“I have been changed. I am not the same person I was before. Over time, over many experiences, good and bad, I have grown in understanding, awareness and compassion. I have found a deeper sense of peace. I have come to appreciate the importance of love.” —Steven Charleston, Daily Facebook page.
I know we are called to articulate our truth as best we can; but then I realize that we must let it go. This is hard, because the life approach we have been taught has been like a dog with a bone about issues we are passionate about. I try to turn the situation over, to give up the “bone.”
Nevertheless, it is hard to give up our admiration of people who are like that faithful Border Collie with a bone about issues they believe in. Many of us have realized the cost to our own body, mind, and soul of holding onto that bone. We may find it difficult to achieve peace, to hold onto love. Our arteries tighten up. When we lose, we think we must try harder. When we win, we may simply strive harder to keep doing it better.
This is my hope for change: That we will no longer see life as win or lose. Rather, we have a part: We are to step out of our comfort zone and speak out in love and try to make a difference. More and more we know that for every cross there is a resurrection. God brings about the resurrection, rolls away the stone. Our job is to keep looking and listening for every possible sign of love and resurrection.
We will have setbacks in giving up this control, thinking we are responsible for the resurrection; but stark situations that remind us we are not in charge will bring us back to the truth over and over again. Believing that we have control of situations in our lives and in the world of others is fake news, a fantasy; but there is this sweet voice that whispers in ours ears, continually telling us we have such good ideas and need to be a strong person who always accomplishes our agenda.
If we recognize we are connected to something greater than ourselves—then we are acknowledging that there may be a better plan than our own … that a strong person may be one who pauses and perhaps prays and listens before she speaks … does the best she can … and then gives up the results to God, who may have a better view of the situation than she does. Amazing.
Joanna. Joannaseibert.com
Book Sale and Signing at St. Mark’s
Between 8 and 10:30 services and after 10:30 service
November 17th and 24th
We will be studying A Spiritual Rx for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany during the forum at 9:15 am during Sundays in December
A Spiritual Rx for Advent Christmas, and Epiphany
The Sequel to A Spiritual Rx for Lent and Easter
Both are $18. All Money from book sales goes to Camp Mitchell