About the Author
Cathy Boyd Byrd invites others to join her in considering topics of interest to those on the Christian spiritual journey…..discipleship, spirituality, mental health, Christian growth, and Bible study. Cathy enjoys working with others as they transition from emotional emergency and brokenness to spiritual emergence and abundant living! Many of the topics about which Cathy writes are interrelated as experienced in her own life and in the lives of those with whom she works in counseling, teaching, and case management, and in friendships. She believes that sharing our journey of Christian growth and spirituality helps us know God and ourselves better and connects us with others!
Cathy is a Christian Educator and Life Recovery Counselor, and an ordained deacon through Christian Leaders Institute. She serves as Community Outreach MInister at Lynn Haven United Methodist Church. She is a student (disciple) of the Holy Spirit and shares with her students (disciples) the things the Lord teaches her through Bible study and contemplation, incorporating experiences interpreted through the Word, cherished traditions of her faith, and reasoning that comes from seeking the mind of Christ in accountable community. She was widowed in August 2020 after 48 years of marriage to Bill Byrd, is mother of 2 and grandmother of 5. Her journey of faith has been lifelong and continues to be an adventure with the trailblazer and guide, Jesus Christ!
Cathy is the founder and program manager for a Christian women’s residential life recovery program, Titus 2 Partnership, Inc.(www.titus2.life) in Panama City, Florida.
Excuses
There are those who make unwarranted interpretational leaps that suggest that relationships between individuals in scripture demonstrate approval of and endorse their own support of homosexual conduct. People who equate spiritual and emotional intimacy between people automatically with sexual conduct reveal the inadequacy and immaturity of their spiritual and emotional lives and their preoccupation with "love" being defined primarily in terms of sexual behavior. Spiritual and emotional intimacy is a more fulfilling, lasting, and mutually honoring kind of love that includes shared honoring of...
Love & Hate
There's a devotional group I'm in that's been contemplating the topic of love. I've shared before that I think we have the wrong concept not only of love, but also of hate. Hate in biblical terms means to separate ourselves from the acts or behaviors of sin which many believe are clearly defined in God's Word. It is about not engaging in the sin, alone or with others, or excusing it. In prison where a margin of safety is insured and in most cases where acceptance of one's consequences has led to sober mind and changed behavior, one's past sins are not even a consideration, just as they are...
UMC Tolerance of Heresy
In an online community a discussion of homosexuality led to a number of exchanges. One man wrote, "God tells us not to do a lot of things in the Bible, including not eating pork, not eating cheese and meat at the same meal, not eating certain types of fish, or shell fish. If a person does any of these, they are an abomination, you know the same as homosexual. I don't agree that Jesus was homosexual, or Mary and Martha." My response was; "The food bans were specifically addressed through Christ's own words (regarding not what goes into one's mouth as defiling one but what comes forth from...
Guiltless
No need for ANY believer to feel guilt...... conviction into repentance and reconciliation , yes.... but guilt that arises from condemnation ?NEVER! He whom Christ has freed is free indeed! Rest in his love and grace! Sang this in church yesterday....In Christ Alone. “No guilt in life, no fear in death, This is the power of Christ in me. From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny..."
I Am A Greenie
Little piece of trivia for you "greenies" out there: for years I have been a "spring" fan, especially enjoying the variety of greens on the hillsides in Alabama as the trees/shrubs begin to leaf. This past week I drove to N. Alabama and was sharing that with my passenger. I told her that I had learned years ago that the state of Alabama has the distinction of having the greatest number of diverse varieties of trees, more than any other state! It's true! And it makes a drive through the state absolutely beautiful in the spring! from 4/13/2013
Happy Birthday, Titus 2!
This was written 4/13/2015, on the occasion of celebrating Titus 2's first birthday anniversary. Now, 8 years after its beginning, we are still amazed at what God has done and continues to do! "A year ago this week, after what seemed like the disastrous culmination of a difficult six months, as it became clear that the end was coming in an area that had been fulfilling and productive, a new journey began. As one ministry friend told me, sometimes it is necessary for God to allow a door to be firmly closed behind us before he allows us to see what awaits behind the next one. That was...
Talisman
Talisman- "anything whose presence exercises a remarkable or powerful influence on human feelings or actions." Obsession with an item that provides one with an excuse for refusing to act in a mature and rational manner. OK for a 2 year old with an attachment to a security blanket or stuffed animal. Indicative of a pathological fixation or idolatrous worship in an adult ?
Deacon Calling and Roles
In April 2015 I observed a thread of Facebook posts in which deacons and prospective candidates for deacon were sharing the various places and roles they were working in service to Christ. Another thread inquired about whether deacons were having difficulty finding employment that would be approved by the church for appointment. As a commissioned "provisional" deacon one is told to "live into your calling".....By that one might imagine that one is to do the things deacons (clergy in the United Methodist Church) would be expected to do. That, however, is almost as elusive as attempting to...
Morning Songs
......But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. Amen. Sing, ALWAYS! Psalm 59:16-17 one morning this week I was singing as I dressed and cleaned and decided to send it to my grandchildren as I prepared for breakfast.... IMG_3035
Writing Sermons
"..... the two most important notes in any musical composition are the first and the last. “The audience might forgive you for what comes in the middle,” a band director would say, “but they will forget neither your very first impression nor your final remark.” Hmmmmm, I think that is somewhat the case with sermons, too.....Start well, end well, and don't wander around too much in the middle..... Just for a point of clarification......I am talking about my OWN sermons here, since I gave my first Easter sermon this past week. I have begun to notice the structure of sermons more and find our...