The Lady Is A Leader And She Will Enjoy...Not Only Endure

[Dr BJ Relefourd]

Here we are at the beginning of 2014! I just packed away the Christmas decorations and placed away the holiday trimmings. Wasn’t it only yesterday I was singing, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”? I knew I was home free, when the last holiday box was stored securely in the attic, the evergreen was sent to be recycled, and the last strings of lights were tightly packed away. I thought I had made it safely to home base, when all the holiday cookbooks were placed back in their rightful place of honor. I was prepared to wave the victory flag, because there was no visible sign of Yuletide greetings to be found, not in my environment. This beginning mark in a calendar year began to remind me of the emotional endurance, which is much-needed to begin to plan all over again! I began to wonder am I prepared to put away once again the ornament which has such an intense emotional attachment that tears flow each time it is unwrapped from its precious tissue paper. Am I really ready to begin another year?

Do I actually have a choice in the matter? Am I enjoying or only enduring? I began to wonder, was I emotionally allowing myself the correct preparation strategy to endure, or enjoy doing what I considered ” a way of life”. My first assignment was to locate the definition of endurance. (n)The fact or power of experiencing an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way. Merriam-Webster Upon reading the definition, I felt relieved to understand that to endure, means the gravity of the process or situation is one which may or may not be favorable, yet with “power” I shall not give way. I was excited and was preparing to determine the “correct preparation strategy”, because endurance had to mean there was something I needed to execute. I cannot give away the enjoyment I gain from sowing into others, I also cannot give my thoughts away to the fear of being “used” once again…I will not just endure the coming months, I shall enjoy each day with every fiber of my being.

After re-reading the definition a second time, for clarity I noticed that endurance is a noun. Endurance is not what we do, it’s who we are! It’s in the fabric of our lives, its in the core of our being, and we are created to survive! Packed with that knowledge, I made a conscious decision to enjoy this year and not just endure the 12 months which are prayerfully set before me. I began to reminisce of those who are no longer with us on this side of eternity…did they take the time to enjoy or only endure the hours of each day, each hour or each minute placed before us. “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me” Philippians 4:13 Going forth, I have determined that my intent is to emotionally prepare my spirit, mind and soul for the “true” meaning enjoying life.

By doing so, I will alleviate the thought that I am “enduring” or tolerating. I am now embracing, and celebrating! I am aware it’s a process, and since we’re at the beginning of a brand new year, as Lady Leaders let’s believe that through Christ we can enjoy and not just endure 2014!

Dr.BJ Relefourd- "The Lady Leader" Lady LaKesia Barker-Scott Proofreading Editor