Flourishing... at the SCWN luncheon with Jerilyn Sanders

Flourishing is the theme this year for Scenic City Women's Network.  Today's luncheon speaker was Jerilyn Sanders.  From the Scenic City Women's Network Website, here is some information on Jerilyn and today's topic:

"Jerilyn Upton Sanders is originally from Sweetwater, TN. Her childhood held all the exciting adventures of growing up in a pastor’s family. She felt a call early in life to “city kids.” Her calling and passion have centered on urban communities and she has worked in a variety of education and youth development programs. She has spent over a decade in Chattanooga working to increase educational access and opportunities for low-income families.

Currently, Jerilyn is the Director of FREE Chattanooga, a pilot project of the Chalmers Center for Economic Development. As part of their mission to “help the church help the poor to help themselves without creating dependency” Jerilyn trains and equips churches to bring Christ’s transforming power into the brokenness of their communities.
Jerilyn has a B.A. in Psychology from Biola University and an Ed.M. in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Jerilyn is married to Duane and they have two children, Bryce the bookworm athlete (6) and Dakota the tomboy princess (2). They are members of New City Fellowship.

Psalm 92 says ‘the righteous will flourish like a palm tree...planted in the house of the LORD.’ What does that mean for a woman in the 21st century? How can you tell if you are flourishing where you are? Does it sometimes feel more like you’re just trying to keep some semblance of order in a chaotic world? As God’s plantings, we don’t control our season or even our climate; so what is our proper response to where He puts us and the “weather” he sends? As we ask “WHY?” and seek His purposes for us, perhaps the answer will be different—and bigger—than we thought.”"

Jerliyn shared a very inspiring message with us.  I thought I'd share some of my notes and thoughts from the message from today.... you know, pass it on.  Who knows, maybe you'll get something from something in it too!

Jerilyn was introduced by Princess Anderson, who gave her a wonderful and warm introduction.  In that introduction, Princess made a statement that caught my attention about life in general.  She said, "courage is not an option."  I didn't have much time to chew on that, but it is true.  Courage is needed if we are going to step out in faith, step out in risk, step out in love, step out period, etc.  Courage is needed in so many ways.  This is something to reflect upon further..... food for thought!

Jerilyn shared from Pslam 92, verses 12-15. Here are the verses from the New International Version (NIV):

¹²The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
¹³ planted in the house of the Lord,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.
¹⁴ They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green,
¹⁵ proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;
he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him. ”

Jerilyn's question for us: "Are you flourishing?"  She went on to share what she had been learning (and laughing about with God) from God on the topic. 

These are my notes..... meaning I didn't get it all down.  I'm not doing Jerilyn or her talk justice.  But hopefully you'll get an idea of what was shared and something will spark something for you.  Also, these are my notes with my thoughts added in along the way.

Going back to Psalm 1, it talks about bearing fruit in season.  In season.  In its particular season.  The plant is there throughout.  It cannot or doesn't control when and how it bears the fruit; it simply (or not so simply) does not control when or how it bears fruit.  Hmmm... something else to think upon and chew on.....  How often do I think I'm actually controlling and/or attempting to control my circumstances?!?!  As I'm learning, it's about letting go and surrendering to God.  I'm going to bear fruit in season.  So, why do I try to rush the process and/or at times feel like giving up because I don't see what I think I should see?!?!  What if my season doesn't happen to be on the same timeline as God's season?  Hmm... I need to be in tune with the Gardener!! ☺

Planted in Him.  Jerilyn shared about palm trees and how their support system is wide; that there are more roots along the ground/under the ground than there is tree above.  We learned that because of this support system it is nearly impossible to knock a palm tree down.  That when the winds blow it, it will bend but go back upright.  It might end up growing at angles, etc. but it will nearly always end up staying upright, growing toward the light.  Growing toward the light.  Wow.  Another great thought.  Just as is the whole concept of a strong support system!  This makes me want to stop and reflect and ask: what and who is your support system?  When the winds blow and threaten to knock you over, how do you turn back toward the light in order to keep growing?  Jerilyn mentioned grabbing time in the shower or in the car.  I can relate to both of those as those are part of my root system too.  That also made me think of the "rolling sanctuary" again. ☺

Jerilyn asked: 'What is God teaching you wherever you are and what are you doing about it?'  Great questions!

Jerilyn reminded us that we all need community in which we can be transparent and authentic.  YES!!  Agreed!  Do you have that community?  If not, seek it out!  It is crucial to healthy growth!

If you find your time very constrained, Jerilyn suggested stealing moments for soul care if you have to, by seeking God in moments throughout the day.  Most of us can relate to this, I think.  There aren't always long time periods of getting to read, reflect, pray, etc.  Sometimes, those come in grabbed moments.  That's okay.  Grab and go.  You might be pleasantly surprised at how those moments carry your soul through difficult times.

Jerilyn challenged us with some thoughts on Carolyn Custis James and her writings.  Carolyn is the upcoming June 28 Praise Breakfast speaker for Scenic City Women's Network .  (Go to the website above for more information.)

Jerilyn challenged us also that as we live planted where we are that we are to first and foremost KNOW GOD'S LOVE.  And, then secondly, we are to EXTEND AND MIRROR THAT LOVE TO OTHERS/SPREAD THE LOVE.

How is God flowing through you?  How is God flowing through me?  Do I really know God's love and live like I do?  Am I spreading and extending that love to others? 

These are some things to think about today on the journey.....  what does it mean for you to flourish where you are?

Blessings,

~Debra