January 2022: Keeping it Real, for REAL—A New Year Self-Exam 

I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. One of my sisters and her family lived in the Press Park area of the city. In the early 70’s, local governments established the Press Park community to promote home ownership for African Americans. 

By the late 90's Press Park residents started to become ill and were diagnosed with cancer at alarming rates. My sister was one of them. Later, it was revealed that the Press Park neighborhood had been built on a contaminated dumpsite. 

As a result, many families were faced with the loss of loved ones and a long court battle to prove that the deadly plot of land was the culprit for their misfortune. The families won. 

The foundation upon which we base our existence is always the most important factor in establishing a Godly heritage. 

When building a house the builder should not only be concerned with the quality of pilings, slab, brick and mortar, the land beneath must be firm and free from contamination.

The Message Bible Translation of Hebrews 11:1-2 puts it this way, “The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see." 

I wasn’t there when the world was created. Neither did I witness the positioning of the sun. Nor was I present when God breathed life into the first man. But because I now see and experience the existence of the amazing nature that surrounds me and the awesome power of a heart that beats inside of me, I believe we were created by an all-might, all-powerful, and eternal God. 

I trust that God has my best interest in mind. I believe what His Word says and I hold Him to every promise. God is the total basis for my Foundation of Faith. His Son, Jesus the Christ, crucified is the reason for whom I live, exist, and have my being.  

Don't build your existence on a faulty foundation. Beautiful brick and fabulous flowers don't assure safety. Disaster could be lurking just below the surface.   Trust God.

SIS Challenge: Don’t trust man to do what's best. Put your faith in God. He can do anything but lie.