How “the best” Found Me: A Paradigm Shift

I actually did it.  
In 2009, my sister told me to write down 100 characteristics that my ideal mate would possess and I actually did it.  Some were non-negotiable like “3. Pays tithes” while others were frivolous like “78. Wears tennis shoes.”  Though it seemed like an impossible task it really wasn’t hard coming up with 100 things. I just had to realize that a few (or a little more than a few) were simply preferences, not a make or break, like “92. can beat me at Scrabble.”

As the years passed, I decided to become the person my ideal mate would be, or at least as close to them as possible, because someone that “16. liked to workout”  would probably want to be with someone that liked to workout.  To the gym I went.  And someone that “8. prayed often” would probably want to be with someone that prayed often.  On my knees I prayed. I wasn’t becoming them for the sole purpose of attracting them, but I was becoming them because they would ideally possess all the characteristics that I considered to be the best.  So if I wanted “the best,” I figured I should pursue becoming “the best.”

3 years later “the best” found me.
Tears come to my eyes as I think about the faithfulness and perfect timing of God.  God proved that not only is He able to give me the desires of my heart, but He is also able to make me who I need to be, in order to receive His blessings.  While in constant pursuit of becoming the best I can be, I became less concerned about receiving validation from others.  I turned my attention away from being found and toward finding myself. I saw my insecurities.  I saw my inconsistencies.  I made a note of my strengths and determined to do better.  Then, out of the clear blue, in front of me stood “the best.”

I couldn’t check off my list of 100 things immediately, because many of them had to be proven over time.  However, you know what they say, when you know...you know.  I am still in the process of being pruned and developed, but I see now more than ever that when you put God first He will take care of the rest. Even “the best” man will never be able to complete you the way God can.  Once you submit to that, being found will become the least of your worries.  Don’t settle.  Don’t give up.  Seek to become all God has called YOU to be and watch Him work!  So what’s on your list of 100?

- B. Landi

Supplementary Scriptures
Matthew 6:33
Luke 12: 30-32 

The Journey Home Ends by BELIEVING You’re Already There...

For the past 5 weeks I have been busier than ever as a cast member in The St. Louis Black Repertory Company’s production of  “The Wiz,” which is an African-American adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz.”  I play the part of Dorothy, who, after a tornado blows her and her home into the land of Oz, meets a number of characters who teach her the power of believing in oneself.  The characters include a Scarecrow, a Tinman, and a Lion, all of whom have a desire to be made complete by the magical powers of the Wiz.  Without spoiling the plot, together they embark on an arduous journey just to find what they thought they lacked was in their possession all along.  The principle of the play is realizing that no matter what you are in need of, it is accessible when you believe.

Believing can be such an overused word.  What really is believing?  Believing is accepting the truth of something and having surety in that truth.  It is not having proof of its existence, but deciding to act on what is believed outside of its tangibility.  God has required us to have this kind of belief in Him.  This is what we call faith, and without it, it is impossible to please Him. There is no situation that requires more faith than the faith required first to believe that God is and that He loved us so much that He would give His life for our salvation. 

Believing in the redemptive love of Christ, is then the first and most important step to believing all other things.  If He is able to redeem us, He is also able to restore us.  He is able to lead and direct us, and guide us into all truth.  Doubting then, does not nullify His power, but limits how we will experience it.  We must believe in Christ and in believing in Him we choose a life where all things are possible.  Where myths are dispelled, diseases are cured, the lost are found, and the crooked made straight.  If only we believe.

Home is a place where burdens are laid down.  It is a place where love overflows and hearts are mended.  As believers we know this place is heaven, which has been prepared and is simply awaiting our arrival.  Though we are subjected to live in this sin-sick world, we are given the power to experience heaven on earth through fellowship and communion with our Savior.  We need not live in fear or torment, but are called to live abundantly because of the grace of Jesus Christ.  What are you in need of?  Can you believe it’s already done?

 The Black Rep’s production of “The Wiz” will continue through June 30 at The Grandel Theatre (3610 Grandel Square). For more information, call (314) 534-3810 or visit www.theblackrep.org.

Supplementary Scriptures

Hebrews 11:6
Romans 8:32