What's Up in Sherrice's World?

Today, I’ve had the pleasure (well, not exactly) of watching 180. It’s been described as an award winning, shocking documentary. Of course, that’s a matter of opinion. Ray Comfort is an evangelical Christian who interviews average people on the street to spark conversation about Christianity. You may have seen Ray on Way of the Master with Kirk Cameron. I’m not a fan of this show because I disagree with fear-ridden evangelism tactics. Why? Here’s what I’ve seen at church. Most people who become Christians out of fear tend to live extremely legalistic lives and never experience the true love of God. There are others who live a fearful life and rarely seek experiences outside of the evangelical church. In other words, they don’t have a free thought. They’re afraid to experience the joys of life in fear that they might backslide and go to Hell. What a sad way to live life! The Bible says, “Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” Another passage reads, “For whom the son is set free is free indeed.” God doesn’t want us to serve him because we fear Hell. He wants us to serve him because we love him. And in return, he sets us free from the bondage of our sinful nature. Never does he tell us not to experience life. That’s an entirely different subject, so let’s get back to discussing 180.

Even though I don’t see eye to eye with Mr. Comfort, I admire his dedication to the cause.  In the 180 documentary, Ray Comfort parallels the Holocaust to abortion to convince people to adopt a pro-life perspective. Since this is a topic in an upcoming novel I’m writing, I decided to blog about it. As an advocate for the rights of women AND children, I’m not a fan of abortion. Making people feel like total scum bags for the bad decisions they make only adds more guilt and shame to an already jacked up situation Instead, I believe in equipping people with unbiased information and putting the decision in their hands is a more effective tactic. I find it useless to pump people full of a belief system they may not share or even understand. Here’s my proposal. No matter what you believe about the Holocaust or abortion, I encourage you to check out this documentary. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Over the past year, I’ve reflected on the great honor of raising two more African-American boys to be great men. Having my first child at nineteen was an experience I’ll never forget. With the same enthusiastic spirit, I’m charging forward with my husband to embark on this endeavor with the twins. Thus far, it has also been an experience I’ll never forget. So, what will I do differently this time? Sit down, my friend because you’re in for a great surprise.

I raised Brian to love the Lord and work hard. My constant message was put your trust in the Lord and all things are possible. This blind faith helped us both through trying times when cash was low. Even though I worked, we often struggled in the beginning. When I earned a Master of Business Administration, we were blessed with a variety of opportunities to improve our financial situation. Brian loves to tell the story about being “hood rich” when he was in seventh grade because that’s when I took a job that changed our lives. We were even able to be a blessing to our family members and friends. Then I met Fred and we married, making life even better.

Lately, I’ve been working hard to free my mind from the legalistic lifestyle I adopted over the years. No longer bound to a schedule of events, I’m taking the time to learn about my ancestors. You see, as a believer, I was taught to focus on Christ and not the world. No one told me that the world would still go on whether I was focused on him or not. I was one of those “nice Negros” who believed discrimination didn’t exist and it was all in the imagination of those who claimed to have experienced it. In my mind, slave days were over, so White Americans were beginning to accept us like never before. I had a rude awakening when I watched my dark-skinned son and his friends being followed by police officers when we went to a local mall. The young men were being orderly and actually had the cash flow to shop in any store they liked, but they were still considered potential shoplifters. Since my complexion is lighter than his, they didn’t connect me to him and assumed he was roaming the mall without parental supervision. You know I intervened quickly. He’s also been pulled over for infractions that weren’t legitimate on a number of occassions. I guess it’s hard to believe that a dark-skinned young man blasting music might actually OWN the car he’s driving free and clear. These are just a few examples of the battles we fought. I’m sure you have stories of your own to share, as well.

As a result of these experiences, the nature of my writing has changed. In fact, my entire life has taken a turn for the better. Especially when I was smacked in the face by the realization that I gave birth to two more dark-skinned young men. I refuse to stand back while the world plan’s their demise by the time they reach third grade. The prisons are full of African-American young men to give the state or private owners a source of free labor. The workplace is full of complacent brown men who rarely get past middle management for whatever reason. The streets are full of mentally ill, addicted, and drug-selling young men who would have turned out entirely different had they been told the truth about who they really are. Now, I dedicate my time to educating those around me about the truth. Just as I’m passionate about the Lord, I’m now just as passionate about us knowing who we are, where we come from, and how we can make a strong contribution to the world. I encourage you to stay tuned for more.

It is with great pleasure that I introduce my friend, fellow author, and guest blogger, Dasaya Cates, a fresh voice in the world of contemporary fiction. She primarily writes dramatic fiction and suspense; however Dasaya has a flair for sharp humor, as evidenced by her first novel, The Shark Pool. She is engaged in marketing herwork to a variety of audiences and is herself an avid reader. Dasaya is also a blogger and freelance writer. In addition, she frequently takes on technical writing projects, since she has more than ten years of experience in this area. Dasaya works as an instructional designer for a large company, so she is always writing. She is an Ohio native and alumna of The Ohio State University.  In her spare time, you can find Dasaya cooking and baking, travelling, and working out. She is a member of the She Writes community online. You can find her tweeting @dc8s and on Facebook. To learn more about Dasaya, visit www.dasayacates.com.

 ”How many half truths did I bear witness to/’Til the proof was disproved in the end”? – “Holy”, Nichole Nordeman

 One of the most critical parts of a Christian’s life is prayer. Yet it’s amazing how many don’t pray, and that goes for pastors too–surveys have proven that they are so busy mentoring, teaching, and otherwise leading their congregations, they have seldom time for prayer. My thoughts today aren’t on making time for prayer, though it’s an important foundation, but on our Christian beliefs on how God chooses to answer prayer.

 Christians are very good at creating these “truths” and packaging them into wonderful little clichés until they’re “disproved in the end.” We have them for just about everything, you know. And of course, we have one for prayer! We all struggle with unanswered prayer, there’s no doubt about it. I’m sure it’s been said to you once or twice, “God answers prayer three ways: ‘Yes,’ ‘Not now,’ or ‘No’.”

 I cringe.

 Did you envision the face I made? I make that face for a few reasons. First, I am a Christian and I used to believe that. Secondly, I think about all the new Christians who are exposed to this bad theology. And finally, I cringe because there are so many of us who lack understanding, myself included, but the great thing is we can ask for wisdom … and get some. I submit that this is definitely not the way God answers prayer. How dare we ascribe such simplicity to the Mighty One who formed the Earth, considering the topography of this land, its water, and who thought to make the air different in Chile and in California? Come on, now. But if I had to compare apples to apples on this neatly wrapped Christian cliché, I’d say God says, “Yes” or “Wait.” Often we think “wait” means unanswered, but God tells us that while we are even speaking, he hears and answers (Isaiah 65:24).

 I think what we interpret as “No” is really God’s “Wait” or his yellow light. The God who is just waiting to show us compassion (Isaiah 30:18) wants to change our hearts. The prayer that we pray changes. The thing we ask for but don’t need changes. Our perspective and vision morphs into what God wants for us so that we become in line with Him and then … green light. The Yes we’ve waited for is loud and clear. What I’m saying friends, is that isn’t a “No” but God’s silence, invoking us to seek and pray more.

 And now to appeal to the bullet point lovers (like myself) let me sum this up:

 A “no” answer doesn’t eliminate our freedom. God made us this way. He wants us to love Him with our whole hearts and chooses to limit Himself in His authority (I love this!) in that He will not force us to do His will. Instead, He creates a desire. But if you’re dead set on quitting your job and moving to San Francisco when it’s not in God’s plans, you’re free to go on and do it. God knows our hearts, so why would He give us a futile “no” if our flesh has already decided to proceed? I doubt God would waste such time. That certainly doesn’t mean He can’t turn it around for our good if He chooses to.

 “No” doesn’t necessarily change our hearts. An offshoot of the above. I love sweets. When I was younger and candy was five, ten or twenty-five cents, a dollar could get you a whole big, bulging bag of treats like Now and Laters, Boston Baked Beans and Lemon Heads so sour they’d make you pucker. If my mother had let me eat the whole bag, I probably would have tried. As such, she had to assume authority over said bag. Just because she said no didn’t keep me from looking at that bag and longing for a Jolly Rancher. Same with us. The thoughts we keep turning over and over grow stronger and rarely would a “no” stop us in our tracks.

 God’s silence (the “wait”) leads to DIY which leads to desperation. At times, we end up right where God wants us. We get so uncomfortable the only way to turn is to Him where we can get real answers. Usually, I’ve found, this is a result of a DIY. One of my favorite shows is Renovation Realities where people attempt to remodel their homes with no experience. Usually, they screw it up pretty bad and have to call help at some point. That’s what we do. We think we get a green light because that flesh is driving us and we have to end up calling help: the Father. We’re desperate. Funny how only then we can hear and see clearly. Our heart changed.

 There are a lot of things us Christians believe, some of which can completely derail us in our walk. We have to get the whole truth and nothing but the truth, and that can only come from careful study of God’s Word followed by prayers for discernment. This is a great plug for my pastor’s upcoming series here–a new series entitled “Myths Christians Believe” is starting April 30 and if you’re in greater Columbus, we’d love to see you. Details at vineyardcolumbus.org. Keep disproving “truth”!

Check out The Balance Finder trailer – The Balance Finder. Enjoy!

I’m grateful for so many things! Check out my guest spot on Australian chick lit author AnitaHeiss’ blog! http://anitaheissblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/sherrice-thomas-is-grateful-in-black.html. While you’re there be sure to check out the other posts!

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This week, I’ve heard such great news from my friends. New jobs, interviews on national radio shows, publishing contracts, love connections, friend reconciliations, recording contracts, scholarships, and a plethora of other great things. Most of the people who shared this good news had just came through a major storm in their life. Praying without ceasing, dedication, and perserverance are just a few of the elements that contributed to my friends overcoming the storms in their lives. As I reflect on each situation individually, I am so overjoyed. My soul is overflowing with love and excitement for my friends. I’m seeking the Lord for their continued strength and succcess so that the continue to blossom and strive for the best. I encourage each of you to celebrate the successes of your friends and family. Support them as they achieve their dreams and walk in their calling. Since you reap what you sow, God will open up doors for you, just because of your faithfulness. So, don’t hate! Celebrate! And watch what the Lord does for you.

This morning, I woke up wondering about the state of the world. There’s so much unrest and maltreatment that I’m not sure what will happen next. There are people in Egypt fighting for basic civil liberties that I take for granted each day. So, I decided to examine each complaint I’ve had over the past year in relation to the suffering that people around the world experience. Taking it up a notch, I compared that suffering to the cross and of course, nothing compared. Jesus took on a bitter cup for each and every one of us. Some call it the ultimate sacrifice, while others refer to it as no greater love. No matter what moniker one puts on this life-changing event, nothing compares. So, as I prepare to go to bed, my plan is to wake up tomorrow on a different note. Instead of thinking about civil unrest and worldly drama, I will reflect on the cross. Selah!

On a cold, snowy Christmas day in 2009, my nephew created a song that changed my perspective on life. While playing his acoustic guitar, he picked a fast paced groove and then belted out one simple word – Chapstick. He went on to sing about the benefits of Chapstick and how great it felt on his lips.

As you can imagine, many of our family members found this song to be hilarious and entertaining. From one creative spirit to another, I encouraged him to continue developing this song. I admired his simplistic approach of singing about what he liked and his experience with it. His silly song had potential to be the next jingle for a Chapstick commercial. What a God-given talent with the potential of earning proceeds to advance the work of God’s kingdom.

In my book, The Balance Finder, I provide some simple tips to align with the Lord’s plan for life which leads to inner peace and fulfillment. Like my nephew, I enjoy expressing what the Lord has placed on my heart. This process gives me the opportunity to pour out to others so that I can continue to grow.

What God-given talents has the Lord given you? I encourage you to use them and I promise you’ll grow. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. In fact, simple is always better, just like the beauty found in a tube of good ole Chapstick.

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The fourth quarter of the year has been full of change for me and my family. The amazing thing is that it’s not over yet. Even still, we’ve been navigating through so much change. Some good changes, some bad changes, some happy changes, and some sad changes. One thing is for sure. We were given the gift of change and have responded in a number of different ways. What I want to share with you are the various lessons I’ve learned along the way. I also encourage you to share your perspective on change, as well.

1. Change is the only thing that’s guaranteed in this life.
2. Your response to change will determine the outcome.
3. Even when change is not comfortable, it can still be good.
4. Friends may no longer like you when you change. Love them anyway.
5. Change will take you out of your comfort zone and cause you to make some really hard decisions.
6. Once you overcome the adversities associated with change, you WILL be a better person.
7. Your family may not agree with the changes you make. Love them anyway.
8. People who get in your way aren’t haters, they are part of the change game to help you get better at navigating through change. Love them even more.

I’ve only listed eight of the things that stood out to me during this change process, however, I learned so much more. As you go through change, I challenge you to open your eyes to a whole new world. You just might like what you see.

As we drove to Sunday Service today, a feeling of freedom totally overtook me. This may seem menial to some, however, for me, it’s a great place to be. You see, I’ve been on a quest for many years to discover who the Lord created me to be. I’ve dealt with rejection, which led to living a life of pleasing others. I even tried to please the Lord for the wrong reasons. My friends, that’s a painful place to be. Wearing a continual mask deforms your real face.

No longer living this facade has opened many doors of opportunity for me. So, when I felt a complete breaking in that area, I just had to tell the cyber world. You’re free to be you, in the will of God. Don’t compromise who you are for no one.

Much love!

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