Ready, Set, Go!

by Alan Delery

Today’s reflection is on the violence in the city of New Orleans and in our nation. My heart has been heavy as I listened to the news. I have a concern about the recent escalation of our relationship with Iran and the impact it is having on our sons and daughters. I pray for those who are active in the military and those who feel the threat of being called to fight for this country. 

Locally, I was saddened by the death of the young man as he was at work in the Walmart in Gentilly. This senseless killing was at the hands of a young 21-year-old man. Both had so much to live for. I was also saddened to hear about the incident in Lakeview where police fired at a car with three young men who were driving through the neighborhood pulling on car doors. These young men represent many youth in our city who seem to be lost and have a disregard for life and property of others. While I don’t know their stories, I know they are in need and their decisions further negatively impacted the community.

Many in the city are questioning their safety and asking themselves if it makes sense to stay here. As a person who has been involved in youth development for almost 30 years, I know there is hope, but we all have to play our part. Now is not the time to hide in fear. Now is not the time to blame others. Now is not the time to look the other way.

In my last post, I asked, “What time is it?” I was stating that it was a time to be thankful as we came to a close of 2019 and looked for a vision for 2020. Now is the time for prayer and action according to God’s way of doing things. We should not act out of fear but in faith.

Our sons and daughters need us. Our neighbors need us. We need one another. We need to be ready to respond to God’s guidance during this time. 

My wife and I recently bought a house with an attached studio which we opened up as UpLift NOLA. We offer yoga, art classes and other healing services for the mind and body. This studio also gives me a location to provide community service with Positive Impact Inc. My first decision has been to start holding morning prayer that I’m calling Ready, Set, Go!

Using Ephesians 6:10 as my scriptural text as a guide, we will start at 6:10 am, Monday through Friday in the studio. Whether you join me in person, or take this time in your own space, I invite you to participate by “Putting on the whole armor of God” to start each day.

During these morning sessions we will be getting our hearts and body READY for the day. We will SET our minds on things above then GO into the world to impact others in our sphere of influence. 

I’ll talk more about this prayer time in my next post. Are you ready? 

#stay peaceful