Happy Valentine's Day!

What is God’s Will For Me Today?!

I just started saying that yesterday morning and I hope it will be my daily mantra for the rest of my life. It’s a strong statement but one I pray that I will never forget. So far, it has helped me get through some rough times in my service with those who are less fortunate. I have always tried to be in control of myself but get frustrated whenever things do not go my way. This can be stressful at times but foolish all of the time. I have been given a powerful gift and I am afraid of it. This walk with God is supposed to be a confidence builder and a faith healing process. But the more I see in others I realize how small I really am. God is working through me and I am just catching on.

When you lose control, you get impatient, frustrated and temperamental. I noticed that I was having good days, better days and draining days. The draining days were the times I allowed the negativity from the environment to pull the joy out of me. Notice that I said allowed. I started reviewing the differences in the days and to be honest with myself, I found that they all had their equal share of drama, intensity and compassion. I had no control over any of them. The only differences were none of the situations had a set schedule and time. My revelation was hearing that voice that told me that it was never my will but His Will that will be done. The Lord’s Prayer says it all, “Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Life’s Lessons!

We all know or have learned the various lessons life has taught us. Each of us has our own story to tell. The stories we tell have made an impact to us. I have seen grown men lose their homes after 46 years because they missed one year paying property taxes. The major issue: The owner was in the hospital and tried to notify the authorities. It did not matter. People that you would not expect are dealt harsh blows such as architects, businessmen, pilots and other professionals learned that no one will be excluded from learning some tough lessons. I would say that none of us would expect such things to happen to us, maybe to others, but not to us. But, whatever does happen, we have to go with it.  I’m reminded of when Jesus told Peter, Andrew, John and James to follow him. They left something behind. What did we leave behind and would we if we did not have to? We all have similar fears and doubts. We are not as different as we think.

Cory Vaughn Williams – June 6, 1974 – December 25, 2014

Cory Vaughn Williams COLUMBIA Cory Vaughn Williams, 40, of Columbia, husband of Rebecca Wicker Williams, passed away Thursday, December 25, 2014. He was born June 6, 1974, in Bronx, NY, a son of Adolphus F. Williams, Sr. and Faye Smith. He was an IT Specialist. Surviving, in addition to his wife and parents, are two daughters, Gabrielle and Kyra Williams; three sisters, Leslie Scott, Adriene Chisolm, and Alexis Chambers; and his brother, Adolphus F. Williams, Jr. The family will be holding a Life Celebration service on Saturday, January 3, 2015, from 2 p.m. 5 p.m. to be held at Stone River located at 121 Alexander Road in West Columbia (formerly New Orleans Restaurant). Remembrances will begin at 2:30 p.m.

There is never a good time for sorrow. Tragedy can occur anywhere at any time to anyone. The grief occurs to those most affected by the loss of their loved ones. I was asked this weekend to attend the celebration of a beloved son, husband, father and friend by a very close family of mine. I considered it a privilege and honor. I broke contact with some good people because of my own selfish purposes. I regretted what I did. But, in a remarkable way God worked out things for His good. Not only was I invited but while there to say a brief prayer of celebration! I did all I could not to overextend my celebratory prayer of life about Cory. God calls us to do certain works. He puts people along our paths to share our walks in life with each other at certain times for certain reasons that we may never know. Hopefully, we were able to learn from the experience. Some people dwell on the future of the journey instead of the present and miss the moments. This particular family focused on the moments and in return they have a bright future, mainly due to the matriarch who raised her children with love and fairness as foundations and passed on to the grandchildren. She was stern and fair but taught them respect, pride and self-esteem. Indeed, nothing was impossible for them to achieve. She deserves all the blessings she receives. It was also a time to see old friends and family. Sometimes, it takes it takes a tragedy to bring people back together. Cory will surely be missed.

Merry Christmas!!!

Happy Birthday, Sis!

Foolishness of Pride!

I constantly pray to guard my tongue, heart, thoughts and soul to be careful of what I say not to offend others. I want to be treated the way I treat others. I do not always get the same treatment but I still try. I think I am in some control of my emotions but that is foolishness on my part. I am not always in control and my pride still gets the better of me. Pride lets you be stupid at the moment and then humiliates you later. Quoting Forrest Gump’s mother, “Stupid is as stupid does.” I have to pray unceasingly not to let the foolishness of pride take control. The sad part of pride allows others to take control of you. Be wary, my friend, stay alert at all times.