Saturday, December 31, 2011

My 2012 Resolution

It's been too long since I've blogged. As the second half of 2011 swung into full gear, life seemed to get in the way. Between ministry assignments, business travels, holiday activities, and family functions, I found my attention being stretched in many different directions, and my blogging was placed on the back burner. But there is no way that I can allow the year to fade into a past memory without one more installment to bring 2011 to a proper close on the Blessed2Write Blog. So here I now sit, enjoying The Williams Brothers' new "Live At The Hard Rock-Part 1" DVD while I type this final entry for this year.

For me, 2011 seems to have passed at lightning speed, but not so fast that God didn't grant me the opportunity to celebrate some memorable personal and professional highs--my baby's graduation from high school, my firstborn's induction into her sorority of choice (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.), my parents' 50th wedding anniversary, the release of my 18th published work (Upon This Rock), the opportunity to take the message of my empowerment ministry (The I.S.L.A.N.D. Movement) to several cities across the United States, the fourth successful launching of my at-sea ministry (Cruisin' For Christ), the birthing of a national writers fellowship (M-PACT Writers) and a Facebook-inspired women's spiritual empowerment group (Gospel Girls Group), and the chance to finally meet, talk to, and take photos with a living legend that I have admired for more years that I can recall: Ms. Ruby Dee.

Of course, just like everyone else, my year came with its share of low points as well. I lost both friends and family members (some because God removed them from this earthly life and called them into eternity, and others because God allowed me to see behind the masks that they wore, and they were simply removed from my inner circle). How ever they were taken away, it caused some level of pain and sadness, but God has been faithful and has given me the strength to triumph. I truly love the LORD!

Annually, as a tradition, people all over the world take this time to make resolutions that often fail before they can even give it their best try. An acquaintance told me (for the fourth year in a row) that she is going to get back to her pre-motherhood weight. I heard a radio disc jockey say that he was going to stop smoking. He admitted that two earlier attempts were unsuccessful, but he's sure he can do it this time. When I hear of people making promises of what the New Year will bring, I always wish them well, but for myself, my only resolve is to please God. I know that if I do that, all the other godly things that I wish, hope, and pray for will come to pass (Matthew 6:33).

The year 2011 has been a trying one for me, but as I bid it farewell and prepare to embrace what God has earmarked for my 2012, I am also saying goodbye to the troubles that came along with it. I claim them all washed away! I am preparing for a fresh start; one that will bring about major changes in my professional life as well as my personal life, and I'm putting God in the forefront of all of it. As I continue to walk the path of my purpose, I have learned that change and transformation, as uncomfortable as they may be, are a part of the journey, and we must be prepared what whatever God presents. When we tell God to "make me and mold me," we'd better know what we're asking Him to do. It's not all going to be pleasant, but it's all working for our good.

Thank you, LORD, for allowing me to live to see the brink of a brand new year. Thank you for all that you gave me and all that you allowed to be taken away from me over the past twelve months, because I realize that you do everything for a reason . . . and whether I can see it in the natural or not, I know that it is all for your glory. Thank you for preparing me for the next phase of my life. Thank you for the spiritual SHIFT. I look forward to all the wonderful things that 2012 will bring to me and to your people all over the world. In Jesus' name. Amen.