I love Independence Day. As a child I loved the fire crackers. Most of my friends would cover their ears and close their eyes at the sound. Not me, my little eyes were wide open. I was always sad at the end of the display. I felt like I could watch them forever. As a little girl, I did not understand exactly what that day meant, but knew that it had to do with being free. As an adult with a better understand of what Independence Day is all about. I certainly appreciate the celebration even more. But not until September 11 did I completely understand the cost of freedom and true patriotism. As a Pentagon survivor, Independence Day means so much more to me. I think of how many people sacrificed their lives for our freedom and it is heart wrenching. I think of my co-workers and friends who sacrificed their lives for freedom on that fateful day and I stand proud to be an American. I give tribute not only on Independence Day but every day as I enter into the building. I do not think of it every day but every year as it gets closer to Independence Day and September 11th it is on my mind. My thoughts are with everyone who lost their lives in any conflict or as the result of senseless terrorism. This time of year when we celebrate Independence Day let us stop for a moment or two and remember the heroes who paid the price for freedom in every capacity. Let us honor the pioneers that came before us and paved the way, the many men and women who died in war and the lives that were taken because of our Country’s beliefs.

As I reflect, let us also remember the one who gave His life for us. Let us remember His love for us and His sacrifice. I can remember so well that day I accepted His call. My best friend was attending bible study on a regular basis and inviting me to attend with her. After several invites and several failed attempts to join them, I did. Actually, that particular day at work I could not stop thinking about going and it was in my heart to attend. I hurriedly pick the children up, made dinner and attended. At the time I did not know too much about the Holy Spirit. I just knew that I was compelled to attend. I did and my life has never been the same. It was my personal Independence Day. I was free. (John 8:36 Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.) I remember walking home and asking God what was going to happen next. The only thing I did know is that I felt so much freedom. I felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulder. Well, maturity is a process, but that night I felt so absolutely wonderful. The devil, of course, tried to snatch my freedom, but God had me and protected me and is still protecting me today.

He loved us so much that he laid down His life for us. (John 15: 19 Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends.) I have been feeling that love every sense that night on 13 Feb 1992. I dare to try to describe this love in mere words:
There is a sweetness and a serenity inside me—a place no one can get to, a place where I need to remain all the time, yet I dare to step outside. It is a place I sometimes forget about and venture out too far, but quickly return to. No matter how far I go away from that secret place, I always return. I wonder; I ponder; I reflect; I dare not tread to far from that place. It is a safe haven for me when the world seems so cold. I cry in that place, I weep, I pray, yet strangely it is the same place that I receive my help, my strength; it is where I lick my wounds; it is a comfortable place and a place of comfort. It is deep within my soul. It is a spiritual place—a place of rest. It is where I talk to God, and God talks to me. It is a place like a river that runs deep. It flows continuously and refreshes like a nice warm shower throughout my soul. It is a cleansing place of repentance, acceptance, renewal, security, restoration and wholeness. It is a place where I seek and search and look for answers. It is where I seek understanding, wisdom, and guidance. It is my roadmap to where I need to go, and when I go in the wrong direction, it navigates me back. It is an encouraging place and a place of victory.

Happy Independence Day and remember every day is Independence Day for God’s Children!

This is a true story. Don’t you hate it when people start with that? However, I must say this because what I am about to tell you is amazing. But it is believable if you believe that God can use anything, any situation or any circumstance to speak to us. Well, this particular day about 4 weeks ago I was enjoying a nice spring day during the weekend. I decided to repots some plants and a couple of rose bushes. I was very excited about doing this because like my Mother, I love flowers, plants, gardens and it is one of my favorite leisurely pastimes.

As I proceeded on my deck, all my gear in check, I encountered a bumble bee. I’d seen the bumble bee or a bumble bee that always hung around my deck. I always ignored the bumble bee because it did not seem to pose a threat. I would go to another area of the deck and swing or sit down and enjoy the outdoors. Occasionally, it would flutter over toward me and I’d swat at it and it would flutter back to “his side of the deck”. Well, this particular day, Mr. Bumble bee was center stage, fluttering in mid air. I stood and looked at it through the glass door. I didn’t give much thought to him because like before he didn’t pose a threat. I assumed it would be like any other time, I’d go to my area and he would stay in his. I proceeded out the door and he did not move. I stopped in my tracks and lightly swatted at it. He kind of fluttered away and came right back; center stage. I tried to ignore him and started to re-pot a plant. He began to buzz around me as if I was on his turf. I took the paper page that was wrapped around the bottom of the pot and swung at him. He still lingered and buzzed around me. I began to think that he might sting me, so I began to swing a little harder. This went on for about 10 minutes or so. I was actually having a fight with a bumble bee and on my own turf. I thought this is ridiculous; you don’t pay any bills around here (one of my favorite things to tell our 16 year old from time to time). After about 10 or 15 more minutes I figured that the paper bag wasn’t going to work. I went inside and glared at the bumble bee through the door. I was really agitated. As I glared at him through the door I thought these insects are getting bolder and bolder these days.

I decided that I would just re-pot the plant inside, by the door. As I was trying to pour the dirt in the pot I glanced to see if Mr. Bee was still there, I accidently stumbled, spilling potting soil on the floor and against the base board. I had made a big mess and was very irritated by now. I was ready to get rid of him for good. I decided to get the broom. I had gotten a little afraid of the bumble bee and his boldness so I cracked the screen door and swung at the bumble bee. He still held his stance. This went on for about 30 minutes. I went inside and repotted the rose bush and watched the bee lingering around in mid air. After I re-potted the plant I cracked the screen door and swung at him so that I could put the plant outside on the deck. When I swung he fluttered away. I picked up the plant, ran out on the deck, sat the plant down and started to run back in the house. I turned around to look behind me and there he was dead in pursuit of me as if to say, “You better get back in the house.” I stood there watching in disbelief thinking, “What in the world?”

Suddenly, it dawned on me that I was fighting with all my might to no avail. I was exhausted, frustrated and felt defeated and obviously it was a fight that I wasn’t going to win because I was using the wrong weapon! What I needed was some insect killer. I began to think about how sometimes we fight the enemy with all our strength, our might, our will power, all our mind power, all our determination and still lose the battle every time. That spoke to my heart in volumes. God’s word is the weapon we should use to defeat the enemy. No matter what we are going through or what we are fighting or what the conflict is or what the enemy is trying to do, we need to use the right weapon. When our backs are against the wall we can come out swinging. Throwing a right (I let the peace of God rule in my heart, I refuse to worry about anything (Col 3:15)) and then a left (Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)) and then an upper cut (Satan the Lord rebuke thee) and get a TKO every time. When we know the Word we are in authority over the enemy because the word tells us that we have authority and power over the enemy. God’s Word is the right weapon to defeat the attacks of the enemy.

And as far as Mr. Bumble Bee, I got into my car, went to Home Depot, purchased some insect killer and took care of him. To my amazement he was still there. My first attempt to spray him was through the screen door but that didn’t work. It just left residue on the screen. I knew I had to face him head on. I eased out the door, but this time I boldly took my stance. I was assured that I had the right weapon and began to spray away. I had to spray him several times but needless to say, I repotted all my flowers in peace and I haven’t seen a bumble bee since. I am sure at some point I might see another one, but next time I will use the right weapon and save myself a lot of grief. And yes, this should be in Ripley’s believe it or not!

“Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you (Luke 10:19).” That authority and power is the Word of God.

Guest Speaker
Montgomery, AL
June 2010 – date TBD

St Paul Baptist Church
Date: June 24, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Suffolk, VA

Prayer Breakfast
Texarkana, Arkansas
Date: May 2010- date TBD

Writer for Real Life Faith Magazine
www.reallifefaithmagazine.com
Editor Michele Jackson
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VA,MD,DC City to City Book Tour (2010)
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Streaming Faith Guest Columist for 2010
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