Initiative: Time

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to break down, and a time to build up. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 NKJV)

Yes…a season and time for everything. Although we know about the looming, merciless cuts scheduled for March 1^st that will affect children, parents, grandparents and great grandparents nationwide, we also realize how the NRA ignores ways to combat gun violence but wants to keep its fear-mongering alive, regardless of truth. These moments speak loudly, but God speaks louder. The season of life continues.

On Saturday, February 23^rd, my family set aside time to focus on celebrating my grandmother’s 99^th birthday. Understanding that she has seen 99 tomorrows, she still upholds her Godly wisdom and smile.

Despite the glaring reminder of tomorrow, which makes some happy, some sad, some nervous, some hopeful and some anticipating a better day, my grandmother now values time based on the time allotted to her by God to bring others into the fold. Just from my grandmother’s birth alone, nearly 200 of us mostly in the East and West--from daughters, sons, nieces, nephews, grand children, great grandchildren and now great great grandchildren—have emanated from her alone. Leaning on the universal law of “do unto others as you will have them do unto you,” my grandmother continues to exemplify a conviction that we can only pray to have.  

My mother reminded me that my grandmother used to think she was going to die at an early age, one of the first of her siblings, but God had other plans. Instead, she has outlived all of her 10 brothers and sisters, her friends, her physicians and her heart problems. She thanks the Lord at all times for her life, health, strength and family. Her current physician now says when she leaves us, it will be from “old age.” We all call her blessed.

Her contagious, peaceful smile creates happiness all around her, as she recited one of her favorite poems she knew since age 12:

“Some people idle about the Lord, of many different kinds. Some people think to serve the Lord is just a thought in mind. But let me tell you my dear folks it’s not as you suppose. This God I serve is a living God, I feel Him in my toes [all over me]. Romans 8 & 11 says we know the Bible is true. And if you have that Spirit that raised up Christ, it will also quicken you.”

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39 NKJV

So as the clock ticks to the sequester March 1^st deadline of expected cuts, job losses and maybe eventual government shut-down, my grandmother would remind me that perhaps Congress missed the point that God’s ultimate commitment is to people and fulfillment of His word, not to political ideologies. She would ask about their rationale: “Why call me Lord, Lord and do not do the things I say?” Luke 6:46

But I dare not upset my grandmother with this news. She would only think of how the elected officials she used to rely on to do the right thing by the people are no longer acting for the benefit of the people. She would only pity their souls and the judgment that would come to each and every one of them for the pain and suffering they would cause, as Washington Post indicated.

“He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.” Proverbs 14:31

“No matter what’s going on in our lives, the clock will continue to tick regardless of beliefs,” said Pastor G. G. Womack. “We finish our years like a sigh. Guard and listen to the conscience God has given you. Besides, one thing for certain is that whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard.” (Proverbs 21:13) “We all know the value of lessening our reliance on the government, but that will come in due time, not by March 1^st,” he added. “Remember, as Ecclessiates says, there is a time and season for every purpose under heaven. Overnight miracles from man do not exist.”

In honor of my grandmother’s time here, she argues that you cannot avoid relating to God:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16. “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38