I Am Still Here

I am Still Here

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds”.

 1 Corinthians 10:4 NKJV

The Lord has a sense of humor. I did not believe; I would have made it this far. A lot of changes over the course of the journey. If you are following the news, you would notice we have reached the second wave of COVID-19. For the State of New Jersey, we are technically back on lockdown. Gov. Phil Murphy announced new restrictions that affect business, religious service, and education systems to slow the second wave of the coronavirus outbreak. As of Friday, New Jersey report 41,000 new COVID-19 CASES, 19 deaths as hospitalization. It is frightening to observe cases rises and see funeral hearses throughout the City of Trenton. I am thankful the blood still work because I have not been infected by the coronavirus outbreak. I could have been infected various of time by public transportation, but I am still here by the grace of God.

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

The Apostle Paul encourage us to be strong in our weakness. I could not fathom those words until the Thanksgiving Holiday. Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful and grateful for the journey we have endure during the year of 2020. Just like everyone else, the plan had to change to fix the new society. We are living in a time where families are distance more than ever, mental health cases has increase across the United States of America, and the death Angel is still lingering over City, County, and States across the global. 

What do we do when agenda change?

We adapt and find ways to make it a memorize holiday experience. Even thought, I was not able to travel back to the Sunshine States, we adapted. The FaithJustice Fellows decide to opt out of a paid catered meal and make our own feast. It was a time full of laughter and enjoying everyone company because we quarantined in Trenton (away from our families in Alabama, Florida, and Massachusetts) to protect our love ones. We share a few tears. But we held on to the promise of God in Psalm 46, verse one where “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” 

I am thankful for the memories that were made on Thanksgiving. 

I am thankful for the FaithJustice Fellows (John Holloway & Linh Nguyen) who have embrace me as a brother in Christ, but as a friend to embrace the FaithJustice Fellowship with. 

Lastly, I am thankful for the alpha and omega who give me strength, from day to day to endure the trail and tribulations of life. With the Lord breathing in me, I would not be where I am today. 

All the Glory Belong to God! All the Glory Belong to God! All the Glory Belong to God

P.S. Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. It may not be the life you ask for but look all around you. You will observe food insecurity, homelessness, and the impact on the economy and markets. You have a reason to smile and get out of bed daily because you are still here. 

Jermaine Lee Clark, is still here by the grace of God.