“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17. 

We can  acquire great wealth, numerous friends, success and still not walk a blessed life. The man who is blessed seeks after the Lord, walks in His statues and desires to be used for His glory. Regardless to what the world can possibly afford to give  us…all good things come from God…James 1:17 states “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

The truth is this journey of life that we travel is not easy… I am reminded of an excerpt from Langston Hughes poem “Mother to Son” that states: “Well, son, I’ll tell you: Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. It’s had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor—Bare. But all the time I’se been a-climbin’ on, And reachin’ landin’s, And turnin’ corners, And sometimes goin’ in the dark, Where there ain’t been no light.”  As a single mother to a son  by God’s amazing grace, I can attest to the sentiments of Hughes that the climb is definitely not one of ease-but faith in God!

I must tell you that no matter how rough the road, these words from the Lord are my guiding light and hope for evey tomorrow- “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11. It encourages us to trust in God’s provisions and protection, an it emphasizes that He is the source of both light and security-He is the Great I AM… our omnipotent Father!

Goodness doesn’t come wrapped up in lots of green dollar bills, a fancy house, a spouse, social organizations or working in a Fortune 500 company..the list could go on-and I can truly say that God has blessed me to have a lot of things over the years that many have not been afforded. ..but He has also given me blessings of a far more exceeding and spiritual kind that guides my way. To be a child of the most high and living God-brightens my path…and ya’ll the half has not been told! “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” 1 Corinthians 2:9

On yesterday I had my 28th annual check up at the TGH Transplant Center…and that same little big eyed eleven year old boy with tears in his eyes one afternoon, hiding behind a tree in his grandparents yard not knowing if his mother would return home from a trip to the hospital -is now a 38 year old man sitting listening to the blessings that God has given us both-the doctor stated Ms. Ward your kidney function is doing wonderful-you have more than exceeded the life expectation and normal range for a kidney transplantation at this level-it is normally at it’s best 10-12 years-and you are out 28 years…certainly there are side effects from the long time use of steriods…but your kidney is doing great! Ephesians 3:20 says it all. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”

All I could do was say and point to the sky… Praise God-it is a blessing from above…nobody but God! God is so good my friends…I’ve had some good days and some bad days…but I won’t complain! What I will do is continue to tell the story and live as a witness  to His goodness and mercy…someone today needs to know that there is absolutely nothing impossible with God-and I admonish you to hold on God’s unchanging hands – whatever you need, God’s got it…and He will supply! “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19.

As tears of thanks and joy roll down my cheeks…the word of the Lord in Isaiah 40:28-31 resonates deep in my heart to give comfort and assurance that He will always keep, protect, strengthen and provide for all of His beloved children!

“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”  Thank you, Jesus! His word is faithful and true ya’ll, trust Him!

God’s blessing of peace, grace and His unfailing love keep your mind and hearts now and forever!