Hi Family!

How are you feeling?

It’s Time to Celebrate: Honoring God, Others, and Ourselves

What could we be celebrating at this time in light of recent happenings? We are celebrating God because He still is (I am… whatever we need right now); ourselves, we are still here, therefore we have hope; and others, who fulfilled their dreams.

How Do We Honor God?

A God-given dream honors God, ourselves, and others. To honor means to regard or treat with high respect, and it also means to fulfill an obligation or commitment. Both meanings serve the purpose of honoring God. Sometimes, pursuing the dreams God has for us is not what we initially wanted, but fulfilling His purpose brings honor to Him—and, in turn, He celebrates us.

So, when someone “decides” to throw you a party, gracefully take it and thank them because it is God’s way of celebrating you! However, if you have been doing your best with a positive attitude and have never been celebrated in this way, try not to be discouraged. Continue to live by right values, know that God honors you, and is celebrating you in His way, so celebrate yourself!

How Do We Celebrate Others?

Last week, we celebrated Pastor Jerry Greene’s 19th year leading our church. As he entered, hugging and greeting everyone, his deep gratitude was evident. 

He stopped at one point, overcome with emotions, shedding tears of joy and thankfulness. Later, he shared that seeing everyone gathered together  in one place, especially his family filled his heart. His tears showed that real strength sometimes lies in allowing ourselves to feel deeply and receive the love others give.

Who are we celebrating?

After Pastor Greene’s arrival at the party, tributes began pouring in. Some were virtual, others were live, from family, friends, pastors, and teachers—all spoke with warmth and respect for him. When he took the stage, he shared his journey, from his initial intent to serve our church for only a year, to now being 19 years in. He told us of the transformative moment that cemented his decision to follow Jesus, after a brutal stabbing, he cried out to God, 

“Please don’t let me die here!” 

He later woke up in a hospital, felt God’s presence, and dedicated his life to Him. This commitment has shaped him into a compassionate leader, loved by many.

How Do We See Others?

I can speak to Pastor Greene’s influence on my life. He is incredibly faithful and always on time—a trait likely instilled in his early days as a correctional officer before he began pastoring. He’s never too busy to take our calls or offer support. He nudges me to take the next step, saying,

“Have you started that or this yet?”

As a book lover, I often admire the collection in his book case during Zoom calls for Bible study. He doesn’t hesitate when I ask to borrow a copy, which he usually buys for me so I can “mark up my own.” Through his kindness, forgiveness, and encouragement, Pastor Greene has shown me what it means to serve selflessly.

What Does It Mean to Celebrate?

The evening was intimate, with familiar faces gathered together. We danced, laughed, and enjoyed each other’s company. I even learned a few dance steps from my elders! Whether you prefer a large or small gathering, remember to “do you.” 

Enjoy life!

Pastor Greene, you may feel that your best days are behind you, but remember Moses was called by God at eighty. Abraham was a hundred years old when Issac, the promised child, was born. If you still have dreams, it is never too late to pursue them!

Thanks to all the people who organized and participated in making this dream come true! We celebrate you too!

Be Thankful When Others Celebrate You

When I completed my PhD in biochemistry in Canada, my friend Lia organized a celebration in my honor. “It is my gift to you,” she said. I thanked her (because I learned to).

It was an almost freezing day in November, yet my friends showed up, and we had an incredible time. A friend even sang “Remember” by Lauren Daigle which perfectly captured my journey. 

I am grateful for Lia and everyone who helped me during this period. I could not have made it without God’s grace and the people He placed in my life. 

During that song, I remembered moments such as when my department announced that funding had run out, and we would only get paid until the end of that semester. Though others worried, complained, and blamed, I felt it was a sign that my time in the lab had ended. By God’s grace, I submitted my thesis on time (I wrote it in three months!) and landed a job as a part-time Assistant Professor at a faith-based College (through connections from our church) by the next semester!

If you are in a difficult place now, remember God is faithful to finish what He started. 

Honor God, Celebrate Others, and Never Give Up!

Fulfilling a God-given dream can be challenging. When we genuinely (God knows our hearts) celebrate others when facing trials, we honor God because it shows maturity. 

Be encouraged!

If we are sure the dream is ours, despite the obstacles and setbacks, we should never give up!

As we celebrate others, know that although our dreams tarries, they will come true at the right time if we persevere. 

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Stay tuned as we continue to DREAM, CHANGE, and GROW!

Love,

Sanchia.