THE ADVOCATE'S JOURNAL

The New Testament Greek Lexicon defines peace (eirene), pronounced: i-ray’nay, as a (1) state of national tranquility, exemption from the rage and havoc of war; (2) peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord; (3) security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous); (4) of the Messiah’s peace, the way that leads to peace (salvation); (5) of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is; (6) the blessed state of devout and upright men after death.

Considering the state of society as a consequence of sin, peace is the greatest need. The definitions most appropriate are numbers four (4) and five (5). This kind of peace is a gift that only comes from Jesus Christ. With His peace you can have a harmonious experience that soothes the soul like the sounds of a symphony.

I don’t have to remind you of the current state of affairs—wars, disturbances, conflicts and disagreements among family and friends, violence and horrendous crimes in society that are unbelievable. But what I do want to remind you of is this: Without the peace of God life becomes hopelessly unbearable trying to cope with the daily challenges. Peace of mind and heart gives the assurance that good will ultimately win over evil even in the midst of confusion and chaotic circumstances.

Although we give the “peace” signs, we make “peace” talks; countries sign “peace” treaties, and many say with their lips, “Peace, Peace… (Shalom); but in reality, our society and the nations of the world are suffering from the lack thereof.

I wrote an article in 2002 entitled, The Price of Peace. At the time, we only faced the threat of war. But today two wars are being fought with a dimming ray of hope for a speedy end.

Believing God’s word and knowing He is all-powerful (Psalm 46:9-10), we still hope and even pray for peace (freedom from war). Nevertheless, the devastating effects of war are felt by families and friends every day. Lives are still being lost, sacrifices are still being made. Children are still without their mothers and fathers. Parents are still looking forward to the day their sons and daughters come home from war never to return.

The lack of peace in the lives of so many is evidenced all around us. We see the need for peace in our neighborhoods, and communities. We yearn for it in our homes. We need it taught in our schools, and yes, we need even in our places of worship. For those who are yet praying, believing, and hoping, and waiting don’t stop; don’t give up. You recognize the need for something greater—a spiritual calm in your spirit; a mental calm that cannot be explained, only experienced through serenity of His Presence and the power of prayer. (¹Oh peace we often forfeit; O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer).

Philippians 4:5-7, Paul says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Today, more than ever before we must hold fast to this the truth, and experience the manifestation of this promise— His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

I like this translation (it amplifies the Hebrew and Greek), “And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

The gift of peace, that only comes through a relationship with Jesus the Christ, will be your defense that safeguards and protects your heart and mind when you’re consistent in your communication with Christ, and enthusiastic about expressing your gratitude for what He has done. The protection of your heart and mind is critical because the mind is a battlefield. It is where the greatest war is fought. Consequently, if there’s no peace of mind, you are defenseless against the mental assaults and diabolical assignments of the enemy to penetrate your spirit and take you out with ambush of negative thoughts. The fiery darts of the enemy are thoughts of doubt, defeat, and disillusionment, which will sabotage your faith, and hope in Christ.

Sure, we all can agree that “What the world needs now is love, sweet love…” But the greatest need at this juncture is PEACE with God, which comes by accepting Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord of your life. Is there anyone that can honestly say we don’t need peace by any definition of the word?

If we truly have the peace of God in our hearts, and peace in our minds that comes through relationship with Jesus Christ, it would be a gigantic step in embracing the “true love” concept. Why? Because God is love!”

Need Peace? Want Peace?

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, or have not received Him as Lord of your life then you don’t have peace with God the Father (Romans 5:1).

Today is a good day for a new beginning… to start your new life in Christ. Start by reading the Gospels, specifically John 3, Romans 3; 10:9-10, meditate, repent, pray in faith, (believe and earnestly ask the Lord Jesus Christ to reveal Himself to you). Continue reading the Bible and talking to God on a daily basis. Ask Him to lead you to a place of worship if you’re not part of a local assembly. Ask Him lead and guide you into all truths by the power of the Holy Spirit (Read John, chapters 14-16).

¹ What a Friend We Have in Jesus, Joseph M. Scriven/ Charles C. Converse

©2009 Queen E. F. Phillips, Majestic Publishing/QEP Enterprises.

Several times a week, my regional director sends out messages to motivate, inspire and encourage staff to stay focused as public servants trying to make a difference in the lives of Texans with disabilities.  This particular email stuck with me “just because” it had a personal touch that came from the heart.  So, I asked his permission to post it on my blog….  Quote:

Just Because

Good Afternoon,

I was talking to a friend last night about when we get older and near the end of life.  What will we be thinking about in the silence of any given day?  By this time, many of my decisions would be in the past.  This is what came to my mind…

I would like to be sitting in my boat on a nice clean lake, wearing a straw hat to protect myself from the glaring sun with Vernell next to me.  I want to tell her that I loved her and my life.  I want to talk about those lunches and dinners we shared with our family and friends – how at times we laughed so much we could hardly eat!  I want to say that I held our friend Boris’ hand as he neared the end of his life, and we were there to give comfort to his loving wife.  I want to talk about my early college basketball life and walking with her in the cool night air when we were in college.  

I want to talk about when I was younger in a job I didn’t like, and I did everything I could to either change it or find ways to appreciate the one I had.  I want to talk about the first management job I took with DRS, the awards that Unit gained and the staff that became a part of our family.   I want to say that I moved to Houston to pursue my career.  Sitting in that boat I want to say that I moved from a comfortable situation to a city where my family and I grew even happier.  I pursued each job with excellence and the clear intention to support my coworkers and the agency I worked for. I want to speak of the Houston staff that allowed me to make a difference in their lives and those citizens of Texas with disabilities. 

I want to reminisce about the troubled Units that became shining stars in the State. About the growth of RST’s and VRC’s that faced challenges, but kept striving, and are now successful and satisfied.  I want to speak of staff that were issued performance levels only to flourish at what they do each day.  I want to recall the area managers who are now looking to take my place as the regional director,  the growth in life , and the work that I shared with all of my Houston staff as I sit fishing and traveling with Vernell. 

I want to say that it was a good life with no regrets. I came to Houston to join a team and after the many years of providing the “E3 Service Essentials” I am still as happy and proud as I was back on my first day.    

In your twilight years, looking back at your life and career with DRS, what will you be able to say?  

We Can Be World Class…if YOU want it!

I am listening

Unquote…

This question made me think and reflect.  When I look back at my life, what will I be able to say.  Each day is a gift that cannot be taken for granted.  Time is precious.  There are some things in life that’s too important to overlook— family, good friends, health and wholeness.  Enjoy every moment and when the time comes to transition from this earthly life to YOUR CHOSEN PLACE IN ETERNITY, you can be confident that you lived a fulfilling life committed to helping others; just because it was the right thing to do!

BETRAYAL! one of the most painful, embrassing, and incomprehensive truths to face in life especially in the marital relationship.

Of course, those of us tucked away in private life have an advantage, you could say… the world is not watching.  However, for high profilers, this is another matter…

How do you get over betrayal, whether public display or private?  You start by facing the truth–imperfect people living by an inconsistent value system.  It’s simple. Saying one thing, but doing something totally different.  Advocating truth, and moral behavior, but living a lie.

Living by inconsistent values results in broken lives, relationships, and dreams.  It affects all of society either directly or indirectly. 

Will we ever realize that we are all connected, and what we do affects more people than we know?   (Read Acts 17:26). Regardless of the color of your skin, betrayal hurts the white woman just like it does the black woman.  And when it’s all said and done they both can share the pain, the embarassment, and incomprehensive truth.  Now First Lady of Detroit, and First Lady of New York are connected by the pains of betrayal caused by their “mayor” husbands who chose to live by inconsistent values as leaders.

Oh, how I love the word of God.  I have put my hope in God’s word; therefore, it is my comfort in sorrow.  It is my strength in weakness.  It is my light in darkness. It is my song of victory!

Do you recall how it made you feel when you knew someone was on your side?  The modern term now is “got your back.”  There’s a sense of boldness, defiance, and confidence that escalate when you know someone’s got your back, and you don’t have to face the enemy alone. 

I recall my school days when occasionally I’d get into an altercation with a peer.  I’m proud to say it was not a way of life for me.  Nevertheless, it was the seldom occasion that being an only child was a disadvantage.  However, I did have an ally that I could depend on.  I knew my cousin, Joe, was on my side.  He was sure to come to my rescue, and could throw a few good punches in my defense.

Usually after-school showdowns were planned in advance.  Advance planning allowed for a build up of assurance and confidence as well. It helped you to prepare mentally.  Although this was many years ago, I still recall the positive affect that having support had on me when facing a challenging encounter.

Consequently, when I read Psalm 124, I could relate to how the Israelites could prepare themselves mentally and emotionally for worship.  What an assurance to know that God Almighty is on your side.  This particular song was one that the Israelites sang on their way up to worship.

Going to worship (at your local assembly) should be an “up” experience.  An experience that raises your level of expectation, and motivates you to continue your faith walk by trusting the sovereign God of all flesh to come to your rescue, and defend you against the attacks of men and the raging storms of life.  When it appears external circumstances are working against you, just starting saying or singing, “If the Lord had not been on our side…” It reminds you of God’s goodness and His faithfulness to see you through the most difficult times in life.

If you prepare for worship mentally and emotionally, you won’t be disappointed.  You’ll declare with certainty, “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. You won’t allow distractions to keep you from giving glory to the only true and living God.  

May your worship experience cause you to ascend to another realm of supernatural power in the Holy Spirit far above powers, principalities, and spiritual wickedness in high places.  Let me remind that you have been seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus; and have been given authority to overcome all the power of the enemy all because God is on our side.  Hallelujah!!

On January 15, 1929, a baby boy was born to Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr. and Alberta Williams King and given the name, Martin Luther King, Jr.

The timeliness of his arrival was in proportion with his mission and purpose predestined by God.  Therefore, his growth and development into manhood, and his advanced matriculation in education were necessary to meet the urgency of mankind’s need to hear what God had to say and do for generations to come.

To the unenlightened Dr. King was just an intelligent man with great oratorical skills and a public platform.  Many honor him only for his fight against segregation and inequity in the Deep South.  For many, observance of the holiday simply means recognizing a great civil rights leader.  Yet, for some,  he was a voice that condemned the ugliness of racism smeared in the faces nonwhites and Jews. 

To others he was the voice of greatness— an icon to the rise of “black power.” To the degenerates, he was a dangerous threat to the kingdom of darkness that must be annihilated.

However, I know for me; he was ‘the voice of the Lord’ then, and now!

I was only sixteen years old when the news of his brutal assassination was announced at the small segregated school I attended in Louisiana.  To this day, I recall the emotional upheaval this news brought throughout the school as well our small community of underprivileged coloreds. 

In particular, I remember my own emotional outbursts.  It was a ‘gut-wrenching’ queasiness I’d never felt before.  Perhaps, like that of receiving the news of my father’s death.

I believe the prophetic anointing within me (not yet recognized or released) grieved for a true prophetic voice silenced by a nation rebelling against God’s will for humanity; addicted to hatred and committing heinous acts of violence against its fellowman.  I didn’t know then, but I know now that the spirit of heaviness overshadowed me because the resounding affects of an audible voice inspired by the Holy Spirit would be silent forever.  This man was the voice of the Lord!

I’ve read the history of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. several times.  But this year, it became clear to me that this man was born for such a time, even as this. 

His messages still echoes throughout the portals of time, and reminds us of the need for change—change that results in spiritually transformed hearts and minds—changed lives that conform to the standards of GOD ALMIGHTY, and attitudes that align with biblical principles.

 Everything that he stood for was in alignment with the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.

Dr. King’s messages were focused on man’s greatest needs.   And 40 years later, the needs are still great— justice, equality, and peace. 

God created all men equal, in His image and His likeness. Yes, we’ve come a long way, but we still have a ways to go until we all come into the knowledge of God’s will concerning justice and equality for all men.  There are still too many subliminal messages, innuendos, jokes and jesters, which reveal the secrets of an evil heart. Therefore, above all, man’s greatest need is a new heart.

Dr. King preached peace and nonviolence.  This message is relevant today because man longs for true love and spiritual peace. Wherever there is war and violence there can be no true love.  God is love! 

Therefore, there’s an even greater need today—a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  He preached peace because Christ paid the ultimate price for our peace—peace with God through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.  When men are not at peace with God, there can be no peace with his fellowman. 

Consequently, wars, crimes and violence are inevitable in a depraved society.   But, there is hope because with God all things are possible.

In a message on Peace, in 1964, Dr. King said, “Sooner or later all the people of the world will have to discover a way to live together in peace and thereby transform this pending cosmic elegy into a creative psalm of brotherhood. I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.  This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant.”

Dr. King understood that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Because Christ is our hope, he declared boldly and with tenacity, “Let freedom ring.”  He understood that freedom is the reward of knowing Truth.  Dr. King knew that when America embraces the Truth, we would be free at last.

He was confident in his mission and sincere in his message.  He was not intimidated by men to conform to their systems of injustice, ungodly beliefs, and immoral values.  He stood courageously in the face of opposition to deflect the darts of unrighteousness that penetrated the concrete walls of pride, hatred and selfishness. 

On nonconformity, in 1963, he said, “This hour in history needs a dedicated circle of transformed nonconformists.  Dangerous passions of pride, hatred and selfishness are enthroned in our lives; truth lies prostrate on the rugged hills of nameless Calvaries.  The saving of our world from pending doom will come, not through the complacent adjustment of the conforming majority, but through the creative maladjustment of  a nonconforming minority.”

Ultimately, Dr. King’s mountaintop experience afforded him a privilege few will have in their lifetime—to see the Promised Land.  Seeing the Promised Land gave him the assurance, confidence and hope that we all must live by daily—that God’s kingdom will come, and His will shall be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

On April 3, 1968, Dr. King said, “Well, I don’t know what will happen now.  We’ve got some difficult days ahead.  But it doesn’t matter with me now because I’ve been to the mountaintop.  And I don’t mind.  Like anybody, I would like to live a long life.  Longevity has its place.  But I’m not concerned about that now.  I just want to do God’s will.  And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain.  And I’ve looked over.  And I’ve seen the Promised Land.  I may not get there with you.  But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the Promised Land.  And I’m happy, tonight.  I’m not worried about anything.  I’m not fearing any man.  Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

I believe this spiritual encounter enabled Dr. King to release everything and everyone into the Master’s hand—his life, his family, his work, his country, and this world.  He had answered the call of God.  He had done the will of God. He had lifted up his voice like trumpet in Zion, and sacrificed all for the Master.  He had fought a good fight and finished his course.

He had presented his body as a living sacrifice time after time.  He was pressed on every side, and oftentimes felt forsaken; yet,   he didn’t conform to this world. Instead, he was transformed by the renewing of his mind.  He understood the good and acceptable and perfect will of God; therefore, he proclaimed it to the world without compromise.

Today, the greatest honor we can bestow upon this noble man of God would be to surrender our lives to the will of God as he did; yield our members as instruments of righteousness for the Master’s use as he did—denying all for the Kingdom of God.

I ask, “Lord, will there be another voice that will take up the cause for peace, righteousness and justice in the Kingdom? 

Who will be the voice of the Lord?  Let it not be the voice of one man alone, but many that will be heard as one voice. 

 I pray, Let the Church be the voice of the Lord.  Though we are many members, let us declare in unison as one Body, “I am the voice of the Lord.”   

© 2007 Queen E. F. Phillips. All rights reserved. NOT-FOR-PROFIT use only requires prior written permission from the author.  Credit must be given to copyright owner.Reprinted and updated, Copyright © 2008 Queen E. F. Phillips. All rights reserved. NOT-FOR-PROFIT use only requires prior written permission from the author.  Credit must be given to copyright owner.  

A former coworker lost her mother recently and several of us attended the funeral.  I have attended numerous funerals in my “short” lifetime, but this was the first time I’ve attended one where the coffin was placed at the back of the church throughout the service The minister’s explanation gave symbolic meaning to the belief that the spirit of my friend’s mother was in heaven, and that she’d never sat at the front in church during her lifetime, so why place her there now that she’s deceased.  Okay. I can agree with that.

However, the most striking part of this for me was the courage to end a funeral tradition that’s been a part the black community as long as I can remember.  In most religions it’s customary to display the beautiful casket that holds the embalmed body of our family, friends, and loved ones at front center where the bereaved family can stare at it throughout the service.  I admit it was little odd, yet somewhat of a relief.  Actually, this could be the start a new thing.  As a matter of fact, I’m considering adding it to my list of pre-needs plans in addition to my “no two-minute expressions allowed.” 

I walked away with my own symbolic perception.  By placing my coffin in back of the church it would communicate that my earthly life is behind; I’d lived it out front for all to see, and those attending my funeral should look forward to their future hope by living a committed and purposeful life of faith in Jesus Christ as I did. This is the ultimate legacy I want to leave.     

I attended a funeral (also called “a celebration of life”) on Saturday.  My sister in Christ had just celebrated a birthday on July 24; and now family and friends were gathered to celebrate her short-lived life that ended unexpectedly due to an aneurysm.

Several friends and family members shared their expressions of love and heartfelt sympathy.  Although their expressions centered around their relationship with Sharon, they all concluded one thing: Sharon enjoyed life because she understood it was a gift from God.  She loved people. Her smile revealed her inner peace and happiness.  Her excitement about life touched the heart of others and changed their perspectives. 

As I drove home, my thoughts about the frailty of life caused me to search within my soul to seek solace in the only thing that gives me hope– the Word of God.

I Peter 1:24 states, “All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of the Lord stands forever.

 The truth for me is this: Each breath I take comes with no guarantee that I will take another one; therefore I choose to live a lifestyle that keeps my hope of everlasting life alive.

Perhaps, for those who live life to the fullest with gratefulness and praise to God for every moment are the ones who are better prepared to let go so quickly.

the collapse of bridge in America is a disgrace to the world.  This kind of castastrophy as a result of negligence is definitely “below the line” in the area of accountability! 

 I’ve held off on posting my thoughts on this.  Why? Because I didn’t want to write out of anger.  I wanted to give myself a little time to calm down.  Since it’s taking longer to calm down than I expected, I figure I might as well take advantage of my freedom of speech rights and express what’s on my heart… here goes—

SENSELESS! ABSOLUTELY SENSELESS! 

Without a doubt, things happen in life.  They just do— good things and bad things.  But when bad things happen because of human negligence that results in deaths, families being  torn apart, and communities being devastated, there are no excuses, or justifications. 

And it’s definitely not a time to play the “blame game.”  Who is to blame?  I don’t know.  What I do know is this tragedy is the result of misplaced priorities and neglect for the value of human life and safety.

Sure things happens, but really now… ignoring two structural deficiency reports could have avoided this tragedy. 

We give our enemies reasons to laugh at us.

Well, I’ve said it.  Truth is, I still don’t feel any better.  Perhaps, because I know the families that are directly affected by this tragedy aren’t feeling any better.

July 12, 1932, Leanna Franks Carter gave birth to a beautiful little girl, and named her Deva Mae.  Deva Mae was the only girl of eight children born to my grandmother.

I can’t imagine growing up with seven (7) brothers…it gives new meaning to ‘tom-boy’.

On December 26^th it will be four (4) years since my mother transitioned from this earthly life to life eternal.  Each day I think about her; however, today is that special day when memories of her will fill my every thought-

Like now, there’ll be thoughts of sadness; but I choose to think on those times of laughter, when she’d make me laugh in spite of her pain.

Although I miss her greatly, my consolation is that she taught me how to live a life of faith, looking past the pain that cancer reeked in her frail frame, and seeing through eyes of faith into an eternal hope that awaits us all who believe Jesus the Christ.

Happy Birthday, Madear!

Love always,

Your only daughter

I was saddened to hear about David Richetson’s death.  Apparently, everyone assumed he was recovering mentally and emotionally from his horrific ordeal in April of last year. 

Perhaps, the fact that his attackers received life-long prison sentences would help his healing process and increase our trust in the integrity of the judicial system. But it didn’t; not enough to give David hope to continue living. Even surviving such an inhumane hate crime, and giving testimony to support the passing of a hate crime bill wasn’t enough to get this young man through the pain that he lived with everyday. 

Undoubtedly, he believed that life could never be the same again; so why give it a chance; why hope? The truth is, we all grapple with this question when we face tragic life-altering experiences.  However, the answer is determined by one’s ability to live in expectation and reality simultaneously, yet able to rationally differentiate between the two. 

 Sure, people say there is always hope; it comes with the dawning of each new day.  And with it comes the opportunity to choose life one breath at a time.   

Truth? No one can ever know how they’d handle painful tragedies and experiences of life that change every aspect of life and seemingly leave no hope of normalcy ever again until it happens.  Again, truth is, many respond like David, unfortunately.  It just doesn’t always make news headline. 

 Although we can’t define hope for someone that has been atrociously victimized, prayerfully, within our circle of influence we can persist in encouraging them to search diligently for the Hope Giver; the ONE who gave us hope through through His WORD—Jesus Christ, when we needed more than fragile reality and expectations —INNER PEACE. 

My thoughts and prayers are with David’s family in this time of loss. 

May the God of all comfort be with them.  This is my hope… they that will find peace to live on knowing the truth.