Cokiesha's Corner*
Jesus Christ - The Personification of Purpose Lived on Purpose
Christ went to the cross with you and me in mind. He could have allowed the ‘bitter cup to pass from him,’ but He saw generations yet to be created in that ‘cup.’ Hesaw adoption, justification and salvation in that ‘cup.’ He understood that his life purpose was to be born to die so that our redemption may be made possible. He went to the cross with the goal of pleasing His father and accomplishing His will and purpose in our lives.
Jesus had been dead since Friday. Nails had pierced his hands and feet. The crown of thorns had kissed his head. Lights seemed to be out in the city. The naysayers and
‘haters of God’ were conflicted. Some were satisfied, some suspicious and others wondered if He were truly the Savior. Although the earth seemed black, the Son was preparing to ‘shine again’ even behind the scenes of this grief stricken day. Jesus was dead, but would be delivered. Jesus was lifeless but would be liberated. Jesus appeared powerless but would rise with all power in His hands. Ridicule, humiliation
and suffering could not stop Him and neither would the grave. Jesus lived out His purpose on purpose. He took our shallow definition of purpose and turned it on its head. He epitomized purpose by living for it and dying for it and by rising for it.
What is your life purpose?
Are you living it out to the fullest? Are you enduring ‘the crosses’ of life so that God’s will may be done? Are you aware of the many ways that Jesus is resurrecting himself
in your life each day?
Glory to God that Jesus died, but aren’t we thankful that he didn’t stay dead? He rose with all power in his hands! The earth hick upped. The tomb went into convulsions. The angel appeared and announced that Jesus was alive! His purpose was fulfilled. His power was actualized again. John 10:17, 18 “... I lay down my life, that I might take
it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again…” The best gift of this season is that we share the Good News.
He’s alive! He loves us and enables us to live victoriously and purposefully. Now, run and tell that!
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He is Calling!
April 2010
Who was the last person that called your name? Was it your mother? Your children? Your spouse? Your best friend? Supervisor, roommate or team mate? Isn’t it special to hear our name being called? It makes us feel special, significant and set apart.
In John chapter 20 our risen Savior took the time to call the name of one of His children. He saw that Mary Magdalene was at the tomb where He had been buried. She was distraught. She recalled his tortuous murder on the cross 3 days prior and stood there weeping. She was probably hysterical and confused. She felt as though Jesus’ body had mysteriously come up missing.
Mary stood there nervous, bewildered and sorrowful. Then, Jesus saw her condition, her posture and her tears. He responded like a compassionate father and like a loving teacher. He gently said, “Mary.”
By simply calling her name, he changed Mary’s perspective. He changed her perception and He gave her renewed passion. Guess what? He desires to do the same thing for each of us today.
Sometimes problems or pain causes us to develop spiritual tunnel vision. At times we only see what seems to be missing from our lives or we look for “dead things” in a place where hope should reside. Jesus has come to give us a better perspective. Today, stop looking for “dead things” in a place where life lives. God wants to exchange your tears for joy. Mary perceived that Jesus was a gardener. Little did she know that the Savior of the world was standing right before her eyes. He had been risen! When Jesus called her name, she gained a new perception. The blinders were taken off her eyes and her disbelief was disabled. Today, Jesus longs to give us a new perception. Life may have distorted our vision, but today, we can see him more clearly if we recognize his voice. Jesus changed Mary’s passion as well. He renewed her intense enthusiasm. She came to the tomb bowed down and grieving but she left the grave with her head held high. She had been hopeless but now she was hopeful. Jesus gave Mary passion to experience Him and a desire to lead others into encounters with Him.
Do you see yourself in Mary’s story? Today, choose to leave the cemetery of your experiences. God raised Jesus so that we may live life abundantly. He’s changing our perspective, our perception and our passion. Run on, my friends! Be encouraged because God lives, we can live as well. Close your eyes and sing these true words that will ring throughout the ages, “Because he lives we can face tomorrow, because he lives all fear is gone…. and life is worth the living just because he lives!” Listen…..he’s calling you!
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Happy Valentine's Day, Women of Worship!
February 2010
Dear beloved daughters of God, I love you. Everything about you. I created you in my image and enjoy watching you bloom for my glory. Take a moment and experience the love that I have given you in my word. As you enjoy candy, cards and flowers today, also enjoy my never ending love that never fails. Read it! Rest in it! And Reproduce it!
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than
for self.
Love doesn't want what it
doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins
of others,
Doesn't revel when others
grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering
of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies.
My love for you endures forever,
Your Heavenly Father
(excerpts from I Cor. 13:4-10, The Message Bible)
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Dear Brothers, With Love
Happy Valentines Day!!!
February 2010
Yes, that's right: this is a little note of love to all of the men that make life so much easier for every sister around the world. This is not a letter for African American brothers only and neither is it a letter from African American sisters only. This note is written with the hope of being muti-racial, muti-cultural and muti-purposed. Yes, this is a love note to every man around the world who has longed to hear the words "thank you" from a woman-a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, a sister, a friend, a female in leadership, etc. This is "the letter" that you always hoped would reach your mailbox or at least the one that you craved in the depths of your heart.
As the world celebrates love today, love for couples, friends, parents, siblings, colleagues and associates, we are sending "a big helping of love" your way. You are our men, God's men! Men of purpose. Men of intelligence, compassion, responsibility, and valor. Please accept this note of appreciation from the women that may have helped you or from those that may have hurt you. Most of all, receive this from the women that held you. We see you, we hear you, we value you, we appreciate you and we love you.
Thank you for standing by our sides. Thank you for your listening ear and your input. Thank you for your work ethic and your sacrifices. Thank you for your reliance upon God and your commitment to His Word in all seasons. Thank you for the gift that you are to the world simply by being who you are-strong, sound, sincere, secure, solid in your beliefs and saved by God's grace.
Keep walking worthy.
With love and appreciation,
Your Women of Virtue
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Be Free!
November 2009
“No temptation has overtaken you that is unusual for human beings. But God is faithful, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength. Instead, along with the temptation he will also provide a way out…” (ISV) 1 Corinthians 10:13
My mother and I chatted the other day and we shared a good laugh. Apparently a little bird some how got into her home and refused to leave. Yes, it decided that it would rather be on the inside of the house for the day rather than in the trees or flying high in its own habitat. My mother was not sure how the bird came in the house, but she was puzzled because the bird became quite comfortable in her sun room perched upon a porcelain bird. She opened the windows and the doors hoping to encourage the bird to re-enter his natural environment. That was not successful. Then she offered the bird bread crumbs bit by bit and that didn’t seem to work either. Surely, this bird was stubborn, confused or had become complacent living in an atmosphere that was not created for him. All he had to do was look up and look out. The doors and windows were open and yet he remained ignorantly imprisoned.
How many times have we acted or reacted just like this little lost bird? We have often found ourselves in life longing for a way out and yet we have not taken the appropriate or obvious way out. We have either ignored the “way of escape” or we have convinced ourselves that we are just fine in a lifestyle or situation that God did not create us for or to endure. Some times God has presented a way for us to escape and we have often overlooked it or ignored it.
My friends, today let us look up and look out! You may feel that something or someone has imprisoned you. Remember, God ALWAYS gives us a way of escape. The windows and doors are open in your life…now, it’s up to you to take a step of faith. Freedom and faith are inextricably tied. Christ gives us the power to be free. John 8:36 says, “Whom the son sets free is free indeed!” Walk into your freedom today!
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A Treasure Chest From African American Elders
May 2009
Who inspires you? Whose words “speak truth to power” in your life? All of us have role models, parents, mentors, teachers, pastors or friends that have spoken powerful words that we live by. Consider the nuggets of wisdom spoken by African American elders of the past and present. Join in the celebration of how God has used their voices to empower others. May their voices never be silenced.
African proverb:
"If you want to travel fast...go alone. If you want to travel far...go together."
E.K. Bailey-Minister, Founding Pastor of Concord Church, President of E.K. Bailey Ministries, Author, Evangelical Statesman
"Let no man or woman stand between what God has called you to be or to do...Get out of the boat of self comfort and walk on the water of impossibility because God said It shall be done."
Ella Pearson Mitchell-minister, professor, author
"Be proud of the Good news; it will satisfy your every need. It will correct every wrong."
What word of wisdom do you recall when you are encouraging others? What purpose statement challenges you when you need encouragement yourself? The word of God offers us the best wisdom,“ a word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver,” Proverbs 25:11.
Dig a well in your heart and mind and fill it with a wealth of wisdom.
Prayer-
"Lord, thank you for gems to live by each day. May we look to, learn from and share your rich treasures."
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February 2009
“A Word Aptly Spoken Is Like Apples of Gold In Settings of Silver” - Proverbs 25:11
| A Wealth of Wisdom: Legendary African American Elders Speak By Camille O. Cosby, Rene Poussaint, Howard L Bingham Photographs by Howard L Bingham Contributor Howard L Bingham Published by Simon and Schuster, 2007 ISBN 0743482298, 9780743482295 |
(The following excerpts taken from “A Wealth of Wisdom...” see side bar for citation)
In their words we find a treasure chest of wisdom:
Maya Angelou-poet, educator, author, actress, playwright, producer
“I want young people to know that you may encounter many defeats but you can not be defeated. Defeats are necessary so you can know who you are, how you can rely upon yourself…” Also, “Most people don’t grow up. People age, but to grow up is to take responsibility for the time you take up and the space you occupy and to honor every living person for his or her humanity.”
Lee Archer-Tuskegee Airman
“I am most proud of the fact that I married someone I loved very much and stayed married to her for fifty-two years…we raised four children…I evaluate myself as a person on how my kids turned out. I’ve done many things I am proud of, especially becoming a pilot. It took some doing under the conditions I faced.”
Elizabeth Catlett-artist, educator
“This is advice that I would give: try and do something constructive, not to be rich and not to be famous, not to be important…make your life important.”
Dorothy Height- civil rights activist
“You can do something significant only by being apart of a collaborative, organized effort…a kind of unity that makes it possible of us to make an impact.”
Henry H. Mitchell-minister, educator
“My father taught me that anything that can be broken can be fixed.”
Andrew Young-U.S. Congressman, former mayor of Atlanta
“When I was mayor, we didn’t make very much. My wife worked as well and we had 3 kids in college but we didn’t want for anything. My grandparents used to quote the scripture, “I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor their seed beg for bread. Whatever we needed, it always came.”
Barak Obama-44th President of the United States
“Yes We Can!”
Clearly our history is inextricably tied to who we are. The voices of our elders, both past and present, continue to encourage and inspire. May we reflect with an appreciation for their contributions. May we also praise God for His investment into our lives by way of Jesus Christ.
He takes our story and wraps it in His story. Our Afro-centric thread weaves in and out of our Christi-centric fabric. Oh, what a marvelous and enduring “quilt” to behold. May we ever draw from their treasures of wisdom…their words are practical, hopeful, relevant and valuable.
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*Mrs. Cokiesha B. Robinson is the wife of Rev. Timothy Mark Robinson and the eldest daughter of the late Dr. E.K. Bailey and Dr. Sheila M.Bailey. She is a graduate of Fisk University where she earned a B.A.degree in English and she is a graduate of Beeson Divinity School where she earned a Master of Divinity degree. She worked in the radio industry and served faithfully for many years on the Concord Church staff in Dallas, Tx. Currently she serves on the pastoral staff at Mt. Neboh Baptist Church in Harlem, New York under the leadership of Dr. J.M. Green. Her passions are: prayer, writing, traveling, encouraging others and leading people into encounters with God. She and her husband reside in Yonkers, NY. Additional information about Cokiesha can be viewed at www.mtnebohbc.com
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