Identity, Creativity, Beauty

By Gloria Nesloney

Identi Tea – Identity is the qualities, beliefs, personality traits, appearance, and/or expressions that characterize a person or group. Who are you?

Hi, everyone; my name is #GloriaNesloney. That is my name but not who I am. Depending on my work, I can change my name to office manager, business owner, minister, or author. But that’s not who I am. That is what I do. I changed my name when I got married. I went from Gloria Garcia to Gloria Nesloney, but when I notarized the documents, my name is Gloria Garcia – Nesloney. When I was in the military, my name was Garcia. To my friends and family, I am Gloria. My close friends have a nickname for me that makes me feel a little more special.

To my husband, I am a wife. To my parents, I am a daughter. To my brothers, I am a sister. To my coworkers, I am their helper. To those in need, I am a counselor. To those in the church, I am their sister in Christ. In crowds, I am recognized by my looks. I am identified by my phone number and voice when I call someone. The longer I keep from reaching others, the more my number or voice needs to be recognized. To my Father, I am His favorite, and I am His. I know him, and he knows me. I know his titles, his character, and his many names. The closer I get to Him, the more I can identify Him. Again I ask you. Who are you? Rather who do people say that you are?

I had just started working at a company. Before the week ended, a few female coworkers introduced themselves according to what they did in the office and never told me their flaws, weaknesses, or how to avoid getting on the wrong side. What was odd was that three of the women who came to me told me immediately to watch out for the “boss lady” because she was mean. I didn’t have a chance to meet with her, but even before I knew her personally, I had my walls up. I’m sure no one has ever been through that, hearing something terrible about someone and not giving them a chance to show you who they are.

Sometime later, I knew why the women told me the “boss lady” was mean. It was because they never really got to know her. I did, and we became best friends during my time with the company for ten years. If I had just believed what the coworkers told me about the “boss lady,” I would have missed the opportunity to be blessed. They didn’t know the “boss lady” and reported their thoughts. They didn’t know the “boss lady” 's hardships. They didn’t stay to discuss or share life, so they missed out. It was my joy to sit with the “boss lady” numerous times and gain wisdom for the company. The lesson learned is to give everyone a chance to show you who they are. And when you report to others when you get asked, tell them of the attributes that are notable and noble. In return, someone may do the same for you.

In the book of John, we see the identity of Jesus by what was written about Him, what He says about Himself, and what witnesses say. Everyone gives a different perspective based on their relationship with Him. Those who only know of Him say He was a great teacher and a rabbi, but we never hear about how great a carpenter he was. We never hear of how great of a son He was to His earthly mother and father. Maybe it was because no one followed Mary and Joseph like they followed Jesus or John.

Some of Jesus’ attributes and characteristics mentioned in scripture say He is the Word of God, the Light, The Truth, The Way, and The Good Shepherd. Jesus says My sheep know my voice. I know them. And they follow me. Jesus asked his disciples who do YOU say that I Am. The disciples gave their answers based on what they heard from others. Notice Jesus didn’t get after them for their answers. Instead, He asked the question again. Who Do You Say That I Am?

Creativi Tea / Abili Tea

The definition of creativity is the ability to make or otherwise bring into existence something new, whether a unique solution to a problem, a new method or device, or a new artistic object or form. The definition of ability is the possession of the means or skill to do something. Create like the Creator

What are some examples of how one can create? Some may think that creating is only what an artist does. People remember artists for their techniques, style, or period. When someone mentions Van Gogh, they may think of swirls and curves with four colors on a palette. If someone was to say, Picasso, what comes to mind are geometric shapes that make the faces of people or animals. I can recognize Windberg by the realistic landscapes and Kincade by the detail he focused on how light is brought out from the canvas. Each one had the unique ability to create. What is another way one can create?

Consider clay artisans, quilters, or bakers. Though not many are world-renowned, some here are creators. What you create can change your world, at least for the moment. How many of you have discarded a talent because it wasn’t appreciated? Maybe someone gave you a terrible review. Did it make you want to quit? Perhaps you just wanted to throw it all away.

I look at opportunities to create daily, and yes, I am a proud non-baker. You would want me to refrain from baking for an event. It would save you and me the trouble of keeping me out of the kitchen. :) I don’t mind washing dishes, but I'll encourage great bakers unless you want burnt cookies covered in icing. Look at the diversity in music and genres. So many to choose from. Even hymnals and contemporary music can differ in sound or instrument used. Does it mean it is wrong or bad because someone didn’t like it? Not at all. It only means you appreciate a different sound, like someone who enjoys other artwork or cookies more than donuts. What I have learned is that creativity is in the eye of the beholder. Instead of mocking the creator, find out what the Creator intended for their work of art.

When attending bible college in 1999, I used to do street ministry. As I would wait for ministry moments at the bus stops, I found time to write. I grabbed my spiral notebook and pen. Sometimes I would write poetry, songs, and stories. Sometimes I would record myself singing my written songs while learning to play guitar and keyboard. Later I would type them up. At the time, I was excited to share my writing with some of my classmates. My excitement was short-lived when my creation was ridiculed and critiqued. Instead of sharing my excitement, I felt like I was on the firing line. I came to my apartment and with tears running down my face, I threw all my work away in the trash can.

How many here have special friends who just show up right on time? Can you think of a time when a friend helped save you? Well, thankfully, I had that friend who showed up on time. That friend just dropped in unannounced, and as we were talking, I don’t know how she knew, but she looked at my trashcan that day and found my writings and cassettes. She took them from the trashcan and said, “I’m going to keep these. I will not allow you just to throw your life story away. It may help someone one day.”

Some time passed, and I visited my friend and asked if she still had the writing and cassette. She did. But she would not give them to me. She said, “you might throw it away again. Instead, you can print it out and get a copy for yourself. I made a copy and took it home. It wasn’t until about 2016 the poems, songs, and stories became published as one of my first books. From Glory To Glory: Enraptured

In the book of Genesis, we see the Creator making something out of nothing. God created day and night, land and sea, vegetation, animals, and man. I wonder how God felt when He finally finished creating man. The scripture tells us that He saw it was good. He wasn’t done creating; remember, He created women too. How would you feel if someone else decided your creation needed to look or feel different? I can only imagine what Van Gogh would say to Picasso if Picasso added his touch to Van Gogh’s painting or vice versa.

It didn’t take long before people began abusing or changing what the Lord created. His creation has been and still is being scrutinized, criticized, and torn apart. It’s like someone painted God’s beautiful colored canvas with ill-intended dark hues. Then as Genesis continues, we hear of God’s canvas colored red with blood from Cain taking Abel’s life. So many more encounters of the destruction of God’s original work of art. How should one feel when someone tells you they are better at creating than you? I can partly understand how God felt when His children decided to use their God-given creativity to make idols.

As the Lord has allowed us some ability to create, let us remember to thank Him for those gifts. We don’t have to compare; Sometimes, we co-create with Him. Whether we are painting, singing, writing, baking, or sewing, remember that everything we do or say should bring God glory.

Be You Tea – Quality that is pleasing by behavior or attitude. The definition of beauty is a combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially sight. Beauty from ashes

While I was doing street ministry, I met a homeless man named Steve. He was not in his right mind, probably from fatigue from not having an adequate meal. He had smelled of vomit and feces. His clothes were dingy and tattered. His face was scruffy from being untrimmed, unclean, and unkempt. He had sores, scabs, and bites on his arms and legs. His shoes were worn and taped to the sole. As I approached Steve, who was tall and slender, I could tell he was weak. With what energy he did have, his eyes looked up at mine and we connected. It was not long after that Steve and I were having a meal together as I shared my lunch with him. I would do it for anyone in my family or friends, and I sat and talked with him. Steve began to tell me his story of how he ended up on the streets.

Steve admitted he was not on the best terms with his family because of some terrible decisions he made. I kept my composure to listen attentively to him as he began to speak of his anger towards people and how he felt abandoned because of his choices in life. He was sure to tell me how he didn’t trust anyone and had been on the streets where he felt safer than with people who would reject him from the facilities available for shelter and food. He mentioned how he gave up on life a couple of times and attempted suicide. He didn’t know that I could relate. I kept silent to let him share.

I have learned that allowing someone to speak their truth is the start of healing from shame, fear, and resentment. As I finished my meal and prepared to leave, Steve thanked me for listening. It wasn’t the most comfortable situation I have ever been in, but I knew at that moment Steve’s life would change if he wanted it. I would never suggest people do what I did that day, but I knew where Steve was coming from in my heart, and I sensed his honesty. Before I left, I asked Steve if he knew Jesus loved him.

All of a sudden, he became irate. He peered down at me because of his height, pointed into my face, and started yelling at me. “You don’t understand, Lady; Jesus can’t love me. I’m a sinner.” Somehow I wasn’t afraid, though I should have been. Instead, I calmly put my hand on his chest, and with the most sincere way I could muster, a boldness and peace came over me as I told Steve, “It’s you who doesn’t understand the love of Jesus, Steve. He loves you deeply.” I removed my hand, and he began to cry and ask, “You really think so? Can He love me like my Momma?” I said, “I know so. And Yes, Jesus loves you more than your Momma ever could.”

The escalated moment came to a time of silence where I could see Steve pondering deeply. He said, “I haven’t seen my Momma in a long time. I want to tell her I’m sorry for not being a great son.” It was then I saw the spark of light in Steve’s eyes. He has ignited with hope again. I got him the necessary toiletries to clean up. I paid for him to stay in a motel and gave him some change to get on a bus to visit his Mom. I trusted that the Lord would take care of Steve; I just had to do my part to show him love and care for his basic needs as the Lord would provide the rest of Steve’s needs.

That day, I didn’t see a homeless man; I saw my beautiful brother, my father, my uncle, my friend, a Mom’s son, and a lost little boy stuck in a cycle of a broken system. Whether through his fault or because of the choices he made, that was not my business. My business was to shine the light. A few months passed, and I was helping at a church food pantry, where I saw Steve and his Mom. He recognized me; I did not recognize him. He was well-dressed, clean, groomed, and smiling. He shared with his Mom the time I spent with him and helped him in his darkest hour. He and his Mom were attending church and have rekindled their relationship. This was the beginning of my ministry, Light For Every Nation.

Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy Now, on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. Ten men who had leprosy met Jesus as he went into a village. They stood at a distance and loudly said, “Jesus, Master, pity us!” When Jesus saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. When he saw he was healed, one of them came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to praise God except this foreigner?” Then he said, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

#GloriaNesloney