"I Accept Your Challenge"

There is a saying that says, "everybody likes a challenge".  A challenge can be in anything from a sports competition to chasing the girl or guy of your dreams.  It makes things more interesting and the victory even sweeter.  To know that you accomplished something in spite of competition and adversity is one of the greatest feelings.

One of my favorite challenges is in the movie, The Black Panther.  It's the scene where the current King and Black Panther, T'Challa defends his throne and position in the country.  The leaders of all the tribes have the opportunity to challenge him in a duel with the reward of the throne.

All the tribes sound off declaring, "we will not challenge today".  Things seem to be going well and running smoothly.  The King's sister even throws in a little humor suggesting that they move the process along because nobody is challenging today.

But just when it seems like the coast is clear and everything is done,  M'Baku the leader of the Jabari tribe comes out of nowhere to challenge.  Nobody expected him to even show up let alone, challenge!  He declares the popular line, "it's Challenge Day".  He points out King T'Challa's flaws, mistakes he has made, and questions his ability to be King.

Despite the timing and the source of this unexpected challenge, King T'Challa declares, "I Accept Your Challenge".  He goes on to defeat M'Baku in the duel and retains the throne.

"I accept your challenge".  Those words stuck with me and I was reminded of this scene as I am facing my own "challenge day" period in my life.  Just as The Black Panther accepted the challenge despite the timing and what or who the challenge was coming from, we too have to accept the "Challenge Days" in our lives.

So for me, "it's challenge day".  I accept the challenge of facing my fears,  I accept the challenge of fulfilling my calling and purpose for my life.

I encourage you to declare to your fears and fulfilling your purpose, "I accept your challenge".  It's challenge day!

"The 7.4 Billion Piece Puzzle"

It is estimated that their are 7.3 billion people on Earth today. Out of that 7.3 billion, their are 112 million pregnant women also.

The world is growing at a rapid pace.  What was once cutting edge technology is now obsolete.  Culture, laws, and traditions are changing daily.

Lately, I have become increasingly aware of the state of our society as a whole.  Problems have continued with no solutions.  It seems as if crime, lack, and the separation of races and groups are at an all time high.

If you were able to paint a picture of what our society looks like right now, what would it look like?  But that's the easy part, right?  To observe what is going on and form a conclusion.  No "think tank" is needed to point fingers and complain about how bad the world is right now.

So how does does the world look to you?  I view the world as a 7.4 billion piece puzzle with billions of pieces out of place. Each piece is a person with unique gifts, passions, and purposes that can't be replaced.

Some are spending time trying to fit into spaces that they don't belong in. This hurts them and the people/pieces around them also.

Others are sitting on the sideline trying to find their space and where they fit in.

It is my suggestion that every time someone  discovers their passion and pursues it, then the world looks a little better. This also inspires and helps others fit into their space too.

It's amazing that we can change the world by simply doing what we love. The best thing you can do is be yourself and fill that space that God has designed you to fill.