Aaaah

Coming home has been a breath of fresh air. Let me clarify because I know you might be thinking, is this chic in the same Louisiana whose sidewalks are so hot that you can cook your Sunday dinner on them? Is she breathing in a special kind of air reserved for God’s chosen people? The short answer is yes and yes. Actually, it is very hot and humid, but even still, there’s a freshness, a sweetness, a special movement in the air that’s laced with the sound of tapping feet, accordion cords, and a hint of cayenne pepper –cold watermelon, sun showers, and tiny frogs all singing in unison.

As I breathe in this air, I breathe out God’s promises to give me hope and a future. Repeat. As I breathe in deeply, I breathe out his affirmations that he is with me always. Repeat. Again I breathe in slowly, and breathe out even slower the reminder that I am fully-known by name. Aaaah…the God of heaven and earth knows little ol’ me and pursues me and pulls me (AND YOU) out of the slimy pit — out of the muck and mire, and places you on a rock so you can stand. Now stand — stand up straight and breathe him in.

I know it’s cliche to say there’s no place like home, but I really believe it. Of all the places I’ve been in this world, I’ve never experienced tangible love anyplace but here. The warm, lingering hugs — swaying left to right in concert with the rhythm of that special air I mentioned earlier. Most hugs are accompanied by a kiss on the cheek. The best way I can describe it is like having a collision with heaven. That’s how love feels on this side of heaven. If that ain’t what you’re feeling, you’re being robbed. Yes, I said it. Now, what will you do about it? Will you report it to the police? Keep moving because everyone gets robbed at some point in time? Cry about lost time and energy? Think about it a bit and let it marinate until the stench of that realization is too pungent to stay put? My point is that God wants you to act. He doesn’t want you to get too comfortable right where you are — he wants you to continually move along the path he has created especially for you. It is paved with love and obstacles, love and heartbreak, love and strength, and love and victory. What’s stopping you from taking the next brave step along your path? Is it fear? Scripture says that perfect love casts out ALL fear. Take the next step…no more excuses. God’s got this. Blessings, y’all!