Reflections of A Black Christian Woman

If there's  one thing I'm convicted of, it is the solemn responsibility that comes with motherhood: it's a matter of life and death, literally. It's one role one  needs to prayerfully consider; not to filfill a societal norm but to find out from God if it's what God calls her to. I know for a fact that it's not God's plan for teenage girls to be mothers. I know it's not God's plan for any child to be born in an enviroment where God won't be the foundation with loving parents. And I know, our society is broken, but sometimes we are the cause (choices): cue for an upcoming post.And as I continue reading, I know it's not a duty I want to have 24 hours, 7 days a week. I've had a foretaste of motherhood through my nieces and I know for a fact, it's  not a journey I'd like to embark on (not based on any bad experience but simply realizing how taxing parenting is). Here's something I've realized though, I am a mother ...

1. Last week, we had a Vacation Bible School for a week and it was such a beautiful experience. I'm honestly thankful for God. How He brings our prayers to reality and for His continued support in my life. I'm thankful for the support by the children and parents. We started with 27 and ended up at 34. What really made me happy, is the fact that, there were three girls who are Non-Adventists who attended. I just pray that we target Non-Adventist kids more. I'm praying about something more permanent rather than limiting the program to holidays. On Sabbath, one parent whose kids had been attending came in my class to drop a parcel and whispered, " you are doing a good job!" Believe me, we need those words. Sometimes the journey feels lonely and a word of encouragement fitly spoken, is dew to a parched ground. And I'm thankful for such parents.  2. On Sabbath I was on preaching duty. I was asked on the 2nd of July and I agreed. And the message laid on my heart was...

 This is my last year in my 20s Thinking back to the vision I've had for my life, I'm not there *yet* but I'm  thankful I get to serve in other ways. One thing I decided on very early on in life, is that I didn't want to be a mother. I looked at my mother's lot - parenting alone, providing for every thing while loving us and gave us attention and often I was sad about her lot. Not once did she complain / give us a painful childhood. She's loved us well and continues to play such a big role in my life. She didn't have a hands-on partner who was as committed. And I made a vow to never be in the same predicament. And I've come to realize: you may do the "right" things i.e marry and have children but it doesn't gaurantee that your husband will be a good partner and a true father. There was a lot of pain caused by my dad.  And I thought I'd compromise and have kids if I find the right man. But as I reflect on this, I realize it's not abo...

1. The seasons we individually go through, are meant to show us our true selves and show us how much we need God whether it's summer or winter. Life needs persistence, for the greater good of others. We may be so discouraged, even tempted to quit; but when we realize it's about the ones we are serving and put them first, we are encouraged to move forward. Success goes with resilience, a heart which will not faint even when it's in pieces. Hoarding onto people's mistakes / ours, has a tendency of blinding us to God's power (transformation) in our lives / those of others. 2. I'm learning to keep it moving, because I know the end goal. I'm learning to give others new chances because I've been forgiven countless times. 3. Thankful for vacation. Term 2 wasn't great. But I'm thankful for time to reflect. Thankful for the Singabantu album by Selected Voices. It speaks to my soul. It's  a prayer on it's own. Thankful for my nieces. I ...