Free

On MLK day yesterday, I was considering the freedom that I enjoy as a woman of color in this country: the freedom to vote, to own a home in a diverse neighborhood, to send my children to an integrated school, to obtain an education, and work in a professional position, just to name a few. These are freedoms that I do not take for granted for I understand that they were achieved through the blood, sweat, tears, and prayer of countless men and women who have gone before me. These are freedoms that many of my ancestors never knew, and others only realized after nearly a lifetime of suffering. No. I cannot take them for granted. I am a grateful beneficiary.

In addition to the freedoms that are afforded me because of civil rights legislation, I have an even greater freedom, an eternal freedom, because of one act, committed by one man. While the civil rights movement certainly moved our country in the right direction, it was imperfect in that it could not legislate the hearts of man. It could not force anyone to espouse the principle that "all men are created equally" nor could it completely erase the lingering effects of hundreds of years of slavery, nor the ramifications of the Jim Crow South.

This freedom that is available in Christ is comprehensive. It completely transforms heart and mind, rendering a new creation. And to me, that is freedom worth dying for. For, "if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

New

Renewal

Restoration
Freshness
Renaissance
Newness
Neotericity*

This is what the stroke of midnight ushers in on the 31st of December, annually.

It is also what is available upon request from our Lord daily.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:29-31

* Oh yeah, I found the root for this one in the thesaurus and it seduced me. So, I included it

2010!

Happy New Year! What a delight to be alive and well at the beginning of another year.

After two lovely weeks of sleeping in, being (almost) unscheduled, and generally reveling in the season of celebration, I feel refreshed and ready to tackle 2010. For me, the last two weeks of the 2009 were a sabbath. My dear friend,with whom I walk, and I both decided to give way to the season and allow ourselves to be "slackers" instead of adhering to our morning routine. Even the work place took on an air of relaxation, as goodies of all sorts lined the work room counter. I have enjoyed the fellowship of friends and family, good food, and great conversation. It has been a decadent departure. A season of rest.
I hope that all of you are also looking forward to what God has for us in this season.

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the sun."