Whitnee's journey with Christ

Out of the blue I got a text message from Jamika inviting my boys to the skating ring. I’ve noticed family skate night is a tradition that Jamika and her family have adopted quite some time ago. I didn’t have anything planned and thought anytime we could get the kids together is great, plus looking at my two youngest boys and the pounds they have packed on since the pandemic; they can most definitely use the exercise.

I had just spoken to Faith and thought about Elijah who had just come over the night before. I figured that would be a good time to get her kids to come out as well and enjoy some inexpensive fun. There are not many activities you can go to for $3 or under per kid. So we went and the kids had a blast.

Faith came a little later and I can just picture the smile on her children’s faces. Especially Madison! Faith had decided to put skates on Madison and she was so excited! I was quite impressed on how well she did to see it was her first time skating. She fell a few times but who doesn’t?!! She was determined and got up every time without shedding one tear or needing someone to persuade her to try again; she did it naturally like a star!

Elijah only the other hand was a little hesitant at first. When I told him William had on skates and they could skate together his face lit up. As he went to trade in his shoes for skates he laced them up like it was just him and the skating ring floor and nothing in between.

With anticipation he was of to find his buddy William. William was too busy trying to get a snack verses what we came for to skate. As Elijah skated off he got practice in on his way to find William. Madison trailed behind a tiny step a time. Joshua sat in my lap just as cool and collected. I mean like Jasmine says, he was “cool as a cucumber.”

Faith laced up and was ready to hit the dance floor. She had talked about falling the whole time but by the grace of God she didn’t. I would have been a horrible friend because I probably would have “pee’d myself” laughing so hard and would not be of the best assistance.

After the kids got there snacks they finally made it to the skating ring floor. It was just precious how William said he was going to teach Elijah how to skate. In my mind I was thinking “boy how can you teach him to skate when you can barely skate himself.” But as his mother I encouraged him and told him I was proud for helping his friend.

I captured this moment and it brought pure joy to heart.

The kids all had a blast! Us parents did as well. Knowing that I have a bad “wheel” I could not indulge in skating but I had just as much fun supporting and cheering the kids on. Joshua and I were their personal cheerleaders.

Friendship is such a beautiful gift from God!

As I think about our experience at the skating ring I can’t but help and think about the friend that will stick closer to us than a brother. I’m talking about Jesus as our friend.

Sometimes our friends God has placed in our lives want to know or have that relationship with your friend named Jesus but they are hesitant or don’t have a clue on how to develop that relationship. We must encourage our friends and have their back when they need help.

Sometimes it’s as simple as answering a question about a scripture, taking the time to pray together, or actively listening without judging. You would be amazed at the world of a difference those three things can do.

So in a nutshell, today’s message is not only about having your friends back but being there to encourage your friend in the direction of the Lord. I’m not saying force your beliefs on someone but being open to share the love of Christ and knowledge of God’s word to others.

Special shout out to Jamika and kids, Faith and kids, and all the folks in the skating ring last night who all helped each other and picked each other when they fell down. There wasn’t a stranger in the room although some folks we saw for the first time. Something truly remarkable to see black, brown, and white folks all together for a good cause- sports, food, and fun.