“It takes a long time to grow young.”
~ Pablo Picasso
Today is my Birthday!
I am ABSOLUTELY blown away by the things God has done, is doing, and shall do in my life.
This morning, I woke up with so much peace. I’m humbled to serve so many every day. Life is an adventure, everyday is a new destination, we grow moment by moment and step by step. As I get older, I’ve come to appreciate growing up here the adage,* “Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.”*
Every year, I reboot and I look over my life, personal dreams, goals, and aspirations. I look over projects or future ideas for the ministry, and I even re-evaluate my effectiveness. The paradox of social media is that we’re always busy, although it doesn’t mean that we’re effective. Therefore, at least once a month, every quarter, six months and a year, I do some hard reflection and ask tough questions.
This week, I was privileged to sit in a lecture with Dr. A. R. Bernard. After the lecture, I had a chance to ask him a few questions privately. He is a Sage, and one of the main things he shared was, “Always define what success looks like for you. Think longevity. As you do, you’ll redefine it as you grow.” There was a lot more shared but that nugget forced me to think deeply. As a millennial, I echo the existential argument of my generation, “What is real? Does what I do matter?” Although I am a pastor and a student, I always return to this question every year on June 5. Does what I’m doing right now really matter? It is the desire for meaning that strikes all of us who seek to better our world.
This last year has been a time of revolution, upheaval, and transition. We’ve seen Ferguson, Eric Gardner, Freddie Gray, the tragic departure of Myles Munroe, the swift passing of the legendary Andrae Crouch, and then during Passion Week the lives of modern day heroes Robert Schuller, William Bonner and Gardner Taylor. Think about it. All of that in less than 365 days! This has caused me to search deeply, to discern next steps and how I can serve my generation and other young African American men like me who exist to make a difference.
Granted, I don’t have answers but I am asking a lot of questions. Questions that I believe will transform my life, ministry and the mandate God has given me. These last two years have tested me in ways I didn’t even think was possible. But God has been faithful, providing every single step of the way. So I’m humbled to know that I’m starting all over again, learning, studying, praying and searching for solutions to society’s greatest ills.
In closing, I decided to include 24 lessons that have guided me these 24 months. Although these nuggets may seem elementary, they’ve helped me navigate the sifting tide around me. I’ve come to rely and pursue wisdom and it has served me well. I hope some of these nuggets touch you like they have me.
24 Principles on My 24th Birthday
1. The world is BIGGER than your Box. EXPOSURE is KEY!
2. The Box is an illusion and when stuck in one refer to rule 1.
3. Every new environment has its own rules: written and unwritten.
4. Just because someone says they’re happy to see you, doesn’t mean they are. DISCERNMENT
5. Be confident in who you are. Your identity is firmly rooted in Christ, not your reputation.
6. Everyone who says they’re your friend is not your friend.
7. Sometimes those closest to you will not get it until they see it. Stay FOCUSED.
8. Your World is your Classroom. Every person has a lesson. Pay attention to them, and learn the lesson. Listen!
9. People need to know you care more than anything else. Show Compassion.
10. Your LIFE is the greatest sermon others will see. Make mistakes but do what’s right. Character.
11. Learn. Unlearn. Relearn.
12. There will be haters but don’t bark back.
13. Read voraciously. Ignorance is a sin in a culture of information.
14. Your sermon is finished once you sit down. Go back to the drawing board. DILIGENCE
15. Prayer is your lifeline. You’re an Intercessor first. Model it.
16. Live simply, so that others can simply live.
17. Be You and be proud of it.
18. “Be courteous to all, but intimate with few and let those few be well tried before giving them your confidence.” -George Washington
19. Tears isn’t weakness its humanity and mourn with those that mourn.
20. People fear what they don’t understand. Don’t question your calling because they’re confused!
21. Three things destroy a preacher: Power, Money and Sex. Know your vices and be careful.
22. It’s all about the Kingdom. You’re called to BUILD Bridges, not Walls.
23. You’re young and got a lot ahead. Don’t trip if it doesn’t go as planned.
24. Always stay humble! Humpty Dumpty fell because his head got too big!
Which ones touched you? Share it with me. You have any others? Let’s create a conversation.
Expect Greater!
D. A. Sherron
Pastor. Entreprenuer. Artist.
http://www.dasherron365.com (http://www.dasherron365.com/)
http://www.globalfirenow.com (http://www.globalfirenow.com/)
Here’s one of our recent messages that blessed me! https://youtu.be/tGRFdDflaBI
The Global Report 