TRUE FRIENDS

By Vernalee

During the course of our lives, we meet many people. Nothing beats the ones who enter our lives and never leave. There’s a reason why they stay. You probably are itching to know the answer. It is no mystery or miraculous finding. Is it that we share the same values, goals, and objectives? Yes. Is it that we love them and they us? Yes. Is it that we need them to make our lives complete? Yes. There are a number of reasons that varies by individual prerogatives. Your spirits become intertwined. I have been fortunate to meet a few true friends that only time and distance separate. Whenever we see each other regardless of the time that has slipped by since our last visit, we pick up as if we glazed each other in the eye just yesterday. It’s a stickiness that cannot be erased; a glue that connects; a love that will hold and keep us together. It is the thought and the reality of knowing that someone is there in your time of need; during those moments when you need to spill your guts. My Mother always said, “God places people in your life.” We walk our trail not alone. Having a true friend on the journey makes the distance traveled worth the measured steps. When we are fortunate enough to find “true” friends who share our inner spirit, it is a treasure; a glittering diamond of sorts. They are rare, but hopefully you have encountered a few! I refer to them as the ones that are spiritually connected to us by God. True friends … are the ones with whom you share your stories of successes, failures, ups, downs, and turnarounds. Lest not forget the relating of those horror stories (nightmares of sorts) and stupid stuff that even you cannot believe that you did until your wisdom kicked in and convinced you of the dangers. Often, we discuss subjects that are embarrassing, but we need the advice of someone who cares enough to set us straight without judgment. Our innermost secrets are tucked inside their soul never to come out. They have stories that can never be told! Shhh! They laugh with us; they cry with us. They have a nudging bent on their knees from the constant prayers for us. They too are the ones who encourage and motivate you to do your best, connect you to the right people, and share not an ounce of jealousy. It becomes a mutual alliance. They truly want the best for you as you desire for them. For you to reach the highest height and soar like an eagle is their wish. Yes, it is unequivocally true that true friends are a rare commodity! I can testify. So I feel bless to have these valuable treasures of true friends in my life. It is a privilege as they don’t come around often. I don’t take them or what we have for granted. I thank God for them … and their families for sharing them with me. I thank them! Photo credit: www.picturequotes.com

GOD IS ONE NOT TO BE MOCKED

By Vernalee

Years ago, on one of my daughter’s summer vacation trips to Glen Allan, Mississippi, she and her girlfriends were in church. Mischievous, the adolescents decided to “get happy” pretending that they had been filled with the spirit of the Holy Ghost. As they were allegedly “shouting,” the little girls started rolling on the floor calling on The Lord. Much to her chagrin, when my daughter opened her eyes, she saw her perturbed Grandmother standing before her. Her Grandma Phoebe with her Bible in her hands sternly said to her namesake, “Little Phoebe, if you don’t get up off that floor, I am gonna tear your tail up! You don’t play with God!” Telling the story invokes laughter now, but it wasn’t funny to my daughter at the time. In fact, it was quite embarrassing. It did however teach her about the sacredness of God and provided a lifelong spiritual lesson.

Galatians 6:7 states, “Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Although this story is one of her favorite spiritual childhood memories and Grandma stories about her trips to Mississippi, she holds dear Galatians 6:9 as a spiritual cornerstone. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” She also learned that her Granny didn't take no mess!

These are the stories of old that will never fade away; stories that we keep near and dear in our hearts. Though her Granny (and my Mother) has gone to be with the Lord, the indelible memories of her and the lessons that she taught us will live on forever - from one generation to the next! As she was a praying woman, on behalf of my family, I dedicate in my Mother's memory, this song from Mississippi's own Pop Staples and the Staple Singers. Amen!

Photo credit: www.it’sablackthang.com

NO MAN IS AN ISLAND

By Vernalee

I have heard many people say, “I don’t need nobody! I can do everything for myself. I was born alone and will die alone!” Although we enter and exit this world all alone, the in between time doesn’t necessarily fit that description. To those who think that they need no one, think again! When and if the waters of life eventually invade your presence and you are in a boat alone without paddles, how will you get to dry land? Assistance, security, relief from loneliness, love, friendship, companionship….are some of the benefits of having others in our lives. The need for people doesn’t signify weakness; to the contrary, it demonstrates strength! There is strength in numbers! We all need someone in our lives – to talk to, to love, to be with, to hold….to be a part of our existence. I certainly do! You do too! Never forget that islands were once connected to a continent. May I remind you that our creator in his infinite wisdom concluded that “it was not good for man to be all alone!” Who knew better than The Father?