Crossing multiple states with their live shows, the co-headliners will welcome special guest performers on the tour, which hits North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Washington DC, Illinois, and wraps up in Los Angeles, CA on Wednesday, October 13th. 

 

Jonny x Mali: Live in LA is available now:

https://amzn.to/39Hf93q 

 

To connect with Jonny x Mali and get tickets for their tour, please visit:

https://jonnyxmali.com

Lecrae To Host New Financial Web Series, “Protect The Bag”

 Grammy winning Artist, Lecrae will be the host of a new personal finance web series “Protect The Bag”, in partnership with Experian North America.

Award-winning Gospel Rap Artist Lecrae, has partnered with Experian North America, a leading information services company, to present, “Protect The Bag,” a six-part web series, that provides viewers with a blueprint for building a financial legacy.

The video series produced by Lecrae’s production company, 3 Strand Films, premieres Fall 2021, and guides audiences through the ins and outs of financial health. Through short sketches and the help of some high-profile special guests, Lecrae will break down the basics of financial literacy and credit education to help viewers understand how to balance their financial needs of today, with those of tomorrow.

“I am on a mission to spread the word on financial education because I wasn’t educated about money and didn’t know about budgeting,” Lecrae explained. “I didn’t know to think about the cost of things or what to pay off first because I just didn’t have a strategy.” He believes that through his unique vision, partnered with Experian’s expertise, the message of financial health and inclusion will be embraced.

Each episode will cover a key point of building a financial legacy starting with understanding money and utilizing checking and savings accounts. Other topics include budgeting, saving, protecting one’s identity, debt, and investing.

Lecrae with his production company partners, 3 Strand Films! 

From left to right: Erick Hodge (producer), A.D. “Lumkile” Thomason (producer, writer, director). 

Lecrae (host, artist), Reginald Brown (photographer, BTS, editor).

This partnership is part of Experian’s United for Financial Health, a global financial recovery initiative that helps educate and empower vulnerable consumers around their finances and minority business owners around financial health. Under this program, Lecrae previously supported the Home Preservation Grant, an Experian partnership with the NAACP to provide mortgage relief to homeowners negatively impacted by COVID-19.

“Credit education isn’t always taught in homes and schools. In fact, a recent Experian survey shows almost one in three (30%) of young adults wish they learned how to build credit or improve their credit scores before entering adulthood,” said Wil Lewis, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for Experian. “We’re excited to partner with Lecrae for ’Protect The Bag’ and see this as an innovative way to reach young consumers so they can start their financial health journey on the right foot.”

Protect The Bag will premiere on Lecrae’s YouTube channel and social media platforms. Learn more at www.lecrae.com or follow him on social media @Lecrae.

— News courtesy of Schure Media Group

Should Christians Burn Sage?

Recently, The Christian Post shared an article that included Pastor Jamal Bryant's opinion on Sage. According to Pastor Bryant he researched it and came back with the practice that Native Americans specifically use called smudging. 

I personally don't think there is a problem with burning sage, but Dr. Bryant went more in depth with his understanding against burning sage. I've shared the full video below of the sermon where the Pastor is sharing his insight. 

The interesting thing is that some people in the comments in the video were initially agreeing with him at the beginning of the video when he was talking about the purifying and protecting benefits of sage.

Check out the full video here below: 

I do agree that GOD is the ultimate power and authority over everything, even sage. Do I agree with some components of the message Pastor Bryant shared, yes!

I would love to know your thoughts on the practice of burning sage?

Who dictates which spiritual rituals and practices are holy and which ones are not holy?

Share your thoughts in the comment section and continue the conversation with us on all social media platforms @BOLDJournal

Exclusive Podcast Interview With Life Coach Destiny Inspire

Danny Gokey Releases Inspirational New Album "Haven't Seen It Yet"

I have to admit I haven't been too familiar with Danny Gokey's music aside from the random moments when I catch some contemporary gospel music on the radio. However, listening to Danny Gokey's new song "Haven't Seen It Yet" on the album of the same name, I found myself bopping and clapping along. "You better say that!!" The message, the inspiration, and the upbeat sound are all powerful. Overall, it's a great combination.

Grammy® nominee and Dove Award winner Danny Gokey, recently announced that his fifth studio album “Haven’t Seen It Yet,” is available for pre-order now; and available for purchase at all major retail stores and digital retailers on Friday, April 12^th, 2019. The second digital single “New Day” has been released as part of the album launch campaign, and the accompanying high-energy lyric video is also available. Two additional album tracks will release prior to the album’s release.

Lifted from his upcoming fifth studio album, is the albums lead single of the same title, “Haven’t See It Yet.” The single is currently sitting in the top 15 on the Christian Airplay Billboard Chart. The lead single’s accompanying music video has received over 2 million+ views on Danny’s official YouTube page, continuing to solidify Gokey as a staple in Christian Contemporary Music. Check out my beloved "Haven't Seen It Yet" Official Music Video (which almost made me cry) below:

For more information on Gokey and his latest album visit: DannyGokeyMusic.com.

Follow and connect with Breath Of Life Daily on Instagram and Twitter @BOLDJournal for the latest inspirational updates.

10 Things That Can Separate You From GOD's Love

Nothing! ALL ten things are nothing. Nothing can separate us from the love of GOD!

I messed up royally yesterday, I mean bad! I messed up so bad that a "Come-to-Jesus" moment was inevitable! The truth of the matter is that what I did missed the mark and wasn't in Godly character, I let myself down and it's ok to be sad about that. It's NOT ok to stay in a place of bitterness, remorse, and regret for too long. Misery is where the spirit of evil wants you to dwell, if you stay there you'll suffer. Suffering is outside of GOD's plan for our lives.

Repent and aim to be better. Honestly, everything that leads up to what we might consider "Big sin" is sin just the same. Operating from whatever spirit that's not GOD, is missing the mark. We will always fall short of GOD's glory, but Jesus died to be our covering.


Romans 8, details that we are not condemned by sin and confirms that Nothing can seperate us from the love of GOD. While we should not condemn ourselves or allow anyone else to do it, it's ok to be convicted. It's up to us to Boldly use our lives for the service of GOD. Using them for any other reason is useless.




The truth that nothing can separate us from GOD's love was also recently shared by Dr. Cindy Trimm on Twitter . . .

There's no wall God can't kick down,  no shadow He can't light up, no mountain He can't level, no confusion He can't bring peace to and no lie He can't reverse! Stand firm and secure in faith knowing what the devil meant for bad God willl turn it in your favor and for your good!

— Dr. Cindy Trimm (@cindytrimm) November 26, 2018

GOD is so good! Whenever you get a chance read Romans Chapter 8 in the Bible, it is so powerful!

If you've made up your mind to end this year being committed to honoring GOD's will, and going into next year even stronger than you were this year, consider registering for Dr. Cindy Trimm's End Your Year Strong Empowerment Summit. Visit www.endyouryearstrong.com to register. 

Praying you stay empowered. motivated and loved. Subscribe to BOLDJournal E-news Blasts for the lastest updates from breathoflifedaily.com

Podcast: What The Devil Looks Like

Real talk about overcoming self-sabotage based on insecurity and a Dynamic Interview with Gospel Superstar Lisa Page Brooks about fulfilling our divine calling and NEW album "My Life". Listen to the FULL Episode at soundcloud.com/breathoflifedaily

Subscribe to Breath Of Life Daily Podcast Here.

Discovering Propitiation: Where Would We Be Without It?

         

Propitiation: A word that was stuck in the back of my mind, lodged in my subconscious for a while now, but would resurface every now and again. Since lately however, the word has been coming to the forefront of my mind more often. This word, honestly I did not exactly know what it meant, but I know I heard it in a song some where. As the word Propitiation began to stick with me more extensively, I figured it was time to put a definition to this mysterious word that was consistently on my mind, and determine why this word was becoming more compelling to me here and now in this season of my life.
        When I finally looked up the word, what was revealed to me was amazing. First, because the Christmas season was just at here, and second, because I have been spiritually growing into my true identity with Christ. Now, I know you must be wondering what is the significance of this word. OK, here it is.

"Propitiation: The turning away of wrath because of an offering" (Theopedia.com 2016)

 As this definition began to fill my thought process, I began to realize God in his perfection cannot entertain sin, he cannot allow it into his presence, nor can it be accepted in the heavenly realm. Sin in its self is the disconnection to God, the Creator. Therefore, it is important for there to be some sort of reconciliation to restore the connection to God. That reconciliation is Christ.

He [Christ] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2 {NIV})

As I read this verse, I thought about how Christ died to save the whole world. Through his death on the cross, took the punishment that was meant for me and you, because we are sinners, so that we would not have to endure that punishment from God. In this way Christ satisfied the wrath or anger of God that was meant for us. Romans 3:25 depicts the sacrifice of Christ for our sins.

For God sent Christ Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to end all God's anger towards us. He used Christ's blood and our faith as a means of saving us from His wrath. In this way he was being entirely fair even though he did not punish those who sinned in former times. For he was looking forward to the time when Christ would take away those sins.  (Romans  3:25 {TLB})

In reading this, I think about times in weakness of emotions, where I sometimes have no filter because I simply react to a present situation, not thinking, and allowing my sinful nature (anger and vulgarity) to consume me, and totally overtake me without thought. I think about times where I allow my  desire for worldly pleasures to dictate my actions, and give into different things that please and gratify my sinful desires; and I am grateful I have an out. I can repent, and ask for forgiveness with  sincerity and know I am forgiven. Even when I fall a thousand times, I can still get back up and know because of what Christ did on the cross, his grace is sufficient and I am justified. I am able to proceed with a fresh slate to continue in my spirituality until I reach my destination in Christ.

Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1 {NIV})

The whole propitiation concept is the very reason for the existence of Christ. Think about it, Jesus Christ, God in the form of man coming to Earth to satisfy his own anger, so that we can have grace and a chance to be reconnected to God. Absolutely an amazing gesture to prove how valuable we are to God.

I give Honor and Glory to King Christ Jesus AKA God, because they are 2 in the same, for the gift of Propitiation. Who else loved you enough to endure such a great Wrath on your behalf to restore your connection to God? In your down fall, think of the Propitiation and how without it there would be no more chances for you. Think about how God saw it fit that you have the opportunity for restoration, and allow that to be your motivation for advancement in your spirituality.






Carla Marcelle, is a Spiritual Transformation Coach and founder of she's 31 Ministries which dedicated to the advancement of the Kingdom of God through the edification, enlightenment, education of the principles of God.

Let The Words Of My Mouth -- Faith-Based Poetry

Let The Word's Of My Mouth is a gospel centered poetry event that currently takes place in Fayetteville, GA. The line up of artists and poets is stellar. The latest installment in the series will include such performers as 5:10 Poet, Chris Dixon, Cyrus Harbin, Chavis Flagg, Nicki Harris and many more favorites from around the Atlanta, GA area and beyond.

The event will take place on August 27, 2016 at 383 Fayetteville Place in Fayetteville, Ga.

Here is the ticket link with more details... so you can grab those tickets: (Click Below)
Let The Words Of My Mouth: A Christian Spoken/Word Poetry Event

3 Ways To Build Your Resilience

By: April D. Byrd

Yesterday my Pastor, (who's brother had just passed away the same day) talked about resilience. It was very powerful! " As a character trait, Resilience is the mental ability to recover quickly." She spoke on the importance of developing emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence helps us to recognize our own emotions, identify the emotions of others and how to handle them, and diffuse conflict.

It increases self-management: being able to manage our emotions in a healthy way. It also helps build social awareness and relationship management. Emotional intelligence can help your performance at work and also benefit your health. She shared a few steps to emotional intelligence, but not all. and I was able to write some down, such as:

1. Learn how to relieve stress.

2. Accept the circumstance that's happening.

3. Develop flexibility.

When we learn to take a leap of faith, and and how to let go of emotions that make us uncomfortable, we find ourselves. Even though outwardly nothing is consistent, we can find consistency inside of ourselves. All information received to the brain comes through our senses, when information is overwhelming, instinct takes over. We can bring our emotions under control through Christ, and building our emotional intelligence. We can't yield to the will of emotion, but conquer it through understanding. "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get understanding."-Proverbs 4:7 Also remember being strong doesn't always mean we have to be tough. Water will softly touch a rock, but slowly wear it down over time. For me that illustration of water brings to mind our hearts being in the right hands, at the right time. God has given us resilience to overcome all things The king's heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; He guides it wherever He pleases. -Proverbs 21:1 Continue to pour up love and be guided and directed by it. Love always wins.


What are some ways that you build and maintain resilience? Share in the comments section below.

You can hear more from Pastor Jennifer by visiting Tabernacle Of Peace Ministries soundcloud page and stopping by the stone mountain Georgia location on sundays at 10am

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Deal Or No Deal

by: Chancee Christian

As-is defined: as it is; its present state or condition, in the existing circumstances.

When cars have an ‘As Is’ sign on it, it’s an instant Buyer Beware, because getting into it you don’t know what the problems really are until you go forth with the deal…. they only tell you what they want you to know….. So then you gotta take it or leave it…. Deal or No Deal? Jesus said “DEAL” for ALL of us…..

Long before I got saved & before I knew Jesus as my personal Savior, I felt like I had to do Sooooo much in order for God to accept me, to bless me & even to hear His voice. I had a major fear of death because I knew in my heart, at that time of my life, I would be in hell if I died…..so I constantly repented, not truly understanding what repentance was (stop & turn away from)…….

Come as you are

So many people out there feel the same way I felt about God’s Acceptance! I’m so glad God placed me here to call the devil out on his lie & to tell you God wants you ‘As Is’!!! He wants the crazy you, the high you, the drunk you, the hurting you, the crying you, the doubtful you, the you that no one ever sees, the one that cries at night, the you that’s stressed out, GOD WANTS YOU!!!! ALL OF YOU!

But you MUST surrender, your will for God’s Will

You don’t have to hide certain things about yourself…..You don’t have to pretend with God….You don’t have to act like everything in your life is fine, if it’s not.  God is not like people,  repeat that, God is not like people! -Isaiah 55:8-9

In Psalms 139:7-10 it clearly states:” Where can I go to get away from your Spirit? Where can I run from you? If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I lie down in the grave, you are there. If I rise with the sun in the east and settle in the west beyond the sea, even there you would guide me. With your right hand you would hold me.”

So instead if trying to run and hide, ducking and dodging God, we should make Him our hiding place, our place of peace, our mini vacation not only in times of trouble but always;

Psalms 32:7 “You are my hiding place. You protect me from my troubles and fill me with songs of salvation.” It's time to come to the realization that God loves you….that won’t change, God wants you the way that you are, not all jazzed up and without flaws because remember Jesus died for sinners not for the people who think they have it all “together”……

This how we know it’s REAL….. In Romans 5:8

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

While we are/were still messed up, ugly, evil, sinful, hateful, doubtful, low down, crazy, drunk, high, hurt & fake! He still died!!!! Thank you Jesus!

God wants YOU…..“AS IS-NO WARRANTY”

The Virgin Theory: They Do Exist

by: Rowzina Middleton

I am still a virgin. Yes I know. Shocking isn’t it???    

I am 29 years old and I am a virgin. And I am proud of it. I have not voluntarily given myself away to anyone. My morals and values would not allow me to go all the way with anyone. My first kiss wasn't even until High School, when at least half of the people my age at the time, had kissed someone by like, age 10. I made up in my mind and was convinced in my heart that my virginity was something special. And I was not freely giving it up to just anyone. I knew then, like I still believe now, that one day I will get married. I was always taught that sex was for married people. Once married, it is then biblically legal to “go all the way.” No guy I have come across deserved my time let alone, my essence.

So I chose to wait. I still choose to wait. Or perhaps, it was the conversation my Dad decided to have with me after finding out I had reached puberty. I can laugh now. my Daddy was trying to scare me. Little did He know, the Public schools had already started teaching Sex Education and I knew a lot more than I led on. (But that is another blog for another time.)  

Some people are shocked when I say I am a virgin. Others think something is wrong with me, I don’t like men or I’m just plain crazy. Simply put, I am just a lady who honors her morals and values. I am proud to be a virgin.

My virginity is priceless and will be given away by choice to that special individual that God has assigned to me just for me. Keeping myself is a choice. I do my best to honor God with my whole life, not just bits and pieces. So I will wait to utilize sex in the context that it was created for.

While I wait for my spouse. I will continue to work on bettering myself. I am a Proverbs 31 woman. I am happy with my decision to wait.  

So yes. Adult virgins past the age of 25 do exist. Media nor society influenced my choice. In learning to love myself, I have learned my worth. Being with just anyone is not an option for me. Being a virgin is  great. It is a wonderful thing. Do not get me wrong. It has not been easy. But I manage.  

There are many meanings to the word virgin. I consider myself to be a virgin because I have not voluntarily given myself away to anyone. I have never had sex. I am holding on to this gift until it is time to release it.

What is your definition of a virgin?
Can’t wait to hear from you.  

Rowzina
(Lady Unstoppable)
#proudvirgin  

The original post for this blog can be found kingdommotivation.wordpress.com. Follow Rowzina on instagram @kingdom_motivation and on Twitter @motivator_row.

Broken Crayons Still Color

by: Ruthann McKenzie

Have you ever witnessed young children coloring? At some point, the inevitable will happen where a crayon will break. For some small children it is heart breaking if it is there favorite color. Nonetheless, you will never see a young child stop coloring forever because one crayon broke. They may fuss, but if it is their favorite crayon they'll continue to use that crayon.

I love the analogy of the broken crayon still coloring. When we get older we begin to lose our ability to dream and life begins to break us down, year after year. Eventually we begin to forget we are beautiful and created to shine. We can still be used for remarkable things when we yield to our Creator who can restore us to fullness. It does not matter how we became broken beings, we can still be used for greatness.

In Psalm 51, King David is writing of his brokenness. At this time, he had sinned and felt the remorse of his actions and was broken hearted for his actions. Even in his brokenness, he knew that God could restore him when he repented and sacrificed his broken heart to Christ. King David knew that his broken and contrite heart could draw him closer to the Lord instead of driving him further away. The sacrifices of God can be our broken spirit and through the broken pieces light can shine through.

Today, in this moment, your future is brighter. Your broken pieces can be used for more than regret and shame, but instead to inspire and uplift another soul. Brokenness brings us closer to Christ. At the valley, the lowest point, the Lord restores when you hand those broken pieces to Him. If you don't believe this, perhaps in time you will, but know broken crayons still color.

10 Best Motivational Quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Let your freedom ring!

You're only destined to become what you decide to be. sounds simple enough, but with that decision is the recognition that we have the light and the power on the inside of us to be everything God says we are.

As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King's life on this particular day that has been set aside. We should realize we don't have to be a phenomenal amazing public figure or an amazing super hero with a day honoring our name, to be of service and achieve our purpose, just doing the small things we're able to do is what makes us extraordinary. Dr. King left us motivational words that we can use everyday to be of service to the world and fulfill our highest calling.

• Step out on faith: 

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

• Never give up:

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

• Hard work pays off: 

“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.”

• Be resolute: 

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

• Stand up for justice above all:

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

• Keep your head up:

 “Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness.”

• Be dedicated to service:

"Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’"

• Be gracious with yourself and others: 

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude.”

• Stay strong, and keep the faith:

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

• Keep God first at all times:

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”

What are some of your favorite quotes or sayings from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that inspire you everyday? Let's us know in the comment section below. You can follow the latest updates on Facebook and the Breath Of Life Daily Newsletter. 

Is It Tough To Follow Christ?

There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man and only God can fill it.  -Blaise Pascal

Clarence and Robert McClendon were two Christian brothers who did well in their careers. Robert was a prominent lawyer and Clarence was the author of a popular book. Clarence was deeply involved with the interracial action-groups of the 1950's and 60's, in Georgia, USA. Once Clarence asked Robert, now a politician, for legal help, which he refused, because his political ambitions would be jeopardized. To rationalize his refusal, Robert told his brother: I follow Jesus up to a point. I follow him to the cross, but not on the cross. I am not getting myself crucified. To which Clarence replied: Robert, you are not a follower of Jesus; you are only an admirer of his.

     
Perhaps Clarence could repeat those words to us. We bear the name of Christ, Christians, but prefer to formulate our own code. In Europe, the Christmas Holidays are called the Winter Holidays. Why? Ostensibly, they do not want to wound the sentiments of people of other religions. Perhaps some segments of Christians, in other parts of the world, have joined their European brothers in switching to the changed terminology, for the same reason.

     
The Hindus have not changed their festival Diwali to something more akin to Christian idiom. The Muslims have not renamed Ramzan to appease their Christian brothers. Why are we ashamed of the word Christmas? Is it because we are ashamed of being identified as Christians? To those of us, who are embarrassed of being Christians, Jesus has a warning. In Matt. 10:32, He says that in the presence of His Father He will not acknowledge those who are ashamed of Him, in the eyes of men. The Master never makes empty threats. Do we hear the alarm bell?

      
We are Christians, but will not attend Church Services. A Christian young man I know tells me that he goes to Sunday morning service only when there are no good movies on TV. Some offer an excuse for their non-Christian attitude. They say that they are scandalized by the behavior of some Pastor/Priest and dissociate themselves from anything Christian. Are we Christian because of some Priest/Pastor, or even because of the Pope? We are Christian because of Christ, who is sinless and blameless. Do we stop using our family name or stay disconnected because of some black sheep in the fold? We refer to Biblical Stories as Christian Legends to distance ourselves from their veracity. We are Christians who do not want to profess Christian beliefs. Do we not profess our political affiliations? Democrat or Republican (USA), Labor or Conservative (UK), Congress or BJP (India)? We join elite clubs and are proud of our membership. We work for Fortune 500 Companies and will let others know of the connection. But Christ, the Son of God, we leave out in the cold. We exclude Him from our network. Alone, He will hang on that cross.

      
We try to run away from Him, but He comes panting after us, as The Hound of Heaven, whom Francis Thompson faithfully portrayed. In an unhurrying chase, at an unperturbed pace, He will not give up following us. Gently, He reminds us, all things betray thee, who betrayest me. We try to hide from Him, but He will seek us out. We shut our ears to His words, but He will play music that we cannot silence. We close our eyes to Him, but He will tenderly lift our hands off them, to lovingly gaze into our troubled eyes. What a Christ we have! Yet, we are ashamed of acknowledging Him. Would we do to our friends, what we do to Him, the truest of all?

 In my reckoning there are a few reasons why we behave the way we do.

1) We are the instant people who demand instant gratification. We want Him to be the genie we can command. He would willingly oblige us, if only all our wishes were for our good. Often, we desire that which will harm us. He sees it; we don’t. So, He shuts some doors through which we wish to enter and opens new doors, if only we have eyes to see.

2) We want to be in control, to march to our drumbeat. To surrender, to submit are against our grain. We like to be in charge of our lives; and extend that power by taking control of Him. The paradox is that He does not want to control us. He will not place limits on His gift of free will. Of our own, if we love Him and seek His protection, He will accept our friendship, and not a forced alliance.

3) We mistake His goodness for weakness, because He does not react even when we act in defiance or choose to ignore Him. His Infinite Patience and Forgiveness are never tested. For that very reason, we tend to take Him for granted.

4) We enthrone false gods in our hearts. Wealth, power, fame and pleasure are some of the deities we enshrine, dislodging the rightful owner. Does He complain? No, He waits for the time we will turn away from those false gods and return to Him, like the Prodigal son. In a question that also holds the answer, Job asks: Has anyone resisted Him and found peace? No wonder, the scholarly Saint Augustine wrote: Our hearts were made for you, O God, and they shall not rest until they rest in you.

      
Mistakenly we believe that we are doing Him a favor when we pray or live a life by The Book. Hugh Blair exposes our folly: It is for the sake of man, not of God, that worship and prayer are required; not that God may be rendered more glorious, but that man may be made better. We need to reflect on Hugh Blair's words, because a Perfect God needs nothing from us. He would not be God if He needed anything from us. He is complete in all respects. With unmatched love He persuades us to reform for our sakes, not His.

      How do we reform? By being the salt of the earth, and light to the world. Salt dissolves in food to lend it taste and flavor. Light dispels darkness. Like salt, when we make ourselves useful to others, and as shining examples, when we shed light for others, we become lovable. And when we become lovable, we can be sure that Jesus’ love is in us. Aptly, Bishop Fulton Sheen explains what that means: When the Lord puts His love in us, then we become lovable.

      There is no doubt that it is tough to follow Christ, but the rewards far outweigh the effort, and the peace that comes from it cannot be matched. Ordinary people have done it. Are we any less?