Sunday, September 1, 2013

Reflection

I awoke singing the following hymn text:

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him all creatures here below.
Praise Him above ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Many of us know it as the Doxology, sung in various church denominations. The fact that I woke singing that text this morning is nothing short of a miracle, even just singing the first line, "from whom all blessings flow." During the past month, I have experienced setbacks, enough to drive any normal person over the edge. I lost my job. I broke off my engagement. My car was vandalized. My parents were robbed. My doctoral studies may have to go on hold again from consequences of losing the job. Yet, it is now September 1, and I am typing to tell you and myself that I survived. And I survived with praise for my God on my lips.

One of my choir members and dear friends from my former job, always said that "Nothing, absolutely nothing happens by mistake in God's world."

Above, I listed my setbacks, reasons for me to be angry at God, but if I count them, I find my blessings far outweigh the setbacks.

For Mom and Dad - for their constant and unfailing support in my career, finances, and life decisions,  for helping me to pay rent each month, for watching my animals when they can, for not taking me out of this world just yet when they get annoyed with me!

For my friends and family in ATL--- for being there when I need someone to talk to, for actually caring what happens to me and what I am going through, for sharing laughs and tears

For the choirs in which I sing-my support network --- for helping me to feel like I am contributing towards a greater cause, for giving me and my gifts a sense of purpose, for making me smile and making me a better musician, for being there for a chat (and for a song!), for knowing that music is healing

For my close circle of friends (you know who you are) - for quite literally being the wind beneath my wings, for being my heart and filling my heart with so much love and joy when all I have felt lately is anger, sorrow, and hate, for helping to piece my world back together

For my professors - for genuinely caring about their students to make a difference in our lives and ministries, for being personable and approachable whether with a question about an assignment, a joy, and/or a prayer request

For friends all over the globe - For helping me to look beyond myself and experience new cultures, new personalities, new musical styles, for showing me that no matter what country or culture you live in, "to thine own self be true," applies to all

For God - for blessing me with a plethora of gifts, especially music and teaching, for blessing me with youth and continued good health. I don't have cancer or another life-threatening disease, for bringing others into my life to look out for me whether from nearby or afar, for blessing me with the courage and conviction to stand up for myself and my morals, and for giving me the promise below:


Love y'all, Be blessed!    Bo