I mention this because on March 24, 2010, I visited a venue almost literally in my own backyard...that's how close it is to where I live. This venue is South Bay Celebration Church, also the location for Teen Challenge Los Angeles. I'm not going to take the space here to rewrite about this venue. Instead, I'll simply provide this link, here, to the examiner.com article if you weren't already directed to this blog from there knowing this is where I share some of the soul food Sheila Raye Charles dished up in her amazing testimonial. Ms. Charles has an autobiography, Behind the Shades, and a music CD with the same name.
What does God see? Not simply that we are good, but straight on to seeing the perfect divine love intelligence in each one of us that we were created to be.
I loved Ms. Charles' side dish message which includes speaking about her stint in federal prison when she prayed and was answered by God, who she refers to as Big Daddy. She mentions after feeling like she'd lost everything and she means everything as she goes through the list, she was puzzled what God might possibly wish for her to give. For indeed, God mentions God wants something from Ms. Charles.
What does God want? God wants us to give up all of our pain to God. God wants us to give up all of our mistaken ways we identify our self that aren't the same as the way God sees and identifies us. Thus, in a way it is not even a matter of forgiveness. God never has nor ever will see evil in us. NOthing to forgive. So give it up.
I was a little worried about what Ms. Charles mentions when it comes to homosexuals until she ended this side dish with a helping of non-judgment and loving one another. I mean if God sees Sheila Raye without evil (even after all she had done and been through), in other words divine; what if I saw her the same way? What would there be about Sheila Raye for me not to love? For that matter, if God sees Sheila Raye without evil, I feel fairly certain God must see me the same way. What would there be about me then, for me not to love? Can I? Of course, I am capable. Will I give up to God all the ways I currently think, feel or believe I am unlovable? That's a whole 'nother can o'beans now isn't it?
I found it entertaining that Ms. Charles is so certain of her conversations with God and the way she regales these conversations. It had me wondering a little about my self, (who I like to think is definitely and willingly on the path of spirituality and being the best, most divine me I feel I am able to in any given moment) since I don't feel I have such overt interactions with the Creator of all.
Surprisingly and delightfully, a thought popped into my mind that I may not identify what I "hear" as the voice of God; but, I tend to feel that thoughts of things to do or insights I feel I receive (almost as if from left field, if you know what I mean), might just as easily be considered divine messages as Ms. Charles' conversations with God.
All of these soul dishes are very powerful messages in my opinion. One last thing Sheila Raye mentioned that really got to me was when she shared God's plan for her. Part of that plan she mentions (while using my own words and interpretation), is people will be lured to see her because they are curious about this daughter of Ray Charles, the famous, now departed from earth, blind singer. Once in her presence, it is the perfect opportunity for God to speak through her his message of love for all of God's children.
This Bjork must admit she was definitely sucked into the plan...appreciatively and happily so. I enjoyed every morsel of the tasty soul food served. We are so loved. We are so blessed. Message received. Mahalo, Sheila Raye. Gracias, Dios!
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