Denial and deception is the idea of denying information to an adversary or deceiving an adversary.  This strategy has long history in military warfare, politics, and overwhelmingly in current day media.  In military strategy, deny and deceive are used in concert with each other to manipulate other’s view of situations and often to incite rage or other “fight” emotions.  In our spiritual lives, these terms appear to oppose each other as we consider the deception that keeps us from denying what God has admonished us to.

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” Titus 2:11-12

In a general sense, to deny is to refuse to “give or grant” something requested. This appears to apply to our horizontal relationships. As children of God, we are urged to refuse to “give in” to ungodly behavior and worldly lusts.  This is in response to our vertical relationship with God. Interestingly enough we are encouraged to give often to others (horizontal) and discouraged to give in to the things that are not of God (vertical).  By visualizing this horizontal and vertical view working simultaneously, we see the cross and our reliance on the Holy Spirit to successfully do both.

Often times when I share my struggles with others, I get a response like “Dywuana, that’s no big deal. You’ve overcome greater than this.”  The implication here is my battle with breast cancer.

I’ve determined that cancer will always be viewed as the biggest hurdle in life to jump over from so many people’s point of view.  As I said in my book, “Cancer Us: It was Me. Is it You?”, my situation was a win-win.  I honestly did not struggle with that diagnosis as much as I do in some of my other life matters.

Recently I prayed and asked God, “Why is it that so many buckle at the diagnosis of cancer yet seem to have no real concern about what You would find if You returned today?”

The answer I received-“Many are afraid of the dying but not the judgment.”

“That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NLT

While there may be temporary pleasures that come with continuing to give in to the things that are not of God and the worldly lusts and pleasures of life, be clear God’s word is true. He loves us and wants the best for us but He will judge us when He returns.  Refuse to be deceived any longer, your choice to deny does not cause you any loss, but it solidifies your eternal gain!

The picture of the “homeless looking” pastor who supposedly showed up to the church he was due to be installed in not “looking the part” has never been verified but has caused me to consider an opposing thought to this view.  I wonder how many church attendees do show up “looking the part” (to appear to be suited to a type of work or suitable for a particular situation).  I wonder how many of us show up Sunday after Sunday, Wednesday after Wednesday “looking the part” but yet find ourselves as guilty as Peter of denying Christ as soon as opportunity presents itself (Luke 22:56-62).

This morning, I imagined what the sight would look like if God took his covering hand of grace and mercy from us during worship and allowed each of us to be exposed with some symbolic fixture of the lifestyles of sin we continue to live seemingly with no conviction or real desire to turn from our ways and wholeheartedly follow Him.  The thing that has come so clear to me recently is no matter how much I’m able to cover up my mess, it is always seen by God.  As a matter of fact, I’m convinced that there is no attack of the enemy in our lives that Satan must not first get permission from God to make.

In an earlier portion of Luke 22 (v. 31-32), God mentions that Satan has asked to sift us as wheat and all the while God is praying that our faith will not fail us. He further says, “so when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”  What an awesome blessing to remember that God knows us and our ways better than we do.  This is no excuse to continue in sin but should humble us and make us more determined to live a life holy, acceptable and pleasing to Him. Furthermore, we must evaluate our salvation if we can continuously make a practice of sinning (1 John 3:9) without even an attempt at taking the way of escape God has provided (1 Corinthians 10:13).  When we fall, and we know we will, God simply asks that we don’t wallow in the mud, but hurry to get up, clean up and allow our experience to be a testimony for others.

Satan wants to sift us and God is actually good with that because He knows that prior to us being ready to answer the callings that He has on each of our lives, there is real sifting that is needed. What Satan means for bad, God will use for His good and our good.

God wants so much more from us than simply “looking the part”.  He desires that we “act the part”.  In this posture, we not only look but behave in a way appropriate to the particular role or situation we are in. Remember the trials that come to hinder our ability to “act the part” are assigned to us, alongside a God who is praying for us to endure each of them. God sees them as a part of His refining process for us when we remain strong, overcome and endure them. (1 Peter 1:7). When we yield our will to His, our loving God, who knows every flaw in us, will ensure that we look and act like Him(1. Thessalonians 5:24) Our God is faithful!

Nightlife is a collective term for entertainment that is more popular from the late evening into the early hours of the morning. It may include pubs, bars, hangouts, nightclubs, parties, theaters and some restaurants. These venues often require a cover charge.

For some reason, Psalm 119:105 has been pressing me for the last week or so. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” I simply pondered the difference in the lamp and the light. Why didn’t the writer, thought to be David, just say “thy word is a light to my feet and path”?

I now believe there is a distinct reason for associating the lamp to our feet and the placement of that combination before the “lighted path”. The lamp emphasizes how personal our faith walk is. Each person is responsible for carrying the word of God, which is our only true and sustaining source of light in this dark world. The lamp of a friend may aid us in seeing some things but will not be enough to shed light on the very personal traps that have been set for us. We must take care of the word, take care to do as it instructs, recognizing that it guides our footsteps and in dark places is the only thing that keeps us from falling into the holes, ditches and traps that have been strategically placed along our path.

Back in the day, lamps were fed with oil to ensure they continued to be useful throughout the night. The lamps were lighted every evening and cleansed every morning. There are some families in other countries who still regard the lighting of lamps as essential to health and comfort.

We must keep alert, noticing when our lamp’s flame is dim so that we can re-fill through the study of God’s word, lest we allow the flame of our lamp to go out in the darkest places of our journey. Even when we mess up, it is God’s precious words that assures us of new mercies each day and His blood that cleanses us from unrighteousness.

When we do the work to keep the word of God alive and illuminating in us and through us, we can be assured that we are safe and on the right path, no matter how rough the road gets.

This is the real “nightlife” that never requires a charge, for Jesus our Savior has already paid it all.

The 1985 song written by Aretha Franklin and songwriter Preston Glass was actually called, Who’s Zooming Who.  This song was created from a conversation Aretha had with her producer where she explained how she playfully interacted with men in nightclubs and then as soon as they thought they “had her”- she (‘the fish”) would jump off the hook.  This song comes to mind as I examine how people manipulate, fool and mislead others extending their personal opinions and agendas and being  bold enough to say it is of the “Holy Spirit’s” leading.

Now more than ever, we as believers must be certain we are in a bible teaching ministry, devoting ample time to personal bible study and availing ourselves to every opportunity to grow in God’s word, will and wisdom for our lives.  Committing to these areas keeps us aware of God’s truths and enables us to recognize what is godly wisdom and what is not.

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy”. (James 3:17 KJV).  Looking at this verse, we learn that this wisdom is evidenced in the life of a believer who makes it a priority to live in peace with all men-other believers, their household, their neighbors, even their enemies. The peace of wisdom does not imply that you will “feel good” always, but rather the wisdom shared for correction or warning will bring peace to the person whose heart is turned toward God. Gentleness requires forgiving often and easily, not bearing hard upon the failings of others but rather covering them in love. Easy to be intreated is yielding, humbleness, modesty and compliance. In complete contrast, it is not proud, arrogant, stubborn, and unyielding.

Be careful of the one who “zooms” in on you to “drop a word” on you in the name of the Holy Spirit and then quickly disappears, leaving you confused, distracted and often times discouraged in your faith walk.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (John 16:13 KJV)

Scripture is very clear that the Holy Spirit does not operate by “zooming in” and inflicting an opinion on us but rather “hangs with us” to guide us and show us the way to God’s truths, modeling in such a way that we can form our own opinions and make decisions that are pleasing to God.

I’m praying today that you will continue to grow in your relationship with God, so that you recognize the traits of wisdom that come from above. Then you will better detect the things that are brought to you under the guise of the “Holy Spirit’s” leading and at best reflect the nature of someone “who’s zooming you!”

The 1985 song written by Aretha Franklin and songwriter Preston Glass was actually called, Who’s Zooming Who.  This song was created from a conversation Aretha had with her producer where she explained how she playfully interacted with men in nightclubs and then as soon as they thought they “had her”- she (‘the fish”) would jump off the hook.  This song comes to mind as I examine how people manipulate, fool and mislead others extending their personal opinions and agendas and being  bold enough to say it is of the “Holy Spirit’s” leading.

Now more than ever, we as believers must be certain we are in a bible teaching ministry, devoting ample time to personal bible study and availing ourselves to every opportunity to grow in God’s word, will and wisdom for our lives.  Committing to these areas keeps us aware of God’s truths and enables us to recognize what is godly wisdom and what is not.

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy”. (James 3:17 KJV).  Looking at this verse, we learn that this wisdom is evidenced in the life of a believer who makes it a priority to live in peace with all men-other believers, their household, their neighbors, even their enemies. The peace of wisdom does not imply that you will “feel good” always, but rather the wisdom shared for correction or warning will bring peace to the person whose heart is turned toward God. Gentleness requires forgiving often and easily, not bearing hard upon the failings of others but rather covering them in love. Easy to be intreated is yielding, humbleness, modesty and compliance. In complete contrast, it is not proud, arrogant, stubborn, and unyielding.

Be careful of the one who “zooms” in on you to “drop a word” on you in the name of the Holy Spirit and then quickly disappears, leaving you confused, distracted and often times discouraged in your faith walk.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (John 16:13 KJV)

Scripture is very clear that the Holy Spirit does not operate by “zooming in” and inflicting an opinion on us but rather “hangs with us” to guide us and show us the way to God’s truths, modeling in such a way that we can form our own opinions and make decisions that are pleasing to God.

I’m praying today that you will continue to grow in your relationship with God, so that you recognize the traits of wisdom that come from above. Then you will better detect the things that are brought to you under the guise of the “Holy Spirit’s” leading and at best reflect the nature of someone “who’s zooming you!”

(Inspired by the movie “Selma”)

Sometimes you have to be willing to go “back to the bridge” garnering all the support you can. Trust that the hearts of God’s people all bleed one color regardless of the color variety of our outer shells. Watch God order the retreat of your enemy! Stay focused not fearful, prayerful not prideful, and trust. Sometimes even when you hear the voice of God and remain humble, evil will still appear to prevail. Trust and continue to try because reality is-there is NO OTHER WAY.

Sometimes it’s the inspirational words of others or others reminding us of inspiration we’ve given that gives us what we need to keep moving forward when we lose hope, get tired and feel like giving up.

In the movie Selma when MLK is asked to consider driving in on the final leg of the walk to Montgomery and not speaking at the capital for his safety, he refuses to stand down, maintaining “I can’t hide, we can’t hide.” He is asked “don’t you want to protect yourself? I know you want to live to see the fruit of all this.”

MLK says “I’m no different than anyone else. I want to live long and be happy. But I’m not focused on what I want. I’ll be focused on what God wants. We are here for a reason through many many storms. Today the sun is shining and I’ll be standing in the warm sun with many who have worked hard to get us here. I may not be with them for all the sunny days to come but as long as there is light ahead for them, it’s worth it to me.”

I wonder if there is anything you are willing to speak up for or die for. Rev 12:11 says this “They overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony AND they loved not their lives unto death.

God has placed a burden in my heart to share words of inspiration that give others hope and I pray “sets them free” in some way or another. I’ve had a few attacks and opposing responses I believe as a result of personal conviction to the things God has given me. God didn’t promise me sunny days always but as long as I can be a light to those seeking it, then everything I endure is worth it to me!

The saying “All that” was introduced in the 1990’s as a way of expressing “that which has everyone’s attention” and usually referred to someone pretending to be more than they really were.  Founders are those that establish an institution-an organization devoted to the promotion of a particular cause or program, especially one of a public, educational, religious or charitable character.  When I took notice, I realized that for 102 years Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. has been “all that” emphasizing and serving many causes, the public, education, charities and established on Christian principles.

When a person comes across as overly confident in themselves, perhaps through appearance and disposition, they are often said to be “all of that and a bag of chips.”  I am declaring today that the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, will commit to being “all of that and a bag of peppermint.”  All of that-actively participating in the sorority’s causes and programs, representing the sorority positively in the public and in our communities, ensuring that we obtain the highest in our education and spiritual walks and always being charitable to others.  A bag of peppermint-respectfully “repping” the red and white but more importantly-being a strong yet pleasant aroma to all that have the privilege to encounter and experience our presence and striving to be tasteful and desirous at all times.

I believe when we embrace the true virtues of our great sisterhood, there will never be any negative pretense that will stand.  No money, no influence, no weapon can be used to overshadow the examples and contributions set by our founders.  And I further believe, “it does not yet appear what we shall be.”

Happy Founder’s Day to my Sorors! It is my prayer that we will aim to be “all that and a bag of peppermint!”

I woke with this question pressing hard on me-“What would I do differently if I knew that today was my day to be called to my heavenly home?”.  While scripture tells us that “it is not for us to know the times or the seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority,” Acts 1:7, I still pondered this thought.  I decided that while I feel strongly that I don’t hold grudges, I would somehow learn to forgive even more quickly.  I would continue to spend as much time as I could with those whom I love and those who love me.  I would continue to inspire others as often as I could. I would continue to allow my life to be an open book to be a blessing to others.  I would continue to fight the good fight of faith and work to make clean the dirty places of my life. It was nice to know that there are many things I would continue to do just as I’m doing today but the question still remains-what, if anything, would I do differently?

Only one thing came to mind as I pondered this thought.  I thought about this last scare with a potential cancer recurrence.  And I thought about the season 4 years ago.  I thought about the people who seemed to be in my corner during the roughest of times.  But I couldn’t help but think about those same people who seemed so quickly to distance themselves from relationship because I either made a choice that they didn’t agree with or perhaps they felt I wasn’t there when they needed me.  Perhaps when they felt the relationship no longer served them, they simply walked out. With no notice, no communication or expression, they changed or disappeared. The most disappointing part was the worth or lack thereof in working things out.

My love for people has been my strength and weakness.  If things are well with 99 and I seem to have ought with one, I will give all the energy I have to making the one right.  I’m finally wising up to realize that’s way too much energy to give. Part of the combat in the physical cancer involves first the cutting away of known infected areas and then the application of other treatments to guard against recurrence.

For me, I think the one thing I would do differently, is to be more at peace with the cutting away that is necessary to ensure a more healthy environment not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.  I would stop trying to fight for relationships where I have given all I knew to give of myself and the moment I don’t measure up, the moment I make a choice that is different, the moment that I continue to be my authentic self is the moment I am criticized, ostracized, exorcised.  Today, God is teaching me that it’s not as much about what comes from the lips as it is what comes from the heart.

So since I can’t know the day, I will treat today as if it were my day!  I will love hard, forgive often and spend quality time with those whom I love and love me.  But the new thing I’ll do is cut away the things-the foods I intake, the places I go, and the people I tolerate that have made it clear they are only toxic for me.  I’ll never stop praying for hearts that resemble the love of Christ but today I realize that continuing to put myself in harm’s way is not required.  It may be adding to the stress that impacts my physical health.

I’ve been so blessed and inspired to see a friend live her life “while in waiting.” She has traveled the world and ministered to many, even while working on a Divinity degree and serving in a leadership position in a large church here in the Memphis area. The simple message of her life, while it may not be simple to accomplish, from my view point is that her wait in one area near and dear to her is not the stall of her life but rather a full throttle ahead to the current things that God has called her to.

Today, this very minute, I’m in wait. The expected timing of what I’m waiting for couldn’t resemble any more closely a “wait period” I experienced just four years ago.  Same time of the year, same week of the month, same day expected to be my report day.  There has been an intense inclination to retreat, to silence my voice that has been an inspiration for so many, to put everything on hold while I wait.

The last few weeks have been like a roller coaster.  I’ve been down with abnormal test results, back up with good ones, down with overturned decisions about next steps in determining my current condition, up with the thought that we are making progress, down with the pain of medical procedures, up with the joy of getting through it and down again with lingered waiting.

This morning I woke up renewed. Nothing has changed. No answers yet, BUT the power of prayer to renew in the midst-While I Wait.  With the temptation to lose focus, I’m thankful for the reminder that my real wait is not in the doctor’s report-it’s in the Lord.  A life in Christ is a “wait” or “hope” in Him.  Every aspect of my journey, God has shown himself mightily.  Not by making everything painless or worry free.  But rather by comforting me with His presence to endure it all.   Isaiah 40:31, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

So for now, I’ll be like my friend-while the “whats” we “wait” for are significantly different-I’m encouraged to not stall out, but rather move ahead in full throttle position to the current things God has called me to.  What about you-what will you do While You Wait?

Have you ever stopped to think about it-what’s really in you? In the physical sense I thought about it a lot as I endured a series of tests recently trying  to determine if there was something there that shouldn’t be.

I remember growing up and singing the song – “Search, search me Lord. If you find anything that shouldn’t be, take it out and strengthen me. I wanna be right, I wanna be saved, I wanna be whole.”

This morning I woke with this thought- “what is in me?” I thought about my car and how it absolutely cannot run without gas.  I thought about my body and how it reacts to different foods I take in. Some give me gas and bloating, some seem to make me sluggish while other foods give me lots of energy.

What about spiritually? When fear, anxiety, doubt, anger, temptation, sin and so many other things arise in our lives, what’s in us to keep us, comfort us, convict us, and even restore us?

We could never get healthy or obtain our desired fitness goals by ONLY watching someone else work out.  If you think about it, the same is true with the word of God.  There are levels of “fitness”.  If you only hear a good message once a week, there is limited intake to sustain you throughout the week.  If you go at least one step further by taking notes, research suggests there is a greater tendency for retention of at least some of what the messenger has shared. But if you commit to even as little as 10 minutes a day of either going over those notes, reading a daily devotional or some other form of bible study, you will see a huge difference in your ability to recall the word of God and apply it more victoriously to your daily living.  When fear comes upon you, you can immediately declare, “God has not given you the spirit of fear…..”.  When anxiety comes upon you, Phil 4:6, “Be anxious for nothing….” can be your response.  When a friend offends you by speaking truth in love, you can get through it by remembering Proverbs 27:6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend: but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

I could go on and on because I love the power that comes from knowing the word of God and being able to quickly rely on it when situations arise.  And they will.  Not always because of someone else but sometimes just because of our own sinful natures.  When life heats up and you find yourself about to boil over, let what’s in you which is bound to come out, be the faithful, sure, powerful, filling and perfect word of God.