WE SHALL OVERCOME- THE REMIX

by Deirdre Simmons

This is not your grandmother's Negro spiritual; the holding hands and swaying kind of we shall overcome.  It is not someday, it is today.  It is recognizing our collective 2016 mountains and personal valleys.  It is not passive.  This is a Beyoncé awaking, I can't breathe, why all this for no turn signal, 9 dead in a church, and a mentally unstable deranged bigot wants the White House kinda we shall overcome. This is overcoming crime and the accompanying helicopters in our hoods, the morally corrupt in power, and a demonizing of God's people.  It is the focus on testing versus learning and the dumbing down of our babies kinda we shall overcome.  It's the movement to reinterpret and change the word of God about marriage.  It's the inner voice saying you have no voice, it's our addictions, our anger, our mental instabilities, which by the way, we refuse to acknowledge much less seek help.  Listen, it’s national, it's local, and it's personal.  

We have been put on notice-it's formation time.  So, how do we overcome in a time when we are out of step, out of touch, and so many are out of line?  Here is the charge for overcoming: Fuel hope, build faith, and do the work.

Wilderness moments are when things are darkest and the outlook is bleak. Stop and reflect on some of those times.  Call out the trauma by name.  Now, take a slow cleansing breath and realize He has brought us through it all.  He is the same God now that He was as He comforted us through the pain.  In Psalm 119 verse 90, we are assured that God's faithfulness endures through all generations.  Fuel your hope knowing we have collectively and individually overcome: we will again.

As you strengthen your mind and spirit through prayer and study, surround yourself with people who truly have your best interest at heart: you are building your faith.  Have you heard someone say God knows my heart as an excuse for not going to church or actively participating in the building of their faith?  When we study the word, engage in learning together and prayer, it's like constructing the armor before the fight.  Hold fast to your hope and don't discount how important it is to get together to stir up some love and good works (Hebrews 10: 23-25).  We wouldn't wait until we are in the midst of a conflict to build up protection.  Get your sword, your breastplate, helmet, et.al, together, now.  

Faith without works is dead.  You've got to put in the work.  There are no shortcuts.  If it is changing the landscape of a nation or your personal healing (and everything in between) do the work. We can learn and be inspired by others' stories: Nehemiah rebuilt his city that was in ruins and the woman with the issue of blood put in the work  She made her way to where she knew her healing could occur.  She reached out her hand and spoke up.  Daniel is falsely accused and put in a lion’s den yet he remained loyal, Joseph's life was the "pits", and Shiphrah and Puah worked in their gifts and made a safe passage for babies putting their own lives in jeopardy. They were all on assignment.  What's your assignment?  God does some of His best work in situations that look bleak: times when we can't see the victory.  People will discourage, distract or try to destroy you.  We are on assignment: don't get sidetracked. Do the work. 

Reflect and remember the trials of the past and how we have overcome. Get together and build your faith; seek out help when you need it.   As we are closing our discussion on overcoming, I want you to refer you to someone's story.  In the book “Until The Brighter Tomorrow" by Valerie Rainford, she recounts some of the difficulties and tragedies in her life.  Be inspired and sure of the fact:

We shall overcome...

Deirdre Simmons, PHR, SHRM-CP, entrepreneur, past president of SHRM Gateway, and most important role-wife, began Cast Your Net on the Right Side #NowWhat non-profit to bring a relationSHIPS dialogue to the community. This God-given vision provides biblically based practical instruction for men and women on everyday living while edifying participants.  There are 2 other business under the cast your net brand: Cast Your Net Travel and Smoove Stones.

This graduate of Purdue University is also an EEO Advisor, has a certification in HR and is currently enrolled at UCONN.

The former Deirdre Cash has been married to chef, trainer, chaplain, Minister Jerry Simmons for 6 1/2 years.  She has worked as a servant leader in several ministries however, wife is her first ministry.