I have a deep passion and commitment to the ongoing development of spiritually strong and emotionally healthy individuals, marriages, families, leaders and cultures, helping you achieve your God-designed and appointed destiny.
All in Challenge
As of late, whether it be on paper, computer, or spoken, I’ve had difficulty with finding the proper words. Articulate expression of my feelings and thoughts are lacking, especially when it comes to my conversations with God. My brain has seemingly ceased producing my ability to communicate. At times, I’m at a complete loss.
When remembering pivotal moments in our lives, some are grand and earth-shaking, while others are subtle and sweet. When I think of the latter, I remember a time in my early 20's when I ventured out with my newborn son, Adam, to see MaMaw. Verna Thomas Little, my grandmother, was one of my heroes.
In addition to being a genius, Thomas Edison (most famously known as the inventor of the light bulb), was often described as an extreme optimist.
A few years back, my then 24 year old son, Adam, called to tell me about his day, which was a pretty common occurrence. His opening statement, however, was a bit uncommon. He said, “I have a story to tell you, then I need to apologize for something.”
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the one who goes with you. He will not leave your nor forsake you. Deut. 31:6
Stan and I recently found ourselves deep discussion regarding faith and healing. Although both possessing faith, we each divulged we felt a lack as well, somewhat resembling the father of the sick boy, when he transparently admitted to Jesus, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).
Last night both our boys called at the same time. One spoke to Stan, the other to me. Both called to tell us what was going on in their lives. Both needed to talk a few things through. In the end, both sought advice. It was nothing short of a miracle. God has brought all four of us so far over these past 10 years…leading us through what I call the Great Parental Menopause – that transition of two adults parenting two children, to two adults who happen to be the parents of two adults.
Of recent days, we've witnessed society fueled by those who display the greatest passion with the loudest voice to a greater degree than ever before. Those who storm the gates with the most powerful force appear to receive the highest level of attention and response. We’ve seen it in both the political arena, as well as world events. It seems these individuals are both admired and revered as they desperately seek to command the greatest level of attention. Whether they are brilliant, or as dumb as a doornail, we give them our attention…at least for a little while.
I killed a snake yesterday. I really did. And it felt great! No one was more shocked than me. Just a month ago, it would have been impossible for me to muster the courage to do such a thing. But yesterday…I mustered. I felt empowered! I was courageous! I was strong and fierce! “Don’t mess with me!” I boldly declared. I certainly unleashed my inner Redneck on him.
You know when you hear a word for a phrase, over and over? It seems you can’t escape it’s invasion into your space. Author Margaret Feinberg describes this as a “Sacred Echo,” when God is trying to get your attention or get a point across. This very thing happened to me this past week. The word I kept hearing? “Forgiveness.” First, I saw it in a letter someone had written. Then I heard someone say it out loud. Then I heard an analogy about forgiveness. Finally, I clearly heard God’s voice…”Cammie, you haven’t really forgiven ________.” Awesome. Just awesome. I thought this account had been cleared.
My soul is my most precious possession. It belongs to me and only me…unless I decide to give it away. It is then that my soul belongs to whomever or whatever I choose. Only I can make this eternal decision. It is said that your soul is made up of three parts: body, soul and spirit. It is priceless, and along with my heart, it is the greatest commodity that I possess.
She sat directly in front of me, nervous, scared and frustrated - rejected by those who claimed to be friends. And if rejection in itself wasn’t enough, it was accompanied by accusation, judgment and criticism. She had been labeled as bitter and unforgiving, when those flinging the accusations were themselves withholding forgiveness.
We’ve all had prayers that we feel haven’t been answered. I know I have. You may even be in the midst of earnestly praying for something right now, and you’re wondering if God’s even listening. I’ve heard it said that when we are praying to God, there are three possible answers: Yes; No; or Not now. But I believe there’s one more possible answer: “There’s a bigger picture here. Are you willing to trust Me?”
As with many people, each year I ask God for a “word.” You know, that “thing” that is to be your focus or theme for the year. I began asking in the Fall, and as a result, He gave me not only one word, but two: “Manifest Presence.” I immediately dove in, trying my best to fully understand and experience this concept. My journey has been different than what I imagined.
We’re getting it wrong when it comes to identifying leaders. Not all the time…but a lot of the time. When are we going to learn that it’s not about the good looks or showiness? It’s not about the charisma, pedigree, loudness or shininess of the package. We’re failing to look beyond the outer presentation, investigate, dig deep, and use God-given discernment to discover the true depth, health, and wholeness of those we desire to elevate to leadership. We’re failing to discover if they possess integrity, character, and resolve – the true inner being of a leader. It doesn't matter what they're like in public, as much as it matters what they're like in private.
The worship music is playing. The hearts, minds, and arms of those around you are extended in praise. Yet, you manage to find yourself struggling to engage; to "feel" it; to even flat out participate. Has this ever happened to you? I know it has me. It's at these times that your desire to offer heartfelt worship to the One you love seems much too inadequate. Your mind tells you to “get over it,” but your heart won’t let you.
God didn’t tell the Government to fix racial tension or promote one people groups agenda over another. Rather, He commanded us to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4. If we truly considered others better than ourselves, looking to others’ interests instead of our own, there wouldn’t be racial tension nor division. If you believe your race is better than another race…you might want to hold on to your hat, because there will be absolutely no racial divides in eternity!
But how does one do that when you’re seriously ADHD? What do you do if you struggle to focus every single time that you pray? I pray. I really do. But most often, it’s a couple minutes here and a few minutes there. Goodness! It’s even hard for me to finish a complete sentence sometimes without finding myself on a completely different subject!
The greatest ingredient to strong faith is HONESTY – truthfully admitting “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24). Faith is being authentic and honest with ourselves and God, constantly communicating with him, whether or not we feel strong. When we’re doing it right, faith is real and raw. Faith is constantly asking God to help us believe, inviting Him into the situation and trying not to “will” it to happen in our own strength. Faith isn’t perfect. Faith can even be messy. Mine certainly is.
In preparation for each New Year, I always create a Spiritual Growth Plan. It has nothing to do with resolutions. But rather, it’s a strategy set in place to help me grow, flourish, and of course, be challenged. I requires me to seriously seek God, asking what my focus is to be. This year as I thought, prayed, and mapped out my new plan, I was challenged that it's not just the big things, but the little ones that matter - not only in growth, but with how we make a difference in the world and eternity.
