Hope & All Things
It's about what He wants to do through us.
Hope Matters
Oh, who doesn’t love Philippians 4:13? This is a well-quoted scripture. So well quoted I’m sure you started reciting it as soon as you read the book, chapter, and verse. For those who are unfamiliar, this is how it reads in the New King James Version of the Bible…
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
All things?! Yes, all things.
Well…brace yourselves, Hope Buddies, because this might hit you like it hit me. The other day I was thinking about once again becoming fully invested in my health journey, because I’ve fallen off, before and particularly during my vacation. I thought about how, when I explain my healthy lifestyle to people who ask, they remark with statements like, “I could never do that,” or “I’ve got to have…” I immediately think of this verse as an answer to their negativity and also as I have begun to plot my return. While doing this, I realized that these shifts into my body’s preferred lifestyle weren’t necessarily things to which this verse applies for me.
Realization
When it comes to things that might be difficult but are within our power, we are quick to pull out Philippians 4:13. But, those aren’t Philippians-4:13 things.
Here are some examples of Philippians-4:13 things:
Simone Biles inventing The Biles in gymnastics. Can you imagine how long and hard she worked, how many times she failed, to pull off something that had never been done before?
My GirlTrek sisters walking 100 miles, in honor of Harriet Tubman, over the course of several days. I admire each of them so much!
Leaving a well-paying job with a God idea and a few simple instructions to launch a business that ultimately thrives.
Wow! I can do all things…
All things?! Yes, all things.
Getting back into a ketogenic lifestyle and working out are tasks that are difficult for me to begin but certainly doable. I’ve done them before, consistently and successfully. They might be someone else’s Philippians 4:13, but they’re not mine.
I see Philippians-4:13 things as those things we don’t have within our power to accomplish alone, tasks where we might have no idea where to begin or only an idea where to begin. We might see the vision, and that’s all.
Here’s what really punched me in the gut when I heard them:
Do I sincerely believe God for the “all things” He’s promised?
What actions steps (even tiny ones) am I taking toward the vision?
*deep sigh* I can do all things…
All things?!
Here’s the catch. “…through Christ who strengthens me.” The things that He’s placed in our hearts to do are the “all things” Paul’s talking about. The visions, the plans that seem impossible are the “all things,” and we need His strength to do them.
Hope Buddies, there are some visions and dreams I’ve had for many years. However, I kept trying to do them in my own strength. And you know what? I learned a LOT of lessons (i.e. failed). The most important one? I can’t accomplish these on my own. I also learned, not only will He help me but, He will send me helpers. For about the last 2 years, I’ve adopted a prayer I learned from Luvvie Ajayi Jones. “Lord, send me my helpers. 🙏🏾” Let me tell you, He has not yet failed to send me whom I need in the time I need them.
I can do all things…
All things?! Yes, all things.
Hope in all things! ☕️💜
Coffee Matters
So, Coffee Buddies, I did try the beans. I’ve tried them so much they’re almost all gone. 😆 I haven’t yet added milk or cream to make it more Cuban. However, this cup is best enjoyed strong as intended. I prepare it in the same proportions as usual, but I set my grinder to fine/espresso for this one.
The Colada Shop Havana Blend (locally roasted in Washington D.C.) is a medium dark roast, and the bag states that it is sweet and creamy with a balanced acidity and notes of bittersweet chocolate and cherry. To me, it has notes of 🗣️GET MY DAY STARTED, PLEASE!
These last 3 months have been a LOT for me, and lately I’ve been drinking coffee ritualistically as I commune with God in the mornings and write. I haven’t taken time to definitively taste any notes other than, ‘Mmmmm…this is good.’ Now, my tastes are still discriminating when it comes to my morning cup, but not so discriminating that I’m tasting notes. The drip coffee maker has taken over, and my poor little pour over coffee dripper (where the taste notes are a bit more noticeable) is awaiting my return.
I do encourage you to try this one, Coffee Buddies, as it does not disappoint, whether you’re looking for taste notes, trying to get your day started, or if you simply want a taste of Cuba.
I’m interested to know, do you have any “all things” you’ve pressed pause on? If so, what do you plan to do about that? If you’re moving on them, how did you start?
I appreciate you taking the time to read this hopeletter about my life and coffee. Please share with a friend who could use a little hope or coffee recommendation.