Great

1 Peter 3:13-17 ‘No one can hurt you if you are determined to do only what is right. If you do have to suffer for being good, you will count it a blessing. There is no need to be afraid or to worry about them. Simply reverence the Lord Christ in you hearts, and always have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope that you all have. But give it with courtesy and respect and with a clear conscience, so that those who slander you, when you are living a good life in Christ may be proved wrong in the accusations that they bring. and if it is the will of God that you should suffer, it is better to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong. ‘

On Saturday, I attended the Divine Renovation Open House at the Parish and one thing that really was empowering for me was when I heard them describe someone’s desire, conviction and will to change a person’s life and bring them to the feet of Jesus. This week’s Gospel Luke 16:19-31 is about a rich man who dressed in purple and fine linen and at the gates there lay a poor man called Lazarus. At the end of the Gospel reading, Abraham says to the rich man: “If they will not listen either to Moses or the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone should rise from the dead.” It is very hard to convince a person of God’s great Glory when they are consumed with their own great glory. I grew up in a housing commission home and neighborhood, I remember once, I asked my friend to come over and we could hang out, her boyfriend said: “where do you live?” and I told them where and he said: “I wouldn’t go into that street, it has a really bad name and it’s not a safe street.’ So, my friend said: “No, she couldn’t come over and I was more than welcome to go over to house.” It never bothered me, we had a beautiful home and our front yard was amazing and our backyard was the best because my sister’s and I made a basketball court, so we could play and practice. Recently, I was looking at photos of my Great Aunties and my Great Nan, they were so happy with what they had, they never wanted or needed much, and they always gave too so many people and I inspire to be like them, I am a woman, who holds onto hope, for he is forever faithful, I know that all I can do is through Christ who strengthens me. I know the mistakes I have made and at times I feel as though I will have to pay for them for the rest of my life. Sometimes good people make bad choices. I am not a bad person I am only human after all. For the Lord, God knows the ways that I take. I am always waiting for the Lord and in his words, I put my hope. Everyday, I try my hardest not to take for granted what God has already provided. ‘God will always send good things your way and when he does never take it for granted. If God sends bad things your way never take it for granted.’ Never be discouraged, with what is laying at your feet, God always provides us with what we need, at times though, I can drift away from God, I always return. My heart will always acknowledge the Lord and I know, I belong to God. I will always return to God with all my heart. I have confidence, when approaching the throne of grace, through his mercy, I will find grace when I need help. I really am going to challenge myself or make more of an effort to have more desire, conviction and will to bring some people to the feet of Jesus because through many trials my life has changed and even though It feels like I am a light in the darkness, I have the strength, courage and willingness to help someone else to the feet of Jesus.

I hope you are all having a great week, God Bless Always

Written and Created by My Mother Rose