Consider the Source

After running into a high school classmate that I had not see in approximately 22 years, we began to catch up on what was going on in our lives.  She was proud to tell me that her nursing career led her to become what was akin to an 'Erin Brokovich' in her industry.  She then whispered an aside to me, 'I wish I could tell our school counselor what I have accomplished.'  She had been told that according to  standardized test results offering career guidance, the indication was that she had only limited choices.   The counselor read from the page:  'You could be a bus driver,' in a condescending/attempt- at- humor tone.  Being a bus driver is an admirable profession as well, and many lives can be touched in this job. Skills are necessary for this career if this is your calling; but the way it was presented did not sit well at the time; and also had not left this person's memory after many years.  This lady passed away not long after I saw her.  I wonder, in awe, what additional wisdom she has now?

Many, if not each and every one of us, has more than likely faced  this type of experience.  Being told that we do not stack up, that we should put a cap on our dreams and goals, or that we do not seem to fit into some sort of  pre-conceived grid or chart.

How do we perceive ourselves?  Isn't this what truly matters?  As is typical;  I left my weekly prayer discussion on this topic.  Immediately, confirmation and further meditation on the subject jumped right into my hands.  As I checked my email, the first one I opened was from an Oprah book club suggestion entitled:   "Five Journal Prompts that Change the Way You See Yourself."  Amazing. There are some awesome ideas on  self-evaluation and on becoming who you are meant to be in this  journal- formatted book by Meera Lee Patel. 
 Today, while contemplating this topic, I picked up Jesus Calling for the advice from yesterday's entry that I had not read.  ...."Begin by practicing discipline in all the little disappointments of daily life.  It is often these minor setbacks that draw you away from My Presence.  When you reframe setbacks as opportunities you find that you gain much more than you have lost..."

Matthew Kelly  has addressed this topic as he encourages us to be the best version of ourselves.  He suggests that parents make sure to teach and encourage their children to be comfortable to be  in their own company, to develop a strong sense of self, so that when they are at the mercy of their peer group, they can learn to walk away.  Help them to do this by learning to listen to God, by leaving a place in every day for silence and prayer. This will help them to block out the noise of the  negative comments and actions of others.  To be who they want and choose to be.



Life Experience: He handed my spelling book back after making corrections, only after carving his rendition of my eyeglasses and stating how ugly he thought I was in pen on the front of my book.  The book that I would have to see every week in the sixth grade.  I can laugh now, after contacts and blow dryers were invented, as well as having a pretty good self esteem. Interesting to note, I heard that this mean person never changed.  He stole from a friend  who had entrusted him to do some construction work on her home.
 She was driving to the hospital, rehearsing the steps in the delivery, what would be needed to accomplish breathing in the very tiny life that would be arriving soon.  This, after many years in various positions as an RN.  Dialysis, Dialysis equipment sales, re-entering the workforce after raising children, earning the prestigious Daisy Award while taking care of the most vulnerable neonates.  She had been told she was a slow learner, she was placed in what was called the 'Animal Group' in the eighth grade.  What if she had listened?  Look at the lives she has touched and saved. What others say can deflate us if we let them; or we can ignore and let it motivate us. The memory of the disparaging remark may well last a life time, but we can choose to not allow it to sting forever.
Sometimes, it takes many years to get validation.  Stay the course. Believe in Yourself. Dream Big.

Happy Fall

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin.  God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.  He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff---including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc.  Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to SHINE for all the world to see!  Happy Fall and God Bless You!
*author unknown

 

Simply Believe

"Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven, Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me."
Matthew 18:3-5.

Not only are children innocent; they are born completely dependent on us and are naturally trusting of us. They need someone to take care of them, feeding and nurturing. As adults, we need to revert back to this childlike innocence of placing our trust in Him many times in our lifetime.  This acceptance and surrender pleases God.  It is difficult when we are attempting to control  various aspects of our lives.  Do we sometimes streamline our prayers into what we want an outcome to be, or do we pray and then accept God's will for that given situation?  Do we keep God out of what we consider some of the private aspects of our lives, but let Him in where and when we feel we need Him?  It is similar to our children asking us for permission for something, thanking us for a favor, or asking for guidance. When my children come to me with any of these things, I welcome the communication.  This perhaps gives some insight as to how God, our Father, might like to hear from us as we pray to Him.

Life Experience:  I came across a story about the first Eucharistic Miracle that took place in  the 8th Century in a small town near the Adriatic Sea in Italy.  The occurrence that took place in this tiny church by a questioning monk fascinated me.  Since my husband had shared with me that he would love for me to go to Italy with him one day, I shared with him that if I did, I thought it would be wonderful to visit the church and view the miracle that is intact some 1,300 years later. 
 Years passed; I visited an exhibit on the many Eucharistic miracles that have occurred over the centuries.  I found the Lanciano story.  More years went by. My husband had business to attend to in Italy, and asked if I  would  accompany him this time.  I replied,  "Let me know every place that you will visit, and I will think about it."  He gave me his list of about four areas where there were companies that he would visit. The only city that was on the Adriatic side was the town of  Pescara.  I eagerly searched a map.  Low and behold, the tiny town of Lanciano was a very short distance from where he needed to be! After all of this time, a secret wish that was filed away as a wild card dream would come to fruition.
 While enjoying dinner with our faith-filled Italian friends,  I enthusiastically started a discussion  about the visit we were planning while visiting their country, and what I had read about the scientific evidence regarding the Shroud of Turin and the Miracle at Lanciano. I started by wishing to discuss the  incredible facts: the age of the specimens, the blood typing and chemistry, and....Franco interjects, no, you Just Believe.....I wish to continue: I know, but it is amazing the centuries that have passed, it is all intact, the fact that the blood studies show.....no, you Just Believe, he says again with much conviction, no discussion.  He stopped me in my tracks, to give pause to think. Do you really need evidence?  Will you always have or ever really need the proof?   Simply believe. Be childlike, trust, accept, and know in your heart.

You Can't Make This Up

Good advice and wisdom can come from likely as well as unlikely sources.  God reaches us through obvious and not-so-obvious persons or places.  I have been reading a little bit from a lot of different books and magazines, spiritual and non-spiritual.  As much as I pause to admit it, while reading through a recent Health Magazine, I was impressed by some sage wisdom.

 "One thing I've learned is that negativity comes from a place of unhappiness and insecurity. When I find myself in the crosshairs of it, I remind myself of this and send love to the haters.  And I know that as long as I have strength of heart, mind, body and soul, all things are possible."  Well said, Khloe Kardashian.  If we can truly love, we can empower ourselves while taking away the power of the destructive thoughts or behaviors of others.

 No one can take away from us what is in our heart.  It reminds me of the writings of  Viktor Frankl in Man's Search for Meaning.  He survived the cruelty of Auschwitz by keeping a deep hope, knowing that alive or dead, the tormentors could not take his spirit.  Life never ceases to have meaning, even in suffering and death.  If he lost hope, he would surely die; if he had a "why", then he might find a way to survive. Very profound. 

 We can find  many ways of living with purpose in our daily lives. Sometimes, we just need to listen and take note of the people with which we have the opportunity to interact.  Maybe we will notice the valuable lessons and insights that the experience will offer to us.
   I have been attending a prayer and study group that is addressing this very topic.  Today we discussed our roles in helping the needy and homeless.  One group member offered her desire to be more hands-on, another wishing not to pre-judge, another to not be judgemental of another's financial distress.  Do we fear having our own personal space encroached upon?  Do we assume when approached in a lower income neighborhood, that we will be mugged? What other pre-conceived notions do we have? 

Life Experience:  I had to leave the meeting a little early to pick my parents up from one appointment to shuttle them to another.  We had time to grab breakfast in between.  As I was preparing to turn left, we spontaneously changed our minds on the restaurant choice.  I quickly got in the other lane and made our way to the destination.  As soon as we parked, three ladies materialized, seemingly out of nowhere. As they were approaching, I was quickly preparing for some sort of confrontation. 
I was feeling a little protective of my aging father and guarding my purse a little bit.  The young lady started requesting donations for a program at her church that treats those with drug addictions.  With much conviction, she states that ONLY through Jesus, can a person overcome an addiction.  They have open beds because not many will truly accept Christ in their hearts to embark on the road to recovery. My dad and I open our wallets and offer her small donations.   This little lady started to warm my heart. I decided to let her into mine, to be open to speak with her.  Why not?  Isn't this what we just discussed, literally moments ago?  I asked how long she had been clean.  Proudly she stated nine months.  God love her.  This is something so close to my own heart.  I truly pray that this child of God makes it successfully.  I turned to go in, but turned back to her to share more of my personal experience with a loved one that has 19 months of success .  She said she would pray for me, and I said I would return the favor.  She offered a hug.  I gladly complied. A complete stranger, a very ironic coincidence.  Uncanny timing.  I just love God's sense of humor. 

Take Away Just One Thing

Bored with going to Mass? Simple answer....we all wait to hear the response from a very enthusiastic Matthew Kelly....Simply walk in and pray, " God, please give me just one message, one thing that I can take away from this service. One song, one message, one person that speaks to me." He guarantees that it will happen. How often has that happened to you? How often do we forget these amazing gifts of grace that God himself hands us on a silver platter? Matthew continues...Be proactive; write these weekly occurrences in a journal and refer to them when necessary. When you check back, they will speak to you again. You will discover prayers answered, problems solved, difficulties that you may still be working on. Very simple, yet this action may lead to something very profound as well. He states that he has years of Mass journals to which he refers when the need arises. That was the one thing that stood out to me, one thing that I took away, amidst the wealth of inspiration provided in this day of reflection.

Life Experience:  There are numerous times when I have had a burning question, a doubt, or a difficulty that has been addressed while attending Mass. Many times, it is when I have also been given an inner nudge to attend in the first place. A hymn that speaks to me will bring a smile or a tear, giving me the verification that He is listening. While listening to the Gospel or Homily, an answer of help in dealing with a current struggle is answered. Sometimes, it has happened when I had been drifting off in my thoughts and the message wakes me up, calling attention to itself. That is why we are called to be there. We are not perfect; we are sinners. We are not there because we are perfect Christians, we are there to humbly accept God's love and grace. God calls us to be present, and bestows on us His gifts.

Writer's Block

Coincidence. I love this word. Is there coincidence, no coincidence, or is it God-incidence? I have found myself  many, many times smiling at something I have just 'happened to read, someone I have 'happened to run in to, some door that has been opened, or closed.

While struggling to come up with a post yesterday, my thoughts were reverted by news of a fatal car accident, the death of a sibling of a good friend, and other daily concerns and obstacles. I read the daily excerpt from "Jesus Calling". Fascinating. ......"you begin each day with joyful expectation, watching to see what I will do. You accept weakness as a gift from Me, knowing that My Power plugs in most readily to consecrated weakness.."
 Interesting....weakness was the topic of my first post, just two days ago. (The word Joyful also jumped out at me, the topic of my second post. )The daily message follows with a passage from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.....For when  I am weak, then I am strong."

Interesting, powerful, amusing confirmation. Brings an inner smile. Much better stated than I attempted to convey on Monday's post.

Life Experience:   I was still distracted yesterday, and felt I needed to collect my thoughts and did not post a message.  This morning I felt the urge to try again.   I started with the prayer to the Holy Spirit and a little later decided to pick up "Jesus Calling" to see how the writing for Sept. 3rd might inspire.
So, it begins...."Let the dew of  My presence refresh your mind and heart. So many, many things
vie for your attention in this complex world of instant communication." Okay, cute. I read on. "The world has changed enormously since I first gave the command to be still and know that I am God........communicate with me continually, and I will put My thoughts in your mind.
Well, alrighty then. ;)

Channeling My Inner Rita

Channeling My Inner Rita

She was bustling around the cafeteria, retired after 35 years in administration, working still, loving being active and on her feet. "I love cleaning!", she said. I looked at her. Really? How refreshing to find joy in this unpleasant task. I believe it was the same year some friends had gotten together to celebrate the holidays. While sharing our lives that contained many hardships, a friend announces that the word Joy kept coming up while reading prayers and elsewhere in her everyday life. She thought we all looked at her like she was crazy to suggest that we find joy amidst our daunting trials in life! However, I filed that message in my consciousness and decided soon thereafter to rediscover that little three letter word. It IS a fruit of the Holy Spirit : love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. It is even listed second, right behind the most important....Love.......
Rita also volunteered at Hospice, caring for those near the end of life. "Wow, how do you do that? It takes a special person....."  Rita empowered others, " You know, you should consider volunteering there, you would be good at that". I filed that as well for....later.

That little word, Joy, started popping up in my readings and in my daily life as well; as I tried to incorporate it, even during obstacles, even despite trials, as we are told to do. There is Grace available to us in this decision. We are also able to offer our sufferings up to God for another person's sufferings to obtain Grace and strength for them.

Life Experience:  Rita found joy in her work and in her daily life despite what she was suffering physically and internally. I visited her in the hospital with another co-worker a few days before she passed away.  Even though it was difficult for her to breathe, she was asking us about work and our lives. She missed being there and we missed her.  At her funeral service, the minister spoke about how Rita had found Joy in her life.  It made an impression.

Grow strong in your weakness

Sometimes we are hard on ourselves for lacking perfection or not being strong in various instances in life. Perhaps God is using our weaknesses or imperfections for making an impact on others. The realization of our own faults, in effect, can cause us to grow and to perhaps bring a desire to wish to improve.

Many times we are simply defending our egos, we feel embarrassed or hurt, and our emotions put us in a self-defense mode. Anger at ourselves is actually the root of our negative emotions! At the very core of our being, is this self-repair defense.

There are lessons to be learned from both internal and external conflicts in life.
If we can turn a negative experience into a positive by 'dying to self', admitting our weakness, and striving to do better next time; we then have growth, which quite possibly, will set an example to others.

Life experience: While attending an AA meeting as a guest, I was completely humbled and taken aback by the absolute baring of soul that took place. These attendees were digging from their darkest recesses to confess their shortcomings, and the multitude of problems and pain they inflicted on themselves and others. These 'witnesses' are presented to the group to help one another find a way to bring strength and healing from hitting a rock bottom of weakness. I wondered if I could ever find the courage to publicly confess my shortcomings, faults, much less, sins!? I learned so much that evening about growth,healing,forgiveness, and compassion by seeing these people give in to ego and fear, to die to self, with a wish to improve themselves while helping others.