October 2020

“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” Matthew 12:25

The quote “a house divided against itself cannot stand” is often attributed to President Abraham Lincoln. However, the quote is actually part of the above scripture. The original context of the scripture is Jesus speaking to the Pharisees regarding the deliverance of a demon-possessed blind and mute man. The Pharisees tried to discredit Jesus’ healing ministry by saying, of course, he can cast out demons because he is one of them. Jesus quickly responds by letting them know that this is not possible. Why would Satan tear down his own house because if the demons are doing Satan’s work through humanity, Satan would not want the demons cast out of the man? Thus Jesus providing deliverance negates the mission of the possession.  Jesus reminds them light drives out darkness.

I do not think anyone would have imagined our country would be in the situation we are now when 2020 first began. I am sure we did not believe, as a nation, we would become divided on so many issues, and the health crisis would still be here. I am reminded in this scripture that unity is required more than ever.  It is the light that is needed to drive out the darkness. We cannot allow the negativity to push us to hate, discord, or division. We must find a way within ourselves, with the area that we have all been, placed to be the voice in the wilderness. We have to bring healing as Jesus to those who are hurting while we find healing for ourselves in the process. With all the negativity around us, we can have a sense of hopelessness. However, we must focus on the positive in every negative situation as we understand our limitations.  At that point, we focus on what we can do as we know what we cannot. Be encouraged!

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy

September 2020

“What does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”– Micah 6:8

In our current times, we may find it challenging to embody the Michelle Obama mantra of, “When they go low, we go high.” As we are faced with racism, civil unrest, COVID-19 cases surging, and what seems to be a divided nation, it is not easy to maintain a sense of hope of a better tomorrow.  A similar scenario was in the time of the Israelites as the prophet Micah is speaking to them. There has been so much calamity and disaster until the people were willing to sacrifice their first-born children to try and appease God in hopes that the suffering would stop. God, through Micah, made it clear that God was not interested in sacrifice as a sacrifice in the past did not work. God did not want human sacrifice, as life is a gift.

 Instead, God said, I would rather you do this: do justice. Doing justice means “when they go low, we go high.” We maintain in the state of chaos character, integrity, and be the moral compass for those around us. We are to be an example of what justice should look like in hopes to inspire others to be. The next is to do love and kindness as a verb and not a noun. The late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated: “Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”  Our actions with each other must be of love and kindness, even when they do not deserve either. To love those who treat us right is easy, but to love those who mistreat is not easy. The action of love and kindness can change hearts and minds. Lastly, walk humbly with your God. If we question this gift of life, let us answer it by asking ourselves, are we walking in the way that is pleasing to our God? Are we “being” the example the world needs to see to understand we are all made in the image of God? Therefore, no one is above the other. We are ALL loved by God, our creator. As we navigate life in these moments of darkness, let us not lose hope or compromise our character. Let us be humble: have the courage to speak the truth in love.

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy

August 2020

“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

 When Paul wrote this text to the church of Galatia, it was during a time of Christian persecution and societal frustrations of waiting for Jesus to return while being slaughtered daily because of their faith. Paul, while imprisoned, is trying to encourage those of the Christian faith not to give up. Doubt and frustration can begin to overwhelm us when we always take the high road, and it seems it is not working. When everyone around us seems to prosper through ill-gotten gains, and we are suffering or being punished for maintaining a level of character and integrity.  Paul reminds them not to compromise who they are and continue to do what is right, even if no one else will. If they stay on the right path, they will see a harvest of their faithfulness. He tells them there is a rainbow on the other side of the storm.

For us, 2020 has been an exhausting year; a year of devastating loss from Kobe Bryant, Amhad Aubrey, Brenna Taylor, George Floyd, Rev. CT Vivian, and Representative John R. Lewis. COVID-19 and systemic racism are still challenging us. All of which can make one question their faith and purpose on this earth. If we are not careful, we can become consumed by all the negativity around us and allow a sense of hopelessness to set in. We may begin to wonder if what we are doing is even worth it, as it seems there is so much negativity around us. The answer is an unequivocal YES. Such as our ancestors, who gave their lives for us to have the opportunities we have, they looked beyond themselves to the future. We are the future generations who have reaped the seeds of those who did not give up. We must do the same for our future generations. We cannot grow weary in well-doing but continue to work to create an authentic culture, nation, and world of not only diversity but inclusivity where equity is exhibited with equality. 

Blessings,

Blessings,
Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy

July 2020

“As iron sharpens iron, so one sharpens another.”– Proverbs 27:17

Growing up as a child on the farm in Tennessee, my grandfather had a piece of flat iron that he used to sharpen other pieces of iron. The other iron pieces were usually some tool such as an awl or garden device. What I noticed is the flat iron he used to sharpen the other iron pieces never became dull itself after sharpening other iron items.  No matter how many times the flat iron was utilized. It remained strong, maintained its shape, and never broke or bent.

Solomon, who wrote the book of Proverbs, understood the importance of positive relationships. How having someone willing to encourage, keep accountability, and provide sage advice could only strengthen another person while not losing who they are in the process. There is a certain level of integrity, character, and substance being maintained. I believe this vital in choosing who we decide to be in our inner circle. It is imperative to have someone who is not willing to cosign or endorse unhealthy behavior, but who will hold one accountable and encourage the person to be better.  It is more important than ever in our current environment that we speak truth to power and be the iron that sharpens iron. We must lead by example and stand together as a community.

The quote by Rudyard Kipling, “the strength of the pack, is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack,” while there are different interpretations and meanings, I take it as there is strength in numbers.  United as one team and one fight in togetherness as we strive to be the change we desire to see around us. Who is your iron?   

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy