NFL Star Thomas Jones on Life and Love
ESSENCE.COM: Good to hear. So what are your
thoughts for Black women when it comes to love?JONES: Don't expect something you aren't working towards. Don't look for a man to respect you when you don't respect yourself. Everything you do eventually will come back, though it might not happen when you expect. You have to work on you. People say they want a good guy or have been praying, and a lot of time God gives you that time to work on yourself. That way when you do find him, you're ready. A lot of times, somebody will come across your path, and you're not ready for that, or you're looking for something else, and it's right in front of you.
Today, I had a quick break to read an interview on Essence.Com of Thomas Jones. I found the last question and his response to be quite intresting. "Don't expect somehing you aren't working towards." Okay, I must admit that his thoughts regarding black women and love did not strike me at all because,I am a black woman and I am soooo super blessed to be loved by a black man and in love with a black man and I love me my ..."black man" so I did not crave that information.
But, I did ask my self what am I expecting that I am not working towards? I decided to go to http://www.dictionary.com/ and look up the word work, because I think that perhaps there is a misunderstanding of what it really means to work at something. The first thing that I noticed it that there are 40 different meanings for the word work and here are the ones that stood out the most.....
work–noun
1. exertion or effort directed to produce or accomplish something; labor; toil.2. something on which exertion or labor is expended; a task or
undertaking: 3.productive or operative activity
Okay....after reviewing the definitions and reflecting upon my expectations versus my "work" towards them I now understand the disconnect. If you are like me my sistah, there are some things that you are expecting from God, but perhaps you are not working towards what your expecting or you don't possess a work ethic that allows you to recieve what you expect. The bible says that faith without works is dead. Salavation is free but we are called to work, be accountable and responsible as women and stewardesses' of God! Throughout the books of MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, and JOHN Jesus our savior worked. Although He is the son of GOD, He demonstrated a strong work ethic towards accomplishing his Father's agenda.
The word of God always provides directionable action before the promise as Pastor Jefferson mentioned in his sermon on Septemeber 20th, 2009. God is calling us to do our part! What are we expecting in our homes, community and churches that we are "NOT" working towards? It is easy to walk into our enviornments and point out what should, could, or needs to happen, surely that doesn't require much work. But I would like to challenge each of us to consider if we expect something and or more, what "WORK" are we willing to do now, today to see our expecations fulfilled?
The word of God always provides directionable action before the promise as Pastor Jefferson mentioned in his sermon on Septemeber 20th, 2009. God is calling us to do our part! What are we expecting in our homes, community and churches that we are "NOT" working towards? It is easy to walk into our enviornments and point out what should, could, or needs to happen, surely that doesn't require much work. But I would like to challenge each of us to consider if we expect something and or more, what "WORK" are we willing to do now, today to see our expecations fulfilled?
The questions I am considering are; How hard are you/we willing to work? Do you/we recognize that the work begins with you/us? What "Christ" centered work can you do to see your expectations fulfilled?
Be BLESSED!!!!!!
Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteFirst, I am on the computer everyday, love to read and write and interested in what other women have to say about their walk with Christ. My schedule does not allow me to attend DOC classes but this vechicle gives me opportunity to be involved in the lives of the woman and to hear yours and other's thoughts.
Second, my birthday is this month and I have finally come to grips with the fact that I am a senior citizen but I like our pastor's phrase, "Seasoned Saint."
Third, I am responding to one of your questions, "What Christ centered work can you do to see your expectations fulfilled?" This question is of interest to me because many women who are "Seasoned Saints" believe they have done all they need to do because of their age. I believe that as long as one is physically and mentally and spiritually able they are to serve humankind.
Right now this is an important question for me as I continue to seek God's will for my life. As you have said, Jesus modeled a strong work ethic and it is up to each of us to find out how God wants to use us in the kingdom of God. "What work is God calling each of us to do?"
Thanks for putting up the site. I probably will read it often and sometimes make comments.
be blessed,
fleeta