I woke up this morning with a heaviness of heart. I thought about my ladies from the center. I thought about the faceless people who I have yet to meet that are at home praying to God for that one door of opportunity to open for them. I thought about the many people who have been told "no"; not because they weren't qualified but because they didn't "classify" as being a part of the "in crowd". I thought about all the people who have yet to discover the world of hope, happiness and salvation. I thought about the people who have given up on God because of the poor christian examples placed before them.At first I got mad and then I thought "Thank you Lord because it could have been me and my family."
God has given Travis and I a wonderful
ministry and loving family. He has planted seeds for our future business
endeavors. We are excited about them all...but still...We know how it feels to
fight to keep our vision and dreams alive. We were blessed to be raised by
parents who taught us in firm love "You'd better not give up. Satan is
going to throw obstacles, stones, bricks and whatever else at you. Don't even
duck. You just stand and let God do the rest." We inherited a faith filled foundation from our parents. Because we know
that not everyone was blessed to be raised by parents of faith like ours, we've
made it our mission to spread hope to the hopeless.It's been two years since we've moved to the Albany area. You can't help but notice those in authority who have the capability to empower families in our community but chose not to. You hear these people talk about the problems but not once suggest or even try to implement a solution. (If it ain't you say "Amen", if it is say "Oh me" Repent and Strive to Do Better)
There are a lot of organizations working tirelessly in the background to help reunite, educate and employ families. These are usually the ones who are working towards a mission not a motive. My husband met earlier this year with a "city leader" to discuss starting a program that will help young men get out of the system and back to work. This city official's response? "Man, if I do that, I'll lose $5000 a month." Message sent and received. It's more profitable to keep our young men in the system than out. The "city official" did apologize for blurting out his initial response and said that he would meet with my husband and further discuss. That was nearly six months ago. No meeting followed.
Why am I writing about all of this you ask? Because I woke up mad but motivated. God gave me the gift of pen and on many levels I haven't used to my fullest capabilities. I (Bridgett) don't have a pulpit (don't need one either) but I do have a pen and a keyboard.... I plan to use them both like never before. Timeout for sitting quietly. It's time to be a voice for people who have yet to discover their own. Travis and I have faced many obstacles since we started evangelizing through GO Ministries. We were told that our ministry had no meaning. But 18 productions and 2000 plus souls later, we beg to differ. We couldn't get the financial support needed to operate the FEP's job training program so now I'm operating it from home. Yet, God is still affording us the opportunity to help people with their career and education goals. We refuse to live in a shallow mindset of "Well my family is healthy and happy so why should I worry? "We choose to be an example of perseverance to anyone who has a call (whether in ministry or business). So please don't give up. Pray and get creative!
Albany, Georgia is the 4th poorest city in the nation and that's a shame. The Good Life City? I respectfully ask. For who? Maybe a one time...but you know what? We have just enough faith in God to believe that it can be again. To every organization who's SINCERELY working to help restore life in this city, we stand by you in prayer and helps. We plan on establishing our family roots here. We don't mind the hardwork this will entail. But first, the clichés, greed and hidden agendas have got to go.
Our young people are growing up and moving away. Whenever we ask them why they choose to leave Albany, they all say the same thing. "There is no opportunity here. Besides, it's not about what you know. It's who you know."
It's okay to get angry...the bible says to be ye angry but don't sin....jump in and Do Something..
If my memory serves me correctly, the name “The Good Life City” was given to Albany during its flourishing days. Business was booming and Albany was the metro-hub for this area. It was the Pecan Capitol of the World and many renowned businesses were in operation in the city. I believe it was due to economical downturn and poor business vision that caused Albany to loose much of its major business capitol. Refusing to plant a seed is an assured warranty for crop failure. The law of reciprocity is beneficial for all to prosper. When it is implemented correctly one gives to the needs of others and then turn to the Lord of the Harvest for Him to repay the debt. Proverbs 19:17 says, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”
ReplyDeleteSome people feel that money and power give them a license to oppress their subjects and the only way they can stay at the top is if they keep others oppressed. Proverbs 22:16 says, “He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.” New flash to all mankind! The Owner and Creator of this universe says, “…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” (Luke 12:48). It maybe an individual or a business, God’s Word is universal and all mankind is subject to it, whether they believe it or not. Psalm 41:1 says, “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.”
Is Albany “The Good Life City?” I’m reminded of an Old Testament situation with Moses. In Moses’ absence, Aaron had led the people into idolatry. Moses returned and stood in the gate of the camp as he looked on the people’s shame he asked, “Who is on the LORD's side (Exodus 32:26)?’ In spite of dire hardship and economical downturn there is an oasis in the wilderness for those who trust in God. Albany or any other city can be a good life city depending on who is on the Lord’s side. Being on the Lord’s side means we win against all odds. Psalm 127:1 says, “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” When Jesus is our source we can rest in Romans 8:28 that says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” So “ALL” is well no matter what! Vina Bennett
Amen! Let's remember to pray for those who have lost the faith and help them to remember all things are possible through Christ who strengthens us.
Delete