But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17

Neale Donald Walsh’s book Conversations with God lit up the New York bestsellers list for 137 weeks. The book caught the eye of millions of people, turning it into a publishing phenomenon. I thumbed through it a several times. I was intrigued by the title and content. Instead of snapping up, I knew I needed to concentrate on my conversation with God vs. eavesdropping on another’s. God had been speaking to me. I didn’t always listen.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:15 (New Living Translation)

The beautiful thing about having a relationship with God is that he talks to everybody. He doesn’t just talk to me. He speaks to each one of us. The blessing is knowing that God is always ready, always waiting, and always available. Sometimes he initiates the conversations. Other times, he waits for a personal invitation. We have to prepare ourselves for the conversation by making time to talk and listen to him. Most of all, we need to heed his direction.

This reminded me of the times I talk to my mom, grandmother, and best friend. We love catching up on the phone. We laugh, joke and give each other the 4-1-1. It’s always meaningful. My day feels brighter after our chats. For the past few years, I’ve started doing the same with God. Each morning, I spend 15-20 minutes reading scripture or a daily devotional, writing in a journal and talking to God. I close it out with a prayer, questions, and quiet reflection. Answers to my questions may come immediately or appear later. In the end, he always tells me what I need to know. It’s up to me to follow his advice.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35

The V2V Spiritual Challenge

Are up for challenge? I have yet to meet a person who didn’t enjoy a good challenge. I’ve got one for my V2V family. Join me as I set my alarm clock back 10-15 minutes earlier. Let’s use that time to grow closer to God through scripture, conversation, devotional, or quiet reflection. You can even recite the Lord’s Prayer.

Give this a try for a month, 30 days. Watch how it deepens your relationship with God. Daily dialogue can dissipate mountains of stress and open doors of opportunity. When faced with an issue or a life or death situation, we are quick to call his name. Let’s connect with him during a few quiet moments as well. In the still of the night or early morning, he can speak the loudest.

Here’s to your daily devotion and deeper relationship with God.

Blessings, Tracey

Scripture – developing a relationship with God, talking to God, listening to God, wisdom.
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Sometimes a sincere no is better than a silent yes. I tend to commit to way too many invitations, fundraisers, dinners, events, and meet ups. Whenever my cell phone vibrates, I steady myself for another request, favor, or call for help. I adore my friends and aim to please. Sometimes a yes to them is a no to me because my energy wanes and my patience wears thin. Then I’m feeling edgy. My writing begins to suffer.

After he had dismissed them, he went up on the mountainside by himself to pray. Matthew 14:23

A close friend noticed the same thing. He saw me shifting back into my 100 mph speed following a my medical leave before pulling me to the side for a chat. Over coffee, he told me I needed to slow down. If I didn’t, I would burn myself out and be of little help to anybody else. “Tracey, even Jesus took time out for prayer and solitude. You have to do the same,” he said.

God has called us to live in peace. 1 Cor 7:15

I listened and agreed. It was time to get on the good foot and refocus. That meant learning how to offer an honest no without guilt in order to say yes to my walk and God’s will. I promised to do better. As we wrapped up our coffee break, he left me with the following quote:

To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit oneself to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything, is to succumb to the violence of our times. ~ Thomas Merton

My friend’s words reminded me of one of my mom’s favorite sayings, “Tracey, you just can’t do everything” when I wanted to do just that, everything. As a teenager and young adult, I did. Now that I’m older, I see how right she was. Something will always come up. Things will always happen. I have to slow down and pay close attention to my physical and spiritual needs: 1) proper rest, diet, and exercise, 2) time to write, and 3) quiet time for prayer and devotion.

He must seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter 3:11

What do you need to do to keep all cylinders clicking? Daily visits to the gym? A weekly date night? Some of mom’s home-cooking? Watching an uninterrupted football game? Whatever it is, make sure you do it. When you honor your spiritual needs, you become a better servant of God. As the requests pour in, it’s okay to say no when you’re spirit isn’t up to it. There’s nothing wrong with saying yes to your no because you are simply saying yes to your peace.

Blessings, Tracey Hughes
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When I first moved to Brooklyn, I wandered the neighborhood searching for a salon. I knew it would be tough on a Saturday morning but I still had faith. The one I found assured me they could work me in. I took a seat and waited for my name to be called. And I waited, and waited, and waited. Three hours later, I walked out with my hair looking just as crazy as it did when I first walked in. Not only did they lose a customer, they lost a referral. A few years later, they lost their lease. I never did found out the cause of their closing. I’m pretty sure poor customer service played a part.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21

When I hear the words, “May I help you,” I expect to receive good service. After giving it some thought, it occurred to me the same is expected of us. The minute we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we accepted his mission to serve. Pastors, deacons, various ministries, and members keep churches thriving. Charities, organizations, and neighborhood coalitions serve help the disadvantaged. Like the man behind the Wizard of Oz mask, we are the hidden hands that keep the help flowing. Be it mentoring a teenager at a crossroads, tutoring students in a particular subject, or paying a visit to the sick and shut in, our service is not only necessary. It’s required!

…If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:11

In addition to the ways we serve, the how is just as important. Do you serve with a smile? Do you serve with a willing heart? As much as I love helping others, I don’t feel always feel like being bothered. Everybody’s “go-to” gal” has her moments. When my lips tighten and patience wears thin, I calm myself with a few breaths to restore my good nature and giving spirit. Then I remind myself that it’s not about me, it’s about being of service.

Those who served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 3:13

Jesus Christ walked the earth serving. He served with his hands. He served with his words. He served with his heart. Ultimately, he served with his life. He never denied the people his love or help. Sometimes, there was a bit of a wait before he showed up. He never let them down. He needs us to do the same. He needs us to serve. While we are still works in progress, our little bit of service can go a long way.

V2V - What’s one thing that you can do to be of service to another?

Blessings, Tracey

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“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1

One of the definitive moments in American history is September 11th. When the planes hit the Pentagon, brought down the twin towers, and targeted the White House, people in New York City, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania were “sho nuff” shook up. We cried. We prayed. We searched for missing loved ones. We ached for stories of survival. We donned American flag paraphenalia. Our security blanket was forever changed. In the end, we exhibited a faith that was temporarily shaken but never deterred.

The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them stripped and beaten. After they were severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Acts 16:22-24

The bible recounts multiple examples of unshakeable faith. After Jesus ascended to heaven, the apostles traveled the world, preaching the good news and saving souls. They encountered both followers and detractors. Once, Paul and Silas were mocked by a slave girl filled with a demonic spirit. She followed behind them, yelling and mocking them until they exorcised her. Once the demon departed, so did her ability to tell fortunes for money. Enraged by the loss of income, her owners had the men jailed.

At once all prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose. The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sir, what must I do to be saved?”

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.” Acts 16:29-30

Despite being beaten mercilessly and jailed, they never gave up. They didn’t yell. They never threatened violence. They sat quietly in their cell, singing and praying throughout the night, much like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and the freedom fighters. The two men remained steadfast in their faith until the ground shook and their chains fell off. They were freed, along with the jailer and his family.

The devil will do his darndest to shake you up and mentally shackle your spirit. Your faith can fend off every attack. Faith grounds you when everything turns topsy turvy. You too can exhibit a faith like Silas and Paul. Prayer and praise will steel your nerves. A trusted friend can provide much needed comfort. A prayer warrior can stand in the gap for you. Your darkness will eventually turn into light. The two apostles stood strong during a very dark time. The U.S. remained steadfast following 9/11. You can do the same because you have the ability to be shaken, yet not stirred.

Blessings, Tracey

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When the going gets rough, the tough stands up. The game of life is a rough and tumble experience. I remember several times where it had me ready to throw up the flag of surrender. I had grown tired of arguing with a boss who needed to always be right, even when she was nothing but wrong. Instead of admitting defeat, she would hit me below the belt by yelling, cursing, and insulting my intelligence. As my spirit absorbed the blows, I stood my ground and calmly reminded her that she failed to give me the right information. In the end, I may have won the fight but my spirit was worn and weary.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. John 14:16

My daily bouts at work reminded me of the Mike Tyson era. I was a big boxing fan when Mike was on top. At the ring of the bell, I was glued to the flat screen, watching his blows land on the contender, until the bell rang for a timeout. Then the boxer scrambled onto the three-legged stool while his trainer offered encouragement and direction, and the cut man tended to his bruises with cold steel, q-tips, and ointment. With one last squirt of the water bottle, the boxer was ready for another round. He was buoyed by his team’s encouragement and re-focused on the prize. And so the fight continued for the remaining rounds or a surprise knockout. Regardless of the finish, the trainer and cut man never left his corner.

This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. John 14:17

We have our own corner trainer and cut man. They go by the names Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. When we’re nursing work wounds, a broken heart, disappointments, or one of life’s delays, they are right by our side with whatever we may need. Be it a word of encouragement through a friend, some right-on-time information, a little peace to calm our nerves, or an epiphany, they are always on time. Most of all, they know how to heal the bruises and help us along our journey.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Galatians 5:25

The life Jesus lived is the best blueprint. He demonstrated tremendous patience, calm, love, peace, and non-violence during a time when people laughed, ridiculed and ultimately crucified him. There are times where you may feel like you’re going through similar struggles. When you are put to the ultimate test, all you have to do is count to three (or sometimes ten), say a prayer, and let your trainer and cut man come to the rescue. They may offer a way out or a word of encouragement. You can guarantee that peace will descend upon your internal fire and further stoke your love for the Savior.

Blessings, Tracey

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Life is filled with light moments and dark days. A lost job, layoff, betrayal, divorce, depression or a life-threatening diagnosis can send the strongest to their knees. When you suddenly find yourself in the darkness, what do you do? Who do you turn to? You turn to the one who gave you a new life and second chance, Jesus Christ.

At the sixth hour darkness came over the land until the ninth hour…Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me.” With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. Mark 15:33-34, 37

Jesus’ death was a dark period for the disciples. They gave up their everyday routines to follow him. Peter descended into his own darkness after the rooster crowed twice. He was riddled with guilt about his denial of Jesus. The darkness gave way to light when Jesus rose from the dead. He reminded Peter of his love and everlasting forgiveness. He put Thomas’ doubts to rest. Most of all, he returned to share the good news and issue the great commission.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Matthew 28:8

Easter is a key reminder that darkness gives way to light. The 40-day Lenten period of prayer, repentance and sacrifice always ends with his resurrection and a renewed relationship with the Lord. God raised Jesus from dead to give us new life. Jesus charged the disciples with a final assignment; to share the gospel (good news). He needs us to do the same, to spread the news all over the land.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

When you enter into relationship with Jesus, you develop faith. Your faith is the best reminder that the darkness always gives way to light. Your testimonies, kind deeds, and acts of compassion offer others hope. Don’t be afraid to let your personal stories speak for Jesus. You are wonderfully made in his image. You have the ability to spread love and change the world.

Blessings, Tracey

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Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” Genesis 21:2

Because of love, 100-year old Abraham and his 90-year old wife Sarah were blessed with a son named Isaac. Abraham held his son, looked into his eyes, and immediately fell in love. Years later, God put Abraham to the ultimate test. He commanded him to bind up his beloved son, take him up the mountain, and sacrifice him.

Without hesitation, Abraham followed instructions. He led Isaac up the mountainside. He built an altar and laid him on top. As he raised his knife into the air, the angel of the Lord stopped him. God was well pleased with Abraham’s devotion. His faith had passed the test. The Lord rewarded him with the promise to make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. Abraham saw a ram caught in a nearby thicket. He sacrificed it and named the place, “The Lord Will Provide.”

Because of love, the Lord sent down his beloved son to save his people. Jesus Christ walked the earth healing, praying, teaching, serving, and changing lives. He endured forty days of temptation. He took on the yoke of our sins. He bridged the gap between God and his people.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Because of love, the Lord’s son was betrayed, mocked, condemned, flogged and nailed to the cross. Jesus suffered tremendous physical pain. It paled in comparison to the pain he experienced when he separated himself from God to bear our sins. He took one last breath, uttered, “It is finished,” and hung his head. Betrayal sent the Son of Man to the cross. Love raised him from the dead. He returned to share the good news and commission his people to spread the gospel and save souls.

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. Mark 16:6

Because of love, he rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. He sits at the right-hand of the God. Because of love, we are forgiven and granted eternal life with the Heavenly Father. Because of love, he sent down the Holy Spirit to guide and protect us. Because of love, he gives us grace and mercy daily. Because of love, HIS love, the Lord will always provide.

Happy Easter! Happy Resurrection Sunday! Tracey

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There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens Ecclesiastes 3:1

Last month, I wondered what this year’s Lenten sacrifice would be. Over the years, I’ve given up sweets, desserts, orange juice, and even Facebook. Facebook was definitely a hard one. This year, the Lord put me to the test. He told me to turn off the TV. For a minute, I pretended I didn’t hear him. I tried my best to ignore him. The thought kept coming back to my mind. I knew he meant business. I said so long to my year-old flat screen. I set my DVR to record my favorite programs for TV Sundays.* I turned off the television and got down to business.

At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God. Hebrews 12:11 (The Message)

The first few days were a little rough. I enjoyed eating dinner in front of the evening news. I was surrounded by silence. I had more time that I knew what do. The clock crawled from minute to minute. I started cleaning, pre-cooking my meals, and organizing my closets. After the first week, the fast became a blessing. The book project I started during a medical leave found its way back on my agenda. God led me to the pen and paper. My writing evolved during the quiet time vs. being sandwiched between favorite TV shows.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. Proverbs 12:1

Words, sentences, and phrases poured onto blank pages. God started laying down the foundation for my life’s dream. He provided the inspiration. I did the writing. My dear friend Brian Gaffney graciously offered his time and critique. BGaff kept me on track with encouragement and weekly nudges for the next chapter. Soon, my book started taking shape. I could see it coming together. To date, I’ve completed three chapters. My fast not only put my writing into gear, it provided some much-needed discipline.

Listen to my instruction and be wise Proverbs 8:33

The only time that I broke the fast was to tune into the Trayvon Martin tragedy. Otherwise, I discovered that God was a far better companion than the evening news. I could hear him louder and more clearly. I learned to appreciate the time once lost to TV marathons and reality shows. The best lesson was the blessing of self-control. I didn’t crawl into the fetal position when the TV went silent. The solitude allowed God to speak more and do more in my life. I plan to keep the viewing to a minimum after Easter.

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

How did your Lenten fast go? What did you learn? Did it draw you closer to God? Mine sure did. I hope yours did too. May those blessings and lessons guide you over the next few weeks, months, and years to come.

Blessings, Tracey

*Jesus rose on a Sunday. That day is omitted from the 40-day fast.

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A year after college, I started my first full-time job at the BellSouth Advertising and Publishing Company. I was the youngest and only African American woman selling yellow page ads in Southern Georgia. We worked the “book” for Macon, Columbus, Albany and a little city along the Okeefeenokee swamp. Each city required temporary relocation until the book was complete. I refused to stay in one city that was known for its heavy KKK presence. Instead, I drove three hours roundtrip for a month. After 1 ½ years of selling telephone book ads to mechanics, physicians, attorneys, and roofers, I was ready for some real advertising experience.

A brochure for a Northwestern University’s new program caught my attention. The Integrated Marketing Communications program at NU’s Medill School of Journalism was a blend of traditional business school classes with advertising, public relations, and direct marketing. I was so convinced it was the program for me that I applied to no other schools. I put all of my eggs in to the IMC basket.

I studied day and night for the GRE standardized test. I reviewed index cards with vocabulary words in-between appointments. My weekends were spent in the library. I took a GRE preparatory course. I even cold-called a local advertising agency owner to help with my application essay. To boost my acceptance score, I flew to Evanston for an interview with the school. I was committed to getting accepted.

During my visit, I met with my line sister and her mother. The minute her mother learned I was applying to Northwestern, she immediately called her then-boyfriend, an alum and school donor. We spoke briefly on the phone that one time. A month later, a thick envelope arrived in my mailbox. I gave the yellow pages the peace sign and moved to Evanston, Illinois for the 18-month graduate program.

The next time I saw my friend’s mother, she asked me if I had thanked her boyfriend.

I asked, “For what?”

“For getting you into Northwestern. He’s the reason you got in,” she said.

Boaz asked the foreman of his harvesters, “Whose young woman is that?” The foreman replied, “She is the Moabitess who came back from Moab with Naomi. She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’ Ruth 2: 5-7

I was shocked and skeptical. I finished Spelman with honors. My GRE scores were acceptable. My essay and community service were good. I wanted to believe that my smarts got me into the prestigious Midwestern school. For years, I’ve ignored her statement. In all honesty, I don’t know what role, if any, he played in my acceptance. My ego wanted all of the credit.

As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, “Even if she gathers among the sheaves, don’t embarrass her. Rather, pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.” Ruth 2:15-16

In hind sight, he may have been a “behind-the-scenes” angel in the same way God is. How many times has God helped you out behind the scenes? He brings blessings. He authorizes do-over’s. He blocks and tackles devilish schemes. He delivers opportunities and financial assistance. Sometimes we witness his work. Other times, we don’t. Just like my graduate school angel, God doesn’t do it for the fanfare. He does it out of love for his children. Have you thanked him today for his behind-the-scenes work? If not, take this moment to send up a some praise and appreciation.

Blessings,

Tracey

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My church has hosted six Chosen women’s ministry conferences. After attending five, I didn’t know what to expect this year. We’ve retreated to spa hotels and roughed it in the Catskills. This year, God used the conference to draw me nearer to him. He warmed me to his message through sessions and seminars touting the conference theme, “Walking in the Light.” He got my attention through a series of powerhouse sermons preached by amazing woman preachers. He drove his message home through prayer and scripture. By the close of the weekend, God had given me exactly what I needed.

Have you ever adapted your walk to mimic another’s stroll or diminished your needs to fulfill another’s? Over the years, I’ve become an expert at losing myself in another person’s shadow. I’ve pressed the mute button on my dreams to breathe new life into someone else’s. I’ve concentrated more on pleasing others than pleasing God.

Recently, the more I tried to make a male friend happy, the less he seemed to care. The more he ignored me, the greater my effort grew. The handwriting was all over the wall. I just refused to read it. I was hoping that his actions would align with my wishes. In the end, my feelings were hurt. And he could care less. This past weekend, God shook me loose from the situation so I could walk in the light.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51: 10-12

Saturday morning, I awoke with two lines of scripture on my mind, “Create in me a pure heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit in me.” I grabbed my bible to look up the psalm. In Psalm 51, God reminded me that the affairs of the heart were dangerous territory when left alone. I had to keep my heart aligned with God’s to avoid having it broken again. This was not the first time my heart had been handled recklessly. But God wanted it to be the last time. I was made in his image and deserved so much more.

Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. Psalm 27:7-8

Sunday morning, He put two more phrases in my head: “Seek thy face” and the song, “Shake Yourself Loose.” I grabbed my bible to look up the psalm for the first phrase. I found it in psalms 27. I knew Vicki Winans’ song, “Shake Yourself Loose” because it was on my gospel aerobics DVD. I read the psalm a few times before popping in my DVD to shake myself loose. Essentially, God was giving me exercise for both my body and brain. He was helping me shake off the bad habits and bad relationships.

“Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart. Wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

Like a trail of bird seed, He laid down a personal recipe for walking in the light: 1) Pray for a pure heart and a steadfast spirit; 2) Seek his face; and 3) Shake yourself loose. Sunday night, I reread psalm 27 and spied a fourth step in the very last line – Wait on the Lord.

We are God’s chosen people. He created us to walk in the light, HIS light, a light and life that’s worth living. We must continuously seek his face, remain in prayer, and follow his direction. In today’s “gotta have it now” society, it ain’t easy. If we remain steadfast and in step with God, we will prevail. Let’s take a moment to dust our shoulders off; shake loose the foolishness (or in my case, a few undeserving folk); and walk towards the truest love there is, God’s.

Blessings, Tracey

**Special shout out to my Emmanuel Baptist Chosen sisters! Keep walking in the light.