I woke up with love on my mind. The kind of love that could only exist spiritually. That organic kind of love that can never be tainted!

A week ago (Feb 2017) I attended the funeral for my friend’s (my 🇭🇳 family) son. It was a great service that highlighted this young man’s life in the most beautiful way. Although we were there for our final physical farewells we were comforted in knowing that his spirit will live eternally.

Once the service was over I decided to go a few doors down (not a coincidence) to my home church Jubilee (New Covenant). It was for a very special occasion. I had not been to my church in over a year. After my mom died (11/24/15) I was extremely emotional and sought out support from specific members of my church. The outcome was just not what I expected so I separated myself for a bit. (Huge mistake, but I have learned the lesson in this situation. You see I didn’t have the courage to verbally admit my part in all that was happening around me. I was not my being truest self. My spiritual instructions fell on deaf ears.)

I have been attending (not as active as I could have been) for over 15+ years. It was called New Covenant at that time. Although it was a large church, I fell in love with my church immediately. From the praise and worship, to the youth ministries to the classes and workshops. I was hooked! Most importantly “the word” as told by the Bishop. It was nothing short of amazing! I was able to relate, recite and decipher the word effortlessly. As time went on I shared my love of my church with everyone I encountered!

So now back to last Saturday. My beloved Bishop and First Lady were renewing their wedding vows for their 50th wedding anniversary! 50 years of loving God, themselves, their children, church and community together! Words cannot explain my emotions! One thing I should have already mentioned was the extreme importance of marriage and family in my church! After God, marriage and family are of the highest importance! Their 8 adult children (All Pastors!) walked with them as the wedding party. The ceremony was intimate, loving, spiritual and God filled. You could feel the love in the air. It was definitely a “had to be there” kind of day.

I recall my own marriage being tested (2004) with less than a year celebrated. I immediately sought out a Pastor (Pastor Roland Cooper) from my church. This amazing Pastor reminded us of our human side. He talked about the importance of honesty and respect. He asked us constantly how much we loved God and each other. My husband and I met with him several times before finally deciding to separate (about 3 years into the marriage) after the birth of our second son and before the birth of our third son. (if that makes sense) It was after my marriage fell apart that I started really attending church, taking membership classes (long over due) and preparing to be baptized (again). Regardless of a few minor setbacks, my life was going extremely well and I was content.

Before I began writing this post around 5:30 this morning I said a prayer so that I would gather the right words. I could have written this a week ago but I wasn’t ready and God’s timing had yet to be conceived. I wanted you to get a clear understanding of my purpose in writing this post. This post is not necessarily about church, marriage, family or death. This post is about the many different facets of love! The kind of love that can only be born of truth, honor, understanding and  commitment. Love that has endured distance, time, hate and even war! Love that has looked adultery, dishonor and hypocrisy in the face and spiritually crushed it! You need to know that when God places these words into my spirit, it is crucial that I share them because you needed to hear it! Someone out there needed these words to build their faith, courage and trust! Someone who couldn’t find the right words on their own! Someone who lives in such fear that all they needed were these words in order to make it through a storm!

Oh how I love my God given talents and assignments! I am out of breath as I am typing these words. As if I am racing the clock. But these perfectly particular words are set precisely into the atmosphere and submitted to the proper recipients. My wrist hurts. My arm is tired but I can’t stop until I know that every word, every emotion, every instruction and every order is placed deep into each intended spirit.

So there you have it. Your messages. Read them. Study them. Absorb them. Honor them. Love them.

Love Always,

Lola