HAPPY LEAP YEAR 2012!!

Leap (lep)v.

 1) An abrupt or precipitous passage, shift, or transition

2) to come into prominence rapidly

3) a change from one place or state or subject or stage to another

As I prepare to launch B.L.O.G. Magazine tonight at midnight, I realize that this is a LEAP year! And like the definition states, I’m feeling an abrupt shift, a rapid transition, a change in state and place that is occurring this very day. Not only because it’s a year different than other years in that there is an extra day thrown in for the purpose of keeping the Calendar consistent, but this Leap year has special meaning for me. The past four years (since the economic crash of 2007-2008) have brought discomfort, pain and grief into my life on so many levels. We lost businesses, homes, cars, and family members lost their health and fell away.  Although still involved in ministry, I inwardly felt as though God had abandoned me. I thought things were looking up and we had an opportunity to do great things and move to Tennessee, that plan fell through and we were left even worse off than before. It seems that like the Israelites, we were doomed to wander in the Wilderness. 

However, through all of these experiences, my family drew closer to God, and each other.  Ministry became the primary focus, and several ministries were born:  LOL Youth Empowerment Org™, LIVE Teen Ministries, the Heartwood Project™, and now…B.L.O.G. Magazine™. Four years later, I can now begin to see the purpose and plan that God had for me through everything that I had to endure. Things happened the way that they did so that I could be shown the hearts of men, separate from all those things that distracted me, learn valuable lessons on love and marriage, and help and encourage other women going through the same distressful situations. My Tests… became my Testimony.  I now know that I am destined to be a forerunner among my family and friends, in showing them the true Love, Peace, and Grace of God…through my life experiences.

 

Luke 1:41 “When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”
 

Although John the Baptist is not considered a central figure in the bible, and not much is taught about him specifically, he is an extremely important figure in the scheme of things.

It seems that from the very beginning, John the Baptist was able to recognize greatness. Even in his mother’s womb, at the very presence of the Lord, he leaps within his mother!  He, like Jesus, seemed to be a miraculous birth (His coming was also foretold to his parents by angels).
 

As he got older , In Luke 1:17 the role of John is referred to as being "to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”  He was to leap ahead of Jesus, and notify others that he was coming.

Many people don’t consider John as having much relevance, but, not everyone is meant to be in the spotlight, or in the public eye. Sometimes people are born to prepare the way, and announce and assist the chosen ones.  Not any less special or important, but those people are called to ‘leap’ ahead and put things in place for the upcoming transitions.

Christians commonly refer to John as the ‘precursor’ or ‘forerunner’ of Jesus.

Why was someone needed to come ahead and tell others? Why couldn’t Jesus simply come to earth on his own without announcement, and make a sudden arrival?

…Because before seeds are planted, someone needs to come along, and till (prepare) the soil…in this case, the hearts of men was hardened, dry soil.  Much as the hearts of men today.

Like John the Baptist, I feel as if God has commissioned me to Leap ahead of his return, and alert women, till the grounds of their hearts, and prepare others for what is to come. That may not seem important, but it is crucial. I may never star in a movie, nor be in the public spotlight, but from my childhood until now, He has had his hands on my life, leading and guiding me towards His purposes... most times whether I wanted to or not! That makes me an asset, even when I thought of myself as a failure, or a liability.

John the Baptist was the one who recognizes that Jesus is the Messiah, and baptizes him:  marking the beginning of Jesus ministry. He had significance as someone who was chosen to let others be made aware of the miraculous presence that was coming into the world. His actions resulted in the beginning of a powerful movement; an abrupt transition.  And he took his job seriously his entire life.

Even John’s name was chosen by God. As a matter of fact, his own father was silenced, unable to speak, when he tried to speak against what God said about John. In my own life, (and in the lives of those people who God chooses), I know that He will silence those who do not agree with God’s plan in my own life,  so now I don’t worry about what others have to say about me, or the mission that I need to carry out! I just know that my job is to share with others what He has done for me…and as long as I continue in that Purpose, my voice cannot be silenced!

It’s Leap Year: Are you LEAPing into your purpose?  Stepping out on your destiny? If not, what are you waiting for? There isn’t a better time than now to HOP, JUMP, LEAP into what God has called you to do!

So, take my hand, and together, let’s LEAP into the blessings of 2012!

HAPPY LEAP YEAR….

Myckelle P. Williams

Acts 3:6-10 “Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and LEAP-ing, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”