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Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." Psalm 126:2 NIV 

We all know what’s going on in the world. And now it’s at our doorstep. This disease is relentless and has been unleashed with a vengeance. It’s devastating families and those who work

in the field of health care. It’s both frightening and overwhelming at the same time. Mundane everyday tasks must be thought out and wisdom applied, especially when venturing outside one’s abode. It occupies our thoughts more than anything else. We worry for our families and friends, and even those a world away. The cause of the worry is not this medical predator alone, but the imbecile leading our nation through it. Had he acted just a couple of weeks sooner, taken seriously the intelligence presented to him, and thought beyond his next political campaign, America would not be in the place she finds herself at this moment in time.

With all that said, how do we navigate this onslaught of negativity? Health clubs, which are a great source of stress busting are closed. While music is soothing and is most helpful in relieving ving stress, might I make an additional suggestion? The more ways to calm the better, right?

Laughter.

Find those old television shows that had you hooping with laughter. Find that movie that made you almost wet yourself. It doesn’t matter if it’s something you haven’t seen since your teens. Watch it again. There’s probably some some nuance or facial expression you missed. Look at all the silly Facebook and Instagram posts people are sharing. And make it shareable! If you have a tendency to say or do humorous things, nows the time  to go beyond just making your family and friends laugh, share your gift. I’ve been sharing from Facebook all kinds of funny stuff. I understand funny is different to different people, but put it out there and let everyone see. As long as it’s not racist and cruel, take a swing. Someone might really need some comic relief.

Hulu and Roku are great sources for old sitcoms. Some movies too. While some may enjoy “Bill and Ted,” others may enjoy the “Friday”trilogy. If you still have cable, try on demand for comedies. There are many books that are funny as well. If you have satellite radio,

there are several comedy channels. And here’s a tip, go outside the box in your quest for funny. There’s a hillbilly Facebook comedian that cracks me up. 

Find a way to relieve stress and relax yourself. Don’t let it be said, the “Rona” didn’t get them but the anxiety laid them out. 

As my pastor, Rev Dr John E Jackson Sr has reminded us, Faith is not the absence of fear, but forging forward despite the fear. And as his spiritual father, Dr Jeremiah Wright has said, “you have to name the demon, to tame the demon.”

Let’s tame the demon of despondency, despair and anxiety with laughter. Remember laughter in trying times is not sin. WE MUST LIVE!

Ninakupenda 

Kupendana (from at least six feet)

The Great Balancing Act- Faith and Common Sense

He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
Proverbs 2:7

Fear is  insidious sometimes. It sneaks in out of nowhere just about the time you’re going with the flow, rolling with the Lord and have come to terms with the fact that you control nothing.

Then BAM! Something catastrophic comes along and knocks you off your game. It could be being asked to divorce, an unexpected doctor’s diagnosis or the loss of a job. We know that half of marriages end in divorce. We know that disease can come to even the most healthy of us. (So go on and eat the cake Anna Mae, just don’t eat it all). Automation and downsizing is the preferred way of staying competitive for a huge number of corporations. They don’t care. But before the disaster ensues, we’re cool, secure in our faith and still praising God in the small hiccups of life. 

Then something unimaginable comes along, i.e. COVID-19 otherwise known as Coronavirus. To some it’s a mild intrusion on their lives. To others, it’s a concern but not to the point of dwelling on.

And yet, to a group of us, it’s more than a passing concern. When you’re in the group that the medical professionals say are at higher risk, if you’re wise, in my humble, you’ll keep it towards the forefront of your thoughts, to remind you to avoid crowds, sick people and to curtail travel(according to the AARP). So we’re, I’m, here trying to avoid the grocers at peak times. I avoid movie theaters and the like. And I follow all the suggestions put forth by the CDC.

Now many of you are wondering, girl, I thought you were a Christian? What’s with the fear? Your faith is supposed to be rooted and grounded. I believe it is. But faith shouldn’t override your senses. It should work in conjunction with them. I’ve seen God do things in my life and the lives of others that those outside the household of faith would NEVER

believe. God is a miracle worker. He is constantly doing something grand in my life. Whenever I rely solely on Him, He comes through, in expected and unexpected ways. I believe God is in control and I know when it’s time where I’m going. No question. 

But in the meantime, I’m still down here. There’s things I’d still like to see and do. And while I’m looking forward to seeing Abba Father face to face, I still have things I really want to accomplish. Contrary to the thoughts of some, living is not over once you pass the 9-5 life. I’d like to live some of that. So if I feel a little apprehension, dare I say fear, it’s good for me AND YOU. I read somewhere only a fool fears nothing. 

My mom was fond of saying, "follow your  mind, you'll never go wrong." I've always been told your first mind is the Spirit. Whether or not that is so, I'll leave that to you to decide. In all honesty, I've never gone wrong following it. The second mind is usually contradictory, usually negative, and we know who that voice comes from. Solomon told us God gives us common sense.

So if you don’t want to do something at this time don’t let anyone shame you. You use the common

sense God granted you and do what’s best for YOU. We only get so many trips around the golden ball. Let’s not cut them short with foolishness.  Go with that still small voice. I'm not saying, by any stretch of the imagination, to close yourself off and stop living, until such time as a vaccine becomes approved for the masses. Live your life mindful. When you don't know what to do, when to go, who to be around, ask the Giver of Life. Afterward, whatever He tells you, walk it out. At this time, let's consciously practice not leaning to our own understanding. And sometimes you just have to sit and do nothing. Being not busy will not kill you, it may preserve you.

Slow down. Be patient with the world and with yourself.

Ninakupenda
Kupendana

Used to.

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended: but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus  Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV 


Used to.

Used to is a too commonly used phrase to speak of things past. I used to live there. I used to drive

that. I used to work there. I used to go there. I used to be married to him/her. I used to do that. I used to go to that church. I used to eat that. I used to drink that. The list goes on and on and on. All in the past.

I wonder why we feel the need to tell people what we used to do?

Why is our previous state so much involved in present situations? Is it because we use our previous state to make others feel bad, less than. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. or is it because we feel as if we’ve arrived? We’re on top, don’t roll in that slop. Anymore.

I’ve seen in the blink of an eye fortunes reversed. Having to downsize homes, cars and activities that that at one time excited us, we find we can no longer be a participant of. Sometimes gated communities turn into apartment complexes. Sometimes Coach bags turn into something from Burlington. That Escalade gets picked up by the midnight auto boys and now riding around in a Dart doesn’t seem so bad, since you still arrive at your appointments destination. 

It’s not wrong to reflect on where you used to be, as long as it comes with the caveat that God did it

and not you. God puts His super on our natural. Reflecting can bring on praise that can lift and light your environment to heights beyond your comprehension. But when your reflection is made to belittle others and remind them that they may or may not have a ways to go, you’d better be mighty careful. Our words whether intentional or not can encourage and or breathe life, or can break down or even destroy another by killing them emotionally and pushing them into the depths of despair. “Why hasn’t this happened for me?” “Doesn’t God love me too?” “Why Lord?” I speak from experience. Been there, done that, and I, too, got the t-shirt. 

So unless it’s used in such a way as to build up, to tell others what you used to do, BUT GOD, then refrain from telling people of your bologna days and help them get to the steak, potato and salad

meals that you now enjoy. Reach back to pull someone forward. Lift don’t grind into the ground. 

Inspire. Uplift. Love. 

Ninakupenda 

Kupendana