Yvette Walker's Blog, page 3
April 14, 2025
Holy Week, Easter and what comes after
If you are like me, you have read and reread the Gospels. And you should. But what comes after? I’d always wondered how the apostles lived and flourished without their Master and Lord.
So last year, I wrote a 7-day study of the Acts of the Apostles. It’s still here on this website. But now I have created an e-book for a different reading experience, and it’s free to my subscribers!
This week, I invite you to spend Holy Week preparing for the after: After Jesus died. After Jesus rose. After Jesus went to Heaven. When God sent the Holy Spirit.
This week, think past Easter and into the future of Jesus' message.
Pray this week, giving thanks for the Father sending the Son and sharing his pure love with us all. Then, give thanks for his building the early church and spreading the Gospel across the world.
Will you join me? Get the free e-book here.
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
April 10, 2025
She said something that stopped me…
One morning, my niece called just to say how much she loves me—and how she thinks more people need to know who I am. “You’re kind, you’re joyful, and you have something to say,” she said. “You should put yourself out there more.”
It warmed my heart, and it also made me think of you.
Maybe you’ve been feeling a little tug lately… a nudge from God to share something He’s placed on your heart. But you’re unsure. You feel unready. Maybe even afraid.
I get it. I don’t love being in front of a camera either. But I’ve started doing it more—not for likes, not for followers—but because God gave me a message of joy and healing after divorce. And that message isn’t mine to keep.
So here’s my encouragement to you today:
If God gave it to you, He will make a way. You don’t have to be perfect—just willing.
Take the leap. Show up.
Let the world see His light in you.
Thanks for reading, and remember—you are loved, and you are worthy of good things.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.
DM’s always open on Instagram.
Need a speaker or emcee? Check out my website here.
If you liked receiving this, like and comment!
I’m on YouTube, please subscribe!Here’s the whole video! Think you can't find redemption after a breakup? Dana Williams speaks life into Christians who have divorced. She believes your identity in Christ redeems women, no matter the stage of their relationship. Dana has a life of lessons to share this week.
Please subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have more than 100 videos for you to enjoy! Like, subscribe and share.
Latest podcast episodeThe Positively Joy Podcast helps Christian women through separation and divorce. This is a tough subject for many women in Christian settings. God put it on my heart to talk about my divorce and help women find joy!
This is NOT an anti-marriage podcast. LISTEN AND SHARE this message and HELP my new audience find it! Let's amplify this message! Listen on positivelyjoy.com, Spotify, Apple and wherever you listen!
THE BOOKSHELF
Basketful of Books: Easter Giveaway Spectacular!
Transformational Non-fiction!
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
April 9, 2025
Paid subscriber sneak peek
THIS WEEK, I’ll be sharing at the Virtual Writer’s Retreat along with 15 other published authors and trainers. BUT FOR YOU, my paid subscribers, I’m giving you my video a day early! I still suggest you sign up for the FREE summit because there is so much else to learn!
I hope you’ll be able to join us! https://bit.ly/3QvNOXi
The summit continues today th…
April 7, 2025
Writing in non-Christian genres
Photo by tabitha turner on UnsplashHi! (Can’t you tell I’m excited?)
THIS WEEK, I’ll be sharing at the Virtual Writer’s Retreat along with 15 other published authors and trainers.
I hope you’ll be able to join us! The summit is from TOMORROW, Tuesday to Thursday, April 8-10, and my session is on Thursday at 1:30 central on the topic:
Writing Romance, Crime & Fantasy Scenes for Christians
You don’t want to miss this virtual summit filled with encouragement, engagement, and best-kept secrets. You’ll learn from multi-published authors from around the world. The days will be filled with techniques and tips plus intentional writing time to work on your projects.
Attendance at the live event is free, so register today and start selecting which sessions you may want to attend. Register here:
All sessions are going to be amazing.
I’m so excited for you to experience this virtual training event. You’ll discover keys to writing development and getting your message to readers as you write for Jesus.
These seasoned, multi-published author trainers, including me, will be there to help you soar in your writing this year.
To join me from Tuesday to Thursday, April 8-10, register now at:
If you’re ready for the most remarkable sessions yet, join us! Hope to see you there!
PS - If you can’t join us live, but want to benefit from these training sessions, make sure to grab the replay set available for a small investment here: https://bit.ly/3QvNOXi
Your sister in Christ,
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.
DM’s always open on Instagram.
Need a speaker or emcee? Check out my website here.
If you liked receiving this, like and comment!
I’m on YouTube, please subscribe!Please subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have more than 100 videos for you to enjoy! Like, subscribe and share.
Latest podcast episodeThe Positively Joy Podcast helps Christian women through separation and divorce. This is a tough subject for many women in Christian settings. God put it on my heart to talk about my divorce and help women find joy!
This is NOT an anti-marriage podcast. LISTEN AND SHARE this message and HELP my new audience find it! Let's amplify this message! Listen on positivelyjoy.com, Spotify, Apple and wherever you listen!
THE BOOKSHELF
Basketful of Books: Easter Giveaway Spectacular!
Transformational Non-fiction!
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
March 27, 2025
Don’t Ignore That Nudge: It Could Be a Divine Appointment
Photo by Matthew Henry on UnsplashHave you ever asked yourself why you crossed paths with someone? Or why you showed up to that event—even though everything in you didn’t want to go?
And then… something unexpected and beautiful happened.
A divine appointment.
It’s happened to me more times than I can count, and it’s something that I talk about in my devotional, “Whispering in His Ear”:
✨ The retreat I almost backed out of
✨ Meeting my future husband
✨ A chance connection with a woman on LinkedIn
✨ And most recently, a lunch I nearly skipped
Those last two moments? They’ve turned into something truly special—two events happening this Saturday! One right here in Kansas City, and one online.
And guess what? I’m inviting you to both.
Empower Your FaithSaturday is going to be a big day! Author Sally Keiran invited me to give testimony at her "Empower Your Faith" book launch. Join me in person and be empowered by Sally and friends!
March 29 at Colonial Presbyterian Church, 9500 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114! More information above!
From Pressure to PurposeFeeling stress and unsure of your purpose? If so, you need some inspiration from a group of international women! Register this Saturday for the virtual FROM PRESSURE TO PURPOSE summit hosted by my friend Ingor Joy van Rooi. I'll be speaking sometime after 10 central. It's free and so important.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/from-pressure-to-purpose-summit-tickets-1267848231189
Look at all these women from around the world, who will offer encouragement for faith, strength and transformation.
Thanks for reading, and remember—you are loved, and you are worthy of good things.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.
DM’s always open on Instagram.
Need a speaker or emcee? Check out my website here.
If you liked receiving this, like and comment!
I’m on YouTube, please subscribe!Please subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have more than 100 videos for you to enjoy! Like, subscribe and share.
Latest podcast episodeThe Positively Joy Podcast helps Christian women through separation and divorce. This is a tough subject for many women in Christian settings. God put it on my heart to talk about my divorce and help women find joy!
This is NOT an anti-marriage podcast. LISTEN AND SHARE this message and HELP my new audience find it! Let's amplify this message! Listen on positivelyjoy.com, Spotify, Apple and wherever you listen!
THE BOOKSHELF (coming soon)
Basketful of Books: Easter Giveaway Spectacular!
Transformational Non-fiction!
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
March 4, 2025
What is Lent all about?
Photo by Ahna Ziegler on UnsplashI thought I’d revisit this blog post that I published on my website before I ventured over to Substack, mainly because you probably haven’t read it yet. Also, I still find people who don’t understand what Lent is. It has a rich history, and I encourage you to find ways to use this beautiful season.
I’m surprised so many folks don’t understand the traditions of Lent. As a Catholic growing up in Chicago at St. Dorothy’s church, I practiced Lent regularly with my family. I no longer attend Catholic church — I now go to an Evangelical church and occasionally to an Episcopalian church — but I still practice those ancient and rich traditions of Lent.
And those traditions mainly include food – what you can and can’t have. For many people, Lent is a tradition of making a sacrifice as we lead up to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. But these days I want to begin adding to my season and not taking away.
But first, what is Lent? Here are some resources that explain Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, and Lent:
From Catholic Online: Lent begins on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, and ends on April 16, 2022. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. This year, it takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting.
Christianity.com says, “Often called the Day of Ashes, Ash Wednesday starts Lent by focusing the Christian’s heart on repentance and prayer, usually through personal and communal confession. This happens during a special Ash Wednesday service. … the priest or pastor will dip his finger into the ashes, spread them in a cross pattern on the forehead, and say, “From dust you came and from dust you will return.”
The day before Lent begins is called Mardi Gras. Back to Catholic Online: “In France, the people feasted on foods that would be given up during the forty days of Lent. Meats, eggs, and milk were finished off in one day, giving the holiday its French title of ‘Mardi Gras’ which means Fat Tuesday.”
A rich history of foodsOn Mardi Gras, the “Fat Tuesday” before Ash Wednesday, two foods are widely known: King Cake and the polish paczki (pronounced punchkee”).
King Cake is probably better well known. Neworleans.com says the name “king cake” comes from the Biblical story of the three kings who brought gifts to the infant Jesus. “A blend of coffee cake and cinnamon roll, king cake is usually iced in yellow, green, and purple – the colors of Mardi Gras — and is frequently packed with fruit fillings and decadent cream cheeses. Hidden within these season sweets also lie a special surprise: a plastic king cake baby to continue the fun.”
The online magazine Eater Detroit colorfully describes the fill doughnutlike paczki as heavenly fried pastries. They give some background, too :
“Paczki is a Polish word meaning package. Traditionally paczki are made before the Catholic Lent holiday in preparation for Easter. Families were to use all of their sweets and butters before the religious holiday; so paczki were created.”
Back in Chicago and in Detroit, we’d eat paczki rather than king cake, but both are great. And we’d fill up on this day knowing of the 40 days of sacrifice ahead. As a girl, it was a solemn season.
Can there be more?But writer Ann Swindell writes of the season, “Lent seeks to hush our ravenous appetite for ease and excess and, instead, remind us that the way of Christ is neither of those things. The way of Christ is the way down—down from heaven, down to the dust of the earth and the pain of a cross. It is the way of truth.”
That is such a beautiful way to describe what some people think of as a season of withdrawal or relinquishing something we love.
It’s true, I remember Lent for giving up something, but also for experiencing something rare. In my house, we ate certain foods that we didn’t eat other times of the year. In my Catholic parish, meatless Fridays were the rule during Lent. I don’t eat fish as a rule, so Daddy as the primary cook in our home, had to figure out a menu that I would eat.
Fridays in the Walker household consisted of a few options, mainly because it’s what I would tolerate.
Menu 1: Salmon Croquettes with meatless spaghetti (See recipe.)
Menu 2: Tuna noodle casserole (See recipe.)
As much as I don’t like fish, these childhood favorites bring back mouth-watering smells for me!
Thinking of Lent as a season of reflection AND sacrifice is a great way to honor what Jesus did for us. It’s not and should not be a season of torture to be worn on your face.
Jesus tells us in Matthew chapter 6, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”
Lent is a beautiful season and a time to reflect on our faith and relationship with God. Treat it as such.
Thanks for reading, and remember—you are loved, and you are worthy of good things.
Your sister in Christ,
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.
DM’s always open on Instagram.
Need a speaker or emcee? Check out my website here.
If you liked receiving this, like and comment!
I’d love to speak to your groupBook me for your next church, community or women’s ministry!
I’m on YouTube, please subscribe!Please subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have more than 100 videos for you to enjoy, like this one! Like, subscribe and share.
Latest podcast episodeThe Positively Joy Podcast helps Christian women through separation and divorce. This is a tough subject for many women in Christian settings. God put it on my heart to talk about my divorce and help women find joy!
This is NOT an anti-marriage podcast. LISTEN AND SHARE this message and HELP my new audience find it! Let's amplify this message! Listen on positivelyjoy.com, Spotify, Apple and wherever you listen!
THE BOOKSHELF
Want news with a Christian perspective?Try The PourOver. Each news report is followed by scripture or a Christian comment.
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
February 24, 2025
You Are Worthy of Good Things
Photo by René Porter on UnsplashMany of us struggle to believe that we are deserving of good things. Have you ever felt like you don’t deserve joy, peace, or blessings because of past mistakes? Or maybe you’ve been taught that suffering is just your lot in life? Well, let me remind you of this powerful truth: God desires good things for His children.
Let’s dig into what the Bible says about it.
God’s Goodness is for YouFirst, let’s start with the foundation—God is good, and He gives good gifts.
James 1:17 says:
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
God’s nature is unchanging, and His desire to bless His children is constant. The good things in your life—whether big or small—are evidence of His love.
Jesus also reassures us in Matthew 7:11:
"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!"
If earthly parents love to give good things to their children, how much more does our perfect Heavenly Father want to bless us?
You Are Valuable to GodAnother reason you are worthy of good things is because you are deeply valued by God.
Matthew 10:29-31 reminds us:
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
You are not forgotten. You are seen. You are loved. And because of that, God’s goodness is for you.
God Wants You to Receive His GoodnessNow, you might be thinking, But what about my mistakes? What about my past?
Psalm 103:10-12 answers that:
"He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."
Because of Jesus, you are redeemed. Your past does not disqualify you from God’s goodness.
Romans 8:32 also says:
"He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?"
If God gave Jesus for you, won’t He also provide what you need?
So, let me ask you—are you willing to receive the good things God has for you?
God’s Word is clear:
He gives good gifts.
He sees you as valuable.
His plans for you include hope and blessings.
Through Jesus, you are made worthy of His goodness.
It’s time to stop believing the lie that you’re not enough or that God’s blessings are only for other people. They are for you.
If you’ve been doubting this, I encourage you to pray today and ask God to help you receive the good things He has in store for you.
Thanks for reading, and remember—you are loved, and you are worthy of good things.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.
DM’s always open on Instagram.
Need a speaker or emcee? Check out my website here.
If you liked receiving this, like and comment!
I’m on YouTube, please subscribe!Please subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have more than 100 videos for you to enjoy, like this one! Like, subscribe and share.
Latest podcast episodeThe Positively Joy Podcast helps Christian women through separation and divorce. This is a tough subject for many women in Christian settings. God put it on my heart to talk about my divorce and help women find joy!
This is NOT an anti-marriage podcast. LISTEN AND SHARE this message and HELP my new audience find it! Let's amplify this message! Listen on positivelyjoy.com, Spotify, Apple and wherever you listen!
THE BOOKSHELF
Want news with a Christian perspective?Try The PourOver. Each news report is followed by scripture or a Christian comment.
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
February 14, 2025
Valentines and faith-filled intentionality
Happy Valentine’s Day! But don’t live your life based on what you think having a valentine means.
No matter what your relationship status is, I want to remind you today that your identity is not found in your relationship status, but in the One who created you. God has a purpose for your life right now, in this season. And that purpose is found in living with faith-filled intentionality.
Intentionality means making a conscious choice to align your actions with your faith. It’s about walking with God daily, seeking His wisdom, and refusing to let the past define your future.
Choose to Trust God’s PlanJeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” You may have faced heartbreak, disappointment, or betrayal, but God’s plan is still in motion. Your pain is not the end of your story—it’s a stepping stone toward the joy He has for you.
So, how do we live intentionally in faith? First, we trust that God’s plan is greater than what we’ve lost. We wake up every morning and say, “Lord, I choose to trust You today.”
Cultivate a Daily Walk with GodIntentionality means making space for God in your everyday life. Set aside time to pray, to study His Word, to journal your thoughts. When we fill our minds with His truth, we stop believing the lies that tell us we are unworthy or unlovable.
Psalm 91:1 reminds us, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Rest in Him. Abide in Him. Let His presence be your refuge.
Step into Your CallingGod has gifted you with talents, passions, and dreams. You were not meant to live in the shadows of your past. Whether it’s starting a new career, leading a ministry, or simply embracing joy again, take intentional steps toward the life God is calling you to.
Isaiah 43:19 says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” It’s time to perceive the new thing He is doing in your life.
Remember, you are loved. You are valuable. You are chosen. And you have a purpose far beyond what you may see right now. Living with faith-filled intentionality means walking in the confidence that God is with you, guiding you, and preparing something beautiful for your future.
So today, take that first step. Pray boldly, live expectantly, and embrace the joy that comes from trusting Him completely.
Because when you live intentionally in faith, you live in the fullness of God’s love.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.
DM’s always open on Instagram.
Need a speaker or emcee? Check out my website here.
If you liked receiving this, like and comment!
I’m on YouTube, please subscribe!Please subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have more than 100 videos for you to enjoy, like this one! Like, subscribe and share.
In this video, you can live-journal with me! Skip to the 9:30-minute mark! This was from early in 2024 but if you want to start the New Year journaling in whatever journal or paper you have, this applies!
Latest podcast episodeThe Positively Joy Podcast helps Christian women through separation and divorce. This is a tough subject for many women in Christian settings. God put it on my heart to talk about my divorce and help women find joy!
This is NOT an anti-marriage podcast. LISTEN AND SHARE this message and HELP my new audience find it! Let's amplify this message! Listen on positivelyjoy.com, Spotify, Apple and wherever you listen!
THE BOOKSHELF
Want news with a Christian perspective?Try The PourOver. Each news report is followed by scripture or a Christian comment.
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
February 5, 2025
Valentine's week together!
Photo by Neeqolah Creative Works on UnsplashValentine's Day is just around the corner, and for many, it can be a difficult time—especially if you're navigating singleness, separation, or loss. But you don’t have to face it alone.
Positively J.O.Y. - Just. One. Yes! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Join me for a week-long devotional program designed to bring hope, healing, and joy during this season.
Let’s cook, pamper ourselves, make a craft, read scripture and learned how we are really loved!
Together, we'll explore faith-filled truths, answer questions, and share encouragement to renew your spirit.
✨ What You’ll Get:
Daily devotions to uplift and inspire
A supportive community to connect with
Thoughtful discussions and Q&A
📅 When: Feb. 10-14, the week leading up to Valentine’s Day
📍 Where: Online at positivelyjoy.com
💌 Don’t let this season weigh on your heart. Let’s walk through it together, with love, hope, and the joy of God.
Visit positivelyjoy.com to sign up today! ❤️
Thanks for reading! Share with all the women in your life!
January 20, 2025
MLK Day 2025: He chose love over hate
Photo by Unseen Histories on UnsplashEditor’s Note: I speak today at a Martin Luther King Day event titled “Joyful Legacy.” Here is the address I am sharing, full of hope and joy:
“I have a dream.”
“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
“Be the peace you wish to see in the world!”
These are just 3 of a hundred quotes attributed to Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr., the driven and God-inspired civil rights leader.
And as much as we have the right intentions, some of the quotes we have said belong to him are not entirely right. Because Doctor King was very intentional about what he said.
So There is a quote attributed to him that I want to discuss today, not only because it’s not exactly accurate. But also because I want to change it slightly. I think he would approve..
King is said to have spoken, "‘“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
But what he actually said in his 1967 speech, “Where Do We Go From Here?” was this:
“And I say to you, I have also decided to stick with love, for I know that love is ultimately the only answer to mankind’s problems. And I’m going to talk about it everywhere I go. I know it isn’t popular to talk about it in some circles today.
And I’m not talking about emotional bosh when I talk about love; I’m talking about a strong, demanding love. For I have seen too much hate. I’ve seen too much hate on the faces of sheriffs in the South. I’ve seen hate on the faces of too many Klansmen and too many White Citizens’ Councilors in the South to want to hate, myself, because every time I see it, I know that it does something to their faces and their personalities, and I say to myself that hate is too great a burden to bear. I have decided to love. If you are seeking the highest good, I think you can find it through love.
And the beautiful thing is that we aren’t moving wrong when we do it, because John was right, God is love. He who hates does not know God, but he who loves has the key that unlocks the door to the meaning of ultimate reality.”
That is much better than the shortened version, wouldn’t you agree?
But let me propose that I believe he would agree if we substituted the word “joy”:
“And I say to you, I have also decided to stick with joy, for I know that joy is ultimately the only answer to mankind’s problems.”
Not bad. Let me tell you why I think this.
We know that Dr. King was very familiar with the Gospel of John. He mentioned it in this passage. So we know that he probably knew well what Jesus said in John chapter 15:
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now abide in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Jesus combines love and joy in one beautiful passage. That’s why it’s the signature scripture to my podcast and my ministry, Positively Joy.
I believe Dr. King understood the connections between love and joy, and how much one depends on the other.
Because what Jesus is telling us here is that joy is not just being happy all the time. It’s the state of being in God’s presence. Abiding in his love. Living in his love. Some translations say “remain.” Remain in God’s love.
When Dr. King said he decided to stick with love, spoken just a little less than a year before his assassination, he understood that sticking with love means being filled with the joy of the Lord.
And being filled with joy, Jesus tells us, fills us, completes us.
And Dr. King says he’s not referring to, what he calls, “emotional bosh.” Dr. King fought and fought hard against injustice and the abominations of his time. But he didn’t hate.
When Dr. King refers to hate, he describes the ugliness on the faces and in the personalities of those who hate. There is no joy there. No joyful legacy.
No one who hates is abiding in God. Nor are they being filled to completion with God’s joy. And so, no matter how you feel about today or what is going on in Washington, D.C., stick with love. Stick with joy.
I have a shirt that lists the names of my ancestors from me to my mother, to my grandmother to my great-grandmother. That’s a joyful legacy, and while I know my ancestors suffered a lot of hate and were in hateful and unjust situations, I hope that they understood as much as Dr. King, that sticking with love, and joy, would release that great burden.
I know my mother understood this, because she told me as a child, that I must learn to get along with and love everyone in this world to succeed.
And so I bring my mother’s, and Dr. King’s powerful message to you today. Don’t bear the hateful burden that others want to hand you. Instead, stick with love, stick with joy, and create a joyful legacy that your children and children’s children will look back on.
Thank you, and happy Martin Luther King Day.
Your sister in Christ,
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.
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Latest podcast episodeThe Positively Joy Podcast has a NEW message: to help Christian women through separation and divorce. This is a tough subject for many women in Christian settings. God put it on my heart to talk about my divorce and help women find joy!
This is NOT an anti-marriage podcast. LISTEN AND SHARE this message and HELP my new audience find it! Let's amplify this message! Listen on positivelyjoy.com, Spotify, Apple and wherever you listen!
THE BOOKSHELF
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $5 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
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Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
