This image speaks so powerfully to me- I am both leper and wolf.
Hurt people, hurt people.
Hurt people hide.
My leper is dis-eased, wounded, outcast, unloveable. In the Light of God, I am welcomed and healed.
My wolf is a loner, capable of great destruction. In the Light of God, I am welcomed and healed.
How do these images ring true for you?
#francisofassisi #franciscanspirituality #honestwithyourself #nomorehiding #godsgrace #godsgraceandmercy #youbeyou #graceupongrace #godsgraceissufficient #restingod #restingingod #godshealing #soulcare #spiritualcare #spiritualpractice #mindfulnesspractice #encounteringgod #blessingofgod #godsblessing #stoplooklisten #fullypresent #godisnear #christianspirituality #christianprayer #surprisingblessing #newbirth #newlife #righteousness #spiritualmaturity
My word for the year is... drum roll... rhythm. Rhythm as a consistent groove, a pattern that flows, grounding the music yet the engine which keeps it moving forward.
Rhythm is far different than resolution. Resolutions are like light switches- on or off, accomplished or not. I rarely succeed at a resolution.
But I can make a home in rhythm. Our bodies naturally bear the rhythm of breath and heartbeat. Our world moves naturally to the rhythm of moon cycles, seasons, and ocean waves.
That's my intention for 2020 and beyond- cultivate a grounded groove, an ongoing natural flow of simple practices and choices shaping my life. (More to come soon.)
Have you chosen a word or phrase for the year? Share it below with how it informs and inspires you.
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I've been struggling the last few days in wave after wave of pain- the fires in Australia and the Amazon, the earthquake in Puerto Rico, the ongoing ugliness in our government, the warfare in Iran and Iraq, the potential division of the United Methodist Church (I'm a UMC pastor)...
It's unrelenting, wave after wave. There used to be breaks between heartbreaking events. I can't remember the last break.
What I can remember, what I need to remember, is who I am.
This true me is beyond the crush and crash of circumstance. It's anchored to the name God gives me, "This is my child, the beloved."
Every year, on the second Sunday in January, Christians all over the world read the story of Jesus' baptism, that moment when he heard these words, and we remember they are for us, too. In the remembering we re-member.
And so, dear ones, be still. Touch the water. Remember who you are.
#rememberyourbaptism #baptism #baptismofthelord #identity #trueself #rest #restingod #soulcare #selfcare #spiritualcare #stoplooklisten #imageofGod #rememberwhoyouare #remember #encounteringgod #spiritualpractice #meansofgrace #fullypresent #listeningtogod #godisnear #christianspirituality #restingingod #resilient #stayresilient #resilience #christianprayer
It's so easy to only see my weaknesses, my shortcomings, my needs. Can you relate?
Let's flip this on its head.
Where are we strong?
Where are we gifted? Talented?
Where are we experienced, empowered, and called?
You have gifts to offer, dear one. Don't hide them. We need them. Bring them out for all to see. I promise we'll join God in the celebration.
Leave a shout out in the comments.
#shareyourgift #sharethegift #talented #called #giftedbygod #epiphany #offeryourgift #braveliving #wholeheartedliving #encounteringgod #experiencegod #spiritualpractice #servingothers #letyourlightshine #bethelight #bethechange #answerthecall #meansofgrace #stoplooklisten #fullypresent #youbeyou #weneedyou #christianspirituality #showingup #liveoutloud #resilient #stayresilient #resilience #trustgod
