Day 32: A Different Path
BY DEBORALE RICHARDSON-PHILLIPS, PH.D. | March 20, 2021
Today’s Readings
In the 24th book of the Bible we are privy to an encounter between God and Jeremiah. Based on lineage, Jeremiah should have been a priest; yet he was chosen to share God’s desire to restore his relationship with the people of Judah through the creation of a second covenant. For decades, Jeremiah shared God’s message but the people did not listen.
While I’m not a prophet, there are days when I feel God’s call to walk in the shoes of Jeremiah. Like Jeremiah, I had aspirations that would suggest a different path. I completed my Ph.D. at the University of Delaware at 27yrs old and intended to be the president of a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) by the time I was 40 years old. However, my path was forever changed by an experience with a domestic violence victim that opened my eyes to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
For decades, I have experienced attacks and witnessed attacks on humanity and homeland; yet I’m still sharing his message. God has opened doors for me to work at restoring the covenant to “obey him and love others” or risk continued discord and destruction in the world. The term “cultural competence” is not in the Bible, but God is the epitome of it. We consistently witness God’s willingness to meet the needs of people in all walks of life. Cultural competence is where God writes in our hearts, rather than on tablets, the desires of his heart as suggested with the second covenant. I also labor with the hope that others will understand that reconciliation is not only about repairing a relationship with your neighbor, but restoring your relationship with Christ.
There will come a time when you have to choose a path. Will you go your own way? Or will you choose to follow the calling from God?
Dr. Richardson-Phillips has 20 years of diversity, equity, and inclusion experience in higher education and corporate America. She currently serves as the vice president of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Saint Ignatius High School (Cleveland) where she is responsible for DEI strategic planning and cultural competence.
Choosing to follow the call of Christ deepens throughout our life. At first, we are jubilant and can’t wait to tell others about our call. As time marches on and our relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit deepens we realize that initial joy in a different way. We express that joy by our sharing the graces of the moment with others. We know when we are called to expand or encourage another and the Lord continues to call us to more. Expand the boundaries, fill our lives with prayer and good works. spend time with God in both listening and speaking to Him. Deepen that call over and over as we realize the needs of others and where that need will take us. Pray for the call of others to be priest, prophet and king and like Jerimiah respond to what God is calling you to. We ask you this in union with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
This was very impactful. I feel that I’m nearing this moment of choosing. I only ask that His grace is with me to be able to lose fear and choose Him.
How do I discern the call of God?
Deborale..a prophet is one who brings the Good News to others. You ARE, “in deed”, a prophet!!! file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/de/14/14448952-FCF0-43CC-9725-5BE17DE34C52/tmp.gif
Well written. Much to reflect upon, to discern and to act. Indeed it takes courage to answer a genuine call.