The Tide

"THE TIDE"

The tide recedes, but leaves behind
bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth
still lingers on the land.
The music stops, yet echoes on
in sweet, soulful refrains.
For every joy that passes,
something beautiful remains."

Author: Unknown

We lovingly remember Mr. Grover Aaron Henson, and asked for your continued prayers for the immediate and extended family.

I love the movie "Stranger Than Fiction".  If you haven't seen it, you should.  I was watching the DVD again last night and noticed something I never noticed before.  The movie is about an IRS auditor (Will Ferrell) who suddenly finds himself the subject of narration only he can hear: narration that begins to affect his entire life, from his work, to his love-interest, to his death(Summer Movie Guide).  In one scene the main character, Harold Crick is having a discussion with Professor Jules Hilbert, played by Dustin Hoffman.  Professor Hilbert is explaining that if Harold is in a tragedy, he will ultimately die.  He says, " The hero always dies, and the story lives on."  It was almost prophetic!  Yes, it's tragic, but the hero dies so that we can live.

Yes, maybe your hero died.  But you still live!  You get the chance to do what they never did.  You can go to places they only dreamed of.  You can become a lawyer, doctor, entrepreneur!  Maybe it was a family hero like Grover Aaron Henson.  A father, husband, brother, friend, who was once recognized as one of the top engineers in the United States by Black Enterprise Magazine.  Maybe it was your mother or father, who sacrificed so you could attend college.  Maybe it was a babysitter or a neighbor who had enough time for you. Maybe it was your grandmother or grandfather that always thought of you and let you know it.  Maybe it was a great man like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, who gave his life so that people of all races can stand tall and live life to the fullest.  Maybe it was Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who gave his life so you could live eternally.

Whoever your hero was or is, they gave, sacrificed, and died so you can live!  Don't waste your time or your life!  As the Army used to say, "BE ALL YOU CAN BE!"

Tearfully, Cynthia

Passing God

Happy Sunday!

We are enjoying a beautiful sunny day!  Hope you are too!

We had a wonderful worship service today, but I’d like to share a little excerpt from Bishop’s Bible Study on Wednesday evening.

Bishop mentioned the new hit television show, “Undercover Boss”. If you haven’t seen it, you should Google it.  During each episode the CEO or COO of a major corporation goes undercover within their own business.  They learn what their employees deal with on a daily basis. They see their business from a different vantage point.  They meet excellent employees and a few have been surprised to meet employees and managers that don’t represent the company very well.

JESUS was the greatest undercover boss!  Philippians 2:5 says…

He was GOD in the flesh.  But he didn’t come to make a name for himself.  He didn’t require a huge entourage.  He had twelve random guys from the hood.  He didn’t have the latest SUV to travel in, he walked.  On one occasion he did borrow a colt to ride on.  He didn’t even introduce himself to the masses.  John the Baptist had to call him out of the crowd.  He was humble enough to wash the feet of his disciples.  He was the undercover boss.  And he still is!  What will he find when he comes to your workplace, your home, your church?  Will he find you working during work hours?  Will he find you coming back late from lunch?  Will he find you treating others kindly? What will he find you doing?

Bishop said, “We often pass by GOD on our way to GOD”.  We can get so busy we don’t even notice the people around us.  Jesus once told a story about helping others.  They disciples asked, when did we see you hungry, naked, in prison…Jesus answered when you do it to the least of these you have done it to me.

Have a wonderful week! Love Cynthia

Show Me Your Scars

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

We celebrated Resurrection Sunday at the Dodge Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona.  It was an awesome and encouraging worship experience!  I’m sure if you attended a worship service today in your area, it was just as exciting!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, “Show Me Your Scars”.  He used John 20:24-27.  In a nutshell, Jesus arose.  All of the disciples except Thomas had seen him and believed that the resurrection really occurred.  Thomas however proclaimed that he would not believe it unless he had proof.  Thomas must have been from Missouri, the “Show Me State”. LOL.  He’d witnessed the crucifixion; he’d seen how Jesus was brutally beaten and pierced.  He saw the nails that were driven in his hands and feet.  He knew that without Divine Intervention it was impossible for Jesus to be alive.  He would have to see Jesus alive for himself.  When they came together again, Jesus appeared.  Jesus knew exactly what it would take to convince Thomas.  Jesus didn’t criticize Thomas for asking, “Why?”   And he won’t criticize you for asking, “Why?”

What does this have to do with you and me?  Well, so many times we cover our scars.  We have been delivered from addiction, poverty, depression, loneliness, and despair.  But we cover it up.  We don’t share our testimony with others.  Jesus didn’t save us just to look pretty at church on Easter.  He saved us because there are other people experiencing the same hardships that we’ve been delivered from.  There are other married couples struggling through issues that you and your spouse have mastered.  There are single mothers who struggled to pay the rent and bills and still get little Johnny and Susie an Easter Basket.  There are professionals that are climbing the same ladder you already climbed, and banging their head against that glass ceiling.  They could use a word from you.  There are college students that could use some encouragement.  You can tell them that it does get better and they will graduate.  There are senior citizens who would love to hear from you.  Jesus needs you to show those scars.  He’ll put the right people in your path.  You just have to be willing to uncover those scars.  You have to show others that Jesus is real!  He has blessed you and he can bless them.

Love and prayers for a beautiful week.  Cynthia