As this Lent Season comes to a close, many of us have committed to giving up something for 40 days to remember the events leading up to the death of Jesus Christ.
It is a time for reflection and preparation before Easter Celebrations. Growing up in a black southern based home meant that we had rituals that we followed without rebuttal.
For me, it was fasting and going to church for what seemed like days on end. “Well ain’t we got enough Jesus by now?”
I would ask, while going back for prayer meetings or Tarry Service. And don’t forget about foot washing and communion.
These memories of my youth and other timeless reflections help me maintain humility and gratitude. We are the bridge, the keeper of tales, the Joshuas.
And as we enter this new “promised land”, we have been called to mentor and set the captives free. Lately, my peers and I have been having several fulfilling conversations like these.
So why is it imperative to Rest, Reset, Reclaim?
It’s a new season. It literally feels like winter lasted 10 months. Many of us may become excited yet overwhelmed by the idea of longer/ warmer days.
There’s so much to do like restock the pantry, complete that home project, and switch out our winter coats for swimsuits. And sometimes, it can feel like there’s too much to do and nothing gets done. But guess what y’all? It’s all good!
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REST
On the 7th day, even God Himself rested. The terms “self-care” and “lazy day'' sound good in theory, but how many of us actually have a do-nothing day without feeling guilty?
If you were anything like me, growing up in a southern infused household, this time of year we were planning Easter Dinner, making and buying outfits with matching hats. We always followed Big Mama’s advice; Cook, Clean, Carry, Soccer, and Sanctify.
Did you know that our brains and bodies have chemicals that regulate our wake/sleep pattern?
The circadian rhythm is set by the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
Melatonin is the only known hormone synthesized by the pineal gland and is released in response to darkness; it’s referred to as the “hormone of darkness”. Therefore, when we disrupt our sleep patterns by engaging in activities which expose us to light when the body craves REST, it can reverse the effects of melatonin.
When we sleep, the brain reorganizes and recharges itself, removes toxic waste byproducts which have accumulated throughout the day. Many of us have trouble falling to sleep, turning off the television or staying off social media. Here are a few tips to help us all get more efficient rest.
He maketh me lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. Psalm 23:1-3
RESET
We’ve coined the term, The Great Reset, since the pandemic began in order to define the unique opportunity to think about the kind of future we want.
Conspiracy theories aside, our world has changed drastically since March of 2020. We are making major adjustments and reimagining the way we “do” LIFE.
We’ve downsized, incorporated Best practices concerning the five F’s (Family, Faith, Finance, Fitness, Food). It’s an ongoing process, so be kind to yourself. Rome wasn’t built in a day!
Resetting involves counting the costs, realizing “NO” is a complete sentence, and checking our energy, ‘cause sometimes it's us sis. Perspective is EVERYTHING. Seeking wise counsel is key as our steps are ordered. We make plans but God has the final say.
Do Your RESEARCH, The hours we invest in “work” can and should be directed back to us.
Many of us aspire to live healthier lifestyles. We get to the grocery store with the best intentions. We buy 300 bucks worth of healthy stuff then stop at the restaurant. Yassss, I’m super guilty.
It’s time to reset our nutrition. Introduce one new item and use it or experiment. My goal is to find healthy options with the ingredients that I already have.
As we get older (Fly and Ageless that is), our bodies respond differently to the same foods we used to eat. I used to love Popeyes but I had to divorce her because…the way my Gerd is set up. Um, yeah.
Something that may help you is to consider hiring a nutritionist or attending a cooking class. Here are a few things you can do to help you get on the right track.
RECLAIM
As Auntie Maxine Waters says, ‘Reclaiming my Time’.
The definition of reclaim is to recoup that which is lost. We have to address the man in the mirror. Many times, we are our own worst critic, at the worst possible time.
Walking in our most authentic self requires application of RESTING and RESETTING with consistency, discipline and purpose. The journey to the other side of despair and critical times begins when we come to terms with our past and heal our inner child.
We cannot heal what we do not confront. Healing is super hard work. Surrendering to the truth is difficult for all of us. It may require asking for forgiveness, making amends, or even walking away.
Time is too short and far spent for playing with folks' life, joy, time and energy. We’re not doing that anymore!!! Reclaiming takes courage and accountability. It took me forever to learn how to speak my truth with love.
Not because I didn’t know what to say, but because the consequences of my words, as well as all of ours, follow time and seasons.
It’s never too late to REST, RESET, and RECLAIM!
You can be kind for a while;
You can be generous for a while;
You can be just for a while, or merciful for a while,
Even loving for a while.
But it is only with courage that you can be persistently
And insistently kind and generous and fair