The Power of the Written Word

Writers have incredible power. Throughout history, writers have changed the mindset of society, shaped public opinion and ignited revolutions. Authors, poets, playwrights, speechwriters and more have made a tremendous difference in the world.

Whether through passionate prose that stirred up emotions or hard-hitting journalism that instigated public response, writers have been responsible for moving people into action. When inspired, a writer’s words can completely transcend the page and become something more meaningful to the reader.

God entrusted writers to bring His holy Word to the masses. The psalms of David and the letters from Paul, for example, still stand today as testaments to the goodness of God and His promises to His people.

Today’s Christian writers have a tremendous gift. We are inspired by God and empowered with the opportunity to change lives. It’s a responsibility that we should take as seriously as those original scribes who God chose to use for His glory.

I am in awe of the power of the written word.

Stay on Task!

You sit down to work on a project or chore (one that you’re probably reluctant to do in the first place). And what happens? Your cell phone rings. You decide to download a couple of songs to your iPod. You get a message on your BlackBerry. You decide to check out a web site on your laptop. You sit down to play “just one game” on your video game system. Next thing you know, you’re wondering, “Where did the time go?”

In this day and age, distractions are everywhere. And they usually begin so innocently with, “First I’ll do this. Then I’ll get to that.” But the truth is, the little distractions become major problems when they prevent us from doing the things we need to get done. Fortunately, there are a couple of ways to help us stay on task:

Give yourself a time limit. If you find that you absolutely have to do something unexpected before you actually get down to business, put a limit on how much time you’ll spend doing it.
Save the best for last. Make a list of the things you want to do. Giving yourself something to look forward to can help you get through your task a little easier.

Paul was well aware of the distractions we face along our Christian journey when he wrote, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) By staying on task, Paul knew that he would receive the ultimate reward in heaven.

I’m going to beware of the distractions and keep my eyes on the prize.

The Law of Large Numbers

Remember when your parents used to tell you that “practice makes perfect”? Well, it looks like they were on to something. Did you know that the more you do something, the better your chances are of doing it well? Welcome to the Law of Large Numbers!

I’m not a sports fan, but I’m told that Michael Jordan made some of the most game-winning shots in the history of the NBA. But this is the same Michael Jordan who had some of the most missed shots. I hear that one of the greatest baseball players, Babe Ruth, who holds the record for the most career hits, also holds the record for the most misses. But thanks to the Law of Large Numbers, the probability of success for Jordan and Ruth increased with every shot or hit.

The more you produce, the greater your chances of succeeding. In fact, you may even find that 80% of your success comes from only 20% of your effort (see The 80/20 Rule). Walking away from the sports theme for a moment, think about this: George Lucas wrote about 11 films before he finally struck gold with #12 — “Star Wars.”

Isn’t it great to know, children of God, that not through our own efforts, but through the Holy Spirit, the Law of Large Numbers works easily in our favor? Throughout the Bible, the Lord speaks of multiplying the works of the faithful. So writers, keep writing. And whatever you do, be sure to do it to the glory of God. He undoubtedly will increase your efforts and multiply your works!

I’m producing in quantity, knowing that God will bless with quality!

Finding a Blessing in the Recession

The downturn of the stock market has been making headline news almost daily. Almost every sector has taken a hit. Unemployment is high and consumer spending is low. People are losing their homes in almost every neighborhood. Many financial experts have weighed in on the realities of our economic recession. But have you also noticed the spiritual recession we’re in?

Yes, Christians, it seems as though we are experiencing a serious spiritual recession. The quest for righteousness has taken a significant downturn with people placing more emphasis on “Me first” than “God first.” Morals are at an all-time low—even TV shows and movies targeted to our children have questionable themes and objectionable content. And our adherence to the most basic spiritual principles have fallen dramatically (what ever happened to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”?).

Is there a correlation between our economic problems and our society’s steady spiritual decline? What do we do at a time like this?

Financially speaking, many experts will tell you that a market drop offers a great opportunity to buy stocks. If you’re willing to make a few sacrifices and weather the storm, buying blue-chip stocks at a discount now may have significant return on your investment later. Spiritually speaking, the Bible offers expert advice on what to do in the time of a spiritual recession. In 2 Chronicles 7:13–14, God told Solomon, “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Notice that there’s a correlation between the economic and spiritual crises. The land, which was the people’s livelihood, and their ability to stay healthy and make a living were in jeopardy. God commanded the people to “turn from their wicked ways,” indicating that there was a spiritual lack among them. My brothers and sisters in Christ, we must recognize the blessing in the promise that a spiritual renewal helps to bring about economic change. Prosperity starts with the soul.

I’m getting my blessing out of this recession. How about you?

Rejoicing in the Audacity of Hope

There have been countless news reports, opinion columns, blogs, and other forms of media celebrating the historic presidential election of Barack Obama. As an African American, I am overcome with pride by his accomplishment. As a writer and publisher, that pride increases manifold.

President-elect Obama’s second novel, “The Audacity of Hope,” has been critically acclaimed and a New York Times Best Seller. The audiobook even won a Grammy. In light of his other achievements, does this book even matter? To me, it matters a great deal.

Firstly, it’s encouraging to know that even in these rough economic times, people are still buying great books. Of course, the presidential campaign offered plenty of free publicity for Mr. Obama and generated great public interest. But let that be a lesson: A buzzworthy author has the opportunity to drum up plenty of sales.

Secondly, the award-winning extension of the book in the audio format provides plenty of reason for new authors to take note. This is a great day and age, where an author’s creativity isn’t limited to ink and paper. Think digitally and explore new technologies. The potential for earning greater revenue from your work is increasing every day!

Finally, according to the Wikipedia, my favorite online source, the inspiration behind the novel and its very title came from a sermon preached by pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright. This serves as a reminder for God’s people that when we include Him in our endeavors, we have no choice but to succeed.

Paul, a prolific author in his own right, wrote in Romans 5:5 that hope does not disappoint us. And as Christians, we know that our hope is in God, not man. We don’t know what the next four years will hold, but we can audaciously hope for the best—for our families, our endeavors, and our nation.

I am rejoicing in the audacity of hope. What about you?

A Scary Compromise for Christians?

This is the time of year that has often generated very interesting conversations with other Christians. A simple question of “What will your kids be for Halloween?” has led to great debates about how we should view this holiday as people of God.

According to the Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween) Halloween traces its roots from an Irish tradition that began as a harvest festival, innocently enough. Yet it quickly took a more insidious turn as the pagan (non-Christian) celebrants created bonfires to ward off the evil spirits that threatened to ruin their livestock and crops, donning costumes and masks to appease the demons. This practice later preceded All Saints’ Day (still celebrated in many places throughout the world), which is a European holy day of religious festivities. Falling the eve before All Saint’s Day, the true origin of the name Halloween comes from “All Hallow’s Even” (the night before All Hallow’s Day, which is All Saints’ Day).

Since the time my children were of the age to do so, we decided they would not participate in trick or treating or any other Halloween festivities. When questioned about this, we would always reply that there is nothing about Halloween that celebrates Christ, so there was no reason for us as Christians to celebrate the holiday. In recent years, many churches and Christian organizations have introduced “Hallelujah Parties” in lieu of Halloween celebrations. My family’s stance has remained steadfast, because even a watered-down version of this holiday is unacceptable. I’ve heard the protest of many other Christians:

“Oh, let your children be children and have some fun like the other kids!”
“Forget the history, now it’s all about dressing up and eating candy!”
“I’m a Christian, too, so my kids don’t dress up as anything scary or demonic. They get to be angels and princesses!”

The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” In my opinion, compromising ourselves to celebrate things that are not of God couldn’t possibly be His good, pleasing and perfect will.

What are your thoughts on Halloween? Leave a comment!

Quality, Quantity, Quickly

In my early days of advertising, I had a Creative Director who displayed a sign in his office that read, “Quality. Quantity. Quickly.” He explained that you could always have one of those three variables. Sometimes you were lucky enough to get two. But it was very rarely that you would ever get all three.

I have seen over the years how this truth has played out in various areas of life. Things that are created very fast and by the truckload are not usually of great quality. It takes great care and lots of time to create items of great value. For example, cars that are built one-by-one in a lengthy, painstaking process are worth far more than the thousands that fly off the factory line.

Take a look at your local bookstore. Authors who have works that were written with fine attention to detail and who, perhaps, have only a few titles to their names tend to be regarded as literary giants. Yet, writers who swiftly crank out volume after volume in their genre usually provide a couple of good reads, but work that is rarely considered classic.

Re-read the first chapter of Genesis when you get a chance. When we reflect on how wonderfully He created everything in the world and how fast He did it, we realize that only an awesome God could produce such quality in great quantity so quickly.

What are your thoughts? Leave a comment!

Do the Right Thing...at the Right Time

I once heard a powerful sermon preached by Rev. William D. Watley, Ph. D. of St. James A.M.E. Church in Newark, NJ. He really hit close to home when he declared, “If you do what you have to do when you have to do it, then you can do what you want to do when you want to do it.”

Many of us find ourselves inundated with the “have to dos.” We have to do the laundry. We have to get the car inspected. We have to finish that next chapter of the novel. The list goes on. And too often, we find ourselves putting off these things until later. Then we wonder why we often feel so overwhelmed, stressed out, and pressed for time.

The truth is, there is a time for everything, as a popular passage tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:1–8. Remember—whenever we put off a responsibility, we may lose out on an opportunity for ourselves or miss a chance to be a blessing to someone else.

I’m going to do what I have to do when I have to do it, so I can do what I want to do when I want to do it.

Take a Break!

We live in a fast paced, go-and-get-‘em society. Our days are filled with appointments and scheduling and responsibilities and duties. We have to-do lists, and have-to-do lists, and absolutely-must-do lists. But when do we have time to spend with ourselves and God?

It is absolutely imperative to carve out a little personal time each day and to set aside some extended “me time” every now and again. My personal time usually begins when I open my eyes in the morning and lasts for about a half hour. That’s my time for prayer and meditation, reading and reflection.

But that’s not it. Do you realize the importance of the lunch hour? (Or lunch half-hour for some of my corporate brothers and sisters.) While, of course, there are days when stepping away from your desk is impossible, let’s just say that eating at your desk should be the exception, and not the rule. Take your lunch break every day by doing any of the following:

• Eat. Away from your desk.
• Leave the building. You might just walk around the grounds.
• Take a 20 minute nap. (Yes, I’ve done this in my car.)
• Run personal errands (like picking up that book you’ve been wanting to read).
• Call a friend and chat while they’re on lunch, too.
• Use the time to pray and talk to God.

When you return to your work, I can assure you that you’re more likely to feel recharged, refreshed, and refocused. And don’t even get me started on sick days and vacations. Let’s just say that if your Human Resources director understands the importance of taking a break, so should you.

During His ministry here on earth, we find a couple of examples of Jesus taking some “Me time” of His own. Luke 5:15-16 tells us that crowds of people were constantly seeking Him out, “but Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Having been here on earth and having lived a busy, productive life, Jesus understands your need for rest. In Matthew 11:28, he gives us the invitation, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

I’m taking a break and spending some quality time with Jesus this week. What about you?

Which Body Are You?

There is a famous story of four people named Every Body, Some Body, Any Body, and No Body. There was an important job to be done and Every Body was asked to do it. Any Body could have done it, but No Body did it. Some Body got angry about that, because it was Every Body's job. Every Body thought Any Body could do it, but No Body realized that Every Body wouldn't do it. Consequently, it wound up that No Body told Any Body, so Every Body blamed Some Body.

Paul wrote in Romans 12 that as Christians, we are all part of the body of Christ. Just as our own body is comprised of parts with their own special function, each of us has our own special purpose. Paul lists ministering, teaching, and prophesying as examples. I would add writing, public speaking, and being creative to the list.

When a task is at hand, are you waiting for Every Body, Any Body, or Some Body to do the job that you could do yourself? Remember, if you don’t do it, there’s a chance No Body will.

I’m trying to be a productive part of the body of Christ. What about you?

Do You Have the Right Attitude?

A classic test in psychoanalysis is the one where a person must respond to an image of a glass of water. “Is the glass half empty or is the glass half full?” the analyst asks. A “half empty” response reveals an overwhelmingly pessimistic attitude. But “half full” shows that the person looks toward the brighter side of things.

When writing, or approaching anything else in life, our attitude toward it makes all the difference. Are you pessimistically looking at the obstacles or optimistically anticipating the outcome?

A surprising reward is that being optimistic is contagious. All it takes is a little enthusiasm to get others around you to respond the same way. Pretty soon, you have an outpouring of “positivity” around you, which can give you the energy you need to get things done. (Recently, I added a little “Yay!” to the end of all of my meetings. Pretty soon, my team joined me in this corporate cheerleading—and our work has gone to a whole new level.)

The Bible instructs that as Christians, we are to have an optimistic attitude in all things. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” The message is clear—a positive attitude brings life, and a negative one is destructive.

I’m choosing the right attitude. How about you?

The 80/20 Rule

Ever feel like you’re doing most of the work, even though you have a whole group of people who are supposed to help get the job done? Congratulations! You are part of the Terrific Twenty!

It is a well-known principle in business and practical sciences that for many situations, “80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.” In other words, the greatest results come from only a few members of the group. Does this sound familiar? Does the 80/20 Rule apply to your job, organization, or church?

Throughout the Bible, we see evidence of the 80/20 Rule in effect. In Matthew 9:37, we find Jesus telling his disciples, “…The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” Who are these workers? They are the ones who may sometimes feel overlooked or taken for granted. Is this you? Don’t feel defeated. Keep in mind that the laborer’s reward is great. Jesus tells the parable where the servant who worked hardest for his master received the biggest reward in the end. (Matthew 25:14-30)

So if you ever feel like you’re putting in a little more time or effort than most of the other folks in your group, the truth is that you very well may be. Of course, this doesn’t let the other 80 percent of the group off the hook. They have a responsibility to accomplish at least the bare minimum of what’s required of them. But prayerfully, you’ll find satisfaction in knowing that your great efforts have helped make a great difference.

I’m proud to be part of the Terrific Twenty. What about you?

Bold Enough to be Humble?

Why do people have such a hard time with humility? Is it that hard for us to get over ourselves?

How many times have you heard, “They didn’t know who they were messing with!” Or how about, “Do you know who I am?” Usually, these phrases are uttered with extreme contempt and a huff and a puff.

In society, we are taught to strive for the biggest, the best, and the shiniest. And we feel obligated to let people “know who we are,” in any way we can. We do this by indirectly (and sometimes boldly) saying things that imply:

• “I’m better than you.”
• “I have more than you.”
• “I’m more important than you.”

Personally, I believe that the person who really has the most is the one who has no problem with being the least among others. The purest example of humility of all is that of Jesus, whose very existence on earth was devoid of any luxuries or conveniences. He had no big car, no nice house, no fancy robe, or anything. In fact, in Luke 9: 57–58 we find that, “As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.’ ”

As followers of Christ, we don’t have to rely on material things to prove our importance. Our treasures are spiritual and our importance is in Him.

I want to choose humility. What about you? Click on the word "comments" below to leave a comment!

Cutting Both Ends of the Ham

Sometimes we do things a certain way just because that’s the way we’ve always done them. Every now and then it’s worth taking time to stop and assess our actions. My former pastor, the late Rev. John E. Sharpe, used to tell the following story:

During a family holiday gathering, there was a woman in the kitchen who was busily preparing the meal. She took out the ham and lopped off the front and back ends before placing it in the large baking pan.

“Mom, why do you always cut both ends of the ham?” her daughter asked, after observing the ritual. “Well, that’s funny,” the woman said, “I never really thought about it. It’s something my mom always did.” Just then, the woman’s mother came into the kitchen for a glass of water. “Grandma,” the youngest woman said, “why is it that you always cut both ends of the ham before baking it?” The oldest woman thought for a moment and said, “Well, that’s the way my mother always did it.”

At that very moment, the matriarch of the family entered the kitchen. “Great-grandmother,” the youngest woman said to her, “We were just wondering. Why is it that you always cut off both ends of the ham before you baked it?” Without hesitation, the eldest woman present said, “Oh, child, that was because my pan was always too small!”

Jesus often rebuked the Pharisees for doing things out of tradition and ritual. He wanted them to understand that their intentions were more important than their practices (read Matthew 6).

As followers of Christ, let’s examine our actions and act consciously. What are your thoughts? Leave a comment!

Plane Talk

My husband’s grandfather used to say, “Never withhold a word from a person. One word can change someone’s life.” I think there’s a lot of truth to that.

I was on a flight recently from Dallas to Newark, and sitting in the window seat, I was resigned to simply doing a Sudoku puzzle to pass the time. Turns out, my neighbor in the middle seat was an avid fan of the game, as well, and we began talking. The conversation flowed easily and went from puzzles to other topics, such as family and values. I learned that my neighbor was a man of the faith. And as we talked about religion and Biblical principles, there were so many areas in which we wholeheartedly agreed.

If the story ended there, I think there would be no need to continue to blog about it. But the most interesting thing happened. As we talked about society and culture, we found that we had very different perspectives in some areas. And it led to a very healthy debate about issues such as abortion, race, and politics.

Now the last time I checked, there were certain issues you don’t discuss in mixed company. I think we covered them all! And our somewhat private conversation began tickling the ears of our other neighbor in the aisle seat. Soon, he was fully engaged in the conversation. And we realized the significance of our interaction. The three of us were different across so many lines: racial, gender, religious (our neighbor in the aisle was Jewish), socio-economic, and political. Yet, we were able to hold an honest conversation with one another without being “politically correct,” but respectful of each other’s point of view. By engaging each other’s differences, I believe we each carried something away to share with others in our lives.

The Bible tells us to be open to engaging one another. Hebrews 13:1-2 reads, “Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”

I believe we need more open dialogue. What are your thoughts? Leave a comment!

I’m Not Doing That!

I developed a bad habit. I became quick to say what I would or would not do.

In my defense, I had formerly been the person who said, “yes” to everything. Want me to watch someone’s ill-behaved kids for a few hours? “Yes!” Want me to loan out a few dollars that will never be paid back? “Yes!” Want me to volunteer my time to do something that no one else wants to do? “Yes! Yes! Yes!” It became so overwhelming and cumbersome that one morning, I woke up and decided, “I’m not doing that!”

No longer did I sign up for things that required more time and energy than anyone else was willing to contribute. No longer did I go out of my way to help people who were helpless all the time. No longer did I do anything that I didn’t feel like doing. But did I become a better person for it? Not at all. Because I had gotten so good at it, that even when the Holy Spirit gave me direction, I said, “No, I’m not doing that!” That led to massive disobedience on my part and major consequences for me.

I tried to justify my new behavior by pleading with God that my “Yes!” mentality was problematic. People were taking advantage of me left and right. Then I was reminded that the Bible tells us that if our brother takes advantage of us, we are not to withdraw our efforts or hold back our love toward him. That’s the spirit of Luke 6:30–31 which says, “Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” When it comes to our time, our energy, and our resources, we are to be always willing to give as Christ has always given – and continues to give – to us.

Turn down a chance to give? I’m not doing that anymore! How do you feel about giving? Leave a comment!

Change It!

More often than you may realize, your circumstance is a product of your unwillingness to change it.

One of my favorite examples is of a place where I used to work. After two years, I realized that my fabulous career had become a mundane 9-to-5 job. I was miserable. Then I realized that for years, I had been telling people, “If you don’t like your situation, change it!” It was time to practice what I taught.

After complaining, crying, and some prayer and fasting, I woke up one morning and turned in my resignation. It wasn't an easy decision with all of my family's financial responsibilities. However, I did it with the faith of knowing that God is my "source" and my job is only a "re-source." And to God be the glory, I had a new job within a week at a place that I actually enjoyed. I was back to loving what I did and I loved where I was doing it.

Your first reaction may be, “That’s great for you, but not everybody can do that!” Says who? Fear and faith cannot coexist, so if you are afraid of making a major change, of course it is impossible to do it. But I believe what I am told in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I never recommend trying to change your situation alone. Seek God’s direction as we’re told in Proverbs 3:5 – 6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Something going on in your life you don’t like? Change it! What are your thoughts? Leave a comment!

The Importance of Being Unimportant

Why is it so important for people to be important? Today’s celebrities seem to be nothing but glory hounds that will do just about anything to be seen, heard, and recognized. It trickles down to everyday life, where people seem to be doing more and more outrageous things to gain some kind of notoriety. Just turn on any reality TV show, for starters.

There are very few people in this day and age who seem to shy away from the cameras or the recognition. Someone once told me that he loves his position in church – in the “Cleanup Ministry.” He’s the one in the sanctuary after service with a broom and dustpan. Interestingly enough, no one ever tries to take his broom away from him, or fight for his position. He is a committee of one, just getting the job done for the glory of God.

The psalmist recognized the importance of keeping a low profile and staying close to God. He wrote in Psalm 84:10, “…I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” He would rather be a simple man standing on his feet all day, working in the house of the Lord than to live in the fabulous tents – or the “cribs” – of the moneymakers and shotcallers (you know, the very “important” people) of his day.

Does wealth and fame go hand in hand with wickedness? Not necessarily. But the love of money, the greed for material things, the lust for fame…those are all things that can separate us from serving God and trying to please him.

Do you find it important to be important? Why or why not? Leave a comment!

Do Over!

Have you ever wished you could just start all over again? Just forget about everything and start from scratch? When we were playing games as kids, I remember that when all hope was lost, someone would call, “Do Over!” and we’d start all over again.

Maybe we can still call, “Do Over!” every now and again. The other morning, I woke up really late. I looked at the clock and became upset and jumped out of bed with a foul attitude. Then I decided, why not try a do over? I hit the snooze button and went back to sleep. When the alarm rang the second time, I praised God for waking me up, figured out what I could do to get out of the house quickly, and restarted my day – this time with a better attitude and outlook.

Maybe it’s time to give that story you’re writing a fresh start. Perhaps you can restart a project you’ve been working on. Maybe it’s time for something new in your life.

Jesus gave us the opportunity for the ultimate “do over.” We find that in John 3:3-8, Jesus tells Nicodemus that a man must be born again to reach the kingdom of God. When we are born again, we become new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17) and given the opportunity to live our lives with a fresh, new start.

What area of your life demands a “do over?” Leave a comment.

Take Your Brain Off Autopilot!

Here’s a little exercise I conducted with the young people in my literacy program. I’ve never done it in print, so I don’t know if it works the same, but walk with me…

Okay, say the word “stop” out loud three times. STOP. STOP. STOP.
Now spell the word “stop” three times. S T O P. S T O P. S T O P.
Now answer this question: What do you do at a green light?
If you answered “stop”, you’re wrong. You should stop reading this and go back to the beginning of this paragraph.

If you reread the paragraph above more than twice and are wondering what the answer is, the answer is “go.” Seriously. Try this out on your friends. When this exercise is performed live, 90% of the time, people get the answer wrong on the first try. That’s because we often allow our brains to work in “autopilot” mode. We go through a large percentage of our lives not really thinking about the things we do or the reasons we do them.

Putting your brain on autopilot has its benefits. It allows you to multitask. You can simultaneously perform automatic functions such as drinking your coffee and downloading files while engaging in activities that demand a little more attention, such as reading your email and answering calls. But if you wanted to do something inventive, such as write the next great American novel or create something truly unique, autopilot just won’t cut it.

1 Peter 5:8 tells us “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” As Christians, we have to not only take our brains off autopilot, but our praise and our worship, too. Do a new thing! Read a book of the Bible you’re completely unfamiliar with. Spend a random day fasting just to hear a new word from the Lord. Visit a church you’ve never visited before and fellowship with Christians you don’t know.

I’m taking my brain off autopilot.

Lessons from Liberia – Finale

‘Cause I gotta have faith.

Those of us who grew up in the 80s sang along with George Michael, belting out the lyrics, especially the last line, “I gotta have faith-a-faith-a-faith.” Isn’t it funny how even in popular culture certain spiritual principles ring true? Hebrews 11 is regarded as the great Hall of Faith. There you’ll find accounts of people who were led by faith, even when everything around them seemed lost.

During our stay in Liberia, we visited and fellowshipped with the Mount Nebo Baptist Church, which was located in the Sinkor section of the capital city of Monrovia. They held a revival that week with the theme, “Walking by Faith.” As I got to know the people of Mount Nebo and learned more about the recent history of Liberia, I was overcome by the faith that flowed through the country.

Walking by faith, indeed. During the war, which lasted for 14 years and ended in 2003, the country was devastated. Children as young as 8 were taken and “drafted” into a horrific army where they were brainwashed and given guns to use at will. The so-called leadership at that time ended all public services. There were no formal schools or hospitals. Basic utilities such as electricity and running water were terminated. People were forced to leave their homes to seek refuge. It wasn’t unusual for families to flee at a moment’s notice on foot. I heard accounts of mothers, children, and the elderly walking for days and weeks at a time. “Where were they walking?” I asked over and over again. The collective answers I received revealed that it wasn’t a matter of “where” that made the difference, but “how.” They walked by faith, knowing that hope was ahead of them and grace would get them through.

The Liberia I witnessed during my visit was a country in transition. Under the leadership of current president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the public school system has been reinstated. The main roads are being reconstructed. I was speaking to a woman who shared her thoughts on the rebuilding of the country. She told me that some still worry that although the guns have stopped shooting, the war is not truly over. But at that, she smiled at me reassuringly, patted my arm, and said with her lovely Liberian accent, “Ah, but you know? I gotta have faith.”

Lessons from Liberia—Part 2

“Don’t waste it!” This was said more than once during my visit to the capital city of Monrovia. In a place where resources are in scarce supply, it’s no wonder I heard it used as both a warning and an admonishment. “Don’t waste it!” Mothers with their bowls and open aprons cautioned us as we poured out precious grains of rice during our relief effort to the poorest communities. “Don’t waste it!” careless children were scolded as they ran too close to tables in the market.

I became keenly aware of my wasteful American habits during my very first meal in Liberia. We were warmly welcomed into the parish house of the church we fellowshipped with. As guests, we were prepared a wonderful meal of rice with vegetables, fried and roasted chicken, a type of potato salad with fresh ham, and plantains (my favorite!). Yet, my team of missionaries understood immediately that whatever we did not eat from the remarkable spread would be shared among our hosts. So we were careful to take only what we could eat and not waste it.

Back home, here in America, I realize how wasteful we truly are. We not only waste food, but we waste our resources, our money, our opportunities, and our time.
• The amount of trash we generate as a nation is reprehensible.
• The money we spend on fast food alone each week could feed a family in Liberia for a month.
• Our children drop out of high school at a rate significantly higher than any other industrialized country.
• We are one of the most prosperous nations in the world, yet the most selfish. As a country, we spend more time watching television than helping our neighbors—at home or abroad.

Jesus told a parable about servants who were given talents—and how the one who squandered his was greatly admonished (Matthew 25:14-30). We should strive to make the most of everything God provides for us. Let’s use every one of our talents wisely.

Don’t waste it!

Lessons from Liberia—Part 1

Greetings! As you may have noticed, I’m missing a couple of blog entries. That’s because I’ve been away in Liberia, West Africa. I went as part of a mission trip with my church, Christian Love Baptist Church (Pastor Ron Christian). Our mission there was to fellowship with a local church and to distribute grains of rice in the poorest communities.

Throughout my visit, there was one Bible verse that came to mind constantly. 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.”

“My grace is sufficient.” What a powerful acknowledgement to consider when riding over the main road and walking through the red dirt roads of Monrovia, the capital city. In a place where most homes are without electricity or running water, a majority of adults are unemployed, and many children are unable to go to school and devastatingly behind in their education…God reminded me that His grace is sufficient. It was 14 years of civil war that led to the country’s current predicament. And it will take time for the people to rebuild and reconstruct their lives.

At the Mount Nebo Baptist Church (Pastor Gallison George) where we fellowshipped—and whose loving members took us into their own homes during our stay—sufficient grace is evident. Some members have utilities in their homes, others are working, and a number of children are in school. And for those who are still striving for such things, there is hope.

His grace is sufficient.

Eating Elephants

Let’s face it. We all feel overwhelmed every now and again. There seems to be so much to get done and so little time to do it all. There are times when your to-do list is so full you don’t even know where to start.

When it feels like you’re in over your head, just remember this little riddle: “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer is: “One bite at a time.” The trick is that you just have to say a prayer and start somewhere. Anywhere. Complete a small task. Then move on to the next. Repeat. Before you know it—your whole job is finished. This works whether you are writing a complete novel, cleaning a whole house or involved in any number of projects that have to get done at once.

Philippians 4:6 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” The scripture goes on to promise us an unsurpassed peace for our hearts and minds. And that’s what we really need when we’re feeling overwhelmed, isn’t it?

Ready to eat your next elephant? Go!

Doing Things the Right Way

I’ve heard many small business owners say that it’s not easy being legal. Many entrepreneurs will concur that it’s had to stay legit. Especially when you see so many others in your industry getting away with cutting corners, skirting regulations and otherwise getting over.

So why even bother to do things the right way? Who needs forms and formalities when you can just do your thing and get paid, right? Well, clearly the Bible tells us otherwise. Psalm 37, which begins, “Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong…” is a psalm dedicated to telling us that we should always do things the right way.

This means that, yes, we who know better are required to go the extra step to get our paperwork in order and may pay a little more out of pocket in the beginning. This will help us lay a strong foundation that is pleasing to the Lord.

Are you an entrepreneur headed for success or someone who is just in it for the hustle? Psalm 37 declares that success belongs to those who do things the right way!

Beating My Greatest Enemy

So I had a fight with my greatest enemy this week. Thank you for your concern—I’m okay. Honestly, I think I came out pretty good in the end. Oh…you want to know who it was? It was that joker who always gets in my face when I have important things to do. You might know him. His name is Procrastination.

We’ve been bitter enemies for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid, he stopped me from turning in a science project on time. When I was in college, he had me up to the wee hours of the morning finishing up term papers that could have been completed days prior. These days, he likes to throw me off course when I’m on my way to finishing a project.

And I usually start off great! I begin my projects with timelines and benchmarks to help keep me on track. Then…somewhere along the way, I get bogged down with the details and the tedious parts. And I lose interest. Or I get distracted. Then I start missing deadlines. And then…Procrastination kicks my butt. But this week, I found a way to beat him! It was right there, in Philippians 3:14—“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

So I pressed. I pressed in spite of being tired. I pressed in spite of not feeling well. I pressed even though it seemed like I was never going to get to the end. And you know what? Procrastination couldn’t stand it! And it really wasn’t long before he just up and got out of my way. My project was completed and I was victorious!

You have the same power to overcome Procrastination. Want to finish your manuscript? Press on and keep writing! Want to get your book sold? Press on and keep promoting it! Want to get your business off the ground? Press on and stay focused on your goals! Trust me, with God’s grace, you’ll be a winner!

"Slow and Steady Wins the Race"

I remember when I was a kid, my mother used to repeat that saying to me all the time. As a child I never really took those words to heart because, of course, I was into childish things. Even the Bible says, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.” (1 Corinthians 13:11) But as the scripture goes on to tell us, now that I’m grown, my approach to life is a little different.

As an adult, I can say that my mother’s saying rings true. Slow and steady does win the race—although the world around me seems to be running in the opposite direction. As I look around, I know that instant gratification is the way of the world. We crave everything from fast food to pre-fabricated houses to instant cash (no wonder our lotteries climb so quickly to over $200 million)!

Over the years, I’ve learned that quality comes with time. And I believe this is a spiritual principle that doesn’t change. God took seven days to create the world, when He could have done it in an instant. The works of art that hang on the walls in the homes of the wealthiest people weren’t created overnight. Great books aren’t written in a day, but are written, rewritten and reviewed before publication.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the convenience of stopping by my local drive-thru and picking up a burger and fries on the way home if it’s too late to cook. But as we all know, a steady diet of this “quick fix” can be toxic to our systems. As creative people of God, let’s not allow our work become tainted with the toxicity of trying to get things done too quickly. Take time to complete your project the right way. Plan for time to review your work. And don’t be disappointed if you’re not an overnight success. Have faith that the time and hard work you invest will ultimately result in abundant blessings.

I Have a Vision! Where Do I Begin?

Congratulations! You've overcome the most difficult part of writing, which is receiving the inspiration to do it! Now comes the other part--organizing your thoughts and getting something down on paper.

As writers, we often find ourselves excited, energized and enthusiastic in the beginning of a writing project. But, as the nature of the project takes its course, we tend to lose focus and run out of steam. This is when we have to rely on the Bible's teaching to "faint not." We must persevere, even though our character's development seems to be going nowhere or our plot line is leaving us feeling a little flat. This is the time when prayer and meditation help us to get back on track and we become more receptive to additional inspiration for our project. It always encourages me to remember, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13)

It is when we reach the end of our project--when we finish the last sentence of that last chapter or put the finishing touches on our manuscript--that we should be careful to remember to give God the praise. Thankfulness is an important part of worship and should be an ongoing part of our daily conversation with Him.

So remember to stay focused, remain encouraged through prayer and meditation and give God the glory for your accomplishment. Your writing project will be a blessing to you and to others.