The Southeastern Khronicle: Fall 2024

MESSAGE FROM PROVINCE CHAPLAIN

NEW THING PART 1

patterns and fears into a new journey, but this weight only slows us down. Be encouraged to surrender these burdens and walk lighter on the path ahead. Trust that what we let go of will be replaced by something even more aligned with our true purpose.

Greetings My Brothers in the Bond,

As we stand at the edge of something new—a project, a mission, a journey—there is a sacred moment of stillness before the start. It is a time of hope, anticipation, and sometimes uncertainty. In this moment, it’s essential to remember that beginnings are not just stepping stones; they are a path of transformation. Every new beginning offers us the gift of growth, connection, and deeper understanding of both ourselves and one another. The Bible declares in Isaiah 43:19, "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert". This verse is a call to look to God instead of circumstances, and to focus on freedom in Christ instead of perceived fears.

Move Forward Together in Brotherhood

Our individual journeys may differ, but our commitment to each other strengthens us. Brotherhood means that we do not face our new beginnings alone. Each brother’s journey supports the collective journey, and each success uplifts us all.

Embrace Uncertainty as an Opportunity for Faith

The start of something new is rarely predictable. Doubts and unknowns are a natural part of any beginning, but it is in these uncertainties that faith is born. To begin something with faith is to trust in the process, to believe that each step will reveal itself in time. Faith does not eliminate fear but allows us to keep going despite it.

Recognize the Sacredness of a New Start

In many spiritual traditions, new beginnings are seen as a sacred time—a symbolic rebirth that mirrors the cycles of nature. As seeds break through soil, rivers find new courses, and dawn follows night, we too are called to create and renew. This sacredness isn’t confined to just big life changes; it can be felt even in the small moments, like a fresh commitment to a goal or a shift in our attitudes. By approaching each new beginning with reverence, we invite peace and grace into the unknown. Recognizing the sacredness of each start allows us to see every step forward as part of a larger, divine rhythm.

With shared faith, shared purpose, and shared hearts, let us begin.

Let Go of the Old to Welcome the New

New beginnings often require that we let go of what we have outgrown, whether it be limiting beliefs, past mistakes, or even certain relationships. Just as the leaves must fall for new growth to take place, we too must release what no longer serves us. It can be tempting to carry old

In Faith and Fellowship, Brother Rev. Dr. Vardy A. Freeman Southeastern Province Chaplain

Achievement since 1926

The Southeastern Khronicle | Fall 2024 | 5

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