07/11/2024
Today, July 11th, marks my spiritual birthday!!!! I made a commitment to God in my heart as an adult in 1992 and followed with baptism on July 11th, 1993. My upbringing was rooted in never missing Sunday Worship Service, thanks to my mother. However, I've learned that weekly worship is not sufficient although deeply valued as it laid a foundation and set a standard for me to live my life. God's protection, I believe, is reserved for those who carry the Cross in their hearts daily and demonstrate an understanding of God's grace in their actions. I am immensely thankful for the opportunity to serve others and contribute, as God has blessed me abundantly, including a wealth of friends, clients, business partners, my Christian family, and particularly my biological family. If you studied the bible with me, also give me a shot out. I'm grateful. Although my roots are from Cascade United Methodist Church, I am a member of Bridge Pointe Church, a part of the International Churches of Christ where we dedicate our lives to serving on a global scale directly and indirectly through H.O.P.E., the nonprofit are of our church impacting the world daily.
I shared a nostalgic photo of myself by the sea, which unleashed a wave of memories. At home, in my personal Garden of Gethsemane, I have similar experiences. I hold the belief that God is omnipresent, yet it's by the ocean waves that I feel His presence most intensely – truly, any body of water suffices. Seafood is also my favorite on this day. On my spiritual anniversary, you may find me at the waterfalls of The Historic Cascade Springs Nature Preserve in Atlanta, touching the water and seeking wisdom as I express gratitude to God for granting me another year to serve Him on Earth. The water fascinates me, and I am in awe of its divine origin. The complexity of our brains, the wonder of birth, the digestive system, and so much more affirm my belief in a Supreme Being of infinite creativity. I often hear God's voice in the whispers of the wind and the waves; they were my companions as I reflected on my time in Jamaica. I had the opportunity to handle one of the oldest Bibles I've ever seen, with chapters missing from today's versions. With reverence, I read and cried until sleep claimed me. Such a profound experience... Now, I hold dear the simple pleasures of PEACE & SERENITY.
I also thank Evangelist Stanley Dubourney for baptizing me in front of a cloud of witnesses and friends in a baptistry in his basement on this day in the evening. The stars have shined brighter since that day... I have several mentors now that help me grow daily like the Honorable Pastor Elder Rankin and his wife Mrs. Josephine Rankin, Felecia & Dr. Burrell Pope, Dian and Kendall Knight, and Evangelist Dr. Mike Pope & his wife Shelley Pope, as well as friends Cindy Simmons, Helen Martinez, Joyce Wilson and Trichita Marshal. My sisters, Bonita Jones and Jessica J. Towns really go above and beyond to mentor and help me along my journey as well. Teaching a Spiritual Foundation 8-week course at the shelter, “My Sister’s House” gave me a lot of perspective as well... we will all be diligent in learning until glory claims us. I not only shared valuable biblical principals with them, but also learned from them as well. Their resilience was inspiring. I seek to study the bible with anyone who will listen and cares to learn more about God .
I am thankful to Dian Knight and all the women in Brooklyn, New York, who dedicated time to study the Bible with me, aiding me in forging a closer, deeper, and more genuine connection with God. I hope this inspires others to pursue the path of light and devotion. The Bible may not explicitly encourage or discourage birthday celebrations, but God entrusts us with the maturity and wisdom to celebrate responsibly, an honor in my eyes. The path isn't easy, being less traveled, but I wholeheartedly embrace my love for God and daily examine my heart to ensure I meet the standards of the Almighty, knowing His love is unwavering, even when I stumble and seek forgiveness. I may not be perfect, but my heart is true. God is aware that I strive each day to prioritize Him. Join me in celebrating the influence and impact of God in my life up to this momentous day! ✝ Scriptures that keep me close to God and will keep me in meditation mode all day... JEREMIAH 29:13-14, JEREMIAH 29:1-4, PROV. 8:17 PSALM 145:18
