Cry for Hope: 12.8 Minutes!

Sue I Side: A Cry/Call for Hope

This is a note to My Sister(s) and My Brother(s) who have felt death was their best option because Hope unborn had died. This could be you the reader or someone you know so PLEASE continue reading, either for yourself or someone you know.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, reporting from 2013 (the most recent available) statistics, someone in the United States died by suicide every 12.8 minutes. The same report concluded: http://www.afsp.org/understanding-suicide/facts-and-figures

 ·         The highest suicide rate (19.1) was among people 45 to 64 years old.

·         The second highest rate (18.6) occurred in those 85 years and older.

   ·         Adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 had a suicide rate of 10.9

I write this because I know your life has value, I write this because I know your present circumstances are temporary, I write this because I know physical death is permanent, I write this because I Love You and I know Jesus Loves and wants to Love You to an abundant life right now on this Earth.

You are Loved to depths not yet known! When life has thrown you what seems like your final blow – duck, run, absorb it, seek help – BUT don't give/permit your adversity to pronounce the last word on your life, leaving all to wonder what or who you could have become. 

Don’t let us off the hook that easily, explain to us right now, how deeply you hurt, your feelings of helplessness, shame, distrust, worthlessness, hopelessness, being violated, devalued, etc. Tell us how angry you are with us, tell us of your sense of rejection, tell us how you haven’t forgiven us…tell us that you think it's impossible to forgive yourself. Tell us how your fears, your inadequacies, your secrets have you entangled in a spiral of despair.

Tell us now, let us be angry together, let us cry together, let us forgive together, let us pray together, let us heal together. Don’t let us die together because if you go, I might be alive but part of me will be dead too. Let’s strive toward life together!!  

Let us find Hope together!

In this moment where you are right now, in this season – darkness may be your tormentor yet given the opportunity LIGHT always prevails. The psalmist reminds us “weeping comes, weeping indeed endures however Joy returns, Joy will and does overcome” (Psalm 30:5).

I am praying right now for you – you might be in the throes of a health crisis, financial debt, family feuds, friends who proved to be traitors, grief, depression, etc. and you feel like giving up. What you're experiencing IS REAL don't let the super spiritual, the super motivators, the super encouragers downplay what's presently happening in your life.

In the same breath I plead with you to give Hope, Love, and Joy the opportunity to rise as a phoenix "from” and “within" your same darkness, to restore and begin filling you with wholeness. Know that pain, numbs our senses weakening our abilities to: think, see, touch, smell and taste. As a result, God’s love, grace and forgiveness may seem very distant leaving our reality clouded - filled with irrational thoughts and our understanding compromised, we reject that sweet, powerful and freeing serum called Hope. 

With despair becoming our constant companion,

darkness continues to eclipse our thirst for Light.

In these moments, God, a tried and true comforter wants us to remember God is trustworthy. Even a shaken Hope can be our buoy while wading through raging waters of challenges. In our desperation, let us summon the strength to trust that God will be our life jacket.  With a mustard seed of faith, may you find the wherewithal to swallow the serum of Hope, believing just enough in the healing power of God who promises "to lead you to quiet pools of fresh water; who gives and will give you strength anew and is guiding and will guide you in the right paths" (Psalm 23:2-3) toward recovery and release from life's disappointments and despairs. 

My plea to my sisters and brothers whose grasp on hope continues to loosen, to you who have felt/are feeling the enticement of ending your woes – I beg of you - cling to the possibility of "better days", yes, of better tomorrows.

Thoughts of suicide (sue I side)? Don't allow momentary despair to lure you out of position, you weren’t created to be your own judge or juror(y). I am crying out to you, don’t surrender to an irreversible doom. “Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers!!” 

These considerations might persist, but in their midst I fervently pray you here these words anew – Jesus says: "God's Spirit is on me; he's chosen me to preach the Message of Good News to the poor, Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, To set the burdened and battered free..." (Luke 4:18-20).

The suffering we experience isn't meant to devour us – our trouble and pain doesn't have to diminish us. Jesus reminds us that His - purpose, promise and power is to deliver, redeem and free us. Through our struggles we can learn to see "God is a very present help in the midst of our troubles"; we can begin to feel we (human spirit) are stronger than we ever imagined; we can know there are friends, family and strangers that will rejoice with us and weep with us. We/You aren’t alone!

Every moment we hold out, God's Light continues to penetrate, break and chip away at darkness' encasement. As the light of God's love exposes our wounds at once the healing balm of Hope melds with our life's journey and begins mending our broken places. Recovery isn't absent of pain but the pain experienced can be redemptive – leading us toward our resilient spiritual selves, reclaiming ourselves as “made in the image of God, having God’s likeness and being blessed by God with purpose and power” (Genesis 1:27-28).

Hear this reminder my sisters and my brothers – you are never alone in this rehearsal called Life. You are never bound to your present circumstances. You never have to live without Hope – "We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. 

We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the Hope of living. 

We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed" (II Corinthians 4:8-9).

Life/Our journey is a process, you can succeed at every level – you can conquer every obstacle! Each day, in each moment hold on to God's promise of victory "Even when you walk through the darkest valley, don’t be afraid, for God is close beside you. God’s rod and staff protects and comforts you" (Psalm 23:4) remain steadfast and soon you will confidently say God, "I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life; and your house will be my home as long as I live." (Psalm 23:6) 

There’s no doubt, Life can be hard as crucible steel but you can survive and defeat your every adversity.

Thoughts of/Attempts at suicide no more!

Sue I side with life forever more!

 Sue I side with Hope

Remember the depths of Jesus’ love is unfathomable and that Jesus is faithful to His promises. My sisters and my brothers, I love you and pray you experience Jesus’ Love so that in whatever you do or go through, you cling to the Hope in Christ! 

If your senses get compromised, let your cry for Hope lead you to a family member(s), a friend(s), a spiritual advisor(s), even a stranger(s), someone. Also this hotline is available 24-hours, 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

We LOVE YOU and want to LIVE with YOU!

Believe with me:

Sue I side with Hope!

“God of our weary years,

God of our silent tears,

Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way;

Thou who hast by Thy might,

Led us into the Light,

Keep us forever in the path, we pray. . .”

-- 

INSPIRED BY LOVE, 

Pastor Marcus J. Singleton

PastorSingleton@gmail.com

Toward Loving Like Jesus!

For those of us who profess Jesus as Lord - our litmus test is how well are we loving people? 

Our true selves are revealed in the midst of opposing views...are you continuing to love and respect the sacred worth of people and people groups with whom you are at odds?

Agape (unconditional) love is not guided by politics, culture or majority opinion. Christians who support(ed) and/or practice(d) oppression aren't led by the love of Jesus. Jesus said, "the Spirit of the Lord is upon me...to set the oppressed free". When we demonize "the Other" (people of our opposite gender, race, sexual orientation, class, political affiliation, nationality, color, religion, and opinions/beliefs, etc.) we are devoid of Agape love:

"...for those who do not love a brother or sister whom 

they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen." I John 4:20

Following Jesus' interactions with "the Other",  he extends love and forgiveness to thieves, extortionists, adulterers, the mentally ill, homeless persons, and those who disagreed with him, etc. Jesus' most hostile responses were aimed at the religionists, the self-righteous and the defenders of oppressive systems. Jesus made it plain in response to the keepers of the law (systems of oppression, wielders of power, oligarchs, and maintainers of traditions, etc.): “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and love "the Other" as yourself.”

The vehemence we witness from Christians against their "Other" begs the question what sort of God engages in a systematic annihilation of Her creation - how else can the willful dehumanization of one's personhood, the murder of one's body, and/or the destruction/dismantling of one's soul be explained? 

"If" Jesus had to admit having a favorite - their names would be the Least, the Oppressed! 

Loving like Jesus is more "bridge to" than "wall against" the Other!!!

I Love You, 

Pastor Marcus 

-- 

INSPIRED BY LOVE, 

Pastor Marcus J. Singleton

PastorSingleton@gmail.com

(205) 440-2879 

Have You Discovered Your Why?

Have you ever wondered about your life’s purpose? On some level, we all wrestle with why were we born? What should I be doing with my life? If you are a Christian/have experience in the church, you probably have pondered:

What is my call? 

For what, did God create me? Those of us in the Christian tradition refer to Scripture seeking to understand our role in God’s plan for Creation:

"I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations” Jeremiah 1:5

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. 

 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13

So we believe that God created us for a purpose but few of us truly “look for God wholeheartedly” to discover our purpose. If we really desire to live meaningful lives, knowing how God “formed you in your mother’s womb” and why did God “set you apart” is the key.

Currently, are you just getting by? Did you enter a field because it was popular? Is your career or job only paying the bills (survival)? Are you motivated by your work? Are your gifts and talents utilized? If your job or career ended today, would you have a sense of accomplishment that your contributions made a difference?

If you aren’t clear on how God formed you or what God’s plans are for you, begin a self-inventory: Ask yourself, what do I do really well? What brings me joy or satisfaction? What do people say I do well? If I could ______________ all the time I would. When I am____________ I feel like God is well pleased.

Reflect on your childhood, what made you happy? What were your favorite activities? For example, my brother reminds me as a child I talked a lot (that I can't confirm or deny). But, I do remember always having a strong sense of right and wrong. So, it’s not surprising I entered a field requiring verbal communication and focusing on justice.

Retracing your life’s journey will have many clues for you to uncover. Take the time to reminisce, ask for input from people who know you well, and seek feedback from others with whom you aren’t as familiar. Through these actions you might discovery your elusive raison d'etre.

“Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it.” 

British physicist, Stephen Hawking 

Believing that God is the origin of our purpose, let us pray and look for God wholeheartedly for our life’s purpose so that our work has meaning. Praying fervently that God reveals:

How? You were formed in your mother’s womb (your gifts and uniqueness)

Why? You were set apart (your purpose)

For what? The plans God has for you (where and with whom you will accomplish your purpose)

-- 

INSPIRED BY LOVE, 

Pastor Marcus J. Singleton

pastorsingleton@gmail.com

"The Courage to BE"

Be careful in your critique of leadership lest you become a hypocrite. How often have you commented on the errors of the leader, the flaws in the direction of the system, or how different you would be as that leader!

Beware you have been indoctrinated much more than you realize!!!

This is the danger – one day if you're not intentional, disciplined, accountable, introspective, and receptive to feedback – you will become that same leader you despised – you will lead that system in the same manner you previously held with contempt. 

It's easy to say what you would do differently but it takes courage to actually "do differently". People and Systems, rail against change – finding comfort in their current status whether it is positive or negative. We witness this adulterous relationship with the status quo in our government, many of our churches, businesses, schools and families. 

It's commonplace to sit on the sidelines hurling judgments of "what I would do" but once the opportunity is seized, listen to and watch yourself – are you acting on what you said needed to happen or have you accepted what is happening? 

Ask any parent, have you ever cringed when you heard yourself

sounding/acting like the who/what you despised about your own parents?

Any hope for Change happens when we: accept correction, act courageously, seek feedback, acknowledge our flaws and tendency toward the status quo, embrace counter intuitive tendencies – the recognition that one only knows what they know, and create alliances with unlikely partners which will broadens one’s worldview and understanding.

Every parent that cringes when they sound/act like what they hated about their parents – has the opportunity to be and become the parent they swore they would be. 

Jesus warns against leadership that lacks self-examination, saying commitment to change must move beyond words even cautioning leaders of their destiny when they lack the courage to be (Matthew 15:3-14):

Jesus replied: “Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be uprooted,

so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person

guides another, they will both fall into a ditch.”(Matthew 15:13-14)

Once we hold the reins of leadership, our decisions matter – the opportunity to change, accept or redirect the landscape and topography of institutions rests with us.

The question for all leaders and aspiring leaders: 

Do you/I/we have the Courage to Be?

INSPIRED BY LOVE,

Pastor Marcus

pastorsingleton@gmail.com

Lessons From Coach Chip Kelly (Re-Ordering the E-A-G-L-E-S)!

What can we learn from NFL Coach Chip Kelly (Philadelphia Eagles)? 

Chip Kelly entering his third season (after two winning seasons) continues trading his best players on offense and defense, sending Philly fans and pundits into conniptions, questioning his aptitude and sanity. Chip has endured being mocked and labeled Trader of Stars and Dream Killer.

Why? Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel Chip Kelly in pursuit of bringing a championship to the Philadelphia Eagles is making every decision, conventional and bizarre, toward fulfilling his vision of success.

In shredding his roster, Coach Kelly’s Radical Moves Models Radical Steps of Faith. Here are 10 Lessons: 

1. Assess Your Team’s Ability to Win Before Moving Forward – Consider the Cost – Luke 14:28-33
2. Let the Vision Guide Your Every Action – Jesus in the Wilderness – Mark 1:9-15
3. Identify and Train the People You Believe Can Best Fulfill the Vision – Selection of Disciples – Luke 5:1-11
4. When Selecting Team Members Never Allow Outsiders to Define/Select Your Team Members – Who is my Mother or Who are my Brothers? – Matthew 12:46-50
5. Identify Proven/Talented People You Believe are Detrimental to the Vision – Naming Judas the Betrayer – Mark 14:17-24
6. Reclaim/Redefine the Mission of Your Team – Jesus Reclaims the Temple – Matthew 21:12-13
7. Stick to the Plan, Even When the People Closest to You Fail to Understand You –  I Must be in My Father’s’ House – Luke 2:43-50
8. Endure the Ridicule of the Moment Knowing the Vision will be Achieved – Jesus Endured Mocking ­– Mark 15:16-20
9. Believe the Vision will Lead to Many Great Victories – Belief Leads to Greater Works – John 14:11-14
10. Maximize Opportunities When They are Presented – Live Wisely…Making the Most of Opportunities – Colossians 4:5

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INSPIRED BY LOVE, 

Pastor Marcus J. Singleton 

"Gratitude: A Spiritual Discipline"

What is gratitude? 

Gratitude is “a feeling or an attitude in acknowledgement of a benefit one has received or will receive”.

I shall never forget, “How ‘bout some appreciation?”, the manner in which this calm request uttered by my wife, screeched within my soul beckoning a response and disturbing me into consciousness.

During our first year in ministry, we were in the throes of all things new: newborn son, new church, new community (first year living in North Carolina), new livelihood (pastor, stay-at-home mom and part-time consultant), new parental normal (my mom had just died), etc.

     Easily, I could have been dismissive and defensive, right?

But my wife’s conviction exposed a developing abscess of ungratefulness within me! I had allowed the bacterial invasion of negligence to infiltrate my heart and weaken my ethic of gratitude. Consequently, I had been failing to love, honor and cherish my bride. In that moment, I realized no matter what was happening externally (at work, with others or with us, etc.) or internally (selfishness, pride or hurt, etc.), gratitude is something that I must always practice.

Gratitude does not just happen it’s an action that must be chosen!

Gratitude like all spiritual disciplines is grounded in a desire to love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind and strength and to love people with God-like love. Just as we develop the practice of fasting, praying, studying scripture, and other spiritual disciplines, we must also cultivate the habit of gratitude.

The depth of our relationship with God and others

is commiserate with our active practice of gratitude.

Jesus highlights the significance of gratitude in the healing of Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19):

One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus’ feet, so grateful. He couldn’t thank him enough—and he was a Samaritan.  Jesus said, 

“Were not ten healed? Where are the nine?

Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this outsider?”

(The Message Bible, Luke 17:15-18).

Apparently, Jesus has an expectation of gratitude. While we might create excuses, Jesus is not pleased when we fail to practice gratitude! Just as I clearly heard my wife’s calm request, perhaps you can hear Jesus or someone else saying to you –

“How ‘bout some appreciation (gratitude)?!”

Remember:

Gratitude does not just happen it’s an action that must be chosen!

INSPIRED BY LOVE,

Pastor Marcus J. Singleton

Empty Yourself!

As we enter this season of Lent, a time of preparation through fasting, repentance, reflection, and drawing nearer to and becoming more like Jesus the Christ – let us do so with total surrender.

Think of Jesus, in preparing to descend from the heavenly comforts of perpetual peace to enter this earthly world and live amid constant chaos. 

Jesus makes a conscious choice to look the part because walking on earth he would be both fully human and fully divine. Philippians 2:6-7, reminds us that Jesus intentionally purges himself “….though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”

In striving to become more like Christ, ours is a heavenward ascension, if we are to live and look the part of Christians, we need to become proficient in emptying and separating ourselves from sin and earthly (creature) comforts. Lent is a time of intentionality and focus whereby we (re)commit to practice, embrace and develop the disciplines which strengthen our likeness to Jesus. 

Emptying ourselves will be different for each of us but the purpose

 of sacrifice and surrender is the same. 

While we can't earn our salvation or relationship with God through any deeds, we can deepen and strengthen our relationship with God by emptying ourselves through – fasting, praying, repentance, worship, studying scripture, serving others, stewardship and holy communion. Through these acts of emptying ourselves God continues to shape and mold us in his likeness. 

Have you ever tried to cut a child’s hair who is distracted and bent on constant movement? The result is hair with crooked lines, chunks of missing hair, uneven hair and a sense of recklessness. When we refuse to empty ourselves, our spiritual lives become like this child’s hair – crooked, chunks missing, uneven and reckless.

During this season of Lent, may we make our goal to be more like Jesus, if so, "you and I must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had”, we must empty ourselves and humble ourselves before God and allow God to refill and fashion us according to His divine purpose and will.  

When we choose to empty ourselves, we communicate to God

our willingness to sit still in complete surrender.

Will you slow down and take the time to fast, pray, repent, worship, study scripture, serve others, receive Holy Communion, practice good stewardship - and experience how God shapes you in His likeness?

-- 

INSPIRED BY LOVE, 

Pastor Marcus J. Singleton 

PastorSingleton@gmail.com