As a missionary I have been called on to face many difficult challenges. One difficult assignment was to develop a week-day ministry at a church in transition. In my mind I assumed this was a piece of cake since I spent most of my time in the inner city. The day I met the new pastor I knew this was a mistake. In my opinion he was not the man for the job and none of his characteristics fit that of a godly man. I refused to have any kind of relationship with him or the members of the church. I even got some of the members to agree with me. This man was evil and my prayer was “God get me out of here fast.”

Being with daddy was my favorite spot whenever a challenge came my way. I ran straight for his chair soon as my feet hit the door. I poured out my frustrations as dad sat with his chin in his hands. I expected my daddy to get so mad that he would pick up the phone and give that pastor some strong daddy words. Instead dad looked me right in the eye and said: “sis that sounds like hate.” HATE!! I’m a missionary and I love Jesus. I don’t hate anyone.” I was not about to argue with the greatest man on my life so I went back to that frustrating job. .

Meanwhile my supervisor moved me to another assignment, but something was wrong with my spirit. I remembered the wise words of wisdom from my dad. Where was that love for those who mistreat you that I was supposed to have as a believer? I was so concerned about my opinion and being in control that perhaps I missed the greatest opportunity to show God’s love.

Praise God for a wise dad and for the many years of Godly wisdom

"For we walk by faith, not by sight:" 2 Corinthians 5:7


In these times of economic struggling, faith seems to have disappeared. The topic of most conversations is some type of struggle to make ends “meet.” The ends never meet . . . they just wave at each other from a distance. A trip to the grocery store or to the doctor’s office leaves a lasting image of “how high will the prices go” on faces as they disappear into this game--called life. None of us is exempt from the financial woes of this world. But I know that God is still in control. He still commands us to have faith to believe that He IS GOD.

My mind raced back to 15-years ago when my "faith walk” began. I gave up a great job with excellent benefits to be free to serve wherever God would lead. I was ridiculed, laughed at, worried about, but prayed for by the family of God. I have had my share of doubting days, but I can say God has kept His word. "The just shall live by faith." (Galatians 3:11b) I have learned more and matured more as I walk by faith.

Pastor E. K. Bailey says, "Faith is acting like it’s so, even when it’s not so, in order that it be so." I remember buying a rake and hammer for a house that I had no money to buy, BUT GOD. I wrote my first book with no knowledge of publishing, BUT GOD. I spent most of my life telling stories never wanting to be a speaker, BUT GOD. I have learned to just believe and walk on.

Maybe your faith is somewhat shaky today, just stop and believe God. You can trust Him for whatever you need. Take faith by the hand and keep walking.

In His presence there is fullness of joy and at His right hand, pleasures forever more. Psa. 16:11

I do not possess a green thumb, but I love flowering plants. My home here in Picayune has a beautiful patio that yearns to display any kind of flower. Every year I head to the nursery to find pretty flowers to decorate my patio. As hard as I try I just cannot maintain their beauty. I either water them too much or too little and they eventually die.

Recently I purchased two lovely blooming plants that I placed on the carport. Days went bye and the blooms fell to the floor and nothing I could do would make those plants bloom. One day I decided to read the instructions that came with the plant. The plants would only bloom in full sun so I immediately moved them to the patio. Within a couple of days the blooms appeared adding to the green plants nearby.

Watching those plants gave me a revelation on our relationship with God. Perhaps the reason believers aren’t making an impact on the world is they are not blooming. They have lots of green leaves, but no flowers. If believers are to produce fruit they need to be in “full SON.” The word of God is our instruction manual for growing and producing fruit. The Psalmist encourages us to get in His presence to receive His fullness and we will have pleasure forever.

For we walk by faith, not by sight 2 Cor. 5:7


In these times of economic struggling faith seems to have disappeared. The topic of every conversation is some type of struggle to make end “meet.” The ends never meet they just wave at each other from a distance. A trip to the grocery store or to the doctor’s office leaves a lasting image of “how high with the price go” on faces as they disappear into this game called life. While attending church the pastor challenged the members to give extra to support extra ministries of the church. None of us are exempted from the financial woes of this world. I have to admit I would rather be in Bill Gates shoes and lose a billion dollars in one day, but I know that God is still in control. He still commands us to have faith to believe that He IS GOD.

My mind raced back to 15 years ago when my faith walk began. I gave up a great job with excellent benefits to be free to serve wherever God would lead. I was ridiculed, laughed at, worried about, but prayed for by the family of God. I have had my share of doubting days, but I can say God has kept His word. The just shall live by faith (Gal. 3:11) I have learned more and matured more as I walk by faith.

Pastor E.K. Bailey says: Faith is acting like it’s so even when it’s not so in order that it be so. I remember buying a rake and hammer for a house that I had no money to buy, BUT GOD. I wrote my first book with no knowledge of publishing, BUT GOD. I spent most of my life telling stories never wanting to be a speaker, BUT GOD. I’ve learned to just believe and walk on.

Maybe your faith is kind of shaky today, but just stop and believe God. You can trust him for whatever you need. Take faith by the hand and keep walking.

Effie and his encouraging F-Words

A book for children grades 1-6 sharing stories of how to change negatives into positives.
Pre-order for $5.00 until May 1st.

On this first day of another year and decade may we return to our first love. May we be the church God desires.