As I am writing this, I am realising that there are so many moments that I could highlight for 2015! I am grateful to God that I even have a choice of so many memorable experiences to draw from. This list is in no way exhaustive but it's a mere highlight of Christ's abundant blessings in my life. I am so grateful!
I learnt that when you love people they are able to hurt you profoundly. I learnt that you still have to love them in the same way that you love yourself despite your faults. I learnt that it's hard to look past the hurt and still love. I learnt that through God's grace you are able to forgive people who don't ask for it and to genuinely love them.
This is my one of my favorite pictures of Nkulu and I. It was taken the day I flew back to SA. I didn't expect to see him at the airport so it was a very pleasant surprise.
I got engaged to a kind, loving and thoughtful man. And acquired an additional family in the process!
Lerato and Khula got married! It was such a lovely intimate affair. She was radiant! So beautiful. I got to be an aunty again with the birth of Melokuhle. His name means stand for what is beautiful - how awesome!
Nkulu and I attended our first Jordanian wedding! It was quite an experience. Thanks for the invite Kristina we had a good time!
The love I felt in Dubai was made visible when I showed up at my surprise farewell and I was surrounded by such wonderful women.
Kristina and Liz blew me away when they organised a gift from me on my birthday. Too precious.
I took Fakazile and my cousins to the beach in Durban and learnt that it was Fakazile's first time at the beach. The excitement on her face would forever be etched in my mind. She was delighted and I got to share in her joy.
I got to witness the vows of Nigel and Cariane in Berlin. Cariane looked stunning and Nigel cleaned up good! And I bumped into Masingita who I had not seen in ages.
I lived with Liz and Zama. It was great getting to know Liz a bit better. And to be told "Aunty Nolitha, you look beautiful!"
I went on the MSC Sifonia and when I was out at sea surrounded by water as far as the eye could see, thanked God. It was an amazing experience with great people.
I got to spend Christmas with my girls again. My heart was overflowing with happiness! Oh I had missed them dearly.
I got to spend an afternoon with King Zigi - just the two of us! He simply crawled more and more into my heart.
My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit - not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength - that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimension of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God!
Have you ever done something that you know you should not do? You know
tell a lie to get yourself out of trouble? Take credit for someone else's hard work? Spread a friend's secret because it was just too juicy not to share? I mean those embarrassing sins you dare admit only in a whisper, incase someone hears you. I
found myself in a similar situation last week, where I know what I should be
doing (the right thing) but ended up doing the complete opposite. I am glad to
see that I am in good company, Paul complained about the same thing in Romans
7:18-19 "For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to
carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is
what I keep on doing.". Paul refers to a sinful nature that is in each one
of us that knows God's Holy law yet continues to disobey it.
The reaction I had after disobeying God was similar to my original parents Adam and Eve, I wanted to hide from God. I
wanted to separate myself from God's holiness so that he would not see my guilt
and shame. But thanks be to God because now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ who made
his way to Calvary knowing that he is dying for my past, present and future
sins. He died a death that I deserve so that I may be reconciled with God.
Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ, who imputes his righteousness unto me so
that I can approach God's mercy seat. God forgives those who humble themselves before him. When approaching God for forgiveness, believe that you are forgiven and then forgive yourself. I find that the most difficult part is quietening the voice of condemnation inside to make way for God's truth - because of Christ, I am forgiven. God's mercy is ever available to all who seek him, however, if you have a recurring sin, then you may need to open up to people you trust so that they can help you work through the root cause. Seek forgiveness with a sincere heart of leaving your sins behind and so you can grow and become more like Christ.
Matt Chandler puts it this way and I am paraphrasing here "God loves you. God sees all that you are and he still loves you. Jesus knew who you were going to be and he still went to the cross to die for you. God knew that you were going to be messy. Christ knew that you were going to mess up often. He knows that you are going to be drawn to wicked things. That's what the cross is about. That's the whole point of the cross. The whole point of the cross is that you are going to fail, you are going to stumble, you are going to feel dirty, you are going to feel awkward. The whole point of the cross of Christ is that there be this mighty picture of HIS love and pursuit of you, despite you."
May your sin lead you to the God's mercy seat where you will be forgiven and loved, and transformed to Christ's likeness.
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God (1 John 3:1). God calls us by name. He calls us sons & daughters and makes us co-heirs with Christ. God loves us with an everlasting love. His love is freely given to all, Matthew 5:44-45 calls us to love our enemies so that we can be like our Father in heaven who causes his sun to rise on both the evil and the good and sends rain to the righteous and the unrighteous. God's love is best demonstrated on the cross where he gave his only begotten son. Yes, whilst we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
I saw this image from Christine Caine and it got me thinking. My question to you is what would you do differently if you knew that you were loved perfectly. That's what God is offering to us daily. He asks us to live FROM his great and intimate love.
God bless
BE LOVED by Christy Nockels
have you ever let yourself
be loved by the one who made you
have you ever told your soul to believe that his
heart is on your side
you could even try to run away but there is
nothing you can do
so just be loved, be loved, he loves you
just be loved, be loved, he loves you
have you ever let yourself be held by the one who
holds this world
have you ever told your soul to rejoice that his
arms are open wide
you could even try to run away but he’d come
running after you
so just be held, be held, he holds you
just be held, be held, he holds you
we didn’t earn it, he just chose to give it,
and
its in our resting that we rise up singing rejoice,
again I say rejoice
rejoice, again I say rejoice
you are loved, be loved, he loves you
you are loved, be loved, he loves you
you are loved, be loved, he loves you
just be loved, be loved, he loves you
Read more at
http://www.songlyrics.com/christy-nockels/be-loved-lyrics/#8SbDghehwISFa5KQ.99
Racism...you cannot read a newspaper article in South Africa and not come across some racial slur. Racism even finds itself in an article that is not race related. The culture speaks about race but I have found that the church is not actively participating in this conversation. However, we cannot speak about racism and exclude the church from its approval of slavery in America and apartheid in South Africa. These are the same people who heard the good news of Christ on Sunday, and worked from Monday- Saturday in a system that actively excluded people of colour from their God given human rights. To exclude Christians would be a false depiction of history. From a quote by a South African, Rev. J. C. du Plessis you can see that the church was at the centre of the thinking the eventually crystalised apartheid. In 1929, Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) pastor Rev. J.C. du Plessis addressed a DRC conference on the ‘native question’ where he pleaded for the Gospel to be brought in a way that fitted the African ‘character, nature and nationality’***. You can read more on this from the historian Hermann Giliomee's article called "The Making of the Apartheid Plan, 1929–1948" where he highlights the church's role in pushing for the segregation.
Image from Google images
I am a Christian and I am a black South African. Looking at treatment of black people by white people one can understand why they would reject Christianity and the God the missionaries came to reveal. Looking at black history, I understand why the Christian God looks like a God who favours the white man at the expense of the black man. Yet, I still hold on to God's word as the ultimate authority. I chose to believe that God is not man that he should lie (Numbers 23:19). I see the unfair treatment of people who look like me and I still believe that God shows no partiality (Romans 2:11). I look at the inequality and racial injustice and still believe that God created man in his image - this includes all races, gender and nationalities - every person is made in the image of God. I have to learn to live with the tension of a reality that spells a bias God with the truth of a God who loves all his people. I have to see my reality and believe that ultimately God is sovereign above all things. I have to believe what God ordained will come to pass and no barrier will stop that from occurring. It will be harder but nothing worthwhile has ever been easy. I have to believe God is full of mercy but he is also a fair judge. He is slow to anger so he will forgive those who repent of racism and give them a new heart. However, some people will not repent and will continue to live in a way that shows their belief in their own superiority. And I have to exist in that environment without hardening my heart.
Why did God allow the suffering of black people? I have not read a single satisfactory response to the problem of suffering, let alone corporate suffering. But I am glad that I get to serve Jesus Christ, because he doesn't promise no suffering but offers to be by your side in the midst of the suffering. Jesus gets suffering. He was innocent but was sentenced to brutal death on the cross. He was rejected by his friends, insulted, mocked, whipped and he hung on a cross. He gets suffering. Hebrews 12:2 says "For the joy set before him, he endured the cross". We are called to take this cup of blackness, and use it to reflect the beauty of Christ. Like him, we are to endure the burden of blackness: teaching those who are willing to learn, instilling self love to those who come after us and forgiving those who don't know better (because if they did know better, they would do better). God is a perfect judge and justice will be served. Christians have been given a supernatural mandate to pray and love their enemies. Love your enemies, is like loving yourself, you don't like every part of you yet you still live in a way that reflects your best asset.
How now shall we live?
I feel that the church has stopped having a loud voice in South Africa because it carries the shame of having supported segregation. The problem with that is that they have forgotten what the blood of Jesus does. It washes you clean as snow. If you repent your sins are forgiven. What that means is that you can start actively engaging in conversations like racism and not have the uncomfortable knot in your stomach because you believe that God has renewed your mind and has given you a fresh pair of eyes to see the world through. Your mind is no longer conformed to the patterns of this world but it has been transformed.
Be like Jesus Christ. Philippians 2: 3-8 says "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance with man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death- even death on a cross."
Be the doer of the golden rule - do unto others as you would want them to do unto you Matthew 7:12
See colour, there is nothing worse that people who claim not to see colour. What you do is take away the beauty and diversity that God created. You also trivialise the daily struggles that people of colour are faced with just because of the colour of their skin. Recognise that white privilege is real. Find ways to use it for the benefit of others and not just yourself. What I mean by that is when your friend complains about struggling to find an apartment in a certain neighbour and they think it's because they are black don't dismiss it, rather use your privilege to assist. Go with them to view the apartment. This will give the close minded person a perception of "they are not that kind of black" and they might offer your friend an apartment. It sounds horrid as I write this but close minded people need to be treated with close-mindedness. If you don't understand what white privilege is, read this article. When people use their privilege to the benefit of others, their small actions make a big difference. Let's take white Michael who is well respected at his work, he then uses his privilege to mentor black Sipho at work. With Michael's mentoring, Sipho starts to have opportunities and get promotions at work. Sipho's success encourages his cousins, who thought he was a fool for concentrating on his studies. They start to focus on their education in hopes of making something of themselves. This not only has a ripple effect on Sipho but his family and the community in which they live. In her brilliant talk about race, Mellody Hobson shows how diversity is beneficial for companies and not just the individual of colour. In her TED talk, she invites us to be colour brave!
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18). Those who are called by Christ are called to forgiveness. It's not natural. It's supernatural. It starts with being able to do the little things, like forgive your father, a mother, a spouse or a friend. Doing that is difficult but it's the best way to start forgiving those who have done more atrocious crimes against you and against your race. Do not let your anger with Christians make your doubt the truth of Jesus Christ. Jesus is perfect. The rest of us are trying to walk out our sanctification and we are doing it in an imperfect way. We will mess up along the way. Jesus knew that, which is why he asked us to forgive seventy seven times (Matthew 18:22). He also said something we so easy forget because we recite the prayer so often without even thinking of the words sometimes, "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us". For our sins to be forgiven, we need to forgive those who have sinned against us
Do not engage in racist conversations especially in private. These conversations fuel your thought processes and give you warped view of reality. When you look at the facts you will be amazed at how your perception is vastly different from reality. Take this statistics from South Africa; White skilled employed youth grew from 42 % in 1994 to 61.5% in 2014 compared to Black African youth: 15% (1994) and now 18% (2014). This is the reality in 2014 behind the backdrop of many South Africans complaining about losing jobs because of affirmative action. Read various resources and be informed. Engage with people from different races and cultures so that you broaden your perspective and appreciate the differences in people.
Abhor what is evil, hold fast to what is good (Romans 12:9). Get angry at injustice. Jesus got angry. Matthew 21:12-13 reads "And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you make it a den of robbers". Righteous anger is a very good thing but like Jesus it must move you to action. When we are deeply moved by injustice, we should be moved to action to change it. It's important to change it, because the future of those who come after you depend on it. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:19,21).
You are going to need to trust that whether black, white or purple, your life has worked out the way God intended it to work out. Doors that were shut, were meant to be shut. Opportunities that were snatched from you, were not part of your God given destiny. Use the gifts God has given you. Do not let setbacks, pain or disappointment mar the journey you are meant to be on. Be the light in the dark world we live in. Live a life that brings glory to God.
And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think (Ephesians 3:18-20).
God bless
History lesson:
*** The making of the Apartheid plan 1920-1948; Journal by Hermann Giliomee http://cc.sjtu.edu.cn/G2S/eWebEditor/uploadfile/20120920095236663.pdf
Understanding white priviledge:
1. http://www.mediaforjustice.net/a-comprehensive-guide-to-white-privilege-in-south-africa/
2. http://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2014-09-25-blackface-action-replay-the-struggle-of-memory-against-chomping-on-boerewors/#.VCfF__kbUn6
I sure hope that you are having a positive start to this year. For me, this year has felt like a heap upon heap of challenges for people I dearly love. It's the kind of challenges where you can't do anything but wait on the Lord. It's been an opportunity to pray earnestly and trust God. This month of love, I thought I would share 5 things that could help you seek the presence and love of Christ when its overshadowed by daunting circumstances.
Pray
Let your prayer be honest, sincere and transparent. There is no point in pretending things are great when they aren't. God already knows what you are going through before you even utter a word. Tell him exactly how you feel and leave all afflictions, fears and anxieties at his feet. The word of God invites us to cast our fears upon God because he cares. I prefer to write my prayers because then I can pour out my heart and marvel as God answers.
Spend time with other Christians
One of those days when I was really desperate for God's presence I went to a prayer meeting at church. I was in an atmosphere of people seeking and wanting God to move and he showed up. It was so uplifting. I recently attended Worship Central hosted at my church. Worship Central is a global movement where churches around the world gather to worship God. God was glorified at our meeting. Something inside of you changes when you abandon all things and just praise God. Circumstances were the same yet hope was renewed. Another great way to marvel at God's love is to listen to people's testimonies. God revives dead things and renews old things - time and time again we hear it in people's stories. Do not carry the burden alone. I have a group of ladies that I share prayer requests with. I love that we get to agree together in prayer trusting God to make a way when none seems visible to the human eye.
Read less
Nothing makes you feel like the world is in an extremely terrible place than being in a bad personal space and reading the news. Bad stories sell and newspapers are filled with them. So read less newspapers, watch less news. Focus your energy on life-giving reads. Read about God's character and how he actively lavishes his love on his children. The word of God in our mouths is like God himself speaking. So declare God's promises over your life. Autobiographies and biographies are great at highlighting people who have triumphed in spite of difficult situations read them for motivation.
Do something
If there are possible solutions to your problem then do everything in your power to resolve it. Nothing makes me more angry than people who claim they want a solution yet take no responsibility in finding a solution. If you need help then get it! If things are really out of your control then get your mind off your problems by doing something! Help those who are in need. Spending time with someone less fortunate than you are will make you appreciate your blessings. Volunteer at an animal shelter. Animal lovers find this very therapeutic. Exercise - you will feel good and too tired to think about your issue! Count your blessings one by one. Like literally name each one - thank God for your eyesight, another day he has given you, your family, a job - these are all blessings and the giver of these is worthy of all the glory.
Don't lose your testimony
Walk through your difficulty as someone who has the God of the universe on your side!
Your situation may be hopeless BUT God...
Enjoy this spoken word By Jon Jorgenson @jonjorgenson
2014 was a difficult year for some of the people who are dear to me. I was grateful for the support I was able to provide to those near and far from me. As I look forward to the year ahead, I look back with gratitude at the year I have left behind.
"Don't envy another person's season, enjoy the season you are in" was one of the key messages for Scarlet Women's Conference for 2014. Taking this advice, my heart's desire is to never take any of my blessings for granted no matter how small they may seem. In 2014, I got to appreciated my family and friends even more as I watched people close to me mourn the loss of their loved ones. I got to be grateful for my health as I walked with people who are waiting in expectation for their healing - emotional and physical. I got to appreciate my income as I walked with people who are waiting for a job or their monies to be available. I appreciated peace as I walked with people who were facing legal and emotional battles.
Grateful that God was with me throughout 2014. In the great and the not-so-great times, I never felt alone. He honoured his word "I will never leave you nor forsake you".
My sister and her family lived through horrific incidents that were meant to steal their joy but God... So grateful for the gift of life that God bestowed upon them. I am watching in expectation as they walk into all that God has destined for them.
My youngest sister, Lerato passed her Matric!!! She looked so gorgeous at her Matric dance. Looking back at her journey I feel saying I am proud of her would be an understatement.
Ntsika and Vukani, my brothers also passed their respective grades. Vukani will be in Matric this year. I can't believe how time flies!
My mom and my sister, Akhona came to visit me in Dubai. The highlight was how God made this trip possible. I look back at it, and I am still in awe of him. God's provisions were endless from flights (thanks Carl), getaway to Fujairah, best desert safari and many more.
Ncumisa came to visit me in Dubai. I didn't realise HOW much I missed this girl. It was such a treat having her here.
Being a servant at my church, City Lights. I love serving and being part of this community.
My trip to Hillsong in Australia was AMAZING! It was awesome being in a massive stadium worshiping and giving glory to Jesus Christ. The guest speakers were so anointed. This is one of my favourite life events to date. God is using His church to impact and change lives. I traveled with 3 gorgeous ladies who I got to know better!
Grateful for my friends. I was at my most vulnerable and they came full force to support me. My friends called just to let me know that there are there for me no matter what happens. I was overwhelmed by the love. I don't say it enough but I am so thankful for you ladies.
Thankful to Liz for being there for me during this festive season. Liz, was my plan for Christmas and New Year's Eve. Thank you for making it memorable.
