Church Building Still CLOSED: I'm So Over It!

9 Months Later and We Are Still Closed!

It's been 9 months and my church building (and many other church buildings) are still closed. I don't know about you but I am so over it! 😒😑😐

I am fully aware of the many cases and the many deaths of this virus (even though we all know these numbers are not that accurate); however, the church has now become fearful. The church is fearful that people might contract this virus and possibly spread it unknowingly. Matter of fact, the church doesn't want to be the center of attention and criticism of coronavirus cases and possible deaths.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Pastors and church leadership but I am very disappointed and mad that the buildings are still closed. I know that forsaking ourselves together because of the fear of a virus spreading amongst us, isn't God's will for us. 

We are told in the word of God to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Having Zoom meetings, Microsoft Teams Prayer Calls, and Online Church on Facebook/Youtube should not be a substitute for in-person fellowship. 

Many believers, especially babes in Christ, are falling away because of this. They are isolated and left to the enemy as prey. Many believers have backslidden or have become stagnant in their relationship with God because of this. Many are feeling disconnected from others in the church. Are pastors and church leaders not thinking about this? Better yet, what will they do about these issues, and how soon? This is a problem!

Are we going to let fear or better yet, COVID-19, have dominion over us? We shouldn't but unfortunately, we have allowed them to these last 9 months. 

God Has Not Given Us a Spirit of Fear 

We know that God has not given us a spirit of fear but a spirit full of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). So, why are so many church buildings still closed? What are we really afraid of?

I have really been thinking about how this isn't pleasing to God. I know we can worship and praise God at home with our families; however, we are called to assemble together and have fellowship. If we were at least going home to home like the disciples in the Book of Acts to pray and fellowship with each other, it wouldn't be as frustrating. Believers (just like unbelievers) are afraid to go to people's homes just because of COVID-19. Believers are afraid to contract or spread the virus, so they coop up in their homes ONLY with those in their families/homes. To "slow the spread" they decide to stay home no matter what and they refuse to fellowship in-person with their brothers and sisters. 

We need to really look into ourselves and be honest about why we are staying away from in-person fellowship. If the answer is FEAR, then we need to ask God to help us get rid of ALL of our fears concerning this virus. Just like King David, we MUST seek God and expect Him to deliver us from ALL of our fears (Psalm 34:4). 

Let's look at how the true believers and disciples fellowshipped with each other:

"So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:46-47)

I pray that the believers and followers of Christ in this generation will follow suit just like these disciples did. Nowadays, believers do not make time for one another to break bread and have true fellowship. This is truly sad and disturbing! I know it shouldn't be like this and I hope and pray we get it right, sooner than later.

We Must Take a Stand!

Look at California, in July the governor banned SINGING and chanting activities in church! Can you believe this? This completely goes AGAINST the word of God!

Check out these bible verses below about singing:

Psalms 95:1-2 - "O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation."

Colossians 3:16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

Psalms 147:1 - "Praise ye the LORD: for [it is] good to sing praises unto our God; for [it is] pleasant; [and] praise is comely."

James 5:13 - "Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms."

Side Note: Psalms are sacred songs or hymns. 

Praise be to God for the many bold and biblical pastors in California that took a stand against this and some even sued Governor Newsom over his discriminatory singing and chanting ban for churchgoers 👏👏👍👍👊👊👊. 

COVID-19 Church Cases

Yes, there may have been reports of churchgoers in some churches who did test positive, and some died but that will not be the case everywhere in every church. I am sure that these reports played a huge factor in churches being closed. However, look at the mass protests that took place all over our nation but no one said that these protesters couldn't chant or sing. Some protestors didn't even wear a mask😷. There was no social distancing. Yet, we didn't hear any backlash or ban about anything concerning slowing the spread while protesting. This is the bias the church faces, yet we say and do nothing. Instead, we are comfortable in staying home to watch virtual church where no one can hold us accountable in our relationship with Christ. We can worship how we want and when we want because no one is watching (except God, of course!) I pray that the church AKA  believers all over this nation will rise up and start assembling together. I pray our pastors will see the need and urgency for fellowship because people are losing faith and hope. While we are busying trying to "slow the spread", the enemy is slowly spreading out the sheep and many are scattering and no one is noticing (sigh!😣😢) God help us!

Be Blessed,

S.Harris

No Jesus, No Peace!

No Justice, No Peace?!?!

In the last few weeks, America has been experiencing civil unrest. This unrest was mainly sparked after the unjust killing of Mr. George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25th, 2020 as a result of a white police officer kneeling on Floyd's neck for almost 9 minutes. The whole world heard about this killing (and other killings involving blacks) and then, protests and riots started happening across the country. 

This blog post will not delve into the deep issues of racism, police brutality, injustice, or anything of that nature. This post will shine a light on a chant that isn't new: "No Justice, No Peace!" Many times when protestors march or protest, they chant these words. This chant has been around since the 1980s after an incident involving a white youth mob that attacked four black friends. So, can people actually obtain true peace just from justice being served? And what about if justice isn't served at all, or if it's not served the way we want; does that mean, we live with unrest for the rest our lives? Let's shed light on it!

In this world, people have been searching, hoping, and crying out for peace. Often times, we think peace comes from having no conflict, no war, or no problems. But the truth is, we can have peace during chaos or unrest. You might be saying "how is that possible?" Well, Jesus makes it possible! Let's see what He says about peace.

Jesus told us that "in the world, you will have tribulation (i.e. distress, suffering from oppression, or persecution), but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33) 👏👏👌👌👍👍 The first truth is that in life, there will be problems. We cannot hide from that! God knew there would be stress and suffering but He encourages us to be cheerful and have a good attitude despite what is going on. The second truth is that we can have peace because Jesus has overcome the world. When people chant "No Justice, No Peace", they are actually declaring that if all doesn't turn out the way they want, they will not rest, they will not sleep, or they will not have peace. This isn't what God wants for us! 

Jesus gives true peace! In Him, we (followers, disciples of Christ) have true peace- I can testify to that 👌👌👏👏👍👍 There were plenty of times when chaos and confusion were going on around me or in my life but I still experienced the peace of God in my heart and soul. His peace surpasses all understanding. It's beyond human comprehension! His peace can calm any storm that you may be experiencing. Do you desire that kind of peace? That God-kind of peace? It's not the temporary peace the world is looking for. In actuality, the world is searching for peace but they can't find it because they have chosen not to invite God in their situation. We must not only seek peace but we must pursue it; go after it (1 Peter 3:11).

Jesus himself left His peace with us! (John 14:27) People have been looking for peace in many different ways and in many different places when Jesus has already given us His peace! Stop looking for peace in the justice system and look to God. He is the ultimate just Judge. We can ALWAYS trust His judgment! God is the author (the source, originator/creator) of peace, not confusion (1st Corinthians 14:33). He provides all the peace we need to get through every situation and difficulty. Trust me, I can testify to that 👌👌. We must look upwardly, so we can experience peace inwardly! 

Peace must guide our feet, wherever we go! Wear peace like a shoe and it will never leave you unless you take it off. Jesus wants to guide our feet into the way of peace, as mentioned in Zacharias' Prophecy for his son John in the Book of Luke Chapter 1 verse 79. 

No Jesus, No Peace!

Know Jesus, Know Peace!

Shalom.    

Listen to the song below and may you experience in your soul!

            Peace In My Soul by Jermaine Edwards 

What's More Essential: Liquor Stores or Church?

Liquor Stores are Open but Church Buildings are Closed! 

Due to COVID-19, places including church buildings have closed. It's been more than 2 months since I've walked into my home church 😣 It's bittersweet because we still have church online on the weekends and in the week for Bible Study and Prayer, which is awesome! But it's not the same as gathering together physically. So, I am definitely still being fed spiritually by the Pastoral Team and Worship Team 🙏🙏🙏🙏 But, my thoughts and feelings about this whole STAY-AT-HOME order for churches are getting to me and I can't continue to suppress my thoughts and feelings anymore. 

 
I live in New Jersey and the governor, Phil Murphy, has decided to close everything that is seen as NON-ESSENTIAL. My first thought is: Isn't church ESSENTIAL? Isn't church essential to people's spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being? I think so and I am sure a lot of people think so too. However, according to Murphy and many other governors, the church isn't seen as essential, so, therefore, we were forced to "close". Murphy even says gatherings of ANY size is prohibited! Like seriously? This order goes against our freedom and right to worship and gather. This is the issue I have and I want to know how many other Christ-followers feel the same. I haven't heard much from my circle of believers on social media and I think that's a problem!

Liquor stores are OPEN, though!

What confuses me is the fact that liquor stores are OPEN! Why are liquor stores open? Better yet, how is liquor essential? or how are liquor stores "essential businesses"? This baffles me! Some people might say "well, liquor stores aren't as big as churches" or some might say "people don't stay long or congregate at liquor stores as they do in the church". Although all these ideas are valid, my issue is about what's important and what's not. Even bars are still open! How can we stay quiet about this? or better yet, how long will we stay quiet about this?

The church IS essential!

The buildings might be closed but the church is still open. The Word is still being preached and taught by the pastors and pastoral team. The worship team is still singing spirit-led songs. The Children's Ministry pastors and staff are still creating engaging lessons and videos to keep our children connected. So, yes, the church is still functioning as it should. To God be the glory 🙌🙌🙌 But enough is enough now! We are ESSENTIAL!

It's time for the church to take a stand!

The church isn't the building; it's the body of believers that gather together in Jesus' name. But we have a God-given right to gather together! I totally understand that COVID-19 is deadly and people are losing their lives, even people that believe in God. Trust me, I get that! I am not downplaying the severity of this disease but I am sharing the severity of denying our right to worship and gather together. 

The Bible says that we must "not forsake (abandon, quit, give up, renounce, etc.) the assembling of ourselves together, as in the manner of some, but exhorting one another" Hebrew 10:25. To assemble means to bring together or meet together for a definite purpose according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. So, could it be that these stay-at-home orders are a violation of our faith or a violation of the Word of God? 🤔🤔🤔 It took me about 2 months to really think about this. It didn't fully dawn on me until now. This creates conflict in a believer like myself because although we want to use wisdom and we want to respect government officials, we also want to demonstrate the power of God by exercising our freedom and faith. We want the world to see that God is bigger than COVID-19 and we are not afraid of any disease or sickness because there is POWER in the name of Jesus.

When we gather, God is in the midst and He shows up!

Quarantine Chronicles: The Good in the Bad!

The Good in the Bad

Almost the whole world is experiencing the effects of COVID-19! 

Children are home, learning from home. Teachers are home, teaching from home. Parents are home, working (double-duty) from home. Families are quarantined. Church buildings are closed. People are dying every day. People are testing positive for this disease every day. Hospitals needed PPE's and thousands of ventilators. Many people lost their jobs and many people are losing their minds. Graduations are canceled or postponed. Online shipping is delayed and "non-essential" businesses are closed until further notice. Essential businesses have shortened their hours. Limited customers are allowed in stores. Shelves are empty or barely stocked. We must wear face-masks or face coverings whenever going out in public. We must stand 6 ft apart from people AKA social distancing. We must wash or sanitize our hands twenty-four-seven. And the list goes on and on. It seems as if the bad outweighs the good. Although that may be true (or that may seem true), we cannot ignore all the good that has come out of this pandemic.

So, I know you might be wondering, "Where is all the good in all this bad?" I know it might be difficult to see the good in all of this, but I challenge you to shift your mind and focus to the GOOD and not the BAD (even if it's just for a few minutes).  

Throughout this pandemic, I must say, there has been SO much good that has come out of it for me and my family; in ways we never imagined. Allow me to share those blessings with you!

Blessings in the COVID-19 Pandemic:

• Stimulus Check-(married with 4 children but got it for 3 children) which is still a HUGE blessing! To some, this money may not have meant much or may not have been much. However, to some, like myself, it meant a lot. This money helped with the essentials of life, especially because my spouse isn't working due to the pandemic.
• Esurance Shelter-in-Place Payback-almost 15% of our auto insurance monthly premium was issued back because many of us are not driving to work at this time; we are working from home. Although the money I received was a few cents short of $52, it was well appreciated! Plus, we received another payback for May as well :) Another blessing in this is saving money on gas; although I only live about 6 minutes from my job. To not have to spend money on gas is a blessing!
• SNAP benefits increased-families that receive food stamps were given EXTRA money on their EBT cards twice in April. In May, the extra benefits were combined with what families normally get each month. That's a HUGE blessing for large families like mine (I have a family of 6). 
• Honey, I'm Home- my husband is pretty much home all the time now, which is a blessing in disguise. He's a driver but he hasn't worked for these last two months since the Stay at Home order from the governor in March! God has blessed us through all of this, and it doesn't feel like we had a loss of income. Usually, he'll play dominoes with some friends and they'll play till the wee hours some time. Now, at home in quarantine, he plays online dominoes and I can actually watch him play; I didn't get to do this before because I would be home with the kids. He's also cooking way more now than he normally does (he's really the chef of the house:)) and he's NOT COMPLAINING about it. Now, THAT's a blessing!
• Working From Home-thankfully, I am still working from home, which means, I still have a paycheck coming in. I am a Teacher Assistant for a Kindergarten class and school is still in session. We do LIVE lessons and meetings. We create pre-recorded videos of ourselves reading and teaching. I take attendance daily, still. We have weekly grade-level meetings as well as staff meetings, virtually! I still message parents and respond to them each day through google classroom and Class DOJO.  
• Double-Dipping @ Church Online-I've been able to participate in multiple church services that my home church has online on Facebook and Youtube! This is a MAJOR blessing because prior to quarantine, I couldn't stay for more than one service as often as I wanted to. Now, I can double-dip and participate in ALL or most of the weekend services, if I choose to do so. My church has four services. Plus, we have Weekly Prayer calls and 20 minutes of Hope Bible Study on Wednesdays (it really has been very encouraging and refreshing!). All in all though, nothing beats gathering together in person :) Can't wait for that day...hopefully, sooner than later! 

Now that I've shared some of my blessings with you all, it's your turn!

What are some blessings you and your family received in this pandemic? Feel free to share! I would love to hear about them :) and I'm sure other visitors to the blog would love to hear them as well. 

Just remember that God works ALL things together for our good, especially for those who love Him wholeheartedly! We might not see it, but we must believe it. Just have faith in God! If you struggle in the area of faith, pray a simple prayer to God asking Him to increase your faith in Him. Don't forget: There's a blessing in the storm!

Listen to the songs below and let them minister to your heart in this difficult time! 

All Things by Nicole & David Binion

Blessing in the Storm by Kirk Franklin

Be Blessed,

S. Harris

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog:
Shedding Light!

Hello!

My name is Shadiki Harris and I am the blogger of Shedding Light! This is my first blog and I'm SUPER excited! I'm ready to share the fire and passion that I have burning within me about so many things; things I've withheld for one reason or another. This blog will give me the opportunity to pour out my whole heart to you, respectfully. I am ready to stir your hearts, your minds, and your souls with thought-provoking posts.

On this blog, you will find encouraging, insightful, and inspirational posts about a variety of topics. I will "shed light" on certain things, using God's Word as the main source of authority but I will share from my many experiences that has shaped my thoughts, my words, and ultimately, my actions!

If you are looking to grow your faith (especially, as a young person including, young in faith), this is the place for you. If you aren't where you want to be spiritually (in your relationship with Christ) or you are unsure about your faith, this is the place for you! This blog will stretch your thinking and most of all, stretch your faith. It will heighten your discernment in spiritual things and challenge your natural way of thinking! I promise you that your FAITH will GROW and your FAITH will GO from glory to glory! The purpose of this blog is to SHED LIGHT so that we can BE LIGHT to those around us, no matter where we are! 

Take your time and browse through the site. Subscribe by email, if you desire. Leave a comment. Give some feedback. I would love to hear from you! If you're on social media, Shedding Light is on Facebook. Follow, Like, and Share the page! https://www.facebook.com/SheddingHisLight

Thank you so much for stopping by to check out my blog. I pray that it will be a blessing to you! Please stop by again soon and bring a friend with you :)

God Bless,

S.Harris