notes from lisa...

I've been asked so many times, by so many people about my political views and my political leanings as a Christian, as an African-American woman, and as one who (most certainly!) is not a one-percenter. LOL (Nope, I'm far from rich (materially-speaking); however, my taste is an altogether different story...sighhhh. I digress. Today, I found myself filled with thought, and melancholy as I considered the current state of affairs in the United States. I have heard so many say there is nothing to fear--and for me, as a Christian, there isn't. I know that God reigns . But, I certainly understand (and empathize with people who have) the fears and concerns of minorities like me, immigrants, and young people who have taken to protesting in the streets. And, if I read the Gospels correctly, and believe that Jesus meant exactly what He said, that leaves me in a conundrum as I consider how I could possibly vote with only what's best for "ME" in mind, or solely on one

Once Upon a Time , early in the earth's days, the world was extremely wicked. "And it repented the LORD that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart". [Genesis 6:6, KJV]. But there was one man who found grace in God's eye, Noah; and Noah was one who walked with God. So, God saved Noah and his family and each species of animal that God created, by having Noah build an ark to protect them all. Noah was obedient to God's charge, in spite of the probable laughter and mockery of those around him--and, in spite of the fact, that it had possibly never rained [Genesis 2:5,6; Hebrews 11:7]. That's a debate for another time, and another person. My point, today is, things happen when God gets angry; and many times we make assumptions about why something bad happened to someone--or even why something good always happens to someone else. Neither of these circumstances may have anything to do with God's anger or favor. I remember two tragedies

These days, I can commiserate with Evillene in the Broadway production of the Wiz. Please, "Don't Nobody Bring Me NO Bad News!". Everyday, the news waxes worse...and worse. The last verse of that song goes like this: "Bring some message in your head Or in something you can't lose But don't you ever bring me no bad news If you're gonna bring me something Bring me, something I can use But don't you bring me no bad news" I can remember seeing the Wiz on Broadway, many years ago--when Stephanie Mills played the role of Dorothy...that's how long ago, it was! And, I remember the supposed frustration of Evillene as she shuttled her weary body back and forth across the stage belting out, "Don't Nobody Bring Me NO Bad News! You knew she meant it; she was tired and fed up. I am, too. But, with all of that earthly weariness, there is a side of me that sees all that is going on in the world and knows it's a good sign of t

I'm always amazed at God's attention to the details of my life--it really blows my mind. When you KNOW God, and see Him in all of His splendor, you quickly become aware of yourself and recognize (like Isaiah) " Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips : for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." [Isaiah 6:5, KJV]. That knowledge of self and awareness of a sin nature makes God's love and attention that much more mind-boggling. Often, I find myself wondering why He cares--especially at those times when I know I am falling short. It's those times when everyone and everything else seems to demand and get way more attention than the One Who deserves all of it. Those are the times of my greatest conviction. I can't begin to tell you how great of a Provider He has been to me. Or how often He has been a Nurturer, Sustainer, Keeper and Friend. He has filled more g