Obedience

Many of the decisions I have made in my life have been, unfavorable, unpopular and left of the norm and this has never affected me. Quite frankly, sometimes, I don't  fully ascertain what I'm doing, but I've come to accept obedience. Our culture has lead us to theorize that the mere word obey is an affront to our character and demeaning to the individual that we are, crap, all crap. Obedience is why some of us have held firm to our minds in the midst of crisis, obedience is why many of us prosper in  poor economic downturns, obedience is why I can look back and say, "I am so glad I didn't give up and give in." It is easy to do the wrong thing, doing what's right is the challenge, I 've always enjoyed a good challenge.
As children we obey our parents:
"Don't run in the street, you might get hit by a car!" It didn't sink in until you saw someone get hit and injured.
"Don't touch that stove, it's hot." Then that throbbing blister makes you a believer.
"You better get your lesson in school, so you can take care of yourself." Doesn't quite sink in until,
 upon entering that job interview you realize, your resume and skills don't quite measure up.
On our jobs we obey the rules and regulations or suffer the consequences.
I have obeyed parents and policy,  and I do this because of my obedience to God.
I once asked one of my spiritual mentors, "How do you know when God is urging you to heed his calling?' she told me, and I paraphrase, that if there is doubt, insecurity a lingering, nagging feeling that worries you to sleeplessness, that's the thing you should avoid. God's will is none of these things, we know he is not the author of confusion, but of peace, if there is no peace, it is not the plan for you.
I have a friend who has had every job imaginable, and couldn't prosper,gain a grip or hold on to anything and nurturing an inner turmoil hat was about to name itself as a disease. All the while, that still small voice was saying, "You know you hear me, come on." She was too afraid, started questioning and doubting that gut wrenching urge to manifest that gift God wants you to set free, we all know what I'm talking about. Then she hit rock bottom and there was nothing else to do,but what felt comfortable, and in her case it was to speak on behalf of God. The first time she did in front of people, they were overjoyed and she was too. The next day she felt lighter, freer, able to laugh and enjoy living. Now she is an ordained minister, married and calm as still waters.
Find your path, don't worry about what anyone thinks or says, do you, be you. When we hoard our gifts we deny the world the experience...

...And this is how Melvin and I would minister to one another on Sunday mornings, he would often say, "I hope everyone is sharing and conversat'n with one another like we do." Me too Poo, me too."

Being obedient when others knew I was crazy has given me a truer since of myself, even as a girl I wanted to be Sarah to God's Abraham.

Tomorrow