Dear God, Thank you!

I knew as a small child, I desired a profession in communications, particularly radio. However, around age 18 or 19 when I began an intimate relationship with The Father, I struggled with that passion. You know how it is when you have that first intimate encounter with God although “church” has been a part of your entire existence since adolescence. There’s an excitement and “all in” commitment alongside a strong conviction to ensure everything aligns with pleasing Christ. So, I halted pursuit of a career in radio until God confirmed, He would use me in that arena. (LOL)

Twenty-five years later, I’m grateful for my pulpit, as I like to refer to it. Monday-Friday I host Kelle’ In The Midday on Kiss101.7 FM, also on Mondays, I have a featured segment on The Happy Hour with Heather B, Sirius XM Fly titled Moving Forward Monday, in addition to my daily position at two local Baltimore radio stations. Each day, in various capacities, God uses me to pour into strangers, which I’m honored to do, but at times can be depleting. Most days I’m full of inspirational messages and prepared to release. But there are a few, within seconds of the on-air sign turning on, I’m at a loss. It’s not that valuable time hasn’t been spent with God, it’s simply a divine blockage, where I feel no leading to relay a particular message.

Originally, in those moments, I would become frustrated and excitingly petition God to fill me up quickly. “Lord, you know I literally have 20 seconds before my mic is hot, what are we doing here?” Him: SILENCE. But as I opened the mic, I immediately felt a tug to simply exercise GRATITUDE, to share with the audience the importance of being grateful for all God has ALREADY performed. The more I spoke, I realized that it was the message for both the listeners and me. Be intentional about moments of gratitude, of celebration and appreciation for all the AMAZING miracles God has already done. As I sat to reflect on a topic for this blog, after receiving NOTHING, I knew it meant it was time to remind both you and me to BE GRATEFUL. Not just quietly to ourselves, but loud and unapologetically grateful for the blessings we have especially during the turmoil. The government has shut down, the political structure of our country is toxic, families are struggling, the church of Jesus Christ is fighting one another instead of exercising the prophetic power and instructions of the Bible. There’s A LOT of space for distraction and devastation; however, at minimum we can express gratitude that God promises to keep us through it ALL. He will never leave nor forsake His sons and daughters, (Deut 31:8) and although we are facing tumultuous times, now is the time to trust Him more than ever.

Journalist Joy Reid posted a photo of a pastor in Chicago being pepper sprayed in the face by ICE with the caption, “The devil has a hold of America. God’s people have a fight on our hands.” The comments in general agreed with her, that God’s people have a fight. I too agree; however, it’s imperative to emphasize, our fight is in the realm of the spirit according to 2 Corinthians 2:4-5:

 “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in power for the pulling down of strongholds. Casting DOWN imaginations, and EVERY HIGH THING that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and taking captive every thought into the obedience of Christ.”

After reading her caption, I simply reassured myself with this, in the end, CHRIST WINS and that alone is enough for me to shift my focus to gratitude.

As I conclude this dissertation, (LOL) I challenge each of you, particularly in this season, to Hold on In Faith and Trust God as Bishop encourages us to do, but also to be super intentional about daily moments of expressing gratitude. It unburdens the mind of the weight of life and reminds us that the same God who permitted victory in the past, will do the same again, and again. Be encouraged!