Author: Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

I have been taking my mentee to church with me for a little while. I drop him off in student ministries and then go to the adult services.

Most of the time when I arrive to pick him up he is not ready to leave. I think it’s great that he is enjoying the group and time in his class that he isn’t ready to go. The other day I was kidding around with him. When he said he wasn’t ready, without skipping a beat, I said, “Okay, see ya next week.” He jumped up in a hurry. I laughed and we headed out.

When I ran into a friend after service a couple of weeks later on my way to pick him up, I didn’t think anything of it since he was never ready to go anyway. I would just get there a little later instead of being one of the first in line as usual. No big deal.

But when I arrived his posture was slumped and his head was down as he stood in the middle of the room. The worried look on his face spoke volumes. “What’s wrong.” I inquired. With a very sad, low voice he said, “I didn’t think you were coming back for me.”

A hug ensued and as I embraced him, I ensured him I would never, ever, ever, leave him and not come back to pick him up. He doesn’t have to worry about that.

This made me think about our relationship with God our Father. He will never, ever leave us. I don’t know it if was the encounter a couple of weeks before this where I jokingly said I would see him next week or if it brought back bad memories of someone leaving him. But I do know this, no matter how many people have abandoned us, left us with a broken heart, or misused our trust, God is never going to do that to us. He will never forsake us or leave us alone. We may not always realize it or be seeking Him in a given situation, but He is always pursuing us and watching out for us. We can always trust in Him without fear. He is a good, good Father who loves us deeply. Always.

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” I Chronicles 28:20

Mom was a nurturer and care giver by nature. A beautiful lady inside and out. She tirelessly raised five children in a tiny house with patience and love. But that’s what true moms do. God designed moms to be tough and able to endure not only childbirth itself but long, exhausting nights with sick kids who are then miraculously able to go like a superheros the next day taking care of everyone’s needs, except her own, most of the time.

In a very short time, a few years ago our family suffered great loss with two siblings and both our parents passing on from this earth to be at home with their Heavenly Father. Today would have been my oldest brother’s birthday. Being born on Mother’s Day was, in mom’s mind, probably one of the most precious Mother’s Day gifts she ever received. She loved her children dearly and it showed.

Mom didn’t talk about her young life or her former marriage to much extent, but on occasion she would disclose how our brother got his name. The ink dried on the birth certificate as “Robert Lewis” without Mom’s blessing or consent. So, from day one, she called him “Butch”. I can’t say I ever heard her call him Robert Lewis. Not even when she was mad at him. For her, Butch was his name and it stuck. At least for family members.

A mom carries her child for nine months – that alone should give her naming rights or at least a say in the matter. So, I guess this was her way of getting around the fact that she was denied that privilege.  

I remember having a substitute teacher in elementary school that had Butch in school and asked me about my brother “Robert”. I had no clue who she was talking about until it had to be explained to me.

He never called me by my given name. He always called me “Squirt”. Unless it was the time I sneaked behind the wheel of his prized car or one of the many times I woke him up from hibernation. I didn’t mind the nickname. It gave us a special bond I suppose.

With the loss of so many in a short time, our family is hit hard when it comes to holidays. But our fond memories and our Heavenly Father keeps us going. I read a scripture in the book of Isaiah recently that not only gave me a new perspective but a new sense of peace.

Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care of wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come.  Isaiah 57:1

My NLT study bible explains that God is protecting them: at times God allows the godly to die in order to protect them from harsher times to come.

 We all know the ones left behind are the ones who suffer most when loved ones pass on. We sometimes have difficulty understanding why good people are taken too soon. For us, no matter when it is, it is always too soon. Passages like this help us find peace here on earth until we can join them in Heaven for eternity. Happy Birthday Butch! Happy Mother’s Day Mom!

I was walking the dog the other day and saw something in the distance. I couldn’t quite make it out but since I try to avoid unnecessary encounters with other dogs in the neighborhood I was trying to see if it was a dog. It was the right size but there was no leash or owner- which brought more concern if it was an animal. It didn’t move so I eased close enough to see that it was a fire hydrant. That ensued a chuckle as we stayed our course.

One evening recently, I met some friends for dinner and as I approached the front door there was a goose- he stood so still I wasn’t completely sure if he was real. But as I got closer, he let his wild side show with a little hiss for each customer that approached. He was like the Walmart greeter only not as friendly.

On my run a few days later I noticed something in the distance walking down the sidewalk on the side street – a duck. I confirmed as I ran past, and it flew to the next street over and landed in the middle of the road.

As I rounded the corner coming back from the big loop around the hood, I again saw something on the sidewalk close to the street where the duck had been. I tried to see if it was indeed the duck or another animal and as I neared it the image became clearer- once again fooled by a fire hydrant.

Now I know my vision isn’t what it used to be, and I have had several issues with that of recent, but one would think I could tell an inanimate object form a live animal. I had to get close enough to know if it was friend or foe, alive or not.

All these things began to come together in my mind. This is how I used to see God. From a distance. If we see God as only an ominous figure above the clouds and never get close enough to experience Him as a friend- we are missing out on a beautiful relationship. The most important relationship of our lives.

He not only helps us make the best choices for ourselves, but we can stand on His promises for a better life ahead. But we won’t know what those promises are or how to make the best choices if we aren’t close enough to Him to ask. He wants us to have a Father/child relationship and that requires us to be close enough to Him to not be afraid to ask what He wants for us and actively listen to His responses.

Maybe the better question is: Are you alive…in Christ? Do you have a close relationship with God or are you keeping your distance and can’t quite make out who He is? He wants you to come take a closer look. Get to know Him as the Father that He is.

So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11

Have you ever looked at an old piece of furniture that has lost its zest and wonder how you can give it new life? You rack your brain to come up with an idea you can use it for now that you aren’t using it for it’s original purpose.

You turn to Pinterest and wa’lah, just like that you see hundreds if not thousands of other uses you can do with it. You begin to see it from the perspective of others and you now see their vision for the outdated piece of furniture that has been sitting in your dark attic for several years.

With a little creativity, a new coat of paint, a tweak or two here and there, maybe even a new design or etching that brings it back to life with a new meaning.

I believe that is how God sees us. We have been sitting in the dark corners of His house long enough. He sees a vision in us we can’t see in ourselves. Like an old bed spindle can become a dragonfly with a few coats of paint and a couple of alterations, God can shape us, change our hearts and give our lives new meaning and purpose as a Christ follower.

He has a thousand new uses for us that come to light through the gifts He gives us. He wants to give us new meaning for our lives. He delights in giving gifts to His little children. He doesn’t see the old, worn out, broken piece of furniture. He sees the new life within and all the possibilities only He can bring to light.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17

He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5

Well, my spring planting is done. The seeds may not be where I would have planted them, but I am pretty sure they are planted somewhere in my backyard by the chipmunk stealing sunflower seeds from the bird feeder at my front window.

The little fellow filled his cheeks to the max and scurried to the back of the house to hide his treasure. He made several trips in the same fashion and managed to empty the feeder of most of its contents in record timing.

It was a funny sight to watch as he hung from the tree limb and made a nose dive into the feeder head first filling his cheeks with seeds like he was saving for a famine. I am not sure exactly where he buried them, and I am certain he won’t remember where all of them are either when he decides to eat them.

I read an article recently that said squirrels (I am sure chipmunks fall into that category), only find about 10% of what they hide. So, if that is the case, I should have plenty of sunflowers in the back yard soon.

The article went on to give quite an interesting perspective on this process that made me smile. The little furry animals may be sowing nuts/seedlings that will eventually become a tree that will provide shelter for many other animals. It could produce more nuts that will feed and sustain others in their community not to mention benefit humans as well with shade, beauty and food or all kinds of resources that trees provide.

Looking at it this way makes me realize the seeds we sow now can help/benefit future generations in many ways. We may not reap the benefits in our lifetime or see the results of what we plant but you can rest assured that it will carry down through family generations and either benefit or hinder our grand-children and great-grand-children and so forth.

On some occasions we see the fruit of our labors and the benefits of sowing seeds in love and grace and how that can affect us, our family and others. But even if we don’t, we need to plant the right seeds like we will. Our prayers are seeds planted for the next generation.

Kindness, love, compassion, generosity, grace and humility are all great seeds worth planting again and again. It not only blesses us but will bless others too.

God sees the beauty in us like we see beauty in nature- in trees and flowers and butterflies, through the lens of love. He sees the heart and potential of every person.

What kind of seeds are you planting for yourself and the generations to come?

You will always harvest what you plant. Galatians 6:7

Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged, together with its 1993 Addenda Section, includes some 470,000 entries. 

Words roll off the tongue with great ease never pausing to realize their ramifications until it is too late. Regret sets in for some of us; others not so much. Words can pierce the heart like an arrow that cuts deep into our soul or create a smile on a sad face. They can sting like a bee or soothe like honey.

Words were designed to bring comfort and hope. They come to life on the page and paint a vivid picture in our minds. They take us to the forest to climb a tree or to the stream to catch a fish on a summer day.

The right words, spoken with the right intention, are like a powerful weapon. Words can shape who we think we are. Great care should be taken with words as they can caress or distress. Words are a gift, if used properly they can create a new perspective and change a life.

Words take us on a journey without moving from our comfy chair. They can bring color to our lives. They shoot off the fingertips onto the page like darts attempting to hit the mark. They can be eloquent, blunt, kind or harsh. They can wash over us, drown us in sorrow or lift us up.

I want my words to paint a picture of what Christ did for me on the cross and how beautiful the journey to freedom has been. A victory shared with others is a glorious gift. My words are meant to shine a light on the truth of God’s love and the knowledge that can help others act against a dark world. To live for Christ is freedom and a victory won that leads others to the kingdom of His glory.

Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. Proverbs 18:20

The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. Proverbs 10:11

…the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so, blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? James 3:5-6; 9-11

As I was running early one morning, I noticed my neighbor’s cat perched at the upstairs window staring outside. That is not an unusual sight but this particular morning I saw it a bit differently.

I remembered that the only time I have seen this cat outside is from the cat stroller he is being pushed in. A pretty funny sight if you ask me. This might be okay for a cat but that is not what God intended for His children.

2 Timothy 1:7 says “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.”

Are you watching the world go by too afraid to live or are you experiencing life and the adventure God sets before us?

Pray and ask God to show you any areas where you could live more freely without fear of failure or of taking a risk for Him.

I am not talking about endangering your life or driving crazy on a curvy road thinking God has to protect you. But I am talking about listening to what He is asking you to do and then obeying Him in complete trust. These types of risks will lead to many adventures and joy.

I rarely see anyone else running in the morning at the time I am out. However, a couple of days ago as I rounded the corner of my block, I saw someone rounding the next block in front of me.

My first thought was that I am just enough behind them that he will probably never know I am here. But just as I made my way to the stretch of street in front of my house, I realized I was gaining on him.

After a long winter and a couple of illnesses that slowed me down- I was having a particularly good pace that morning. But catching up to and passing another runner- AWKWARD! I didn’t slow down but thankfully as I closed the gap between us, he made a left turn where I normally make a right…awkwardness avoided!

But then I started to think about how the enemy works. He is just far enough away as to not be noticed. He is lurking in the shadows (not that I was lurking or anything). He is watching and waiting for us to stumble. Then he swoops in when we are most vulnerable to take advantage of us while we are down.

He wants to keep us from getting back up. That’s why it’s so important to keep God close. Pray continually, read His word so that we will recognize the dangers and traps of the enemy more quickly and we can make a turn towards God and avoid the snares and awkwardness all together or at least get up faster. (Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. I Peter 8:8)

God’s armor provides protection from the enemy when we don’t even know the dangers are close. He is always watching out for us. (I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. Psalms 16:8)

I have had a question on my mind for several days. If you don’t mind me asking: How many times do you thank God daily? I think we need to be thanking Him so many times there is no way to keep count. (Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ. I Thessalonians 5:17-18)

We can thank Him for protection against the enemy, for our shelter, food, transportation, job, (things we normally might take for granted). We can thank Him for helping us through a tough meeting, for getting us safely to work or home, for waking up. Everything we have is a gift from Him. From the very breath you are breathing right now to the money in your bank account. He always provides.

Everything is His, was created by Him and should be appreciated in such a way that honors Him. It is my hope to be a good steward of everything He so generously gives me. He is everywhere and created everything. (Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17)

Recently, I was in a conversation with my mentee where this subject came up after he asked me, “What if God is too busy?” I explained the best I could to a ten-year-old that God is never too busy. He is always with us everywhere.

Let’s flip that around- are you too busy for God? Are you taking time to stop and say thank you, even when we don’t feel like it or when things aren’t going your way? It might take a little practice at first but once it becomes a routine it will improve your outlook immensely. Give it a try and see what happens.

Hopefully Spring is not far behind. I think everyone is ready for that after what seems like a long winter. Along with the arrival of Spring- I am finally able to launch my new site and blog after what seemed like a long, challenging, sometimes daunting task.

I am very excited to introduce you to Faith Walk Ministries. A non-profit dedicated to supporting women who have been in an abusive relationship. It is finally official (at least the red tape portion is complete).

I am as amazed as anyone else at what God has been up to. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to help others find their freedom in Christ. I hope my journey, story and God-inspired messages will be an encouragement to others on their own faith-walk to freedom.

Go ahead and poke around on my site if you like to learn more about the mission of the ministry and maybe even find a few other nuggets. I plan to resume my regular weekly post and appreciate each and every one of you for being a follower and friend.