LAST BLOG OF 2021, I THINK...

Song writer said, "I don't need material things, all I need is the love You bring. This holiday, I came to say that Jesus is the only way." I've heard this lyrics all my life, but this year it really hit home. Understatement of the decade, this pandemic has been a life altering experience. Many if not most of us, has dealt with loss. If you're a reader of the blogs, you know I love using song lyrics if they fit in to the the subject I'm talking about. The song writer said, "I lost some joy. I lost some time. Now it feels like I will lose my mind. Journeyed long and lost my way, and now it feels like I've lost is all I say. Searching here and over there for what I've lost. Where is it? I don't know."

Like the lyrics said, I've lost joy and time, friends, and family, but I had to keep on keeping on. I'll be the first to say is easier said than done. When every other news story is another rapper dead, covid cases going up, another social media post showing were the funeral services is going to be, it's hard to keep going. All your life you've heard "Everyday with Jesus is sweeter than the day before," and you're wondering sweet where? How do you keep going when everything is crumbling down? You take it one day at a time. Realize you still got a journey that nobody can walk for you. Learn from the pot holes on the road that flatten your tires before and drive around them. It's written, "Like a dog that returns to its vomit, a fool does the same foolish things again and again." 

With that being said, some triggers you won't be able to avoid. As much as social media says they care about you, and it does sound encouraging, but that one co-worker and that one boss...know what I mean? It's written again, "The Lord will fight for you, and have only to be silent." It's also written, "When you are angry, don't let that anger make you sin, and stay angry all day. Don't give the devil a way to defeat you." Easier said than done sometimes because some people know how to push the right button. It gets to that point where you got to say what you need to say and apologize later. Just remember to apologize. It may not be the day of. It may take some time, but just make sure that you apologize at some point. You don't want the anger to settle in your spirit. When that happens you end up lashing out at innocent victims that didn't do anything to you. 

To the people are reading this that have lost love ones, and are still mourning, don't let people tell you how to mourn. I pray God gives you the strength to keep going. Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." My heart and my prayers are to those families that had empty seats at the table this holiday season. In the Bible, David said, "You have turned my sorrow into joyful dancing. No longer am I sad and wearing sackcloth." My prayer is that God turns your mourning into dancing and your sorrow into joy.

I mentioned before about how every other post on social media is another funeral. Just looked at one of my socials, and sure enough--life is too short. My sister would say it like this, "Live Intentionally Value Everyday." 

I don't have the answers personally. Sometimes I can't find the words to say. "I don't need material things. All I need is the love You bring. This holiday I came to say, that Jesus is the only way." The older I get the more these words hit home with me. Don't get me wrong, I don't shy away from material things, but they don't always bring the peace and joy that I need. Old saints would say, "Jesus never fails. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but I know Jesus never fails."

I'm finished. I hope something was said that encouraged you. I hope something was said that inspired. I hope. If you did, can you please share this with anyone you feel that may need to read this. Until 2022--

Stay Saved and Keep Going,

Daniel Richerson

Scriptures used: Proverbs 26:11, Exodus 14:14, Ephesians 4:26-27, Matthew 11:28-29, Psalm 30:11

Songs used: Jesus Is The Reason by Kirk Franklin, I Will Find A Way by Fred Hammond, Jesus Never Fails by Arthur A Luther

For my sister: LIVE - https://guppy-green.squarespace.com/