Deborah Dalton

The quest for liberation of the oppressed is derailed when its leaders are seduced by the desire to obtain the power held by oppressor.

If I refuse to forgive those who harm me, I open myself up to the temptation to inflict the same harm towards another. That which I don't accept as forgivable I either redefine as a permission slip to dismiss the value of the perpetrator or reframe the infraction as a suitable valuable action to employ myself. Forgiveness requires a degree of empathy, the ability to recognize the humanity of others, and the keen awareness of how as a joint member of humanity, I am capable of that same human flaw. If I deny the evil within another, I am seeking to setup the temptation to deny the same (similar) evil within myself. Yes, as a Christian, forgiveness is about modeling the love of Christ, but it is also about ensuring my moral accountability.

So the message is: Men are going to mistreat you, use you, and play with you, if you don't want it then stop allowing it Men are going to cheat on you, if you don't want it be a better partner to avoid it Men are going to hit you, if you don't want it stop provoking it Men are going to rape, if you don't want it change your face, your dress, or yourself to prevent it White privilege (and it's equally evil twin racism) is going to marginalize and dehumanize you, if you don't want it become super intelligent, super respectful, and impeccably dressed so you can rise above it AND, if they still do it, maybe, just maybe society will hold them accountable, because you did enough to prevent them from doing you harm... But, then again, there must still be something you did to cause this atrocity to happen. Oh give me a d@mn break!

Some days the greatest blessing that God has for you is that warm smile on a strangers face. May I allow God to use me to send that blessing to a stranger in need of that today. Smiles are a grace to be shared humbly, not an entitlement coerced by demand.

As I grow in ministry, I should not seek the counsel of a sole mentor. I should have several, and it is best that they don't all agree. In the midst of the chaos of their conflicting opinions, that is where I can sit still and hear God's voice.

Clever linguistic abilities are never a true indication of intelligence cause sometimes the careful arrangement of words is a brilliant attempt to divert one from the truth of the ignorance that is hidden inside Sometimes the most profound statement can be found in the simplest arrangement of words

In all things that I do I must remember to breath. Inhale. Exhale. Not just as a way to prevent getting caught up in the madness surrounding the moments of the day, but also as a conscious use of the gift of life that God so graciously gave.

Find someone who doesn't find you perfect for them in spite of your imperfections, but, rather who finds you perfect for them within your imperfections.

'Discernment, as a talent, requires development and maturity to fully understand, then the integrity to follow through on what you have discerned' Discernment w/o development = a funny feeling Discernment w/o maturity = rash judgements Discernment w/o integrity = good intentions never exercised Discernment is both a gift and a talent, depending on the individual and the circumstances. A spiritual gift is given to those who accept the gift of salvation, but that gift needs to be developed. Through a vibrant and active relationship with Jesus Christ. (Not everyone receives the same gift) All who accept Christ are given gifts that are ultimately about our unique ability to glorify him and further the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is for you to serve others and the kingdom. It can be used to discern who is of Him, but it can also be used to discern what his will is for your life. As a talent, it is something that can be developed in all, especially those how believe in him. A talent can be used for spiritual and non spiritual needs. It is a matter of genetics and environment. All of us are called to use discernment, some have this as a specific gift, with a specific God given purpose.

Be careful who you confess your sins to, they don't have a heaven or hell to put you in, but they might be motivated to expedite your journey. ~ lesson learned from the show 'Scandal'

There is nothing more spiritually humbling than realizing that the blessings, grace, and mercy that God has provided for you at a particular moment are not the result of your prayers, but of those who have been praying on your behalf... Without your prior knowledge.