Take Note

August 20, 2023

Good Son-Day!!!

Jackson’s Twin Cities Meanerings

Take Note

Last Thursday, I was doing one of my mundane chores by taking out trash. As I was walking back towards the house I saw this butterfly fluttering around my arborvitae. I normally am dismissive of these critters. But I sensed something grand about this one due to its size. At first, I thought it was a sparrow. The wingspan was the size of my hand. With a quiet approach, I was able to get close enough to get a good shot (see image below).

Giant Black Swallowtail Butterfly

What I witnessed was Homerus swallowtail or Black Swallowtail, which is the largest butterfly species in the Western Hemisphere. The species is endangered and faces a bleak future. Only two small populations of this butterfly remain in their original environment.

The old belief out there is when you see a giant swallowtail butterfly you are seeing the grace and free nature of the ineffable human soul. Other beliefs associated with the swallowtail butterflies are hope, endurance, change, and life. I am surprised there is no mythology or an idol associated with it as well.

I took note of the butterfly because I was in awe of its grandeur. I felt a hint of honor and blessing in being able to observe it. Not often I get a chance to see an animal that is the largest of its species and endangered. I guess I was humbled by the vision of a butterfly.

In this continuing series on humility the slant in the previous messages was on exhibiting towards people. Today, the focus is on how we humble ourselves to God.

Strange as it sounds, my approach to God parallels what I did with the Swallowtail, which is tremendous awe. I take note of His grandeur (the quality or state of being grand: magnificence, glory, beauty, outstanding). I submit myself to Him. Submitting means I am subject to His will. I am subject to things He needs to change in me in terms of how I treat Him and others (this is usually a starting point). Relationships are the core of the Love of God. His priorities are my priorities. I often have to catch myself when it is the opposite.

A big parting of the humbling process is knowing I cannot hide from God things I can hide from man. In his presence I am an open book. In reflection, you must admit your known weaknesses and transgressions; so, He can remedy them. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up. He wants you to lay aside those weights that easily beset you, so you can mount up with wings like an eagle and fly. I weaved three scriptures in the last two sentences to emphasize His impact in your humble stance (James 4:10, Hebrews 12:1, Isaiah 40:31).

In the last two scriptures above a major factor of the humility process is patience and waiting on the Lord, which will be covered next time.

Song of the Week https://youtu.be/XBFK6u8gC14

“Amen (Wo Awie)”, 2023, Joe Mettle and Ryan Ofei

The two singers are from Ghana. “Wo Awie” means “It’s finished" or “You finished it” in the African language, Ewe, which is spoken in parts of the continent.

Amen (Wo Awie) ”Lyrics

You know what I will ask

Even before my needs

You are working on my behalf

At times when i cannot see

Your hand's been guiding me throughout

This journey

Now you're preparing a table before me

To sit and eat in the presence of my enemies

Wo Awie

Amen

Wo Awie

Asem no a woka ye no, boshe a woshe me no

Amen

Wo Awie

So i'd rather give it to you

Than stand still in worry

For a dying mother who's sick

And her son whos hurting

You are present and able

I'm certain

Your blood was shed and You tore through the curtain

Of unbelief so i could sing

Wo Awie

Amen

Wo Awie

Asem no a woka ye no, boshe a woshe me no

Amen

Wo Awie

Amen

Wo Awie

Asem no a woka ye no, boshe a woshe me no

Amen

Wo Awie

Amen

Wo Awie

Amen

Wo Awie

Amen

Wo Awie

Amen

Wo Awie

It is already done