Something We Can Do to Increase Love in 2019

"Day Ones" and "Riders"

In today's speak, your  'A-1 from Day 1' or 'Rider' (as in ride or die) is a best  friend from the start - until the wheels fall off. I've written elsewhere in this blog about my ever-evolving understanding of myself and my friendships over the years. And I have amassed quite a number of friends throughout my life.

But there was a moment, coming upon five years ago, when I realized who my real friends are. My father was ill for a brief time at the end of 2014, and died in January of 2015. I had moved to the east coast and most of my friends and family were on the west coast. During the days before my father's memorial service when people typically gather in support of the family, we were surrounded by beloved friends and family. They were so loving, and took care of my mother and us.

It wasn't until afterward, when my husband asked me about the absence of some specific individuals who were my friends - that I realized something I hadn't even thought of:  my actual Day Ones had shown up for me and my family in our time of bereavement. Friends I'd known for over 40 years - college roommates and classmates from elementary and high school. People with whom I hadn't even been in constant communication; some only via social media - some via their spouses who are on social media. These wonderful folks rallied when my family needed them, and came all the way through.

Their love and devotion through the years cannot be quantified, and I can't thank them enough. Nothing is more precious than friends who truly stand by you, defying the separation of space and the passing of time, under any circumstance. So when I reflected on my husband's query - about the folks who were missing, who knew and had had fellowship with my father and mother - who knew that my father had passed away, I had this revelation: the people with me here now, will be with me for the whole ride.

I'm grateful. And I declare that I'm a rider for each of them!

This Season in which We are Living

Boaz Ministries

In our experience at Boaz Ministries, we find that intentional communion with the Lord is a powerful thing. As believers we not only have the blessed assurance that God is real - we also have clear, irrefutable proof that He moves in our lives. Each of us has a testimony of His grace, mercy and love - transforming lives and changing hearts - handling situations in circumstances that seemed impossible. God is mighty!

This season, as we move into the new year - let us pray for a deeper connection with our Lord. In a world where there is no peace and very little love for humankind, let us draw closer to Him, to loved ones, and people we meet. Let us be intentional change agents in our communities, brighten the corners where we are, spread love, and the message of hope. For there is hope. If you've been praying about starting an outreach or in-reach in your community or church - go for it! Or join in the work the Lord is already doing through other change agents. You will know them by their character. Don't be discouraged by obstacles, and don't expect things to be easy - serving others isn't convenient. But when God is involved - He gives us His strength.

We've been given talents and treasure - and while we yet have breath, we still have time. Let us use our time in service to those who are suffering, abandoned, abused and under served. This is the whole message of the gospel of Jesus. It's always been about love, and there is no law against it (see Galatians 5:22-23).

It's Just Not Safe Out Here Anymore...

It probably never was, really. Safe, that is. There was a time when we as human beings, and our "things" were saf-ER. But today, as 2018 comes to a close - the curtain is pulled back, and the man is exposed, the wool once covering our eyes is fully off, and what I declare today is - the times we live in are full of evil!

Thanks to modern technology I've been hacked a few times. There have been attempts to steal my identity. I, and my family, have been the victims of ongoing scams and crooked schemes that seem to get more and more outrageous - and more easy to identify at the same time. Just for giggles, seems like these unfortunate minions lived to harass, humiliate and frighten me and my loved ones, besmirch my name - to extort money - to trick me, try to bleed me dry (but I am not wealthy) and leave my whole life, credit and whatever reputation I have in complete shambles! With no success.

In my observation, there seems to be an increase of soulless individuals - demons - whose only purpose in their miserable lives is to use their brains to discredit, manipulate and harm others. All for filthy lucre. *money*  I used to say that these folks could do so much with their imaginations to make positive moves and do good in the world...and get a legitimate paycheck. But legitimate is not what they want. They love the shadows, they love the darkness - and they ENJOY hurting others.

They work for the devil himself. And they work feverishly around the clock to devise more devious ways to ruin peoples' lives! I report everything that's suspicious. And I pity these folks in the Day of Judgment.

I pray for protection from the evil in this world daily. I have no fear. And I live my life with the assurance that God's got me, my family, friends and loved ones. My God is greater than anything and everything out there. I'm safe in Him and He continues to block the attacks against me and the ones I love. But for those who have no spiritual protection in this wicked world - I urge to get sheltered in the Lord... because it's just not safe out here anymore!

#AWynnforDBowe

Mr. and Mrs. Derek C. Bowe, Jr.

My second daughter got married Sunday, November 11!
We are overjoyed to welcome another wonderful young man of God into our family!

Blessings upon the newlyweds as they begin their journey of marital love. The Lord has smiled upon them - I am a witness of His faithfulness in answering my fervent prayers for my children.

God is great! God is real!

Amen!

Proud brother, escorting his sister down the aisle.

The Family of God is Boundless!

My beautiful bonus daughter (with child) and her beautiful mom!

Our family continues to grow, as God has ordained!

Along this journey, and for the past six years I've been blessed with even more extended and blended family than I could have ever hoped for. It is humbling for me to see the hand of God moving so mightily in life situations that we as human beings would deem awkward or even impossible.

God is able!

Because of who He is, God has blessed me with two incredible women, mother and daughter, and I am honored to know them. Nothing is by coincidence in God's plan. And as a believer, I know that ALL things work together for good to them that love God...(Romans 8:28). And  everything, great and small - in my life thus far - God uses for His glory!

Just sharing from my heart, the grace and mercy God has shown me through two exceptional ladies who, by God's love and power, are part of my ever expanding family! His family!

Amen!

My purpose on the planet

"Pilgrim Journey", 2018

In my observation, we spend a great deal of time stumbling around, ignorant of the very concept of  a "life purpose". All of us, at some point (or at several points) have that existential moment - "why am I here?" I've certainly questioned why I'm living and breathing in this skin - the daughter of Don and Anna, granddaughter of John and Mary Alyce, and William Vernon and Laura Etta.

"Who am I and what am I supposed to do?"  During my formative years, all I knew to do was what I was told. And I was fairly obedient to my parents - as the first child - I tried to please them as much as possible. But I was always curious, and, admittedly, precocious - though never to the extent of scandal, embarrassment, or the ruination of my family's reputation.

Circa 1961

I was pleasant and easy-going - likable. Those who did not like me thought I was snooty, uppity (what I was told by black and white, alike) - which I later took to mean I had confidence in myself. However, even though my persona portrayed self-assurance and politeness -within, I had no clue about my ultimate role in life- beyond going to college and one day being a wife and mother. And singing alto in the choir.

It wasn't until I was re-baptized at the age of 38  (I was ll years old when first baptized), after attending an old-fashioned, down home tent revival - that pieces of the puzzle of my life began to come together. I knew that God had called me out. For what, I didn't know at the time. But what a ride that became! Just as I made my covenant to serve the Lord - all hell broke loose! I recognized  - in all honesty - that the enemy was losing one of his best 'double agents', and he wasn't happy about it!  When all was supposed to be bright and beautiful as a new creature in Christ, I experienced a "dark period". It was  "low key" and out of the public eye; but the struggle to shake the devil off was real, and lasted a good 10 years.

In my work in social services and later, in the ministries in which I participated, it became clearer to me why I was born, and how God would get the glory through my testimony.  While working at a County agency, I met a client, who, after attending my orientation, came to my desk for the intake process. I shall never forget this encounter:

She was a middle aged white woman who I thought was mean, judging from the scowl she wore during my class - so I was a bit apprehensive. When she began to speak, her voice was soft and pleasant, and startled me. After gathering pertinent information from her, she said, "I've been watching you, you might have noticed. And I have a word for you. The Holy Spirit told me to tell you that you are here, in this place, to set the captives free. Not just us - the clients. But everyone. Your coworkers, your friends, strangers, everyone. God gave you this assignment, and He'll give you the power to do what He's put before you."

I was dumbfounded. I was 42 years old at the time, married with 3 children, and had been through a lot - two steps forward, five steps backward - the whole nine. Truth be told, I wouldn't usually listen when folks say what the spirit told them (skeptical of which spirit, you see), but I took to heart what she told me. There was something sincere about her, in complete contrast to her outward appearance. Throughout the years  I'd recall her prophetic words, just to measure the distance from then to the current time, and in times of transitions in my life. 20 years have passed since I met that lady. I'm able to say that all of my ups and downs and twists and turns have molded and made me into the soldier in God's army that He called me to be.

The Lord continues to make, mold, break, build, lead, guide me and He is faithful to His promises. 
There is a special sense of peace, joy and satisfaction when we finally know why we're here. We can ask - and He will answer. I can look back on my very crooked path and see the wisdom in the series of events, and the choices that made no sense at the time.

Happiness is knowing God chose us first. My purpose is ministry - everywhere I go, and in every aspect of my life. The Lord and I are in a deep, committed, love relationship. I'm here to introduce others to this amazing Love; to make eternal connections with those who are also on this pilgrim journey. As a believer, there is no higher purpose, and I'm here to put in work for the duration of the time He's given me on this earthly plane.

My nieces at my book signing at B&N, 2006
Singing in the choir at my father's memorial service, 2015
CD cover of Revived! Ministries' sole album, dedicated to RL Wynn, 2010
Reading "Come, Joy! Songs from the soft of night" at B&N, 2006