Sitting here in this frigid, record-breaking weather (I am indoors, thankfully), I viewed a segment on the News about the countless Americans having to initiate various fundraisers in order to sustain their life during major health crises. Oh, how my heart aches for this nation, and for the land which cries for redemption, and the inhabitants therein whose perpetual sufferage is, in many regard, self-inflicted. Yes, we encounter the backlash of our own destructive actions at times; collectively and individually, through things taught, caught, and/or passed down as ill-legacy... God, help us. God, forgive us, for we truly do not know that, which we do. Have mercy upon our nation and its many inhabitants. Heal Your land and renew us - collectively. Rev. Dr. Kay Jenkins © Copyright 2015 by Dr. Kay Jenkins. All rights reserved. "...And the Light shines on in the darkness for the darkness has never overpowered it" John 1: 5 Amplified "Wherefore, to the end that we may the better understand and explain what night is through which the soul passes, and for what cause God sets it therein, it will be well here to touch first of all upon certain characteristics of beginners (which, although we treat them with all possible brevity, will not fail to be of service likewise to the beginners themselves), in order that, realizing the weakness of the state wherein they are, they may take courage, and may desire that God will bring them into this night, wherein the soul is strengthened and confirmed in the virtues, and made ready for the inestimable delights of the love of God. And, although we may tarry here for a time, it will not be for longer than is necessary, so that we may go on to speak at once of this dark night." (Saint John of the Cross). Early Christian theologian and Christian Mystic, Saint John of the Cross, often preached about the misinterpreted, yet daunting journey to perfection in Christ, Jesus through seasons of darkness. He equated Jesus' wilderness and Gethsemane experiences as two of the "darkest nights of His soul," and that every Christian believer is called to his or her own, that they too might be used of God, even as Christ. Why am I talking about darkness when God has "brought us out of darkness and into His marvelous light?" (1Peter 2:9), Because the darkness that this particular text is referring to, is the darkness of sin, in which we ourselves initiated through the yield of carnal temptations. This, God has delivered us from when we confessed our sins and asked Him to enter our hearts as our Lord and Savior, also petitioning for an "infilling" of His Spirit, that we might be enabled by His Spirit to live a life exemplary to that of Christ. This is not the darkness that I am referring to, nor was the Apostle Paul (or Saint John for that matter). No, the darkness that we are referring to is affixed to the "many afflictions of the righteous" which the Lord has promised to deliver them from. The darkness that I am referring to is affixed to Christ's charge to those desiring to follow Him [true followers who seek to follow Him in all things] to "take up their crosses and follow Him." But follow Him where? 1 Kings 8:12 says that "The Lord said that He would dwell in the thick darkness." Not the darkness caused by sin, but "Divine darkness" wherewith God brings us through for His divine will and purpose. Don't be fooled, this is not a permanent place, but a temporal mode of transition. Although it seems as though you are stagnant, your spirit is actually moving--closer towards the center of God's will as you journey through the darkness without complaint, without falter, without compromise, without dismay... So, be encouraged and remember that light shines in the darkness for the upright, gracious, compassionate and just [those who are in right standing with God--the righteous] Psalm 112:4 Amplified. This darkness is for the Righteous! [original post 5/20/2008] Rev. Dr. Kay Jenkins (C) All 2015 by Kay Jenkins. All rights reserved. by Kay Jenkins I recall one of my worst trips via automobile, during the winter/spring of 2005. I had just sold my home in NJ and was preparing for relocation to Atlanta within a few months, but would stay with one of my sisters in Northern New Jersey until then. The drive was a good 50- minutes on a clear day - without traffic, but not this particular day. The month was March; we were just at the tail end of winter and at the sweet onset of spring when we were hit by an unexpected blizzard. My SUV was packed beyond standard capacity with a 2 x 4 clearance for rear viewing. While en route to the attorney's office, it started flurrying, but nothing major. After approximately 45-minutes, I shook hands with everyone, exchanged my house keys for a check, and headed for the door. My plan? To beat the storm, and pull over if I had to. But when I opened the door to exit the building I could barely see my car. "Where did this come from so quickly?” I asked. It was already a bit late in the day, I didn't know what to expect next. I wanted to drive as quickly as possible without incurring a ticket or some other misfortune, but when my vehicle started sliding, and the wind began blowing the snow faster than it fell, I panicked - no, actually I freaked. I could not see a thing. I wanted to stop but could not see the other vehicles around me. What had been a familiar route was now foreign by each traveling mile. Some vehicles had already collided, making navigation through the snow even more of a challenge. There was no clearance to pull over, and the snow was expected to worsen. I do not believe I had ever prayed so hard over a road trip prior to that day, especially one that was local. When cars started piling up around me like toys, and the radio would not work, I prayed even harder... "God, what should I do, tell me what to do - help me?!? " I cried frantically. Only to hear a calming "Just keep moving, you will be all right," in my spirit. Three hours: A 50-minute drive took three hours. As I exited the parkway and eventually turned the corner to my sister's neighborhood, I was overcome with joy as my sister eagerly met me in front of the house - shivering, but glad to see me. Have you ever had to navigate through such a storm? One that incited panic as you witnessed the crashing and colliding of countless others who ventured the same life-threatening path. Yes, there will be a delay in arrival to your destination. However, that is the least of your concerns. Out of fear, you will probably seek an easy way out, but there will be none. Instead, you will be expected to just “keep moving..." Life is like that "Nor ‘Eastern” snowstorm of 2005. It renders unexpected delays, seasonal storms with blustering winds, low visibility and accumulative matter. Yes, those "Nor ‘Easterners" are typically miscalculated, and despite limited visibility all you can really do, is “just keep moving." I made it to my destination late, but safe. And when I arrived, there was someone special waiting for me, even as there was someone - though unseen, unbeknownst to me, riding with me through the entire storm. I was not alone. Where ever you are in your storm today, trust that you are not alone, and if you seek Help, you shall find it indeed. Listen, and follow the instruction rendered. Someone is waiting for you. (c) 2014 |
AuthorDr. Kay Jenkins, known as the "Soul Physician," is a Pastoral Caregiver and Bereavement Specialist. Archives
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