May 2019

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

One of the last few words of Paul as he writes his letter to Timothy encouraging him to continue in the faith. Paul knows the end is near. He also understands that he did everything he was charged to do. Soon Paul will give up his life for his belief and his faith in Christ. He doesn’t want young Timothy to become discouraged and quit. He needs Timothy to carry the mantle of the gospel.

This month we will honor all of those who fought the good fight of faith for their country on Memorial Day. They gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives for something greater than themselves. We, as military members, understand when we say, “I will support and defend the constitution of the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic,” we are in the same shoes as Timothy. Because there was “Paul” who set the stage and who paid the price, each of us must stay encouraged and be motivated to do the will of the one who sent us.

Let not the sacrifice of our ancestors be forgotten. Let us remember them and honor them with continuing the legacy and keeping the watch as we fight the good fight.

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy

March 2019

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry” Matthew 6:25

The most difficult thing in life to not do is to not worry. We can literally find 101 plus reasons to become over whelmed about life, especially if we turn on the news. We worry about our careers, families and what the future holds for us. Not having the ability to be in control of every detail sometimes can really get the best of us.

We are reminded in this text that we were never designed to worry as well as that we cannot change the outcome of our lives by worrying. Therefore, there is no need to worry as our Creator loves us more as we are made in the likeness of the Creator. If the birds of the air, lilies of the field and all other living beings are cared for and are not in lack of anything, then why are we concerned about situations beyond our control? We have to learn to trust in the one who created the heavens, the earth and the fullness therein as we cannot add one moment, second or minute to our lives by worrying. Let go and let God.

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy

February 2019

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13

February can be seen as a multi-purpose month as we celebrate Black History month, Valentine’s Day and President’s Day. All are significant and should be recognized as well as celebrated. Realizing all the above are connected by love, understanding and respect.
Those who gave their lives for the freedom, equality and civil liberties paid the ultimate sacrifice of no greater love has no one than to lay down their life for a friend. The friend does not have to be someone we know personally but whoever we know that is being oppressed. We as military members past and present understand this scripture probably more than anyone as we daily place ourselves in harm’s way with or without pay to ensure others will be protected and maintain the ability of freedom of speech, freedom to bear arms and that the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Amendments are upheld for those who choose not to wear the uniform.

The sacrifice doesn’t seem too great to us because of the love we have not only for others but the nation in which we live. We as a nation and people must remain in unity and allow love to abound above all. In the words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr who states: “I have decided to stick to love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy

January 2019

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” Philippians 1:6

The New Year is often filled with excitement of the possibilities 2019 will bring us. We think of ways we want to improve ourselves; whether through a new diet, exercise plan or more education. Many have career aspirations as well as family or financial goals. Whatever it is, 1 January is overflowing with all our endless opportunities for a bright and exciting future.

This is a great time to hold on to this scripture as we work towards our goals further along in the year. Events may change and the enthusiasm that we once had may begin to fad. We should not give up on our goals, dreams or aspirations because they were planted inside us for a reason. Instead, hold on tight, not compromising and remember that if God started it us in; he will see it through to completion. We all were designed for a greater purpose. Happy New Year!

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy

December 2018

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:31

We often use the word “love’ very loosely. We “love” our personal belongings, favorite entertainers, food and the list goes on and on. When used in this manner, it can seem to diminish the significance of such a powerful word as “love”.  Then there are the moments we use the word “love” in the context of our intimate relationships known in the Greek as Eros. In this context “love” has regained its power as we are most vulnerable in the Eros state.

“Love your neighbor as yourself” is one of two commandments given that can really cause one to think deeply about oneself as well as others. First, one must have healthy self-love and appreciation for self in order to love another as oneself. Second, who is my neighbor?

The neighbor portion is easy as we have been designed to be in community with others. It is everyone who we come in contact. It doesn’t matter their background, religious beliefs, likes or dislikes, and whether they are the haves or have nots. We, as a people, are to love (honor and respect) those who are the same as well as different. We all have been uniquely designed and are our very own originals. Diversity enhances us all as we can embrace the same as well as the differences because love abounds.

 The true gift is loving amid uncertainty.

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy