THE STONES

 Before we moved to Florida back in 1999, we were involved in street ministry for kids. When I considered the move, I thought my season for this type of ministry was possibly coming to an end. But to my surprise, I found out that a team member, attended training with someone in Jacksonville who was doing the same type of ministry.

Well, we moved, and I tried to chill out for a bit to get our family settled, but I was so excited about seeing what was happening with the JAX outreach. Shortly after contacting the founder, my family and I joined as helpers in the Ramona Boulevard, now known as Victory Pointe Boys & Girls Club and before we knew it; the residence (especially the children) became like family.

Some months later, we had an idea to have a breakfast. The first year, the mini buffet was birthed from toaster and microwave ovens. The feedback was so overwhelming, we began planning for the following year. This blessed event went on for nine years. With each year the gifts as well as the attendees multiplied.

The youth grew up and I went on to another season of ministry. With the help of Facebook, lately we have had the pleasure of reconnecting with some of the youth and we hope to have a reunion one day.  

Fast forward to the reason for this post. I was digging through some papers and found my notes for the 2009 Mother & Daughter Breakfast. This specific year, each mom was given one of the gemstones like those on the garment for the priesthood (Exodus 28:15-21) to line up with the message I would be sharing. The is a timeless message and one that I hope will be of some encouragement to you.

A stone is a piece of rock shaped or fashioned. From the earth’s crust, a stone grew from erosion; its minerals carried or thrown from the core of the earth…quarries – found there place.

Unbelievably, stones have a specific purpose, and so do you. You at this very moment are being shaped and fashioned by God for His purpose. True you may have been carried or thrown into situations and maybe some unfortunate circumstances. But like a stone…you are a reminder, a sign, a marker to those around you of what God has done or is doing in and through you. You are an integral piece of something being formed, being built!

Like the carbuncle stone, you are a leader, you set the tone in your households, on your jobs, in your community and everywhere you go.

Like the sardius, you are a worshipper, when you love, you love with all that is within you.

Like the topaz, you are a seeker, you are always looking to see what is up ahead.

Like the diamond, you are an overcomer, you can take a licking and keep on ticking.

Like the emerald, you are healed, watch a child when they all and get hurt, what is the first thing they usually say, “I want my mama”.

Like the sapphire, you are a communicator, you love to talk.

Like the agate, you are restorer, you can put anything back together.

Like the amethyst, you are participant, you are able to join in with anyone; anywhere.

Like the liguire, you are creative, you can make something out of nothing.

Like the beryl, you are more than a conqueror, though you fall down, you get back up.

Like the jasper, you stand for purity, whether you admit it or not, deep down in your heart of hearts, you have a desire to be all that God has created you to be.

Like the onyx, you are intelligent, you can come up with some of the craziest ideas.

Sister-friends, no matter what; never forget you have a purpose. You are His creation and when God made you, He didn’t make a mistake. No matter what season you currently find yourself in, you are being shaped and fashioned for a place that you may not have imagined. Don’t fret but pause and take another look at the twelve stones and remember you too have a purpose, right where you are a foundation is being laid and it is for God’s glory and your good!