MARCH INTO A FRESH BEGINNING
By: Cheryll D. Cooks, Minister

Marching forward is a term used to illustrate one’s attitude about getting from one place to the other. The best illustration of moving or marching forward is from the United States military. The U.S. military uses a specific command to move forward in quick time from a complete stop and the command is forward, march! Once the superior officer gives that specific command, immediately the airmen begin to move. They smartly step off straight ahead with their left foot and take a 24-inch step (measured from heel to heel) placing their heel on the ground first. From the very first step while marching, the airman will use a coordinated arm swing. The hands are cupped with the thumbs pointed down and their arms are straight but not stiff all while cadence is being adhered to.

While doing my research on marching forward or forward march, I realized that every soldier that takes that first step has already made up in his or her mind to forget about their stationary position of the past, and focus on every step toward their future position.

If we were to question men and women of the military, we would find out that if they were to ever look back or focus on what was behind them during this time of moving forward, not only would they trip, possibly hurting themselves, but they would inevitably cause their brothers and sisters in arms (both in front and in back of them) to stumble as well.

If we all could take a page from the military playbook and learn to keep our eyes on the goal, that which is in front of us, and not be so focused on what is behind us (in the past position) not only would we stay on task, we just might help someone around us, stay on task too.

In 2010 there is no reason for anyone to miss out on what God has purposed for our lives. We don’t have to stay connected to the past hurtful things, or the really bad yesterdays, we can march happily into some wonderful tomorrow’s.

In 2010 we can March Forward as Gods’ Army and do just what the bible tells us to do “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth toward those things that are before us; I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” We can smartly step off straight ahead with our left foot and take a 24-inch step placing our heels on the ground first Marching Forward to Forgiveness, second Marching Forward to Love, third Marching Forward to Patience, fourth Marching Forward to Understanding (our loved ones and those around us), and lastly Marching Forward to Peace of Mind.

We all have an opportunity to start anew, and to start fresh. It’s the first quarter of a new year so let’s keep in step and always remember . . . with Gods’ help, a little focus and some discipline we too (just like the military) can FORWARD MARCH!

Be Blessed!