I’m a history nerd, especially regarding the history of African Americans and not only am I a history nerd, so is my husband – needless to say, our daughter learned: Black history was to be studied 365/366 days of the year; that the history of her people was not limited to the 6 or 7 people highlighted during the month of February and history is still being made so why not by her. Not only do I believe in studying history; I believe in applying the lessons of history. History teaches me that people cried, fought, bled and died for the privileges I enjoy; I apply the lessons of history by being wise in my enjoyment and helping others to be able to participate in those privileges. My spirit-woman understands the application of my spiritual history is forged together with my ancestral heritage. The same One who spoke to my ancestors, speaks to me and the same One who provided for them during times when unspeakable atrocity was an everyday occurrence, provides for me when I face an increasingly hostile climate. We can apply the lessons of history by following the principles of the ancestors; by telling our children our story (Exodus 13:14 and Psalm 78:4); by building (and rebuilding) our communities and by caring for the marginalized and disenfranchised (James 1:27, Hebrews 13:2, Zechariah 7:10 and Deuteronomy 27:19). A community is only as strong as her citizens; history forgotten is history that will be repeated and, quite frankly, I refuse to be the weak link in our chain. What about you? How are you applying the lessons of history? Rev. Antoinette
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When I worked at a University, one of the funniest games we played during a holiday party was Simon Says. Now, you’d think a group of adults would remember the rules of a game most of us played as a child, but not so. Our group’s director was one of the shrewdest Simon Says leaders I’d ever seen. He knew how to say intertwine completely normal parts of conversation into the game and before you knew it, you were out. Leadership is not for the faint of heart. A good leader must have a servant’s heart; without that kind of heart, persons wind up being subjected to the whims of arrogant, selfish, self-centered, manipulative liar. There are tons of seminars, workshops, books and classes on being a good leader. If I attempted to quote all of them, this blog would become a book. So, instead of attempting to cite everyone’s insightful principles about being a leader, I elect to look at the life of someone I consider to be the strongest model for providing leadership lessons. This individual was: honest (1 Peter 2:22), caring (John 13:34-35), willing to sacrifice to benefit others (John 15:13), brilliant (Romans 16:27), humble (Mark 10:45), generous (John 3:16 – 17), treated all with dignity and respect (Gal. 3:28) and was a master teacher (Mark 4:23). How about you? What leadership lessons are you providing for others to follow and whose principles are you following? Blessings, Rev. Antoinette I know I’m dating myself, but growing up, I used to love the tv show Kojak. Surely someone else remembers the actor Telly Savalas’ character, Theo Kojack (who had an unending supply of wisdom to catch criminals and lollipops). As I was a child (no, really I was very young at the time), I thought every police officer had Kojack-like insight and at the end of the day, justice would always prevail because we all had someone who’d remind us we are loved. Fast forward a few decades (I told you I was a child back then). I have quite a few friends who protect and serve (at various levels). I admit to being a little biased (while sometimes conflicted) because of the amount of respect for them as well as my desire to see all in our community treated with dignity, so no, I stopped thinking every police officer has Kojack-like insight (I now think we all have at least one opportunity to have Kojack-ish moments but sometimes may not chose to act on those opportunities). But the 1 thing I believe we all still need, is someone who will remind us we are loved. Love is an interesting thing. It isn’t always an overly romantic expression (although those are very, very much appreciated {especially on 2/14, birthdays and anniversaries}). Love is patient, kind, gentle and self-less (1 Cor. 13:4- 8). Love says I don’t merely want you (because suppose my wants change); I need you as you and I are linked with something stronger than steel reinforced with cement. How about you? Who loves you (baby)? The One who knew you before you knew yourself (Jer. 1:5). The One who knew you’d turn your back on your relationship and entered into it anyway (1 John 4:10). The One who forgives, heals and restores. This One can love you and make you see yourself in a different light and through a different, Divine lens. Do you want real love and to know the one who loves you? It isn’t difficult and all you have to do is ask the One to be your One. Blessings, Rev. Antoinette Women’s heart issues are very personal to me. I’m a survivor of a mini-stroke (one of the most frightening experiences of my life) and of open heart surgery so sharing with other women the importance of listening to the signals our bodies send to us is a message I often share. A question, from my heart to yours. . . how healthy is your heart? No, I’m not going to ask you your body mass index numbers (and please never ask me mine) nor will I ask if you’re exercising on a daily basis. My question is about your spiritual heart. Why is your spiritual heart important? Because it reflects our priorities (Proverbs 4:23 & Matthew 6:21). Whatever we truly believe (not merely what we say but what we show in our actions) is what has our heart. While there’s nothing wrong with being financially secure, finances cannot be our sole priority; when the stock market has an extended time with negative returns and our heart is wrapped up in finances, we may feel as though we’re on an emotional roller coaster. Other people cannot be our sole priority; anyone whose had a broken heart can testify, if you lose yourself in someone else, they may not always appreciate your love like the One who loves you with an everlasting love (Psalm 34:18 & Jeremiah 31:3). Our own loveliness, brilliance and beauty cannot be our priority because life has a way of happening and what once stood at attention in the north may decide to take a permanent vacation in our southern regions and I’ve yet to meet someone who after walking from downstairs upstairs (or from upstairs downward) who has never forgotten why they made the journey. How about you? How is your spiritual heart? If it is not being regulated by the One who created it, you may be cheating yourself of a relationship with a Wonderful Counselor. My suggestion? This February, enter a perfect loving relationship and allow THE heart to touch your heart. Blessings, Rev. Antoinette |
AuthorRev. Antoinette Gatewood-Sykes, Inspirational Speaker Archives
May 2019
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