December 18, 2009
Road Kill gift from me to you!

Has it been a year? That can’t be. How could so much have happened in such a short amount of time? And what a year it has been! If you are anything like me (and I sure hope someone out there is) I have blossomed, wilted, moved forward, slipped back, loss weight, gained it back, exercised, vegged-out, stepped it up, slumped down, saved a little money, used it all on bills, spiritually grown, personally failed… you name it – it all seemed to happen this year.

About work: Well, in this economical environment I have nothing to say but “Thank you, God.” I am so grateful to have had a job. Those of you who came to concerts, conferences – those who bought tickets, CDs and DVDs - from the Extraordinary Women’s Conferences to the This Ain’t Prettyville Tour I cannot thank you enough for your encouragement and support. How beautifully you blessed my life and the things I support - like our retreat for those in ministry (The Funny Farm) to Branches Recovery Center. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

This year I was nominated for three Emmy’s, I still can’t believe that. I was awarded “Comedian of the Year” at the Visionary Awards by the Christian Music Hall of Fame. Received another platinum DVD award for “Staying Alive Laughing” and recorded a new project at the world famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. Watched my first television special air on CMT and recorded my final season of Aspiring Women on TLN. I’m not bragging about any of it – but, I am learning that it is good to make a list once in awhile of ALL that God is blessing and doing in your life.

On the home front: I end the year more in love with my husband David than ever before. I spent three months this year commuting back and forth from Los Angeles while he spent his time commuting back and forth from Western Kentucky University teaching. The best thing to come of it is our resolve to NEVER do that again! Maybe absence does make the heart grow fonder after all! HA! And we are accepting the empty nest more gracefully. Although, this was the first time one my kids could not come home for the Holidays. (My son, Zachary) We are such a close family – it was rough. But, my heart found solace in thinking about the thousands of mothers with loved ones in Iraq, Afghanistan or serving our country all around the world. It caused me to increase my prayers for them and thank each and every soldier that I see in every airport. Funny how God has a way of filling up the empty spaces in our hearts, isn’t it?

Now for God stuff: He was in all of the above – every up and every down he used to teach, mold and love the little girl in me and the adult I’ve become. I started the year talking about finding the little girl buried under pain, dysfunction and shame deep inside my soul somewhere. I’ve been learning more and more that she is worth loving and caring for. Now I’m learning to stop saying, “she is” and say “I am.”

And now, my Christmas gift to you: If I could I would make you all a beautiful Worry Box! You see, I have a wonderful therapist named Tracy. She told me months and months ago to make a Worry Box. I could decorate it, paint it – it could be a shoe box, hat box, coffee can, etc. I was to put a slit in the top and every time I begin to worry about something, obsess over something, every time I fear something – write it down and put it in the box. Then, I was allowed to pray over the box once a day. But I was not allowed to put the same worry in the box twice and after I prayed once I must put it on a shelf and not go back to it again that day. Well, I quickly learned that I also had to tape it, nail it or glue it shut! I also noticed the box filled up nicely at first. Now? If something becomes too heavy for too long – I don’t even have to rush to the Worry Box. That somehow the physical act has pressed into my soul so that a mental note works just as well. Now, it goes in the box in my head. (I just realized how wacky that sounds! HA! I’m not Sponge Bob – I am Square Head Round Pants, Chonda! HA!) Seriously, thought: it has been easy to tear off the post-it-note in my brain and be done with it. Really, it’s a amazing. Oh yes, that is what I would give you. Why don’t you make one for yourself today.

The year may have turned out better than you imagined or you may be thrilled that the year is over. Many of you lost your job or worse. You may have lost a loved one, a marriage, your home or health. There is nothing too big or too small to give to God. Put it in your Worry Box. You can put a bow on it and stick it under the tree. Our hurts, pains, failures and accomplishments – they are ALL His. He came so that we would have life – abundant life. Some days I have an abundance of blessings. Some days I have an abundance of trouble. His return gift to me is Peace of mind. Forgiveness. Unexplainable joy.

May the God of all truth, all compassion and all mercy envelop you today and in the coming year.

Your funny-servant girl,
Chonda Pierce

P.S. Save-the-date! January 18th I will be recording a new video at World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, TN. Details to follow. Put that on your prayer list, please. ;)