Over the years as I have served in ministry I have learned that you must utilize both the secular and non-secular in order to convey the message of God. There is a song that was recently released by Stokley Williams of the R&B group Mint Condition called “Organic” and the lyrics of the chorus are worthy of discussion and reflection. Stokley says in speaking of his female subjects, “Just be you…You don’t have to try just do…Cause doing too much might change my view of you…So let it grow Organic because it’s automatic and TRUE…you don’t got to try just do…you don’t have nothing to prove…it’s what you do…So let it grow Organic because it’s automatically YOU!” Organic? Wow!
Within the church I serve I have a few “green thumbs” who are awesome gardeners and often bring me items out of their garden. I can honestly say that the vegetables that they bring to me are better and of higher quality than anything I could buy out of the local supermarket. Nothing is genetically altered. The vegetables are fresh and even last longer than those same items purchased from the market. Organic?
I believe that authenticity, originality, and genuineness are rarely epitomized, marveled, and esteemed in the days and times in which we live. Everything seems to be about instantaneous production and repetitive motion with the least amount of attention or worthiness given to the exceptional, brilliant, and incomparable. Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” From the exterior, many of us will place various alterations on our person thinking that that will warrant some measure of attraction by other people. An alteration is an alternative and too many alternatives could negatively change other people’s view of you.
The original you is what God wants you to show to other people. You have nothing to prove to other people when God has fearfully and wonderfully made you into who you are and what you are becoming. God is telling you that you are Organic, fresh, appealing, and special. Refuse to be the replica (both internally and externally) of what society has defined as beautiful and wonderful. God has all rights and privileges on the definition of your organic structure. Don’t be ashamed of what God is making you to be. Don’t think for a second that your physical and spiritual make up resides in a second, third, or subordinate tier status. Don’t be like the world, don’t be a replica, but be an original, a God original that is truly Organic!!!
Peace and Blessings.
~Rev. E. Shon Hagwood, M.Div.
