As a child growing up in the South, anytime there was a thunderstorm, my mother would say "Child, sit down somewhere and be quiet, God is speaking."
As the thunder rolled and the lightening flashed, I'd gather a few books and a pillow, and lay on the floor, often under the bed. Not because I was afraid, but because it was cozy and quiet, and I could concentrate on hearing the voice of God. As my parents sat quietly praying and waiting patiently for God to speak, I too laid quietly on the floor and waited. I would concentrate as hard has possible to hear what God had to say. After a while, I'd open one of my books and read quietly to myself, still listening for a word that would tell me what I was supposed to do.
I think of those times and that lesson often these days. I see, feel and hear the changes impacting our daily activities. The rumbling of the pandemic, the lightening strikes of the economy taking blow after blow, and the mighty winds of change as protesters and peaceful marchers fill the streets, is evidence that our world, as we know it is changing.
I can hear my mama saying, "Child, sit down somewhere and be quiet. God is speaking." I'm sitting and I'm listening. I'm not getting caught up in political rhetoric or fearful panic.
I'm listening, praying, waiting and responding to the call that's on my life to encourage you. I've said before that this is a time of opportunity to follow your calling. You might be called to start a business, write a book, start a podcast, land that dream job or go back to school. Whatever the calling, I am sure that this is the time. But first, take heed and sit down somewhere and be quiet -- God is speaking!
