Undying Love

4/23/2012

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Over the past few weeks, I've been working on building my own faith up a bit more. I decided one week, to spend each day re-reading Hebrews 11, and then the next week reading the rest of Hebrews. For some reason, I ended up reading Hebrews 12 twice. 

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 
I really was able to gain a new perspective on things and start to adjust my attitude, but then this weekend in particular showed me a lot. God disciplines, like a father, just as the Bible says. I was in worship this morning, and listening to John P Kee's "I Do Worship" [love that song btw] and one of the add-libs in the song said "God'd gonna get His glory anyhow...." Now being that I grew up in a Black Baptist church, I'm not by any means unfamiliar with this saying, but today it just meant something different to me. God is going to get His glory, and He's going to discipline me when I fall, when my attitude isn't right or when I just don't spend enough time seeking Him. But He is gonna get His glory anyhow - so as long as He gives me grace to live past it, I have another chance to go back to Him and give Him that glory. 

I remember as a child, especially when I was really young, everytime I got in trouble for something [which btw was few and far between.....just sayin, lol] there was a short period where I was afraid to go back to my parents really for anything - even to say sorry. At the time I confused discipline with hate at the time. But as I got older, and with many times of my parents beckoning me to come to them after things cooled down, I realized that it wasn't hate at all, and no matter what, I could always go back to speak with them. 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. So long as God grants me the grace of breath in my lungs, I still have that opportunity to go back, and make things right - and not only that, its really the foundation of our faith. My actions don't justify me, and though I should always try, I will fall short from time to time. So we all have to hold to the promise that Jesus' blood can cleanse any sin- so much so that even Paul who persecuted Christians was accepted as an apostle. If that wouldn't kill God's love for man, what can? It's important for us to grow and mature in our understanding that God doesn't hate us - He hates the sin. It's important for our relationships with other people - who are imperfect just like us, but also very important to maintaining a relationship with God, and not hiding at those times that we need Him most.

This morning, I also came across a YouTube video for the song "Make Me Over" by Tonex. For those who may be unfamiliar, Tonex was a gospel singer, but over the past few years, changed his overall image to a very openly homosexual alter ego - B. Slade. Now Tonex sang with a Gospel Choir during a past BET Celebration of Gospel, and the selection, "Make Me Over" was a plead to God to restore us to where we should be. Its a beautiful song and the youtube link is below for your listening pleasure. As everyone does on YouTube, I scrolled down the comments on this video - and I'd have to say I was a bit horrified by some of what I saw. Many people had very hateful comments around the fact that he was gay - completely ignoring the essence of this song. I thank God for His discipline in my life, showing that he cares and that His love truly is undying no matter what, and for helping me continue to see myself, so that I can continue learning how to show that kind of love and forgiveness to others. He's perfect, yet His love for an imperfect me never wavers, so I too have to learn to give passes to others who are on that same playing field as me.
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New Love

2/14/2012

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Happy Valentines Day world! I have always loved Valentines Day! With the exception of one year when I was dealing with a super recent breakup, I've always looked forward to Valentines Day, whether single or with someone just to wear something pink and celebrate love in general! Even today I'm sporting a pink and black dress with a blazer over it and pink floral accessory :D. Today, I was reading Revelations, and it got me thinking about New Love. (yes, Revelations got me thinking about love, lol) You know, the feeling when you first fall for someone and you just see stars and roses everywhere, lol. And then the contrast 6 months to a year later, when it [hopefully] is still love, but it requires a bit more work to keep things as exciting, but of course, if you really love that person you put in the work, time and compromises to make sure the other person is happy. 


But of course, since this is my inspirational blog, you know this post isn't really about that kind of love, but the love we have for God. I remember when i first got saved, I went home all giddy and made a pact with myself that I wanted to have that feeling - the feeling of God's spirit descending on me every day, and so I would dedicate at least 30 minutes each morning to sing, pray, read my Bible, prostrate or do whatever I had to do to get my praise out. I could hardly hold it in! I told everyone about it. "Hey Fey, you coming out tonight?" No- I'll just stay home and read some scriptures, or head to Bible Study. I just wanted to spend time with God. It was so easy and so natural. I know someone reading this has felt this at some point or another about a guy/gal you just met, lol and many also when you first were saved. 

I'll give myself just a little bit of credit that I kept with that for a very long time, though as time went on, it got harder. My schedule got super packed and it wasn't so easy to get up that extra 30 minutes early to pray so enthusiastically - and sometimes at all. And knowing myself, I have the least energy at night and admittedly fall asleep (as opposed to purposely going to bed) many nights, so the evening prayers didn't exactly makeup for it (and sometimes didn't even happen). I had to start talking to myself in the morning "this is important. God needs to see my heart. This has to be a priority." I never had to give myself pep talks before - what was happening? Then I went through phases where I just went through the motions and hardly stopped to pray. Overslept a few times and didn't pray at all. How did I go from really getting to know God more and more, to just being there? 

There's something to be said about how special new love is. Its giddy. Its carefree. Its exciting. But there's so much more to be said about making love a priority, and making it work. 
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Of course everyone knows who that is on the right. America's favorite couple! (or at least mine) Barack and Michelle. What's so amazing about them, is their sense of togetherness - even with their crazy schedules and responsibilities. Even though Mr. President is running for office, trying to save the economy, signing and defending so many bills, appointing people etcetera, everyone knows that Friday night is date night with his wife, and something super crucial has to come up for that to cancel. Same with Ms. First Lady. Although we all love her beauty and sense of style - she also was a very busy and successful lawyer before becoming the first lady, and now spends time supporting the President's endeavors, his campaigns and in so many speaking engagements and campaigns of her own - but Friday night is her time with him. I can't say that I know everything about their relationship, but what this says to me is that they are a priority to each other, even with the other super pressing things happening in their lives. They make sure their relationship is never overlooked and that their love never burns out for each other. 

Very few of us are as busy as the President and Mrs, but how much do we really work to preserve this kind of love - almost bottle that new love towards God and the people in our lives? How often do we have an excuse as to why we don't have time to do God's work? How much do you prioritize it and protect it, like you would a first date with someone you like?

No one likes to be last on the priority list. I'm pretty sure no one here would really be happy or stay with someone who only gave their left over time, but didn't make an effort to show you love each day. The Bible defines love largely as sacrificial and in terms of actions that you have to work towards:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. " 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Patience takes work - you have to take the time to consider the other person. Kindness takes work - you have to make an effort to actually do kind things. Keeping no record of wrongs takes A LOT of work, lol. Protecting takes work - protecting time, feelings, safety for someone else. Persevering by definition takes work. Love requires work. How much are we working to show God and others love?
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In closing, I'd like to share the scripture that got this all started. I'm sure you're also wondering how Revelations could ever spark a whole thought train on love [read it a bit more often, there's a lot of good stuff in there ;) ]

"You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first." -Rev 2: 4-5

Remember the things you did when you first found Christ, and return to them. Give God that daily kiss/praise like the picture to the left! Remember to also share that love with the people around you! People need it. I'm speaking to myself too, but wanted to share it with everyone as well. Stay blessed, thank you for your readership, and have a super awesome Valentines Day!! 
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Lessons from Bobby: Reflections of the Bible in My Friend Who's Now Home With God

10/29/2011

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Praise God, everyone! I'm writing today with a heavy heart, but giving God the glory in spite of it. This week was a pretty hard week for me, but also a week of deep reflection as I along with tons of others mourn the loss of our good friend and mentor, Robert Mozia who was buried this morning.

I first met Bobby when I entered the pre-freshman program just before beginning of our freshman year at Penn. We connected because we were both Nigerian, both in the engineering school, both from NJ and my future roommate went to High School with him. But most of all, our friendship continued because  Bobby had a very infectious attitude and was so cool (as evidenced by his shades in the graduation picture above, lol). He was a joy to be around, made friends with many people and also became a mentor to many people while there. After graduation, he was admitted to Cornell to pursue a PhD, and I was so happy for him! It was something I personally felt I could never do.....even more engineering? Wow, I admired him for that and was looking forward to calling him Dr. Mozia. I knew he could make it, and that's part of the reason that the news of his death was so shocking.

I've been meditating, crying, and praying over this this week, and it came to me, that I can take quite a few life lessons from his life, some of which are Biblical lessons:

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." ~Romans 12:18
I think its pretty safe to say that Bobby had a huge heart, and never argued with anyone. He went out of his way to do things for people, make people laugh and just keep all conversations peaceful. I can not really remember a single time that Bobby really was angry at someone, or held any malice about anything. And in a college setting, with all of the drama, group work assignments and more, its pretty difficult to find that many people with that demeanor towards others.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." ~Mark 12:30-31
I remember when I first started church hopping on campus freshman year, that I could always at least count on heading to mass with Bobby. It didn't stick because I am not catholic, or too familiar with it, but it was encouraging to know someone who made an effort to go, and it encouraged to to do the same. Bobby also loved just about everyone, and was not afraid to show it. I remember Bobby getting me and my old roommate gifts randomly during our freshman year,  never expecting anything in return, and I also learned today at the funeral that Bobby did the same with his family whenever he travelled. On a personal note, I especially remember getting the "little sister" treatment all of the time, even though, technically, I'm a few weeks older, lol. Bobby would always walk me back to my dorm, even when I insisted that I'd be alright since we were only on campus, and he did this for many other girls too. I remember a few times when he questioned me about guys, or even chased a couple away when he didn't think it was a good idea. He just wanted everyone to be safe. And he also was a very loving mate to his girlfriend Liz. It was awesome getting to see their relationship develop, and to see such genuine love.

I could go on and on about Bobby, but the two notes above are the ones which resonate the most with me, and were the most memorable. How awesome is it to be remembered that way? Its obvious how great of a man he was, because the testimony of all of his friends and family agree so accurately. Always smiling. Always going out of his way for others. Infectious laughter. Intelligent, driven and hard working. It breaks my heart, but its encouraging and motivating at the same time to be able to say that I knew him, someone who led such a great life and touched so many in only 24 years. I just wanted to share this bit with you, because death is also something that we all have to deal with as Christians, and I'm starting to figure it out. I always like to use this blog as an outlet for what I'm learning from others, and as I grow, in hopes that others can be inspired and take something from it as well. I'm a bit all over and scatter brained today, so I really hope that you did! And in case you are interested, you can read a bit more about him in this Cornell Sun article.

Bobby, it was so hard saying goodbye today, and really having to accept it. There were so many people there who loved you. Your family loved you. All of your friends loved you. Your teachers and coaches. Your mentees. You touched so many by just being you, and I will never forget but be motivated by all you were able to do. Your deep desire for education, and to reach back and help others as you moved up. Your positive attitude and huge heart. You inspire me, and I'll continue to hold on to that until we meet again on the other side. Rest in peace Bobson.

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