Firsts

This may be your first year as a student, as a new teacher,  or as a new employee. It may be the first year of marriage, the first year of a career change, or the first year of retirement. Whatever the change may be, it is the year of the first. In our world, it is the first time for quarantine, the first time of wearing masks everywhere, and the first time for social-distancing. It is a time of virtual education, limited face-to-face learning, and stream-lined socialization. It is a period of change and the removal of our comfort of what once was to the uncertainty of what is to come.

This time has brought about the unveiling of systemic racism, police brutality, the disparity in the justice system, mental health, aging, loneliness, anxiety, depression, grief, and separation. This time has forced us to slow down in life, spend time with friends and family, fall in love again with our mates, and improve relationships with our children.

This time…

Through this period of firsts, change is inevitable, but life still happens and we are not exempt or unscathed. To some degree, the pandemic has been a positive time for me. It has been a time to reflect on what brings me joy, the way that I live, the things I can do without, the impact that I can contribute, and the appreciation of family, friends, and sisters. In this time I have had the silence of a room, the difficult conversations with God, the ripping of my heart, the conviction of my soul, the pouring of my tears, and the dropping of my knees before Him. 

Yes, this time…

It has been a time where I have questioned the character of friends. These are the moments when I have questioned how well do I know the person or people before me. I have looked inwardly to examine my own heart and motives. This is also a time where death among friends and families is at a high level. Friends are battling illnesses and diseases: cancer, auto-immune diseases, heart disease, grief, anxiety, despair, depression, and worry. This time has shown the ruthlessness in politics, the unprecedented priority of the economy over people, and self-indulgence over the safety of all. This time has shown man’s ego that allows him to think that he is higher and can do more than the Lord God Almighty! We continue to watch men lead in fear and minimize the battle that is before us and marginalize the people who are different. This time of firsts gives us an opportunity to sit in the presence of an Almighty King who wants our love, obedience, and surrender. 

Set an intentional time to spend in the presence of the Lord! Lean into Him! Cry Out! Pray! Fall on your knees! Repent! I have spent the better part of the summer without a paycheck, with family health issues, and without air-conditioning. This situation has been somewhat of a first for me. I should and could have been worried and fearful, but I wasn’t. I am sharing my thoughts with you in case there is someone who recognizes a first in the way that they are feeling, in the way they are examining life, and in the way that they are relating to the Lord. 

At the beginning of the summer, I told God that I would trust and believe in him for whatever I needed. I believed He would provide, and He has! I have been surrounded by wonderful sisters who have prayed on my behalf; I have friends who have been an unknowing encouragement and inspiration to me, and I have been blessed beyond measure. The message has been clear. Regardless of whether your situation is a first for you, remember that Psalm 46:10 says, Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Be still and let the Lord speak and guide you, even through the firsts.

Copyright ©️ 2020 by CrayDawg, Inc.