October 2019

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

In today’s society where self-image, self-success and self-indulgence seems to take the forefront, we can lose focus of our purpose. While self-improvement and being a reflection of one’s best self is very important, there has to be a balance. The balance is thinking about the least of these along with self-improvement.

In the beginning of the scripture text it actually speaks about receiving a heavenly reward because “when I was hungry, you fed me. When I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came and visited me.”(Matthew 25:35-36) The perfect example of understanding the power of love through sharing, caring and giving. These acts are self-less and often yield no material satisfaction or gratification. However, what we receive is much more. The ability to plant a seed and change a life merely by one kind act or gesture. The resources that we are blessed with are not only for ourselves but to share with the least of these. An opportunity to change the face of humanity by seeing each person as that. A person worthy of kindness regardless of their current situation.

Making the world better than you found it and realizing every day is a gift that is meant to be shared with the least of these.

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy

September 2019

“God will carry you through the storm.” Isaiah 43:2

The above scripture is the same one I referred to this time last year as it pertained to the damage we had experienced from the hurricane. Here we are again, a year later, and the scripture still applies. Hurricane Dorian has decimated the Bahama islands and is on its way to the eastern coastline. While all calamity is upon us and knocking at our front door, we still know that God will carry us through the storm.

Life is a continuous journey and numerous storms will enter our life, either metaphorically or literally. Often, we do not want to experience the storm due to the inconvenience and the loss that accompanies the storm known as the aftermath. However, even in the aftermath a rainbow of hope, faith and love can be found. The reassurance in knowing no matter what life throws at us, no matter the difficulties or the opposition that precedes us, we are not alone as God is there to carry us through. I lift those up who have experienced the literal storm (Bahama Islands and pending eastern Carolina coast) as well as those who are dealing with life’s personal storms. May the peace and grace of God be with you now and forever. Amen.
Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy

Welcome to the Chaplain’s Corner

August 2019

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

The most difficult situation for many of us to handle is the uncertainty of our future. We have the need to try and plan everything down to the most minutiae of details. While planning is excellent, we must be open to the unexpected of “life happening.” When it does, understand that God has it already figured out. He knew this would happen before it did.

Everything that occurs is part of the bigger plan that God has for us. Amid the storm there is always a rainbow of promise. We have the same rainbow in our lives when the bad things happen to good people. The plan is for us to prosper and to give us a hope for a future. When we realize that every situation is leading us to our destination of blessings, hopefully we will see the beauty in life with all the challenges it brings. Because with challenges comes the ability to grow wiser and become stronger as God allows us to walk into our purpose and our future.

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy

July 2019

Freedom is priceless

“We hold our heads high, despite the price we have paid, because freedom is priceless.” – Lech Walesa
I start with this quote as I reflect on this upcoming Independence Day uniquely celebrated by us, The United States of America. As we proudly wear the uniform that represents those who paid the ultimate price and for those of us who are willing to pay the price; I can’t help but think of someone else who also gave the ultimate sacrifice for us to be who we are today.

It states in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, whoever believes in him will be saved.” The same way people have given their lives for religious freedoms, personal liberties and total democracy; God loved us so much that he gave the definitive gift to let us know that we are loved more than words could ever say. By providing the sacrifice, God is saying you matter.
Everything about you matters. Even the smallest insignificant cares and concerns. If it is important to you then it is important to God. When those dark moments happen in life, know that God is standing with out-stretched arms saying “I love you and I care.” God is not looking for nor does God care about perfection or imperfection. What he cares about is You.

As we enjoy, celebrate and reflect upon this fourth July, let us also remember that God loves us more than we could ever fathom or imagine with that thought freedom is truly priceless.
Blessings,
Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy

Welcome to the Chaplain’s Corner

June 2019

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

When I think of courage, it reminds me of the Navy and Marine Corps core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment; and the Coast Guard of Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty.   We as military members live out our core values daily without even giving it a second thought.  However, in our personal lives and relationships, how often do we exhibit courage?  Are we able to have the courage to walk away from toxic relationships and friendships? Do we have the courage to accept the person who God has created us to be? Are we willing to have the courage to further our education or achieve new set goals?

Courage is defined as by Webster dictionary as “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” It is amazing how we can rise to the challenge of protecting our country, but we often find ourselves hesitating or second guessing ourselves regarding the mental and moral strength to succeed in our personal lives. The same commitment we have made to our core values; we can also have in our personal lives.

Even though this scripture text was referring to Joshua as he was to lead the Israelites into the land of promise; it can be applied to our lives today.  The same God, who was with Joshua, is also with us. Once we realize our greatest potential then we will not settle and be open to God’s very best for our lives.  We have more than enough courage not to only be successful as military members but also successful in all that we do.  Remember courage is more than just a core value; it is who God said we are to be.

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy