When we think about gatherings many of us think of a group of people coming together to have a good time. For most, gatherings tend to be a light and not at all stressful social event. In November I was invited by my best friend to attend a women’s gathering organized by my former home church. I thought about it and said, maybe. Later I was personally encouraged by my former pastor to attend, and my response was a GIF of Peter from Family Guy mouthing the words Perhaps. I did register for the event but as soon as my mind got a hold of the yes, my body's response was a crippling no. It was odd to think this way when my previous church has known me for more than ten years. My thoughts surged with lies of, "why would they want me there, I'm not part of that church. No one knows me anymore, I'm a stranger. I became uncomfortable. Now, I knew the event was Friday through Sunday. The week prior to the event was quite busy and to be honest I was running on only a few hou...
We are habitual forgetful people. Have you noticed how time and time again we forget of the many blessings we have received? Think about it, if you’re somehow at this moment miserable, didn’t you at one point pray for where you are at now? There was joy and suddenly there isn’t. You’ve prayed big prayers, or if you’re like me you pray small because you think that either you’re undeserving or because HE’s done more than enough for you to keep wanting; this doesn’t negate the fact that in the waiting we stay wanting. Let me just remind you, when I say we I mean me, but feel free to relate and remind me that I’m not alone in this. Lately I’ve been meditating on something a sweet friend told me, “Jocelyn, delay is not denial and even though you are hidden you are not forgotten.” Her words pierced my heart with a reminder that my big or small prayers are not overlooked by the one who hears and keeps them. He may hold them unanswered, but He does not withhold no good thing. -...