On The Elevator - Remind Me of Chance

I got on the elevator at work about an hour ago and bumped into this guy that I see from time to time. He said Happy New Year Brotha? I said same to you. He then asked, "Did you do anything interesting?" Before I could even think about it I said brother I made it. He stared at me with hesitation and said, "That is really interesting" (looking really strange and hesitant). I further explained to him that I am so glad to be here (in 08) that I am somewhat beside myself.

As I was exiting the elevator he continued to stare and looked as if he was just hit with a reality that we all need every now and then! All the whistles are put away. The confetti is cleaned up and flushed. Some of you partied like rock star, while other's thanked God and shouted the welcoming of the New Year in.

My question is, have we forgotten about how wonderful it is to see this brand new year only a few weeks in to it? Top stories such as B Obama win in Iowa, New Hampshire Caucus, Redskins, etc… can really cause us to forget just like that.

I have a folks in my family who did not make it to see 2008 (my grandmother aka my mom- RIP); those who have deformities (my maternal mother); those with drug and alcohol addictions and the likes; each time I reflect on these lives whom I love very much I'm reminded that I am free from all of these issues of death, sickness, and dis-ease. The next thing that happens after my moments of reflection is the Spirit of Praise overwhelms me, not in a shout you'll but in action!

I know this may seem taboo to some and I hear your questions already such as, how can one get excited when their own mother has a born deformity plus their Big Momma dead you'll? My question is, why not get excited and rejoice and again I say rejoice! My mother tells me often, "I am glad you were not born with this disorder," My grandmother would say to me Darrin preach His words! And this is why I go to the nations, number one I can and number two I am thankful.

So we as Christians do not behave as the Mormon, Jehovah Witness, or the Catholic and give because we attempt to earn salvation or points with God; instead we give because we have salvation!

In 08 I dare you to still be saying in March Happy New Year! Say it to someone in June -Happy New Year! You will be threatening yourself to be institutionalized because that fact of the matter is, just as sure as children rejoiced over their gifts for Christmas, by time school returns the excitement wears off.

Don't forget there is nothing better than to have chance. 2008- If you are reading this, you are included in the many names that have that forever fleeing time called second, third, and God only knows how many chances we have…

Clarity Disclaimer --in case you don't know:

Jehovah Witnesses: I care about their souls seriously. My dad is an Elder of the Watch Tower Society and has been for over 25 years. He is individually responsible for planting many, many Kingdom Halls throughout Central America and Asia.

Mormons: My son plays basketball for one of the Maryland Mormon groups each summer and these folks over there are really nice people with really big hearts for youth. I enjoy these people each time we hang out.

Catholics: I attended Catholics schools for all of my first schooling years, plus my Undergraduate Degree is from a private Catholic University with monks and all. Catholics provide most of our hospitals, schools, and humanitarian aid throughout the world and as for Christians, no other organization on the books gives more services then the Catholic denomination.

My point is narrow and I think you understand.

Love/darrin carter

Meditation of Heart

I visited one church a few months ago and to my amazement the Pastor appeared not to have experience in leading an unbeliever to the Lord. I was thinking to myself here is a sister that wants Jesus but no one capable of leading her to Him? The call to salvation was made and she began to walk to the front of the sanctuary, I immediately stood to my feet and walked to the back of the Church - face to the wall where I cried with joy and thanksgiving (without causing confusion in this conservative gathering.)

As I stood there with my back to everyone I was waiting for the famous "sinners prayer" to begin. I only heard things like, "oh this is so wonderful", "come on you'll give God a praise," and the repetition of like phrasings. Then out of nowhere the organ player started to make the organ scream, the bass player joined in, and then the ever loud drums began to clang in my ear. People were dancing and shouting and that was it.

After the church service concluded I was thinking ok, now a team will come and get this person and take her to the back office space for refreshments, and provide her with a real explanation of salvation, plus pray with her. NOT!

This lady was still in tears. I am thinking, how can the service end like this - this lady have not given her life yet to the Lord. Just when I thought the service was done everyone was asked in the spirit of giving to prepare an offering. The Pastor asked everyone to follow the ushers as they would provide direction for a speedy process. We began to walk around towards the front of the sanctuary to give in the offering. As I approach where she was standing, I was listening intently for the Lord to give me something to say. After the offering was collected, I thought to myself how I will connect with her? At once the Pastor started with the benediction and prayer for the offering.

Immediately after the closing prayer this lady and I eyes met. I wanted to say something to her so bad but I did not receive a green light, I felt empty yet anxious. Then the Pastor announced for all the visitors to lift their right hand. I and a few others raised our hands including her. The Pastor welcomed us to come again and then dismissed the congregation saying hug and love somebody before you leave. I leaped in my heart saying YES this is my chance to connect with her.

I hugged several people touching each one with love, but trying desperately to reach her not sure of what I would even do once we connected. Then, there she stood in front of me; I wanted to wiz her off of her feet and welcome her as a sister that I have missed all of my life. Yeah that would have freaked her out right – not to mention the conservatism that I notice in this church. But when I stood in her presence, I looked in her eyes and Jesus was staring at me. Still tears were in the wells of her eyes and I began to smile and cry saying welcome to my family and may God keep you all of your days. We hugged and I left out very excited but still somewhat confused.

I walked briskly; crossing the parking lot weaving in and out of parked cars trying to reach my car to talk with God about this experience. I unlocked the door, sat down, turned the ignition, and for a while rested there thinking. I said in my heart to the Lord - what was that Daddy? The Lord replied to me, do you recall the thief on the cross? I said yes Papa. He said, do you recall what I told him? I said yes Papa. He said the same with this one and millions of others. I see the sinner heart without the restating of a "sinner prayer." The Spirit of God continued to deal with me saying often times the "sinner prayer," misses the point and is long and repetitive, plagued by decorative words, and results in a meaningless ritual.

I love God so much today and I hope you know how much He loves you.

Luke 23:42-44 ESV
42And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 43And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

1 Peter 3:1-3 NKJ 1 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—

Darrin Carter