Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore, get wisdom!

When I think about wisdom I am reminded of my grandmother. I am reminded of her words. I am reminded of her spirit. I am reminded of her advice. I am reminded of the things that I didn’t understand then, but I came to understand, better by and by.

I am reminded of those moments when I was a child and my grandmother would utter words, give her perspective, or respond in conversations and, in my youth and foolishness, I would (or wanted to rather) respond by rolling my eyes, thinking here she goes again, disagreeing wholeheartedly, or saying to myself she doesn’t get it. But, as she would often say, “You keep lying down and waking up” or “Just keep on living”, meaning one day I would understand what she was saying, and sure enough I did. I found that the nuggets of wisdom that my grandmother gave me are the very words that are sustaining me today. They all still stand true today, and it’s those words that comfort me when I am at some of my lowest moments. 

Some of her favorite quotes were:

“Be careful how you treat people because you never know who you’re going to need to give you a glass of water.”

“ You do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.”

“There’s nothing new under the sun.”

“When you make a decision make sure it is one that will allowyou to sleep at night.”  

“Experience is your best teacher” 

So what is wisdom?

Wisdom is defined as the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight. 

For me wisdom is truth. It’s that timeless truth. It’s those universal truths. It’s that truth that doesn’t get old - it was true then, it is true now, and will be true in years to come. It’s not a black thing. It’s not a white thing. It’s not a young thing. It’s not an old thing. It knows no race, color, creed, gender, or age. It is sometimes that which is unpopular and that which is difficult.Wisdom is not money. It’s not cars. It’s intangible. It can’t be learned in a classroom, but as we experience life and go through things we obtain it. As we try God for ourselves, it comes.

In order to obtain wisdom, often times, one has to go through trials and tribulations. One must go through a test. There is often no wisdom without some sort of experience, inner conflict, or inner struggle. After these things, then learning takes place. So although we often don’t enjoy going through conflict as a great man once said,” There is no transformation without conflict” (RJAC). Just like a beautiful diamond that forms only after being under great pressure, we too only become wise after life puts us under some pressure and shapes and molds us.

So, although when I think of wisdom I think of my grandmother, and many times when we think of wisdom we think of someone who is old, we know that wisdom is not about age, but it’s about truth and that which is right. Being wise is a choice and about choice – it’s about our using our experiences as guide to help us make positive decisions. It’s about doing the right thing even when it’s difficult.

So, Why wisdom? Wisdom will be the voice of reason in the midst of the storm. Silence in the midst of chaos. Peace in the midst of confusion. Positivity in negative spaces. Peace as opposed to war- whether that’s physical, spiritual, emotional, or mental. 

As spiritual beings having carnal experiences we are constantly trying to live a life that is positive and be a light to others. However, we wrestle with spiritual wickedness, which can sometimes be ourselves. Nevertheless, we must get wisdom. Wisdom will cause us to listen to the small voice within us. It will help us to allow the inner man to rule and the outer man to serve. It will allow us to have a dynamic God-consciousness, and it will allow the spark of divinity that is within each of us to shine so that we may be and continue to be a blessing.

Proverbs 4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Elizabeth Jones is a recent graduate of Northeastern University, where she earned a B.A. in sociology. 

Just a little "peace" of wisdom from Adena Martin

As I considered this topic on wisdom, I had to stop and think about what I have experienced from her.  I needed to quiet everything around me to connect with her.  I had to still my thoughts, check my fears, and silence my doubt to find and ACCEPT the truth about wisdom. 

 

Wisdom, what does it look like or what is the fruit of wisdom? What secrets has she passed down to me. 

 

Well, wisdom is often associated with old age, book smarts, and institutional schools of learning (degrees).  Someone may associate wisdom with a particular race, color, political excellence, or positions.   She is often mistaken or associated with appearances, but as I am learning and processing life; there is no replica, image, or mask which can provide me the “peace” that is found in her understanding.  

 

A Little “Peace” of Wisdom.   Personally, I have been suffering from a broken heart from early on in life…until wisdom came to visit me recently.  It’s the craziest thing… I was asked to wright a blog and I had an idea of what to speak on, but wisdom emphasized to speak about her “peace”.   This wasn’t really a coincidence…the fruits of wisdom include healing and peace and they work in Divine Order, with the Creators will for us.

 

There is a peace which comes as a result of practicing wisdom; what you know, what you’ve learned, and how you’ve been able to overcome with wisdom and receive her peace.  This peace that is found in wisdom is when you no longer seek endlessly to fill voids with people, material items, or fraudulent peace which is only an appearance, temporary fix, or part truths of peace.

 

Wisdom told me if I release past hurt by people, guilt from what I’ve done to people, myself, and from high expectations…I would find contentment in the true discovery of me.  The process wouldn’t be so hard. The loss from losing a loved one often creates resentment and neglects the fruits of wisdom, and the real truth of wisdom.  What do I mean?    Wisdom emphasizes - weeping may endure for a night, and if we accept her peace than Joy cometh in the morning.  

 

There is a “salvific” level of “ Active Participation” required to confirm wisdom.  It is just not the knowledge of her, but it is the mastery of her, and an intimate relationship with her and my ACCEPTATNCE,  as to how I can obtain peace in her.  See talk is cheap!  We can all put on a front or a face…but the fruits of wisdom reveal itself.  

 

Could you have questions about particular friendships.  You might be wondering about a potential life partner.  How about that new job you’ve been praying for?   Until wisdom is embraced there will be no life in those areas.  We will obtain certain increases, but because of the lack of wisdom we damage the blessing. We go into the same situations with the same understanding which creates another dysfunctional circumstance. One thing is sure – God is the giver of wisdom.  In order for you to even receive her…you must seek HIM first.  There is no getting around it – it is FACT!  We must learn to let down are guards and heal properly!  Allow wisdom to work fruits of patience and peace in our lives.  If God has it for you, it’s for you. However, we must be responsible with precious God given gifts.

 

Wisdom produces a level of peace that no external factor can take from you.  Fraudulent peace is all about appearances.  It sounds good, it looks good; however, there is nothing but turbulence when it is just you by yourself.  How about  how we treat one another and how we treat ourselves?  Is “Peace” the fruit in our intent and can it be recognized? 

 

She told me I have experienced a lot of things early in life because it was necessary to help several others who would need help in their process.  Wisdom taught me to stop being so self-centered and consumed in my own misery because I was allowing these things to block the peace she offered.  Wisdom told me to stop blaming others and that accountability is not the same as self-abuse.   She wants peace for ME AND for YOU!   

 

Wisdom told me there is no amount of money for what she offered.  Money wasn’t going to help me obtain her, another creature (man/woman) wasn’t going to help me obtain it.  Your friends aren’t going to help you obtain it.  Your coworkers can’t help you obtain it.  Your parents have given you nuggets of wisdom; however, you must embrace her. Your Pastor can only provide the knowledge, but we must put in the work of exercising wisdom.  

 

She also shared with me her love for me!  Yep…yes she did.  lol   She’s been trying to get my attention for a while and trying to teach me how to properly embrace her and RESPECT her. Wisdom is NOT a bully! She is a teacher of self-love, a teacher of patience, a teacher of peace, a teacher joy, and a teacher of commitment. Too many lessons have been tried!  It’s time for execution.  She already knows what blessings are waiting for us.  Do not neglect her!  Wisdom has made me acknowledge her beauty and her strength, for in it is Peace.   Wisdom is a gift from the Creator!  She has an enduring love…if she was not from the Divine, we would not be given so many opportunities to receive her peace nor her love.

 

Proverbs 29:11

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

 

Proverbs 3:7

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.

 

Proverbs 4:6-7

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.  Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

 

Adena Martin is the founder of “Love Ye One Another”, a company formed around the premise of self-love and balance.  The company offers Reiki, which is a form of energy healing for emotional blockages; Holistic Life Coaching services; and All Natural Body Products.  Start 2015 off right!  Visit their website at www.loveyeoneanother.com. I’m sure they have something to address the wellness of mind, body, and the spirit.

 

Panelist Profile: Roland Comtois

As you must know by now, the first Wisdom Workshop will take place on January 11th in Providence, RI. If you haven't registered yet, please visit:  https://wisdom-workshop-registration.eventbrite.com

Today we profile one of our panelists, Roland Comtois.

Roland Comtois is a nationally acclaimed inspirational speaker, spiritual medium, and radio host. He is the author of two books And Then There Was Heaven, a memoir chronicling the author’s personal near death experience and the after-life insights that define his life today, and 16 Minutes, a poignant personal journal about the last earthly moments between a mother and son and a guidebook through grief. 

Roland is a professional healer and spiritual medium with over 30 years experience as a gerontology nurse, Reiki Master, metaphysical teacher and grief specialist. His expertise extends from the physical to the spiritual, as he shares healing modalities and messages that nurture and balance mind, body and soul. His mission is to help people find comfort in life in spite of loss, show them how to move beyond grief with love and hope and to pass on the message that heaven and eternal love are real and always close at hand.  

He is the founder of Talk Stream Spiritual Radio, and the After Loss Expo, now in its 9^th year. His work is currently sought after by television production companies eager to showcase his signature “Purple Papers". 

To learn more about Roland, visit our website at www.blessingsbyroland.com.

We look forward to Roland's contribution to our conversation!

Wisdom According to Karyn Hurt

When I was younger I thought that wisdom was only something that was granted to someone in their old age, who has a head filled gray. But in this past year A Greater Source outside of myself has proven me wrong! Wisdom comes from your life experiences and the lessons that you have learned in the progress. 

My grandmother told me when I was around the age of 12, “Snooks (her nickname for me) don’t be too quick to curse your troubles and trails, because there is always a blessing of knowledge that is to come from it, that in part will help you when you are older and have to use the wisdom that you gain from prior troubles in your current situation.” At the time I just brushed it off like ok grandma, I never gave it a second thought, until I got older and I realized what she meant by that. 

When I was 26 I was diagnosed with liver cancer and now I am 27 and still am fighting this thing. Yes, there were times when I was at my lowest, that I couldn’t see the light of day. I couldn’t do what I want, couldn’t go where I wanted to. I was put on bed rest for a few months in those moments the words of my grandmother came to mind. 

Grandma is right!  You don’t have to be old to obtain wisdom, nor do you have to be religious. Wisdom is the knowledge of a “Greater Being, or Source” outside yourself that has the control. There in the moments of my weakness and feeling sorry for myself I clutch onto what my grandmother has said.  I needed to be still, completely still.

 This experience has taught me that you can’t rush things in life, and things that you want to accomplish you must take your time. We are in age of things being fast, fast food, fast cars, fast phones, faster internet, everything fast, fast, fast. We also have a lot of distractions that keeps our mind filled with clutter and trash that keeps us mentally, spiritually, and morally flustered and unbalanced.

But my lesson was when your move to fast, that’s when you make big mistakes. 

I was cancer free for almost 10 months, but I was told at my last checkup that I was going to have to do this fight again.  I wasn’t taking my time in my recovery, I was ready to get up and move and work on my life with my husband. But by me rushing and not allowing my body to really heal it caused me to do this task again. I didn’t get my lesson. Granted it isn’t as bad as it was almost a year ago but never the less it still is cancer and I still have to fight.

See you don’t have to attend a church service to believe in something, nor do you have to quote scripture in the bible, to gain wisdom and understanding. You just have to be willing to take the time and assemble your life according to what will give you peace and comfort. That means that you may have to get rid of things that drag you down and things that cause anxiety that will set you off balance. 

The time of being still wasn’t just for me build a stronger faith in “The Supreme Being” but also building a better understanding of self, of what I do and don’t want, or even taking the time to see what Karyn really needs from Karyn.  

Wisdom is just a sense or knowledge of an outside force. Whether you would want to call it God or your Spiritual guides or even your own spirit in connection of self, whatever it is that entity has your best interest. You may not see it right away. It may take some time to get it, however once you have the knowledge or understanding of that source, you may find things that you face in life a lot easier to handle and deal with.  You may find yourself a lot less stressed. 

I believe that I am taking this fight with cancer a lot easier than before. I have the understanding and the wisdom to know that there is something outside of myself that comforts me, and also that there are things that are out of my control so why worry and stress over it when there is only 1 thing that I can do and that is to learn from my trouble, and transfer my lessons that I have learned to the problems that will accrue in the my future. 

See wisdom isn’t limited to old age, but rather it is gained from life experiences and life chooses. My grandmother wasn’t talking about something that she had heard, rather of something that she has learned in her 90 years on this earth.  I got it now! She was saying, you have to go through life in order to obtain wisdom. Never curse your troubles because you may lose a valuable lesson that will help you in further trails.  At some point in time everyone would need something to believe in, something greater then themselves.

Karyn Hurt is a striving historian in African-American history and a two-time Cancer survivor. 

Write the Vision. Make it Plain.

For me, wisdom is about more than just the acquisition of knowledge. It is about more than memorizing doctrine or scriptures. Wisdom is defined as the ability to think and act using knowledge, experiences, understanding, common sense, and insight. It is about taking the totality of what you have learned and experienced, and applying that to your thoughts, actions, and interactions.

As we live each day, we keep learning and keep experiencing and keep gaining insight, so we never really achieve wisdom. But we keep striving for it, because the end result is better decision-making, better day to day interactions with our fellow man, and a closer relationship with God. 

 

I have been blessed to be part of a religious organization that is anchored in the principles of a love for God, a respect for character and a yearning for wisdom. This yearning for wisdom is the inspiration for this blog. My vision is to create a space to share knowledge and experiences, so that we can grow in wisdom together.  

 

This blog accompanies a series of Wisdom Workshops which will take place in Providence, RI. Each Wisdom Workshop will have a panel of experts share their unique perspectives on life, faith, spirituality and religion in order to foster an interactive and engaging discussion, with the ultimate goal of strengthening our relationship with God. The first Wisdom Workshop will take place on January 11, 2015 (at First Tabernacle Providence, 105 Dodge Street, Providence, RI) and will feature a very diverse panel of experts: 

•   Sister Elder Denyse Bailey, Minister, Church of God and Saints of Christ 
•  Roland Comtois, Author of And Then There Was Heaven, A Journey of Hope and Love and 16 Minutes…When One Breath Ends, Another Begins 
•  Patricia Venter, REIKI Master Teacher 
•  Ava Wolf, Transcendental Meditation Instructor 

 

 The panel will engage in a discussion about religion and spirituality that is not just about denomination or whether you worship on Saturday or Sunday; but rather about the respective roles of religion and spirituality in each of our lives. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but the panel will engage in a conversation that will explore the differences, and similarities, as well as the impact each has on our daily living. We will further discuss how (or if) religion and spirituality are inextricably linked, and whether one could exist without the other. 

 

Click to register for the first Wisdom Workshop.

 

In the days leading up to the first Wisdom Workshop, we can get a jumpstart on the conversation here on this blog, and we can keep the conversation going between workshops.

 

Let's embark together on this journey towards wisdom.