The road that I’ve walked has led me to where I am
today.
Yesterday I headed to the Bronx for a viewing; to celebrate my friend
Tyrone Williams' life. He is now in the presence of the Lord. As I traveled down familiar roads my mind
recalled different events that I have experienced. Even scents seem to flood my nostrils as my
eyes observed different neighborhoods I had traveled through in my younger
days.
I had several passengers in my car and I began to share my
story.
“Did you know I use to work here when I was 13 years old,
and at this corner I use to pick up lunch during the summer days when school
was out.” The stories continued whether
the passengers (my friends) wanted to hear it or not. I had a captive audience :) “I grew up here. I was bullied but the Lord gave me strength and
I fought back." Literally, I took a
garbage can lid, those silver metal cans in front of every Bronx building; I
lifted it with all my might and "wacked" the boy who was going to beat me
up. Yep, I was around 11 years old. I
remembered the slum lord who would not give our family heat or hot water. I recalled getting on the IRT line of the
train system; walking through handball courts trying to get home from
school. Every shopping experience and
even the genesis of dating my husband as the age of 16 years old came back to
memory. Praise God we have been married
for 33 years! Interestingly enough, one of my favorite pass-times was sitting on the steps of the building eating sunflower seeds and just casually hanging out with my friends. The black metal stairs of the image above was my place to sit with the man that is now husband. Praise God!
It really was a simple time back then.
Driving to the Bronx yesterday was a great experience for
me. I recalled roads I literally had
walked on sometimes with fear. Growing
up in the Bronx caused me to always look back even as I was looking
forward. Sadly, there was always a
concern that harm might be waiting for you in the next corner. I had a few scary encounters but by the Grace
of God, He preserved me.
Why tell you my story?
Everyone has a road they have traveled to get to where we
are today.
Even Jesus had a road.
He left glory and entered this fallen world so that he could reach his
end purpose. I wonder what Jesus was
thinking when he walked the road to his crucifixion.
In the Book of John we read:
"After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began." (John 17:1-5)
Jesus was thinking about us. We are the people that God entrusted to the Son.
Look back and what do you see?
"After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began." (John 17:1-5)
Jesus was thinking about us. We are the people that God entrusted to the Son.
Look back and what do you see?
I see God preserving me and allowing me to encounter Him. I see roads that were difficult and roads that I thought I would never travel through.
I see His hand of Mercy & Grace keeping me and opening my eyes to recognize Him!
Every memory, every scent and image reminds me that God so loved the world that he gave….gave His Son for me!
Looking back helps me appreciate looking forward. Like Jesus, my Father in heaven will help me reach my purpose so that I can return the Glory to Him!
“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. (John 17:6-8)
I see His hand of Mercy & Grace keeping me and opening my eyes to recognize Him!
Every memory, every scent and image reminds me that God so loved the world that he gave….gave His Son for me!
Looking back helps me appreciate looking forward. Like Jesus, my Father in heaven will help me reach my purpose so that I can return the Glory to Him!
“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. (John 17:6-8)
My brother Tyrone Williams: You
have traveled and now you have arrived.
Praise the Living God who guides us and more so desires our hearts!
Let the Glory of the Lord rise from every child that has entrusted their life to the Master.
God bless you!~Liz
