Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1(NIV)
Last year, we took a vacation ryde to Big Bend National Park, located in Alpine, Texas. I am currently editing the footage from that adventure, which you can view on the “Adventures of Fearless Faith” YouTube channel. This vacation ryde gave me a new perspective on faith, especially while ryding my Spyder in the remote areas of Texas near the Mexican border. The isolation of that area made me more aware of my need for divine assurance.
Ryding through Big Bend Ranch, Alpine Texas
Living in a moment of divine assurance means fully embracing the present and allowing the beauty of my surroundings to wash over me. The wind against my face, especially when the heat becomes overwhelming and I need to open my visor, combined with the sun warming my body and the rhythmic hum of the engine, creates a symphony of tranquility. In those moments, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the journey I’m on, both on the road and in life. Experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Big Bend for the first time while riding my Can-Am Spyder through the park was truly a blessing. The stunning landscapes and unique terrain created an unforgettable adventure, assuring me that this would not be my last ride through this extraordinary wilderness.
Big Bend Rio Grande River
Big Bend humbled me and highlighted my smallness in the vastness of nature. For others, the park may spark curiosity with every hill, curve, and relentless test of strength and endurance in the heat. The freedom of Ryding in the wilderness and the perspective gained from it—there’s something about moving through the untamed world on three wheels that redefines the concepts of freedom and faith. The open landscapes, solitude, and raw beauty remind us of the faith that can be found in dry, hot places and of our vastness within the world.
“Dead Mans Curve”. It was the first tunnel built in the state of Texas.
They also illustrate how small yet connected we are. Ryding a Can-Am Spyder on the open road is not just about the thrill of the ride; it’s also a journey that invites a deep sense of faith, both in the machine and in oneself. When I climb aboard my Spyder, I often reflect on the trust I place in its design and engineering. Every twist of the throttle and curve of the road requires confidence—not just in my Ryding skills, but also in the reliability of the bike beneath me, and ultimately, faith in God, my Father who art in heaven.
That faith manifests in various ways. It starts with the belief that the Spyder will handle whatever the road throws my way. Whether I’m navigating tight bends or cruising down an open highway, trusting in the bike’s capabilities allows me to focus on the experience rather than worrying about potential mishaps. This trust transforms the Ryde into a blend of excitement and serenity. Furthermore, Ryding is a metaphor for life’s journey. The open road represents the unknown, filled with unexpected challenges and beautiful surprises. Just like in life, having faith means embracing uncertainty. The feeling of wind on my face and the vast landscape unfolding ahead reminds me that, with faith, I can handle whatever comes my way. Every mile I cover reinforces the notion that it’s not just about the destination—it’s about the journey, my adventure, and the growth that comes from riding, which I call the Good Ride of Faith.
Faith also encourages me to stay present. On long stretches without distractions, I find myself in moments of reflection and gratitude. The sights, silent sounds, and sensations I experienced while riding through Big Bend helped me connect with something greater than myself, grounding me in the moment and reinforcing my appreciation for this wonderful life on the bike that I’m now enjoying with my husband. Every ride is a reminder to let go of fear, trust in my abilities, and embrace the freedom that comes with it. Climbing back on the Spyder and hitting the open road transforms trepidation into excitement, intertwining the spiritual with the visceral.
So, when I take to the road, it’s an invitation to ride with faith—faith in the journey ahead, in the power of the machine, and in my own resilience. Each ride becomes more than just a trivial pursuit; it’s an exploration of trust, hope, and the joy of living fully in the moment of Divine Assurance.
“May the joy of the Lord instantly become your strength and encourage you to overcome any fears. Remember, when we dare to be brave and cast our cares in faith upon Him, peace, love, and joy are set loose, allowing us to rejoice in our triumphant victory in riding the good ride of faith.”
– LaShaun & Mrs. Cavatica
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sistahs.
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? ISAIAH 43:19
As we all stood on the threshold of 2025, December 31st. I pray that you all are safe and doing well this second day of a New Year? As we enter in 2025 and a New Riding Season this year, I encourage everyone to prioritize their relationship with Christ for 2025. Let the pursuit of His kingdom and righteousness be the guiding force that transforms your life by aligning your desires with His will as you ride your ryde on the open road this year. Allow this commitment to shape every aspect of your journey in the days ahead. The New Year symbolizes a fresh start and a clean slate. And I don’t know about you? But I could sure use one LOL
God is continually at work in our lives, creating new paths and opportunities for us to grow in our faith and in our journey. This January, my hope for you is that you open your heart to all the new things God will do for you this year. Ask Him to give you eyes to see His handiwork all around you as you continue to ride the Good Ride of Faith on the open road.
Let Us Pray!
Heavenly Father, as this new year begins, help me recognize and embrace the new works You are doing in my life and through my journey.
I recommit to seeking You above everything else. As I step into January with the promise of a New Beginning, I will seek Your guidance to bless my days and journey with purpose and grace. Father God, grant me the courage to embark on new adventures, the strength to persevere through challenges, and the wisdom to recognize Your presence in every moment of my life and journey.
Amen.
Every year I make a long list of New Year’s resolutions, and every year I forget every one of them. Is it just a waste of time to make a list of New Year’s resolutions? What is God’s goal for you during the coming year? What does He want to see happen in your life in the new year? In other words, don’t just write down anything that happens to come to mind; Make a Declaration of Faith! Seek instead God’s priority for your life by declaring His Favor and Blessings
“God YOU are my source. YOU can not lie and YOU can Never fail me. YOU are YES!, Amen and HALLELUJAH!
“May the joy of the Lord instantly become your strength and encourage you to overcome any fears. Remember, when we dare to be brave and cast our cares in faith upon Him, peace, love, and joy are set loose, allowing us to rejoice in our triumphant victory in riding the good ride of faith.”
– LaShaun & Mrs. Cavatica
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sistahs.
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship” Galatians 4:4-5
There is a buzz in the air as we prepare for Christmas. Depending on where you are, you might have your bike prepped and stored for the winter season. However, here in Texas, if you have cold-weather gear, we keep riding! Of course, this is only true unless the temperature drops into the low 30s with ice on the roads. With all the unpredictable drivers out there, this is a great time to take a break from riding and focus on spending time with family. This reflection has led me to think back on my childhood during Christmas time.
I have never been good at waiting, not as a child and definitely not as an adult. This time of the year is all about anticipating the gifts we’ll receive at Christmas time. I remember as a child, I was so impatient at waiting. I would sneak and open up my Christmas gifts, just one, and re-wrap it so that no one could tell that I had opened it.
And then Christmas morning act surprise. I know. Shame on me, but that was the child in me. Now that I’m an adult, there are some things I just have to wait on. And as we are all waiting upon the arrival of the birth of our Savior, I’m reminded of the scripture Galatians 4:4, but when the set time had finally come, God sent his son. The set time had finally come. This comforts me because, for generations, people watched and waited for the coming of the Messiah. I remember a time when I was waiting for a significant event in my life, and it seemed like it would never come. But when it did, it was at the perfect time, just like the birth of Christ.
They prayed and believed, and their faith was rewarded when the set time had finally come, and Christ arrived on Earth. This reassures me that God’s timing is always perfect. As we approach this Christmas holiday, I’m reminded of the ups and downs of this year. But I take comfort in the fact that God’s timing is ideal. Whatever I hoped for this year, God will fulfill it… at the Set time.
I know there is a set time for them to pass. So, My prayer is, “Lord, do this, and if not this, then do something better.” Maybe He will, and perhaps He won’t. But what I do know is God’s timing is perfect, and that gives me Hope because I know that whatever My “Hope for” was or whatever my “heart desired” when it comes, it won’t be a moment too soon and it won’t be a moment too late. It will be at a Set time… the perfect time, the timing that aligns with God’s plan for us.
As we all wait upon the birth of our Savior, I encourage you to resist the temptation to rush ahead of God’s timing. Instead, let’s hold on to our Hope and the promise that when the Set Time does come, it will be the perfect time. Patience is a virtue, and it brings a sense of calm and composure as we wait for God’s perfect timing. Take comfort in knowing… You’re not alone in this journey of patience.
Let us pray, Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son to give us the gift of your saving Grace. May all our hopes, dreams, and desires be delivered at an appointed time. Give us the patience to wait patiently for the set time of your perfect gifts and blessings.
The Woodlands Texas H.O.G. Chapter 2024 Christmas Party; White Elephants Gift Exchange
“May the joy of the Lord instantly become your strength and encourage you to overcome any fears. Remember, when we dare to be brave and cast our cares in faith upon Him, peace, love, and joy are set loose, allowing us to rejoice in our triumphant victory in riding the good ride of faith.”
May life give you the gift of peace and happiness this Christmas and a Happy New Year!
– LaShaun & Mrs. Cavatica
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sistahs.
“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” Psalm 46:8 says, (NASB).
September is here, marking the transition from summer to fall and ushering in an energy that makes us want to savor every moment. Living in Texas, we are counting down to cooler weather, crisp mornings, and cozy evenings! Some of our best riding is just around the corner.
If you’ve been following my Spyder Riding Adventures on my YouTube Channel, “Adventures of Fearless Faith,” you know that I just finished posting the videos of my 10-Day Chapter Vacation Ride to The Carolinas and Myrtle Beach. Coming off of such an Epic adventure, I started reflecting on my time spent Ryding on the open road.
When we left Texas, I was determined to become the best rider. I was striving for perfection and trying to control everything. When we face challenges in life, it’s tempting to rely on our own understanding.
As a Christ follower, one of the hardest lessons I have had to learn on this 10-day vacation ride (and still am learning) is the difference between STRIVING and SURRENDER. Striving can lead to a constant battle to control everything, which can lead to stress and burnout. Many of us can relate to this struggle, especially when we’re on the open road.
When you surrender, you stop fighting, hiding, and resisting the need to control everything in your life. You let go and focus on accepting what God has chosen to do through you. This acceptance brings a relief that transcends all understanding. You ride surrendered, in a state of calm and trust.
I’ve come to understand the contrast between striving and surrendering. I’ve realized that when we allow ourselves, our bodies, emotions, thoughts, and sensations to settle into the experience, we become surrendered, and that’s where we grow as riders and in our faith. The Spirit of God doesn’t want a striving rider on the open road; He wants us to be surrendered, riding the open road.
“And there’s the blesson from this adventure. What is a blesson, you ask? A blesson occurs when you view painful experiences as blessings. It’s what happens when you stop striving and surrender to the blessing in the lesson that your challenges have taught you. In other words, a blesson occurs when you perceive painful lessons as blessings. It’s what happens when you stop striving and surrender to the blessing in the lesson that your challenges have taught you.”
What does surrender look like for you? What is God calling you to release or surrender to Him right now? So, you can Ride the Good Ryde of Faith. Start by expressing your desire to surrender through prayer. Speaking to God from your heart, sharing your fears, heart desires and willingness to trust in God’s plan for your life and your ride on the open road.
“May the joy of the Lord instantly become your strength, encouraging you to overcome any fears. Remember that when we dare to be brave and cast our cares in faith upon Him, peace, love, and joy are set loose, allowing us to rejoice in our triumphant victory as we ride the good ride of faith.”
– LaShaun & Mrs. Cavatica
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sistahs.
Do you ever doubt the vastness of God’s power because your eyes cannot see the end of His reach? It’s a human tendency to question what we cannot comprehend. But remember, God’s power is boundless, reaching beyond our worries, doubts, and fears. It’s taken me a while to post this month’s word of encouragement. I’ve been trying to wrap my head around what my heart needed to say.
like many others, I’ve faced significant challenges leading up to this year’s riding season. Coping with health struggles, family dynamics, and the transition of my adult children from the east coast to the west coast, all while Texas is beginning to sizzle with summer heat. However, in the midst of it all, I’ve managed to secure a 10-day vacation ride. My “Journey into Joy” has proven to be an extraordinary adventure that has made every struggle I endured to get here entirely worthwhile! As I rode up the Blue Ridge Parkway, it dawned on me that God has charted a unique path for each of us, guiding us toward a life filled with boundless joy and peace that surpasses all understanding.
You make known to me the path of life: you will fill me with joy in your
presence, with eternal pleasure at your right hand – PSALM 16:11 (NIV)
It reminds me that we must release our grip, concentrate on the journey, and seek out the joy. We should live for the things that bring us happiness and align with what pleases God. There’s no time to waste pondering whether we should or can… We must simply seize the moment and make it happen! As the song goes…
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance, never settle for the path of least resistance Livin’ might mean takin’ chances, but they’re worth takin’, And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance… Or better yet! I hope you RIDE! And Slay a few Dragons!
YES!!!! I Slade the Tail of The Dragon!!!
Let Us Pray,
Father God, guide me on a path filled with Your joy and everlasting peace this month. Let every mile I travel testify to Your boundless love and forgiving grace…. Amen!
“May the joy of the Lord instantly become your strength and encourage you to overcome any fears. Remember, when we dare to be brave and cast our cares in faith upon Him, peace, love, and joy are set loose, allowing us to rejoice in our triumphant victory in riding the good ride of faith.”
– LaShaun & Mrs. Cavatica
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sistahs.
Every sunrise brings you a second chance at a new beginning. Photo Credit: D. A. Jackson
Who knew that this year, having our son and daughter, their spouses, and grandbabies together in Gulf Shores would be our Family’s “healing process?” I found it strange that in all the years we have been coming to the shore for Thanksgiving family vacation, this was the 1st time we had our son and daughter, their spouses, and grandbabies with us. No one could have orchestrated this, but God. Yet! We fought fevers between 105 and 102 flu-like symptoms the entire time we were there. It was as if the Spirit of God was keeping us united, contained, yet quarantined from any foreign object, not to mention the almost severed toe that kept the ones without fevers and flu-like symptoms from walking around on the beach (long story). But this is where this blog post is going, it is intended to bless and encourage those of us struggling with generational curses and toxic family behavior. My prayer is that this post will give you the courage to letting it be. Letting go of things, people, and places that threatened your families healing or maybe even blocked your family’s recovery.
Out of all the photos, we tried to get “Picture Perfect” unanimously; this photo was chosen as our Thanksgiving Family Photo to show THIS IS US! Battered, bruised, weary, weak, worn, and slightly overstimulated. But determined as a family to be THANKFUL, GRATEFUL, and BLESSED that God gave us this time together.
WARNING! Be careful when you pray. Asking God to show you areas of your life you need to let be—let go. Holding on to things, people, and places that keep you in a perpetual state of dysfunction. Giving time and attention to things that no longer serve you but hinders you from being the best authentic version of yourself, keeps you from working on yourself, protecting your inner peace, and fueling your faith in moving forward as a family unit.
When our children were little, it was easy to overlook why over 50 family members could gather in one place and not engage one another, or if they did, why someone was always taking offense to something said, not said, or being offended by something they overheard. Now that our children are adults with their families and life experiences, we are now grandparents, which comes with responsibilities and priorities. Sayin’ nothing about what wounds the soul and breaks the heart is no longer acceptable because you can only hide a sore under a band-aid for so long. As adults with children of their own now, they want to know why “Family doesn’t act like Family.”
We have made this place our “nuclear” Family’s Thanksgiving vacation spot for several years. It was easy to avoid the elephants in the condos or sidestep the massive pile of generational family issues, feuds, and drama that had been swept underneath the rug when there was a vast, beautiful beach to escape on. And if we saw each other on the beach, in the elevators, or spent a brief moment together, it was done with shallow pleasantries.
So, as an elder of our “nuclear family,” you try your best to explain the problematic toxicity in the family relationships that have been allowed to breed for years and why, as a family, we keep investing in being open and available to unfounded accusations, where the benefit of the doubt is no longer an option and the slightest mention of taking responsibility for toxic behavior is like making someone drink from the Jim Jones red solo cup. Then, why are we here??? they ask… If no one talks or gets along, if every interaction with a family member only ends up creating more drama, stress, unwanted anxiety, and pain…WHY ARE WE HERE?! Because it seems like no one wants to get a long…be healed.
As hard as this is to write about and choose my words as prayerfully as possible, I have to admit that no one in my extended Family, “kindred Family,” wants to be healed. My Family is one where you can’t throw a rock without hitting a Pastor, Minister, Bishop, Evangelist, Prophetess, or Christian Recording Artist… No one wants to be healed. Sadly, I have failed to acknowledge this and painfully admit these hard truths to my son and daughter, who are now adults with their own families. It was even more challenging to admit to my children’s spouses and myself that I had allowed the essence of our Nuclear Family.
The parent-child relationship, the sacredness of our family time being together, to be spent among kindred who don’t want to be Family, get along, make amends…, and be healed. Yes, we share the same blood running warm through our veins. We all traveled from near and far to be in this space and time, which makes everyone accessible to love one another, bond with one another, and share generational family stories, family history, and testimonies of how good God has been to all of us. But because there is no loyalty, love, or respect for one another, this makes some of us targets, sitting ducks and scapegoats, for those of us unwilling to see this time as an opportunity to be healed.
In sociology and anthropology, a “Nuclear Family” is a group of people united by ties of partnership and parenthood and consisting of a pair of adults (my husband and I) and their socially recognized children (our son and daughter) – Britannica.
For the very 1st time in my 56 years of life, I can admit that I don’t have healthy boundaries, which put those I love in harm’s way. I know this to be true because where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Freedom – 2 Corinthians 3:17 and the proven fact that God is not the author of confusion. You see, what I now know to be true is that I was being loyal to an idea of a “family” that only existed in my beloved Hallmark Movies. But in God’s loving-kindness, the things I was willing to overlook, put up with, and make excuses for, by the GRACE of God, He allowed me to raise adults who will not
They know how to let go unapologetically; their boundaries are incredibly healthy, unlike mine… weak and bullied over the years and loyal to a fault. But this Thanksgiving Family Vacation gave me more than just a fever of 102, chills and body aches. It created a situation that asked me, “Do YOU want to be healed?” My “nuclear family” has been through a lot this year. We were looking forward to this time together being a source of peace and comfort from all the emotional battles most of us had been dealing with throughout the year… we wanted to rest, some of us coming out of recovery (metaphorically speaking), and just wanted to hold on to their healing. But I, in my need for people-pleasing, put them in an unsafe space that harmed that… Father God, please forgive me.
But thank God for Grace and for teaching me that there is freedom in letting go and accepting the elephants in the room. It’s perfectly okay to trip over or walk around that pile of generational family drama swept under the rug. Why? Because Healing is available to EVERYONE! They can hold onto what’s keeping them bitter, or they can let it go and choose to be better, be a family that’s healed.
So LET GO! LET. IT. BE! Especially if there is no change, loyalty, love, or respect for your “nuclear family” amongst its kindred. I say “Nuclear Family” because family members will read this and once again become offended at the beautiful realization that the Spirit of God revealed to me over my Thanksgiving family vacation to the shore.
But there is no healing for those who embrace excuses
LaShaun Jackson
I love the story in the Bible, in John 5, of the man who lay helplessly by the pool of Bethesda. This wasn’t just any pool. There was a rumor that angels periodically stirred the water, and whoever dove in first received miraculous Healing. People came from all over for a chance to participate in this event.
But, there was this one man, sick with the same disease he had for thirty-eight years, and he couldn’t ever make it to the pool fast enough. It was a hopeless situation for him. But Jesus came and, as always, did what only he could do and changed everything. “When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”
If you skim this, it’s almost a “duh” moment. Like, “bruhhhhh, no disrespect, Jesus, but of course, he wants to be healed.” But does he tho?
Do You Want to Be Healed?
John 5
Jesus, in all His grace and mercy, gave the crippled man a double blessing. He healed his body, and He also awakened his heart. Gave this man back a sense of purpose and freed him from the bonds of self-pity, pride, ego, fear, discouragement, hopelessness, and resignation, all in one amazingly effective command. “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.”
This is why I love Jesus and this story in the Bible: Healing is available if We want it! But you have people who don’t; we have family members that don’t. They will even make you feel bad for trying to protect your healing.
But here’s what I love about this story even more. Jesus didn’t soothe this man. He didn’t pat him on the shoulder, saying, “Oh bless your heart,” and offer to piggyback him down into the pool. He didn’t give up on him, either, and said, “Well, better luck next time, bruh.” Nor did he bring down a host of angels from heaven in a grand pomp and circumstance performance. Nope! Jesus did something so much more powerful. He invited the man to participate in his own healing process.
Now that I am a grandmother, with fewer years in front of me than behind me. I’m willing to admit that this Thanksgiving family vacation to the shore, as beautiful as it was, my healing process. A process that tired me, and through the fever, chills and body ache made me realize that no matter how hard I try to create opportunities for family peace, love, unity, and reconciliation, there will always be, and I mean ALWAYS! Be someone who doesn’t want it – want to be healed. No longer am I interested in make unhappy people happy and making unacceptable behavior acceptable for the sake of “Family” at the cost of my own. I’m tired of running around on the playground of life, like a little kid with her new shine ball, hoping the bullies would for once want to play with us, and THIS TIME! Play fair. Or better yet, I’m “Kelly Price Tired.” Look that song up, it will bless your soul!
Nevertheless, I am tired, my arms are weak, and my hands hurt from pushing and pulling the weight of bitter family members’ drama. Like my grandmother would say, “It’s time for everyone to push and pull their own wagons.” I’m moving forward, letting go, and letting it be! Because I want my Healing, I want to protect the recovery and Healing of those I love. I have decided to “Get up, take up my bed, and let it be.” I have to for the sake of my personal well-being, my mental health, for the sake of my two grandbabies and for all my wind sisters who follow my journey and adventures of riding the Good Ride of Faith. They deserve a grandmother, who is healed, mentally healthy, and spiritually mature… Not perfect. But healed.
We haven’t been together like this since my Mother-in-law passed away in 2018. So, believe me when I tell you, GOD HAD MOVED MOUNTAINS! To get us all together this Thanksgiving. And I had to ask myself the tough questions that I’m sure everyone must struggle to ask this time of year: when it comes to family gatherings during the holidays.
Do I keep putting band-aids on family wounds that don’t want to heal? Do I keep putting myself and my Family’s Healing back on the operating table and have their hurts and wounds that God has recovered us from, violently ripped back open every time we gather with our kindred, our extended Family? After all, Family is who you make Family and who is willing to be Family in the true sense. In other words, “Don’t forsake those who want to be family for the sake of those that don’t act like family.”
And why do we give toxic family members a free pass anyway??? Why do we tolerate such hurtful behavior from them time and time again just because they are “Family”? Why are they embraced and given the benefit of the doubt, time and time again, and their victims become the family outcast.
For years, I have struggled with addressing the elephants in the room. Should I call people out on their bull-junk for once and just be done? Should I throw back the rug, kick the pile of family drama all over the room, and let the chips fall where they may, or do I just let go, let it be, and say yes to my Healing and protect the peace of my Family? Is the conversation even worth having, as time has revealed over the years that nothing has or will ever change? Do I need to speak my peace or just let it be? Then, I came across this quote by an unknown author.
It’s hard to admit that my Family, as churched as we are, Doesn’t LOVE like we should… BUT GOD! His love is unconditional, unfailing, and everlasting, and it WON’T change! He makes it easy to pray and ask for Healing, for the strength to remove the things and issues of life that keep us tied to the things that continually hurt us. But are we ready to let go of all the excuse? Do YOU want to be healed? And are we ready to let things be, let go of our security blanket… the things, people, and places that hinder our Healing, and give God access to move us beyond our wounded places? Because at the end of the day, nothing and no one is worth our Healing and our Recovery, and no one should keep you from being healed and staying healed.
Listen, I don’t know if my extended family will ever be healed from petty grudges, spiritual abuse, and years of generational drama. But I do know this… Every day, God’s mercies are new, and new mercy brings a choice to change and a chance to say YES! To Jesus’s question… “Do YOU want to be healed?”
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5
So, as we make our way toward 2024, let go! Let it be! Declare God’s protection for your family’s healing and mental health and let go of anything keeping you from being healed, staying recovered and riding the Good Ride of Faith in 2024
Let us Pray!
Father God, I come before You today tired and weary from holding on to things, people, and places that I should have released to You. My need to please, overlook, and remain silent to toxic, abusive family behavior has caused stress and anxiety in my life and the lives of those I love.
Father God, I acknowledge that I have been holding onto the expectation that time heals all wounds and that people change over time. But real change comes from loving you, knowing you, and surrendering my burden to you. Father God, grant me the strength to let go of grudges and walk in the freedom of forgiveness.
Father God, I know that Your love, mercy, and grace are more significant than any pain, disappointment, or unmet expectations I may carry, so I’m letting them go and letting them be. I know hurt people hurt people, so Father God, love the hurt away of those who are hurting and knowing and unknowingly hurt others.
Father God, release me; help me let go of the anger, fear, disappointment, bitterness, resentment, the need to please, and the expectation of wanting loyalty, love, and respect from family members unable and unwilling to give it. Father God, your love and grace are greater than any pain or disappointment I may carry. So, strengthen my resolve to let it be. From this day forward, I surrender all these emotional pains to You. In Jesus Names, I pray, Amen
May the Joy of the Lord instantly become your strength to encourage you to overcome any fears that you might experience. Remember, in our daring to be brave, when we throw caution to the wind, casting our cares in Faith upon Him through the ride. Peace, love, and joy are set loose in the atmosphere, and it permits other riders to do the same. Allowing us to all rejoice in knowing we have triumphant victory in Riding the Good Ride of Faith – LaShaun & Mrs. Cavatica
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sistahs.
Before you freakout about this photo… I was slowing down and coming to a complete stop to turn. This was my 1-sec. of Crazy FAITH! Don’t try this without it!
Now, about September…
If not, riding my Spyder since May 28th in Texas heat has taught me anything; these last months of 100-degree temperatures, it has encouraged me to live boldly. I love the line from the poem “Meant to Shine” by Marianne Williams that says, “Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.” Yes! The smoldering temperatures kept me side-lined longer than I wanted to be, but it also gave me time to consider how I Live within the blessing of God. On September 2nd, My husband and I celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary. We could take a trip to Cali for an extended playdate with the 2nd grandbaby, and the temperature finally broke where I could test out my new cooling vest and get in a long overdue ride on my Spyder Mrs. Cavatica.
And even though this ridiculous mixed-up world would have you believe there is no God and all that you know to be right is now wrong, it’s always proven to be, without a doubt, one big lie from the pit of hell. It only takes one long ride down a curvy country road on a Can-Am Spyer to see that God still blesses His people and leans in our direction. That’s the beauty of riding a Can-Am Spyder on the open road as a woman of Faith. It helps me see that God is still on the throne and in the business of blessing His people, which comforts me—knowing that we can live boldly and unapologetically in the blessing and favor God has bestowed upon us. Don’t interpret Live Boldly as meaning “spend big,” “live large,” or be braggadocious. But Living Boldly is about your life’s size, not your wallet’s. Living boldly, means walking in your Truth or Ryding in the Truth of who you are—acting with intention. Believing you can do what you set your mind to. It means taking chances, putting yourself out there, and knowing you deserve a life you love and authentically yours. Declaring that if it were not or had not been for God being on our side… we would all be a HOT-ER MESS!
Everything is possible for one who believes
Mark 9:23
Here’s the bless lesson as we wind down these last few weeks of September. Live Boldly! Be intentional (be where you want to be) and declare who got you there! and guard your peace. Riding the open road on my Spyder helps me Live Boldly because I can see that despite what the world would have me believe and feel, The Spirit of God shows me time and time again that “Everything is possible for one who believes.” – MARK 9:23.
So, wind sistah’s and brotha’s Live Boldly! Don’t be anxious about anything. Live like you are the child of the Most High king. Live as though your Father owns cattle on a thousand hills and Ryde the open road as though you are the apple of your Father in heaven’s eye. Trust in His care and concern for you. And don’t forget to love big while you are at it, because we serve a BIG GOD!
With that being said, I love the following line in Marianna Williams’s poem “Meant to Shine” and Why We Should Live Boldly because “There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to manifest the glory of God within us.”
Live Boldly, Ryde Bravely, and may your light permit others to do the same!
Ride Safe, Stay in Faith,
La & Mrs. Cavatica
May the Joy of the Lord instantly become your strength to encourage you to overcome any fears that you might experience. Remember, in our daring to be brave, when we throw caution to the wind, casting our cares in Faith upon Him through the ride. Peace, love, and joy are set loose in the atmosphere, and it permits other riders to do the same. Allowing us to all rejoice in knowing we have triumphant victory in Riding the Good Ride of Faith.
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sistahs.
And just like that! June has moved on, and July has taken its place. We’re waking up to a restless Wednesday morning. Our neighbor next door decided to reenact bombs over Baghdad up til 2 am. They had no chill or concern for those who wanted to wind down the nation’s birthday with peace, quietness, and a good night’s sleep.
Our family celebrated Saturday because everyone wanted to relax and chill out for the 4th. Plus, Texas is still giving us a lil taste of what pre-heating in hell feels like, so there’s that! The pool felt like a lukewarm bath, but at least it was wet and gave us a lil relief when sitting poolside, giving our skin a break from looking waterlogged.
As I took a break from the water, watching the family enjoy themselves in the pool, I had to remind myself what the 4th of July was all about—celebrating our nation’s Independence, the celebration of our Freedom. I had to reflect on the many blessings God has bestowed upon us and my country tis of thee…sweet land of liberty, as confused, sinful, and racially divided as she is. God still blesses her with his Grace, Goodness, and Mercy.
Lord, make us worthy of Your gift of Freedom – LaShaun Jackson
This is why I love riding my Spyder Mrs. Cavatica on the open road so much. It allows me to see the beauty of God’s hand upon our country. It allows me to see beyond our country’s imperfections and shortcomings and see America’s hope and potential. That there is a God that sits high and looks low and will find you and me no matter where the road takes us, no matter the problem, situation, or circumstance.
I heard it said, “If you look for the bad, you will surely find it,” but you can’t have one without the other, so if you look for the Good, I’m guessing you will find it. You can’t have Bad without Good. So, as you ride this month of July, look for the Good and thank God that you can do so in one of the most significant countries on this side of heaven. Yes! She has her issues but only because of human sinfulness. This is why I love what is declared in 2 Chronicles 7:14 that if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
Sure! It was a conversation the Lord had with Solomon regarding the building of the temple. Still, we can learn a lot from this scripture by walking it out, or in our case, Ryde it out by cultivating humility with everyone we meet and in our relationship with God. Enjoying our Freedom as we Ryde the Good Ride of Faith but recognizing our limitations, embracing our dependence on God, making prayer a priority in our daily life, seeking God’s presence and guidance on and off the bike in every situation, and committing to ongoing self-examination and repentance, turning away from sinful behavior, and aligning our life and Ryde on the open road with God’s will.
So, as you take on July, may your Faith increase as you Ryde the open road enjoying the Freedoms of a beautiful country that, despite everything that was once right, is now wrong, and everything that was once wrong is now right, God still loves her and because of that love, we can try and see the Good when we take to the open road as we Riding the Good Ride of Faith.
HOW DO YOU STAY FOCUSED ON THE GOOD ON AND OFF THE BIKE?
May the Joy of the Lord instantly become your strength to encourage you to overcome any fears that you might experience. Remember, in our daring to be brave, when we throw caution to the wind, casting our cares in Faith upon Him through the ride. Peace, love, and joy are set loose in the atmosphere, and it permits other riders to do the same. Allowing us to all rejoice in knowing we have triumphant victory in Riding the Good Ride of Faith.
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters.
I hope march is being kind and finding you blessed. It’s been a while since my last post. I intended to write an entry for February, but God had other plans. How does needing greenery for your granddaughter’s 1st birthday cake turn into 15 days of working in a flower shop during Valentine’s Day season? I’m still determining. All I can say is, “be open to what the Spirit of God wants to do in your life.” We are all fertile soil with seeds of greatness planted within us. So be open to the water givers, the people that God places in your path, watering those seeds planted within you, allowing you to bloom. Presently, I’m still seasonal help “on-call,” LOL
So here we are in March, and typical Texas style, our weather has been all over the map! One day we are sunny and cold; the next, we are warm and wet. But as a Texas transplant…I’ll take it because at least we get a ride in while mother nature is taking a nap.
A recent adventure took me out on a Chapter Ride to Lake Livington in East Texas Piney Woods. On that ride, the Spirit of God blessed me with a word of encouragement when navigating the open road when the weather looked less than perfect.
It’s hard to see the beauty in your ride when the day looks like this. When the sky is cloudy and gray, you feel like the world’s weight rests on your shoulders. Like mama said, “although it’s cloudy, the sun is still shining. And it’s been weeks since Texas has seen sunshine. But the saving grace of a day like today is that it gives us a break from the heat and humidity.
Like mama said, “although it’s cloudy, the sun is still shining. And it’s been weeks since Texas has seen sunshine. But the saving grace of a day like today is that it gives us a break from the heat and humidity. It’s a trade-off; as I said, every ride won’t provide you with sunshine and blue skies. But it does give you and me a choice: seeing the beauty and the provision provided to you and me on a cloudy day.
When we speak of the beauty of any given day, it’s always about how much sunshine and blue sky we can see and how glorious it makes the ride… but not today. As we made our way towards Lake Livingston, without sun or blue sky, it reminded me of the movie The Ten Commandments and how clouds played an essential part in the Israelite’s leaving Egypt.
You see, in the Book of Exodus 13:21, You hear how, when the Israelites walked out of Egypt, ‘The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day.’ The cloud was a sign that God was in their midst.
In that cloud, Moses received, among many other instructions, commands on how to build the tabernacle. And how the same cloud filled the temple where the priest was ministering… the power within the cloud was so overwhelming that the priest could not stand in it. The cloud had become an established symbol of God’s nearness…Wow! And there it is… the message and encouragement from this adventure.
View a cloudy, gloomy, misty day as the Glory and presence of God leading, guiding, covering, protecting, and providing for you. View the clouds as God’s abiding presence during your ride – LaShaun
Moses ascends Sinai Digital Art by Matt Ebisch
I don’t know about you, but I won’t look at another cloudy, gloomy, misty ride ever the same. Instead, I will welcome it, rejoice in it, and declare the blessing of Psalm 118:24 that “This is the day the Lord has made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it.”…. better yet! I’m going to make it personal…
This is a Ride that the Lord has made, and I will rejoice, be glad, and ride in it! – LaShaun
Let us Pray!
Let us Pray! Heavenly Father! I know you are here on this ride with me. Please show me your Glory and let me gaze upon the splendor of Your holiness. Father God, open my eyes so that my heart might see your greatness and faithfulness on this cloudy, gloomy, misty day, and give me a vision of who You are in all Your splendor and majesty. Father God, I want to worship you in my ride and see You in a greater way. So, lead me, guide me, hide me and show me your Glory. In Jesus’ Name, I Pray Amen!
May the Joy of the Lord instantly become your strength to encourage you to overcome any fears that you might experience. Remember, in our daring to be brave, when we throw caution to the wind, casting our cares in Faith upon Him through the ride. Peace, love, and joy are set loose in the atmosphere, and it permits other riders to do the same. Allowing us to all rejoice in knowing we have triumphant victory in Riding the Good Ride of Faith.
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters.
Adventures of Fearless Faith 