Tag: church

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Sunday Thoughts and Reflections-February 9, 2025

Here I am, Lord, send me, Isaiah 6:8

First. I want to make clear that I am not preaching. I use sermons and a variety of speakers that I follow for reflection, especially spiritual reflections. I use these also for inspiration and motivation in activities.

I reached a decision recently regarding the direction of my blogs.  I consider this part of my mental and spiritual healing and growth. I came to this decision by acknowledging that I need to make changes in my life that support my physical, mental and especially, my spiritual health.

There were a few things that influenced my decision. They include, but not limited to,

  1. Fr. Michale Pfleger, Pastor of St. Sabina Church in Chicago. I came across him on Facebook and was immediately impressed with the first sermon. I have watched their Sunday service on YouTube and any video he and his church put out for the public since that time. Each time I am impressed, inspired and motivated. Fr. Pfleger is an activist for social justice and this is one of the reasons I follow him on social media and watch the St. Sabina Mass service. His activism is what inspires me. His activism comes from his faith (the teachings and preaching of Jesus Christ), from love and trusting that God has anointed his gifts and talents. He uses these gifts and talents to teach and preach the Gospel of Jesus.
  2. It’s February and Black History Month. What is currently happening in America with the suppression of civil rights, women’s rights, etc. has made me understand that I must be extremely active in helping to minimize the damage that is being done to the progress made in the past. With my physical limitations I need to rely on writing. Writing my blogs and sharing on social media, providing on social posts with relevant facts with links for the reader to follow up if they so choose.

Fr. Pfleger’s Sunday sermon was entitled, “You Were Built for This” and it was good. It was very good. One of the comments was: “Gifts and talents are not enough.” He repeated it again. “Gifts and talents are not enough.” Then he said: “Gifts and talents and God’s anointing is what makes it enough.”

I took the message as a sign that my decision was the right one. That I should have faith that what God has put in my heart is what I need to do.

Therefore, I will be blogging more often and sharing my blog on social media. My blogs will differ on days. They will mostly be about the political environment and countering disinformation/misinformation with facts and links supporting the facts. There is so much disinformation and misinformation that I may find it necessary to touch upon 1-3 issues. I will also be including on the subheading biblical verses that that are relevant to these issues.

As this is a blog post inspired by a Sunday sermon I want to share the following.

As the days go by there will be some activists peacefully walking in protests, peacefully having sit-ins, or participating in “lawful inconveniences,” If you are one of those who agree, encourage them if you are unable to join. If you disagree, remember that in America we have the right to protest. So be respectful.

There are too many people, who have no political interest, who will use events by creating malicious chaos and even vandalism. Avoid confusing the two groups, please.

I will leave this here. Thank you and have a blessed day.

If you want to hear just the sermon, you will find it the audio here: https://youtu.be/cSmQMs_bIZ0?si=I25c_LGiuEc-2KlA

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Civility: Behavior and Reaction

“The difference between transactional leadership and transformational leadership is that transformational leadership is people-centric and introspective. Transactional leadership never requires introspection.” – Aiko Bethea (rarecoaching.net)

First, as I post about the topic of civility, I realize that there are two truths that I should have acknowledge. Second, my responses to issues that I do not agree with should be handled with respect and dignity.

The first truth:

It sometimes seems like most of the people are uncivil, crude or demeaning but are probably in the minority. I base this on what I have seen on social media (with the exception of X).

It is possible that the frustration people feel comes from a variety of reasons, most of which we have heard. Frustration! Feelings of not being heard. Being Misunderstood. The only way they may know how to express themselves is through anger and, unfortunately, viciousness.

The second truth:

Be willing to respond, not react, to an issue!

It is up to us to choose not to react to an issue or situation immediately. Taking the necessary time, (a minute, hour, or day) to reflect prevents us from making comments we may regret. Sometimes we perceive certain things from only our point of view or an assumption. When we respond, and that may be necessary with questions, we open ourselves to a better understanding. We can then respond appropriately without all the aggravating experiences we feel.

One of the many things I have been learning of late is that I tend to be triggered by transactional issues. An example of this is seeing the idea being spread that this is a nation started as a “Christian” nation. Or as some say, believing only in Jesus as the savior will open the gates of heaven.

I disagree wholeheartedly. This country’s evolution may have many values that are consistent with Christianity, but also Judaism and others.

Transformational issues, as the quote above says, are people-centric. It is based on what is best “for all people” and for the country.

Allowing and accepting people of all faiths is critical for a free, prosperous, and peaceful country. We are all children of God. God is the final judge of all of us.

Two things I am pondering these days:

  1. Am I living my truth? Will I be judged by my own actions, or
  2. Will God’s judgment of me include how I promoted love, peace, and compassion in this country/world?