Micara's G.E.M.S. (Graciously Empowered and Motivated by the Spirit)

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Marching Fearlessly Forward

Focal Verse: Psalm 90:12

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. (English Standard Version)

It is hard to believe that we are in the final month of the first quarter of 2021. Though it is still early in the year, I have spent a lot (and I do mean a lot) of time in reflection. There is something about being in a pandemic, and experiencing a great shift in your life that will cause you to reflect. As I reflect, I have been thinking about moving forward into what is next. While the door has closed on many things, and resources look different, there is still the expectation of moving forward each day.

Recently, I learned I was in possession of a soon to expire airline ticket voucher. I had less than two weeks to think of a place to travel, nearing one year into a global pandemic, and all while I was void of the COVID-19 vaccine. I had a decision to make. My options were to either lose the voucher or plan a quick trip. The reason I say quick trip is because with the considerations of my family and work, I knew there would be quite a bit to maneuver. So, I said a prayer, spoke with my husband, and thought a little more. The next thing I know, I was booking a trip to visit my sisters in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia area, also known as the DMV.

Of course safety was my first concern in moving forward to make my plans. I was all set with plenty of masks (yes, plenty), gloves, and hand sanitizer. I even had enough credit on the voucher to upgrade to a first class seat. In my mind, this extra personal protective equipment would keep me covered. The first class seat could assure I would be sitting alone, which would cover social spacing. I was set! However, when I boarded the plane, I forgot to put on my gloves. Also, just as we were in the final stages of boarding and I was comfortable in my seat, alone as planned, a fellow passenger came to me and said, “I think that is my seat.”, pointing to the empty seat beside me. Well, as life would have it, all the tools I had planned to keep me safe, and were instrumental in me moving forward with the trip were tossed out of the window.

Then comes Ms. Fear. You know her. Ms. Fear comes in and tries to take over your mind with all types of negative thoughts. She is related to Doubt and Uncertainty. She never arrives alone. Ms. Fear always brings her family members Anxiety, Panic and Stress. Well, I certainly had no time to entertain Ms. Fear and this little family reunion she was inviting me to. I was seated on the plane and ready for departure. Regardless of Ms. Fear’s reason for arriving, forward was the only place to go. Therefore, I closed my eyes, prayed to God, who led me to this point, and declined Ms. Fear’s invitation.

As I reflect on March, again the last month of the first quarter of the year, all I can think about is moving through it fearlessly forward. If we have learned nothing else over the past year, it has been confirmed that God is in control. Plans made last year were canceled. People we laughed with and hugged have changed addresses, with some even moving as far as their Heavenly homes. Babies unthought of last year are now bringing joy to the homes of those who are rocking them in their arms. My point is though we may have had our own expectations things are very different now then they were in the first quarter of 2020.

Psalm 90 records the prayer of Moses that the people would be careful to understand that God is in control of all of the days we are given. They are fast, fleeting and full of surprises. Though some of those days may even bring us fear we have the responsibility to move forward. Our time should be used wisely. There is no time to focus on the paralyzation produced by fear or any other negative emotion which tries to keep us from living out life in its fullness.

In just a few weeks, we will be moving forward into the second quarter. Given all that remains, many may be wondering how we move forward when there is much uncertainty. We do it fearlessly!

While we couldn’t predict much of what has happened in our lives up to this point God knew. He provides each day. Therefore, the best we can do with the days we are given is to wake up prepared to toss any fear we have about what is to come aside. We can rest in the truth that God guides everyday and knows everything.

Do you remember the earlier reference to my trip? Well, it was great! The step of faith I took by moving fearlessly forward allowed me to experience the favor of God. Tomorrow remains uncertain to each of us. Even so, I invite you to join me as I spend the rest of the year moving fearlessly forward with each new day.

Keep the Faith,

Micara

Let Us Pray

Dear God,

We are thankful for who You are. It is so good to know that You have our days in the palms of Your hands. Since You know what lies ahead, we pray in advance for You to provide us with the confidence to face what is next. When fear tries to hinder us from living the fullness of our lives move us forward. Help us to refrain from spending our days in worry or stress. We give you thanks for the truth that with each new day You will continue to lead and guide us to move fearlessly forward. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

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The Journey to Love

2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. (English Standard Version)

Wow, just like that, it is February! This is the month the nation devotes to African American History and, of course, L-O-V-E.

In 1984, the incomparable Tina Turner released a song which had everyone singing, humming, and asking each other, “What’s Love Got to do With It?”. The song was one of Ms. Turner’s biggest musical hits. Some may also remember that almost 10 years following the release of the hit song, we observed the life of Ms. Turner played out on the big screen in the movie with the same title. The acclaimed and extraordinary actress Angela Bassett gave us a glimpse into the turbulent and triumphant life of Ms. Turner on her journey to freedom and love.

When I ask myself, “What love has to do with it?”, I am unable to do so without responding, “everything”. While I have heard that famous quote so many times, I am unsure who should be credited for the origin (certainly, not me). Nevertheless, it is essential to remember that love has everything to do with all facets of life. God, the creator of love, is the reason. All things in the world are here because of God’s infinite love.

In thinking about love, I focus on a recent prayer I spoke, which was to become as loving as God and patient as Jesus. What a colossal ask, huh? Well, this prayer stemmed from meditating on the Word of God in 2 Thessalonians 3:5. Adding this to my prayer has really taught me you must be careful what you pray for, truly. This is because God has consistently provided opportunities to strengthen both my love and patience. We will talk about my journey to patience at another time (smile).

In answering this prayer, God is forcing me to look in the mirror. By doing so, I am observing things which are less desirable of someone with a goal to love. These things sometimes cause me to display behaviors reflecting the total opposite of love. As I mature in God, I am learning to give Him thanks for showing me the ugly and unloving truth about myself. I thank Him because it means He is answering my prayer by showing me how my heart must shift on this journey to love. He loves me too much to allow me to stay the same.

God truly uses all things to strengthen me on this journey. For example, days when everything seems to go right, I share wonderful laughs with my husband, my son listens, and all things fall into place I am learning to love. Simultaneously, days when nothing goes right, my husband and I disagree, my son has a tantrum, and little falls into place I am still on the journey to love.

Love is everything! It drives emotions and actions. Love guides. Love creates opportunities to make both easy and challenging decisions. Love takes us to uncomfortable places. It causes us to do things we never thought we would or could do, such as offer an apology, even if our flesh is against it. Love is about what we say and do. As we enter this month, designated by the world for love, let us be reminded that love is about more than flowers, cards, and gifts.

Love has been researched and written about more times than I can imagine. There are numerous books on the topic. Perhaps, I will be Graciously, Empowered and Motivated by the Spirit (G.E.M.S) to share more about my journey to love. Of course, only He knows. Until then, let the Spirit and the truth of the Word be our guide on this lifelong journey to love. Lastly, when we think about what love has to do with it, remember, the true answer is everything.

Keep the faith,

Micara

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Status Check

I truly had zero plans to publish a post today. However, God spoke otherwise. Since this work is undoubtedly “Motivated by the Spirit” I knew I had to be obedient.

During my meditation this morning I was reminded of my status. Tyler Boss, of the Abide meditation app, asked if I often turn to various forms of social media for validation of my status as a person. I boldly thought to myself, “Why, of course not!”. However, I was convicted to a moment of honesty. In doing so, I realized there are times I unconsciously seek validation from others, even if it serves only as a temporary lift to my self-esteem.

While this happens infrequently, I think most people can say our spirits are slightly boosted when we receive compliments and praise from others about either something we did or how we look. That is apart of our human nature.

On this Motivational Monday, let us be encouraged to remember what the Word of God says about us. Staying with the theme of “The Beginning”, Genesis 1:31 reads, “And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” (English Standard Version, ESV). Did you catch that? We, a part of God’s creation in His image, are considered, “very good”. That is our status and alone is enough. These are the words we should share when prompts from various social media platforms want to know our status. We are “very good”. If we move further into scripture, there is an additional reminder that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).

As you are reading today’s unplanned, yet “Motivated by the Spirit” post, take serenity in the fact that no matter who clicks like, love or care about your status, you are still, “very good”.

Keep the faith,

Micara

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“Start at the Beginning”

Focal Verse(s): Genesis 1:1-2

¹In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. ²The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. (English Standard Version, ESV)

I will be one of the first to admit that I have a shaky track record in following step-by-step directions when assembling things. It may be the recovering control freak in me. When starting a project I sometimes find myself getting lost in the middle of the directions. This is especially true upon visualizing what I think the bookcase, remote control car or home appliance should look like. Even so, I will always pull out the directions and start at the beginning. Though I historically veer off course half-way into the project, I am unable to start until I follow step number one.

The Bible starts where all things should, the beginning. We read in the starting verses of the first book, Genesis, that in the beginning there was God, and a deep darkness over an incomplete world. Then God decides, in His infinite and eternal power, to create. This was a decision only He could make. He starts by creating light, which comes to distinguish day from night. In the verses which follow, we learn God spent a total of six days working, dividing waters, establishing vegetation and carefully and purposefully crafting its inhabitants. God did all of this from darkness and incompleteness, yet in His divine step-by-step order.

As we move into a new year, new season and appointed time of life’s journey, join me at the beginning with God. When working on any project, the beginning is the most critical place to start. Starting at the beginning, will require us to be in physical, mental and spiritual position to hear from God the Creator. He will provide guidance on all which will be necessary to shift step-by-step. Please note, there will be much to navigate this year. It will be tempting to skip the uncomfortable and challenging steps. We may also forget or even try to ignore that we will sometimes be forced to take steps through the terrain of hurt, grief, and loss. However, beginning with God will provide a solid foundation to bend, twist, and fall, yet be unbreakable, straighten, and stand again.

Let us move into this year starting at the only place we can, the beginning.

Keep the Faith,

Micara