Written & Published by Lolita Buck

What do you do when God decides to turn your world upside down, when you find yourself in the fight of your life? Do you throw your hands up in the air & call it quits because life's simply not working out the way you imagined it would?

So this is what I call "The God Encounter." Let me try & explain this phenomenon as best I can.

In my life personally I've had maybe three major encounters with God. No i'm not talking about anything angelic or supernatural. I'm just speaking about everyday kind of stuff. So my first encounter was when i was about eight years old. I was introduced to him through Sunday school & attending church regularly. Then as I got older I started to learn about more about him as a loving, nurturing Father. This was sort of the wooing stage of my life. However, my encounters in my adult years have primarily been experiencing him as a disciplinary. Of course there are many facets to God so I'm sure that I've experienced him on some other level as well. But these three have been mainly how he's operated in my life for the most part.

I'm simply saying all of that to say that God is in the mess my friend. He's in the uncomfortable places. In fact, often times he purposely puts us in those places. I think most people discount that it's God because it doesn't necessarily line up with what they had in mind. Not realizing that God usually shapes us in dark, desolate places. Joseph's story mirrors this to the tea. As does so many other biblical stories. In fact, there are way too many to name. So what makes us think our journey should be exempt? As painful & frustrating as the process may be this is the stamp, the signature trademark of every great leader & or visionary.

I'm really amazed at the people who want to do great exploits for the kingdom but insist on a fairy tale backdrop, a glorious stage. HELLO!! Christ's life is the ultimate example. There was nothing fancy or cute about his life whatsoever. In fact, it was brutal needless to say. And to think that we're content with sitting on a church pew with our legs crossed listening to cupcake sermons; dropping a few dollars in the offering plate; and shouting & dancing. Or at least that's how we get down in the African American church. But I think you get my point!

I suppose that's cool if you're just looking for a sub par, mediocre walk with God. And I'd imagine you've already secured your spot at the pearly gates. Assuming that you've confessed with your tongue & believed in your heart that he is your Lord & Savior. But what I'm speaking about is much deeper.

Romans 10:9
"If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

But to be honest I'm not mad at you. God just doesnt present himself to me in that casual, laid back way. He's constantly pulling at my heart strings. Challenging me to step up to the plate. Now that's when you know that you've had a real God encounter. When church is simply not enough. When you're ready to get outright down & dirty for the cause! Then God can snatch you up and use you. But i guess you simply have to know where your heart is, because this isn't for everyone.

Matthew 22:14
"Many & are called but few are chosen"
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Let me end things by saying that those who are chosen are not selected because we are elite or the creme de la creme. Often times we're misfits, but we have a great love & passion for God and we're willing to put everything on the line. I think that everyone experiences God to some degree because he's omnipresent. But this encounter that i speak about is something special! And unfortunately not everyone makes the cut.

So here is what I want you to ask yourself the next time you're pinned against a wall, baffled by the struggles and adversities you face. Is this a God encounter and if so, am I ready & willing to go to battle? If your answer is yes then get your gear together. Your belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and as they say in the boxing world "let's get ready to rumble!" If not, that's okay life has many rounds and when God says it's time he'll put you in the ring to face your greatest opponent. Until then, stay prayed up & connected to your trainer. So if & when he calls your number you'll be able to bring home a victory for the kingdom.

As you go forward in your daily journey I extend love & peace to each of you. I pray that you find your "it" and you OWN IT. That the chains of this world be broken off of you & that you walk in the light that God intended you to walk in. 

With dedication & servitude
​-Lolita 

Written & Published by Lolita Buck

Where is God in the midst of tragedy, while the tsunami's of life are tearing us apart? This is a question I've asked myself time & time again. But interestingly enough I already know the answer. So i guess this is a bit of a rhetorical question. He's right there as it all unfolds & he's divinely orchestrating a plan of restoration. Although in the moment it doesn't seem apparent, at least not to the naked eye.

I'm sure that same question crossed your mind this past week as we witnessed yet again another senseless school shooting. Innocent lives snuffed out, over pure foolishness. Sure I could easily tackle subjects like mental illness or gun laws as they relate to the issue at hand. But instead I'll focus on a God that promises beauty for ashes. A God who assures us that he will substitute joy for our pain & sorrow.

Isaiah 61:3
"And he will provide for those who grieve in Zion to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."

I know many are asking why? Why would God allow this to happen in the first place? I can't tell you the why of the matter. All I can offer you is hope for tomorrow, knowing that in due time & season it will get better.

Realistically speaking no one expects the victims or their families to be rejoicing or praising God right now. (Or even those of us who mourn on the sidelines) I can't even imagine that God himself would require that. I know it says in his word "in everything to give thanks". I think that'll happen eventually, but grief is a real thing & it simply takes time to heal. I would even go so far as to say that some may even be expressing anger & resentment towards God at this present time. That's okay too, this is a natural normal response. It is only when we become spiritually mature that we no longer lash out at God. But even if we do, it's no biggie HE GETS IT.

Life is definitely a roller coaster ride of sorts & we all have our moments. God knows I've had my fair share. But God is Sovereign, he has the ultimate power! And trust me he's well equipped to handle tragedy as well as our broken hearts. Honestly speaking, I don't think we overcome devastation & tragedy by understanding him, we overcome it by trusting him. Trusting his process & clinging to the promise he gives us in his word that he will never leave us or forsake us.

Deuteronomy 31:6-8
"Be strong & 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."

So for those of you who are ready & willing to take him at his word he's waiting with open arms. Simply hand him your ashes, so that the beauty in your life can begin to blossom.

Written & Published by Lolita Buck

So I think i mentioned in one of my previous posts that i absolutely love music! I was having difficulty earlier today with this blog entry but then the lyrics to this song popped in my head. "Aint nothing like a g thang baby two locked out niggas, so were crazy. Death Row is the label that pays me, unfadeable so please don't try to fade this."

Now you can't tell me that the big "G" in my life doesn't have a sense of humor & isn't the realest in the game. There I was struggling with my Christian blog post & God put one of the most gangsta songs in my spirit & says run with with it. And believe it or not the words just starting flowing like water.

What I find extremely fascinating is that if you look back in biblical times God always made sure that his son Jesus Christ met the people where they were. He didn't require them to come up to his level but made it a point to make certain that he was accessible to them. He hung out with murderers, prostitutes, haters, adulterers, Pharisees, you name it & he was among them. I think it's safe to say that God is an equal opportunity employer. That is, at saving souls. He wants to make certain that everyone has a fair shot at salvation. No discrimination on his part whatsoever.

I distinctly recall a story in the bible where a group of people were attempting to stone a young woman to death that they considered to be a murderer. I guess that was the law at the time. And Christ simply checked them by saying

John 8:7
"He that is without sin among you, let him cast a stone at her"

This goes to show you that God almost always challenges the status quo. Much like I'm attempting to do with this blog. Just when you think you got him figured out he'll throw a curve ball at you.

I would have never imagined myself quoting a Dr Dre joint featuring Snoop on here. But every now & then God will shake it up a bit. Apparently there is someone out there who will come across this post at some point in time and God will use it minister to them. No doubt about it! And who am i to question God?
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Believe it or not ladies everything God presents to the world isn't always wrapped in a gift box with a pretty bow on top. Fluff is good at times, but given the hard knocks of life sometimes you need a God that'll be raw & real with you. As they say nowadays who will keep it "100".

I just want to leave you with this final scripture and then ill get out of your hair.

Mark 3: 4-6
Then Jesus asked the people, “Which is the right thing to do on the Sabbath day: to do good or to do evil? Is it right to save a life or to destroy one?” The people said nothing to answer him.

Jesus looked at the people. He was angry, but he felt very sad because they were so stubborn. He said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” The man held out his hand, and it was healed. Then the Pharisees left and made plans with the Herodians about a way to kill Jesus.

You mean to tell me they were going to try and kill him just because he didn't follow protocol? I guess they overlooked the fact that he was trying to address a dire need. They just couldn't get past themselves or the law.
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I absolutely love God! There isn't much more I can say but its a "G" THANG BABY. Once you get that, you don't have to understand his logic or the reason why he does what he does. You'll learn to trust him because you realize that he has a greater plan in mind for your life & you just go with it.

As you go forward in your daily journey I extend love & peace to each of you. I pray that you find your "it" and you OWN IT. That the chains of this world be broken off of you & that you walk in the light that God intended you to walk in.

With dedication & servitude
-Lolita

Written & Published by Lolita Buck

Greatness is harnessed in the bosom of adversity. That's why i can't understand for the life of me why we try to avoid hardship. If only we knew what it produced! I can't even begin to tell you all the things I've personally endured. But every obstacle, every challenge, I've faced has led me to where i am today. I must admit my life is pretty darn awesome.

I'm now hoping that i can help you discover the recipe for your awesome sauce! In case you didn't know, God is the executive chef of your life. And he's stirring up some pretty powerful stuff. His main ingredients however; are trials & tribulations. He uses them to test your faith. In hopes that you become complete & whole.

James 1: 2-6 sums it all up for you

​"Count it all joy my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be perfect & complete, lacking nothing."

​The good news is that he promises to sprinkle in his love along the way. He's not going to leave you hanging. I can assure you of this from my own personal experience. As painful as it's been at times he's always been by my side. 

Check out Deuteronomy 31:6

​"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."
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​No it's not the ideal recipe. It doesn't make you feel all warm & tingly inside. But truth be told nothing God does is ideal. He always likes to shake it up a bit. Thinking outside the box is his specialty. That is, the box that we conceptualize in our heads.  So if you're looking for glitz & glam this isn't the awesome sauce for you. But if you're willing to get in the trenches & stick it out through thick & thin I guarantee that you'll be happy with his finished product YOU!!

Trust me he had something special in mind when he created you. It's been years in the making. So don't you discount any your struggles because they've all been for a greater purpose. I promise you that eventually it'll all make sense. But in the meantime just feast on this thing called life while you wait on God to UNLEASH YOUR AWESOME!

As you go forward in your daily journey I extend love & peace to each of you. I pray that you find your "it" and you OWN IT. That the chains of this world be broken off of you & that you walk in the light that God intended you to walk in. 

With dedication & servitude
​-Lolita