by khurst2@gmail.com | Mar 1, 2022 | Chaplain, News
“And if I perish, I perish.”- Esther 4:16
Queen Esther is one of the many women who sacrificed, spoke truth to power, and made a difference in the male-dominated world during biblical times. Her Uncle Mordica challenged Queen Esther to save her people when their lives were threatened by self-serving Hamen. Hamen wanted to lead the royal court and be revered by the King by any means necessary. However, he had one problem standing in his way, which was Mordica. The only way to get rid of Mordica was to get rid of all the Jews. Fortunately, Mordica finds out about a plan that Hamen had created to present to the King that called for the complete decimation of all Jews, including Queen Esther.
The closest person to the King is the Queen. So, Mordica goes to Queen Esther and asks her to speak to the King to save herself and her people. However, the Queen is not feeling this because it means she could very well lose her life speaking on such matters. After much coercing and prayerful thought, she agrees to talk with the King. She provides specific directions to Mordica, which she concludes, “and if I perish, I perish.” However, she did not perish. She saved her people. Hamen was held accountable for his egregious actions. She proves to be a woman of much strength and courage.
Women have made significant contributions to our history and our military. In honor of Women’s history month, I pray women continue to lead, speak truth to power, and mentor tomorrow’s leaders. We have the shoulders of giants to stand on, such as Rosa Parks, RADM Grace Murray Hopper, LTJG Harriet Ida Pickett, Ms. Olivia J. Hooker, LT Vivian McFadden, and Ms. Annie M. Grahams. Because of them, we have VADM Michelle Howard, Brigadier General Lorna Mahlock, RADM Lillian Fishburn, Vice President Kamala Harris, and many more. So let us stand firm and allow our voices and visions to be heard and seen.
Blessings,
Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy
by khurst2@gmail.com | Feb 1, 2022 | Chaplain, News
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”– 1 Peter 4:8
Peter is reminding his audience of the importance of unity, connectedness, and most of all, love. Philos love is friendship and family love. A love that reminds us that we are all imperfect and have made mistakes, but God has chosen to love us with our imperfections. If the Creator can love us unconditionally, why can’t we love each other the same?
It is easy to point out all the things a person has done wrong and pass judgment. However, we do not know the battles they are fighting and what they are dealing with deep inside. Sometimes the best thing we can do is show them what unconditional love looks like, as they may have never experienced it. When we practice this love, what do we lose? What does it cost us to invest in others and be there to support them the way they need to be supported? Not the way we think they need to be supported, as that is not love; it is control.
Love is accepting the person for face value and allowing the love of the Creator to shine through you for whatever situation the person or persons are going through. Being an ambassador and judgment free example enables the other person to see a better way and correct themselves as needed along the way. In a world of self-centeredness, be the light of love that covers a multitude of sins in a nonjudgement zone. One will be surprised what a difference it will make.
Blessings,
Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, LCDR, Chaplain, United States Navy
by khurst2@gmail.com | Dec 2, 2021 | Chaplain, News
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40
Tis the season to be jolly, and merry is here. We can become enthralled in the commercialism of the holiday season. So often defined by the expectation of expensive gift-giving and receiving. The hustle and bustle of exceeding our limits on items that we will only use once or twice. Worse, never used and thrown into a corner or regifted for next year. This time of year has a different meaning, depending on your faith background. One thing we can all agree on is helping those who need it most. The past two years of still plagued by COIVD have exhausted the resources of many. Some may be physical health, others financial resources, and for a few a combination of both.
The above scripture text is a portion of a more extended parable. In the parable, Jesus used the illustration of what matters the most. It is feeding the hungry, taking care of those who are sick, visiting those who are imprisoned, providing drink for the thirsty, and clothing for those who are naked. The “least of these” whose voice is often lost and ignored. Those who do not have the luxury of being enthralled with the commercialism of the holiday season. But are trying to figure out where their next meal or bed will be.
When we take a moment out of our time and aid the “least of these,” we are following the plan God has designed for us. The blessings given to us are for us to share with others, especially “the least of these.” As we celebrate our faith in our respected traditions, I pray that we take a moment and reflect on the blessings we already have, and we will either volunteer or share with someone in need. Remember the reason for the season.
Blessings,
Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy
by khurst2@gmail.com | Nov 2, 2021 | Chaplain, News
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
When Paul wrote the letter to the church of Thessalonica, he opened with being thankful for their faithfulness to his ministry through support, giving, and encouraging one another. He was also grateful to learn how well they were getting along and spreading the gospel. At the end of his letter, Paul provided a word of encouragement. Paul understood that we could grow weary in well-doing. We can begin to grow tired if we do not see a harvest from the seeds we have sown.
Paul tells them to acknowledge those who work hard, admonish, and care for others. “Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15. Then he ends the letter with, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
His emphasis is a community with one another. We are not individual islands that are only concerned with ourselves because what we do affects others. We should do our best to live in harmony and love with one another. While striving to strengthen our community relationships, we should give thanks to God in every situation. The good, bad, and the ugly. Job said it best, “how can we only accept the God things from God and not the bad.” All of our experiences make us who we are. Each situation is an opportunity to grow and become better in our relationships with ourselves and one another. As we give thanks this month for all that our Creator has provided, may we also give thanks to those within our communities and families. Let us share the same love that God has given to us. Be grateful in all things.
Blessings,
Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy
by khurst2@gmail.com | Sep 28, 2021 | Chaplain, News
Chaplain Corner’s Article
“But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength”– 2 Timothy 4:17
When Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, Paul was imprisoned and facing death as everyone who supported him in the ministry had abandoned him. Paul had given so much to so many to now find himself without any support. He writes to Timothy encouraging him to keep his faith in God because God was still by his side while everyone left Paul. God never left him nor forsook him. Paul speaks of the strength God gave him to endure the disappointment of those who he thought has his back. God gave him the strength to withstand the unsanitary conditions of his confinement and peace to accept his impending death. Even in Paul’s worst moments, he found the wisdom to acknowledge where his help came from. Just as David in the Psalm 121:1-2, “I look unto the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”
The importance of recording the biblical stories is to let us know, 2,000 years later, that there is nothing new under the sun. The same we, in 2021, can feel abandoned and alone by those who we trusted and supported the most is the same experience of those who came before us. The same disappointment and unbelief that we feel, they also felt. However, they understood no matter the circumstance, and even in their lowest moment, God was there to support them and provide them with the strength and sustenance needed. No matter what is going in our lives, we must never forget we are never alone, for the God of those who came before us is the same God who is here for us now. Never give up or lose faith because the Lord will stand by your side and provide you strength.
Blessings,
Rev. Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain United States Navy
by khurst2@gmail.com | Jul 1, 2021 | Announcements, Chaplain
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”– Romans 12:21 NIV
Paul is sharing these words of wisdom with the Romans in dealing with people. He reminds them earlier in the chapter of the importance of not taking revenge as vengeance belongs to God and directs them to treat others with kindness. The natural expectation of someone who has mistreated people is to receive the same treatment. However, it is an unexpected human response by being kind as it causes them to reflect on their actions. It begins to make them wonder why they did not receive the same evil they dished out.
Paul continues to tell them to love, feed, and meet the needs of the one who has mistreated them. He concludes the message by telling them do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. To not take revenge in one’s hand can be a difficult pill to swallow. However, the most significant testimony can come out of not allowing others to change who you are as a person. Having the ability to maintain one’s character and integrity in a difficult situation is the best testament to self-control and growth.
One cannot control the actions of others, but one can control theirs. Jesus provided the perfect example on the cross when he said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Often this is the case with those we encounter who are unkind. The actions may come out of a place of bitterness and personal hurt. There is a saying that hurt people, hurt people. We have to look beyond the action and look at the heart. The same way God does for us. None of us are perfect, and we all have our hurts and disappointments. Therefore, it is imperative to self-reflect and to provide the love, kindness, mercy, and grace we would want to receive. In the words of the remarkable Mrs. Michelle Obama, “when they go low, we go high.” We must find a way to show others the love they deserve despite themselves because, with God, all things are possible.
Blessings, Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy
