Beloved,
I am reminded of how wonderful Divine Presence is and truly that God doesn’t see as man sees. When we pass judgment on others through word or thought we must remember what we speak into the Universe truly does come back to us. As I was reminded of the words of Jesus the Christ I reflected on the religious Pharisee and the tax collector. One was proud that he was nothing like others, he tithed well and practiced his religion faithfully yet the tax collector unable to even look up only prayed for some mercy. I used to hear how some would claim to have saved so many souls in one setting or another and thought how when God is the only one who can save no matter a persons belief or background. We have all judged, sin and fallen short of the glory of God. Scriptures like this one reminds me to always mind my mind, bridle my tongue and keep my heart free of debris. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable and pleasing to God, is my prayer for all of mankind.
(Luke 18:11-14 NKJV)-“Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.””
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Peace and Abundant Wisdom,
Brenda D. Cooper

Beloved,
I am reminded of how wonderful Divine Presence is and truly that God doesn’t see as man sees. When we pass judgment on others through word or thought we must remember what we speak into the Universe truly does come back to us. As I was reminded of the words of Jesus the Christ I reflected on the religious Pharisee and the tax collector. One was proud that he was nothing like others, he tithed well and practiced his religion faithfully yet the tax collector unable to even look up only prayed for some mercy. I used to hear how some would claim to have saved so many souls in one setting or another and thought how when God is the only one who can save no matter a persons belief or background. We have all judged, sin and fallen short of the glory of God. Scriptures like this one reminds me to always mind my mind, bridle my tongue and keep my heart free of debris. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable and pleasing to God, is my prayer for all of mankind.
(Luke 18:11-14 NKJV)-“Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.””
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Peace and Abundant Wisdom,
Brenda D. Cooper

Beloved,After self isolating for over a year it is a breath of fresh air to be able to live and move about without too many restrictions. I am grateful for life and that more abundantly. I am thankful for this present Administration and all the progress that is happening in America with little over a 100 days of the new Presidency. Although we are able to breathe more freely and live less restricted we must continue moving forward as one United Nation. It is impossible to move forward while continually looking back and holding on to what used to be. Most of us do this out of familiarity whether it was good for us or totally bad for us. Cicely Tyson puts it this way “To soar toward what’s possible, you must leave behind what’s comfortable”.Scripture reminds us this way; (Deuteronomy 30:19 CPDV)-I call heaven and earth as witnesses this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore, choose life, so that both you and your offspring may live.” Finally there has been financial and emotional relief and progress made for the middle class and the poor unlike anytime ever before. We must continue to let our voices be heard, our peaceful protesting to continue and our votes counted without looking back or even lingering in the now. Let us continue to support and be a valuable part of “Building Back Better”.
And So It Is!Brenda D. Cooper

Beloved,
I loved reading Cicely Tyson’s book “Just As I Am”. Her powerful journey through life is encouraging as I continue my own journey. When you are different from what society considers the norm you may find yourself left out of family photo’s, gatherings, events and the like. All of these could lead a person to loneliness, anxiety and so much more. However to love and embrace yourself, who you were created to be is the beginning of knowing what true love is. After all none of us can say we love God whom we’ve not seen and not love man, who we see daily, beginning with the reflection in the mirror. To really know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made has a way taking you to heights unknown, allowing you the awesome privilege of breathing in deeply, exhaling slowly and attracting what you desire and that is Love!!! Today embrace the beautiful soul that you are and know that it is all good and all God, who simply loves you without any conditions. According to what is written King David knew this all to well.
(Psalm 139:14-16 NKJV)-“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.”
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Peace and Rich Blessings,
Brenda D. Cooper

Beloved,
One of my greatest joys in this pandemic has been to be transported throughout the world through reading autobiographies of wonderful authors while being personally encouraged and inspired. Some of those great souls and books just to name a few are Tina Turner’s “Happiness Becomes You”, Cicely Tyson’s “Just As I Am”, Michelle Obama’s “Becoming Michelle Obama and Dr. Edith Eva Eger’s “The Choice”. Encourages us to live a life of passion, love, activism and so much more in these challenging times. Each reading for me personally is inspiration enough to keep me moving forward with a purpose. Knowing that God loved each of us so much that we were uniquely made for such a time as this allows me to stand in awe and thanksgiving in the good as well as in the challenges, in the joys as well as in the sorrows. We have within us a unique way to reach beyond ourselves to serve humanity.

(Psalm 139:13-14NKJ)-“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.”

The quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. mentioned in Cicely Tyson’s book continues to encourage me to reach, serve and live beyond myself into the world at large.
MLK Jr.: “Use me God. Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself”.

Amen! And So It Is!
Brenda D. Cooper

Beloved,
Yesterday was my dad’s 102nd birthday. I kept feeling off but didn’t realize why until I found a solitary place to meditate and gain balance. I am grateful for all that he showered me with, taught and led me to, especially a firm and strong foundation in Spirit. Although I physically miss his presence I know he will always be with me.
Balance is a very important aspect of life when it comes to attaining wholeness of Mind Body and Spirit. Sometimes it feels like a balancing act and other times it feels like smooth sailing. This month as I breathe in all that serves me, I know that balance must be a part of it.
Personally speaking, without dedicating my first waking hours to Divine Presence I am already out of balance. During this pandemic, I found myself out of balance at various times, especially in great losses of loved ones, as well as physical separation from loved ones that remain and especially those who have transitioned higher such as my parents.
Balance is a must especially if we desire to reflect the Love, Unity, and balance in a world that is so desperately in need it.
Meditative Thoughts are so inspiring. Here’s one just for today!
“I am centered, I am balanced, I am love, I am at peace!”

May we all reach a higher frequency that will promote Wholeness for the whole of humanity, however small or large our part may be!!!!

Namaste,
Brenda D. Cooper