Wisdom Nuggets

I never thought I would write a book filled with so many intimate details about myself because this journey is one I never imagined myself taking. The genesis of this book grew out of a journey of wonderful discovery over time of God’s lovingly wooing me despite my arrogance and ignorance.

As a lifelong learner, books have always held a special affinity in my life. Other peoples books have introduced me to wonder, dream, learn, travel and sometimes just be silly. Now comes Virginia, me, embracing another path of this journey with my offering of words which I call Wisdom Nuggets. This just goes to prove that there is always something more to do or be when you allow yourself to be curious and available.

This book is a compilation of my writings in the forms of sermons, essays, inspirational thoughts and affirmations. These wisdom nuggets were rendered in churches, schools; Bible study groups, the workplace, hospitals, even behind prison walls, various conferences and in the stillness of night in my bedroom. I can easily relate to the poem Footprints in the Sand by Mary Stevenson as I reflect on some of these nuggets. And you can follow my progression toward enlightenment because that is how most of the material for the book comes together. Just like the man in the poem who had a dream and notices two sets of footprints in the sand on a journey; then at some point there is only one set of footprints. He ponders the meaning then asks the Lord why he was left alone when he needed the Lord the most. What an Aha moment that was when the Lord explains the undeniable truth about the one set of footprints. The Nuggets that I share in this book allows the reader to retrospectively go with me in both times of two then one set of footprints.

Each section represents something different in a stage and phase of my life.

Part 1- Sermons, were especially selected to cover a range of topics and issues found in the Bible but extremely pervasive and applicable today. While methodically dissecting the subject matter at hand, I become unapologetically transparent in some of these sermons.

In Part 2- Essays: I wanted to share these particular essays about some thoughts I wrestled with while enjoying the experience. My reason for including these diverse essays was for the reader to perhaps agree or disagree with my dilemma and conclusion and glean some wisdom nuggets in the process. There was a time when academia consumed me and I have no regrets. In that collegial community, concerned with only the pursuit of scholarship I thrived in that environment and miss some of those deep discussions, and lively banter today. So when you read the Essays section my expressed desire is that you will find yourself critically thinking about some things of similar interests or discover a nugget which causes you to go beyond my words.

Part 3 - Inspirational Thoughts are just that. Sometime while multitasking or meditating, thoughts just come seemingly about unrelated stuff, so I began to write them down. And what I discovered was that some of these thoughts were the beginnings of sermons that I could expand on or explanations of something I had read and did not quite understand until later. I remain open when these thoughts come because I never know where they will lead me so I keep a journal with me in my car, beside by bed on a napkin in a restaurant, whatever, because I don’t know where the inspiration will lead me.

Now Part 4- the Affirmations section is clearly my transparent self and really needs no further analysis. However, I would hope that the words in this section give the reader as much enjoyment and peace as they continue to give me.

What I know for sure is that this book represent many opportunities and doors opened to me over my entire life time that would not have been possible had it not been for the providence of God. As I continue along this journey I believe that there is much more work to be done in this world and I want to do my part. Whether an audience of one or many I hope the reader will find some nuggets that can be used in some type of way that will encourage you and excite you in your journey.

I thank you readers for investing in this book. May it fulfill your needs with nuggets of wisdom should you get caught unprepared while fulfilling certain duties in ministry, school or work. Also, you may extract some of these wisdom nuggets, for the times you are in need of inspiration and reading pleasure.