If you know me, you know I cannot keep a good thing to myself, and I’ve got something to share with you that I know can make a world of difference in how you approach your life—whether in business, relationships, or even those tricky internal struggles we all face. It’s all about awareness. And trust me, once you realize just how powerful it is, you’ll want to tell your friends, too!
What is Awareness, Anyway?
At its core, awareness is simply being present and tuned in to what’s happening around you—and, more importantly, within you. It’s about noticing your thoughts, emotions, and actions as they unfold, while also reflecting on what’s led you to this moment and envisioning where you want to go next. Here’s the game changer: when you become aware, you gain the power to choose your response.
I mean, who wouldn’t want to feel more in control of their life, right? When you’re aware, you make decisions with clarity, not out of autopilot or stress. It’s like flipping a switch from chaos to calm. And that’s something I want for you and everyone in your life!
Why Awareness Matters in Your Growth Journey
Here’s the kicker—awareness isn’t just about seeing what’s going on in the present moment; it’s about seeing what’s been going on behind the scenes, too. By understanding your thoughts, behaviors, and emotional patterns, you get to know yourself in a deeper, more meaningful way. You start to notice your strengths (hello, confidence boost!) and areas where you might need a little more TLC.
And once you know where you’re starting from, you can take the next step to where you want to go. Whether it’s building a business, strengthening relationships, or just showing up as your best self, awareness gives you the power to make intentional choices. You get to decide who you want to be in the world—and then take steps toward becoming that person.
The 90-Second Pause That Changes Everything
One of my favorite tools that I swear by—and always recommend to others—is the 90-second pause. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a simple, 90-second break to breathe, reflect, and center yourself before reacting to a situation or transitioning into a new space or energy. And let me tell you, that pause is a total game changer. You’ve probably noticed (or maybe it’s just me), but when we rush into situations without taking a moment to pause, we often react out of stress or emotion, rather than from a place of clarity. But when you take just 90 seconds to check in with yourself, you break the habit of reacting on autopilot and create space to respond with intention.
By doing so, you gift yourself the power to choose—and the awareness to recognize how you truly feel in the moment, not just what your impulses tell you. Have you ever struggled with that? I most certainly have! But it takes time and practice and support to bring forth regular awareness.
Confidence, Clarity, and Emotional Intelligence
An additional benefit of cultivating awareness is the significant boost it provides to your confidence. As you become more attuned to your strengths and gain a deeper understanding of how you respond to various situations, you naturally begin to trust yourself more. This enhanced self-awareness enables you to clearly define your boundaries, honor your personal needs, and make decisions with greater conviction and strength. It’s a powerful shift that positions you to lead from a place of clarity and self-assurance.
Moreover, awareness is a key component in developing emotional intelligence (EQ)—the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions, while also being attuned to the emotions of others. By tuning into your feelings and reactions, you develop the tools needed to communicate more effectively, approach challenges with greater creativity, and foster stronger, more resilient relationships. This heightened emotional awareness allows you to navigate both personal and professional environments with a deeper sense of empathy and understanding, ultimately contributing to more harmonious interactions and successful outcomes.
Breaking Negative Cycles
We all have habits or patterns that don’t serve us. Maybe it’s procrastination, overworking, or saying “yes” when you really mean “no.” The great news? Awareness is the first step to breaking those cycles! When you begin to notice these patterns as they emerge, you have the power to shift your behavior. You don’t have to keep playing by the same old rules. Awareness gives you the freedom to rewrite the script.
How to Make Awareness Work for You
So, how can you start incorporating more awareness into your life? It’s simpler than you think:
Take a Pause: Start with that 90-second pause! When you catch yourself about to react to something (whether it’s a stressful email or a tricky conversation), hit the pause button. Use that time to breathe, notice how you’re feeling, and get clear on your next steps. And listen – if you only have 30-seconds, take what you can! It makes a difference!
Journal: Write down your thoughts and feelings regularly. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but journaling helps you connect the dots and spot patterns in your behavior, thoughts, and emotions. Find a trusted coach or resource to help you connect these dots!
Self-Check-in: Ask yourself, “What’s really going on here?” when you face any situation—whether it’s a work challenge, relationship issue, or an inner struggle. The more often you check in with yourself, the more you’ll learn about your needs, desires, and goals.
Embrace Perspective: Awareness isn’t just about self-reflection—it’s about understanding others, too. Take the time to see things from other people’s perspectives. This not only builds empathy but strengthens your emotional intelligence and communication skills. This is where we stay curious to what else could be going on!
Ready to Cultivate More Awareness?
If you’re ready to take your awareness and growth to the next level, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Developing a deeper understanding of yourself, your goals, and your life isn’t just about accumulating knowledge—it’s about transforming that knowledge into meaningful action. And that’s where I can help.
Whether through one-on-one coaching, a focused group session, or a tailored action plan, I offer the guidance and tools you need to unlock your full potential. Together, we can embark on a journey toward greater self-awareness, empowerment, and a life filled with intention and joy. When you choose to cultivate awareness, you’re choosing to live more purposefully, with clarity and confidence—and that is a life that truly makes an impact.
Let’s begin this transformative journey together. Reach out today to start creating the life you’ve always envisioned.
This discussion with myself has been so profound. So profound in fact that it inspired my first real solo episode on And All the Things! You can listen to it here!
In a recent episode of my podcast, “And all the Things,” I have the privilege of interviewing Corey Hennings (#38), the host of the Sober By Design podcast. Our conversation wove deep into his journey of addiction and recovery, unraveling layers of insight and understanding. Little did I know that amidst our discussion, a profound realization would emerge—a realization that would ignite a journey of introspection and exploration.
As Corey and I explored the complexities of addiction, I found myself confronting a revelation of my own: I am addicted to Audible and podcasts. In the midst of my endless stream of audio content, I have unwittingly surrendered to the temptation of constant stimulation, drowning out the subtle (and not so subtle) whispers of my own thoughts and emotions. It was a moment of startling clarity—a recognition that amidst the noise, I have carelessly sacrificed the invaluable gift of silence.
It became clear to me that I have been contemplating this ‘issue’ for some time when I looked back to a Sermon I wrote in September titled: “Let Every Voice but God’s be Still in Me.” (from A Course in Miracles). I speak of silence with reverie and trusting the voice within. I speak honestly and with conviction. And then I probably put on my ear buds and listened to a book as I managed my day. As I reflect on this, I have to laugh at my lack of self-awareness and marvel at my ability to start the process unknowingly.
Since I have researched and understood silence for the sermon, I began to explore the word addiction. It is a dependency. A compulsion. A distraction.
And more often than not a harmful one. In talking with Corey I learned, it is something we attach to externally in order to fulfill something internally and that addiction is a complex experience unique to everyone. And this hit home. Yes, we know this is true, but when we look at the many ways we try to fill our cups (with substances, spending, sex, doom scrolling, and oh so much more), we find we need to look further.
In preparation for the podcast and as a practice of regular self-reflection, I started thinking about what I am addicted to—what I am dependent on, what I am compulsive about, what I allow to distract me from myself? I felt good that I am much closer and healthier in my relationships with food, alcohol, sleep, health, and more, but I left my relationship with silence in the shadows. As I talked with Corey, it became clear that I was externally filling myself to avoid dancing with my own thoughts.
Now, does my relationship with silence (or lack thereof) compare with other harmful relationships? No…at least not at first glance.
Can it physically harm me or someone else? No.
Can I become distracted and detached? Yes.
Can I become dependent on the stimulus? Yes.
Can I turn down my creativity and curiosity? Yes. And I did.
THIS, my friends, is tragic.
I hear you saying, “seriously”? Comparing the relationship to audio content to addiction? Is that really tragic?
The answer is yes – I am. And yes – it is. When we silence the voice within, we are silencing our divine within – our God within. This silencing of my own voice (the one that plays relentlessly and curiously in my mind) is a tragedy. Whatever we believe spiritually, there is magic in each one of us, and that unique voice should not be silenced. When we silence the voice within, we suffer and the world suffers with us.
It was in this moment of acknowledgment that my curiosity was sparked—the curiosity to explore the true value and power of silence. Because even though I lean into the Woo-Woo, I also like my proof!
In our rapidly moving and rather noisy culture, silence has become a rare and precious commodity—a sanctuary amidst the cacophony, a refuge for the soul. Mystics of yester-year understood this intrinsic need for stillness, retreating to the hills and forests in search of answers in the silence. In the tranquil depths of quiet contemplation, they discovered renewal, clarity, and communion with the divine.
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the power of pause is often overlooked, yet it is essential for our well-being, much like the restorative power of sleep. Just as still waters run deep, it is in the serenity of silence that we unearth profound insights and awaken to the truth that lies beneath the surface.
Across diverse spiritual traditions, the importance of silence is echoed—a universal reminder of its transformative potential. Looking to Christianity to Buddhism to Judaism and beyond, we encounter the profound truth that direct language fails to capture the essence of the divine. Instead, it is through the gentle embrace of silence and mindful observation that we catch glimpses of God’s presence reflected in the world around us. Prophets, saints, and sages throughout history have sought solace in solitude, recognizing that amidst the silence, clarity emerges as the Divine within.
So there’s the Woo-Woo part, but we don’t stop with the religious or philosophical understanding, we can also look to the revelations of neuroscience which confirm the restorative power of silence, offering a confirmation for our weary minds and frayed nerves.
Here’s what I learned:
At its core, silence is not just a passive state but an active force that shapes our brains and cognition. Research in neuroscience reveals that moments of silence trigger a plethora of neurological responses. In the quietude, our brains engage in introspection, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. Functional MRI studies demonstrate increased activity in regions associated with deep thinking and creativity when the mind is allowed to wander in silence.
In a world saturated with stimuli, silence offers a sanctuary for mental health. Chronic exposure to noise has been linked to heightened stress levels, anxiety, and depression. Conversely, moments of silence provide respite from the relentless assault on our senses, allowing the mind to unwind and recalibrate. Even brief periods of silence have been shown to reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels—markers of the body’s stress response.
In silence, creativity flourishes. When the mind is unburdened by external distractions, it is free to explore new realms of thought and imagination. Studies have shown that silence enhances problem-solving abilities, promotes divergent thinking, and fosters innovation. From artists to scientists, many luminaries attribute their breakthroughs to moments of profound silence, where ideas crystallize and inspiration takes flight.
Silence is not only a balm for the brain but also a catalyst for physical healing. In the absence of noise, the body enters a state of deep relaxation conducive to restorative sleep and rejuvenation. Regular exposure to silence has been associated with improved immune function, reduced inflammation, and enhanced recovery from physical and mental fatigue. In a world plagued by the epidemic of chronic stress, silence emerges as a potent antidote—a tonic for the body, mind, and spirit.
In a culture that glorifies busyness and noise, embracing silence may seem counterintuitive. Yet, the path to true well-being often lies in the spaces between the noise—the moments of quiet contemplation and introspection that nourish the soul and allow us to make clear, confident choices. Whether through mindfulness practices, meditation, or simply seeking out pockets of tranquility in our daily lives, cultivating silence is a transformative act of self-care.
In the sacred space between stimulus and response lies the power of the pause—a moment of reflection, a pathway to clarity. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us embrace the transformative potential of silence, inviting it to infuse our being with peace and purpose.
I invite you to consider the profound wisdom found in the simple act of pausing, of allowing every voice but God’s to be still within us. As we cultivate this practice of intentional silence, may we awaken to the richness of inner peace and the boundless possibilities that unfold when we listen deeply to the whispers of our soul. Can you hear yours?
If you are ready to find the divine voice within you, you are right on time. I specialize in supporting female leaders who feel adrift, as if they’ve lost control of steering their lives toward the purpose they were destined for. On the surface, they appear to have it all together, yet inside, they are silently and violently falling apart.
They linger in the shadows of their existence, longing for the spotlight on their personal center stage. Wrestling with the cacophony of external pressures, they struggle to hear their own divine voice, resulting in dwindling self-worth, exhaustion, detachment, and silent suffering. Together, we embark on a journey to reshape their perspective, establish empowered boundaries, and cast them as the protagonists of their lives, regardless of the act or scene.
This is an invitation to be seen and to be heard but first to gain clarity through slowing down, quieting down, and raising our hearts up.
Sign up for the email list to receive the free “What are you Tolerating?” workshop and follow me on Instagram to stay connected!
Check out Corey and the Sober by Design podcast on Instagram!
Here are your takeaways:
Silence is Transformative: Silence isn’t just the absence of noise; it’s a powerful force that shapes our brains and well-being. Embracing moments of silence can lead to increased creativity, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
Silence Promotes Healing: Regular exposure to silence has been associated with improved immune function, reduced stress levels, and enhanced physical and mental recovery. Cultivating a practice of silence can be a powerful tool for overall health and well-being.
Silence Nourishes Creativity: In the quietude of silence, our minds are free to explore new realms of thought and imagination. Many luminaries attribute their breakthroughs to moments of profound silence, where ideas crystallize and inspiration takes flight.
Silence is a Path to Inner Peace: Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, embracing silence offers a sanctuary for the soul. By slowing down, quieting the mind, and listening deeply to our inner voice, we can discover a profound sense of peace and purpose within ourselves.
In the bustling realm of high achievers, where the demands of leadership, entrepreneurship, parenting, and business intertwine, overwhelm often looms as an unwelcome companion. The pursuit of greatness can sometimes lead to a chaotic juggling act, leaving us feeling stretched thin and struggling to keep up with the multitude of roles we play. But fear not, for this blog post is your beacon of guidance in navigating this terrain.
Our journey begins by tapping into identifying our relationship with overwhelm. We must peel back the layers and understand how this all-too-familiar foe affects us. To master overwhelm, we must first recognize its presence in our lives.
Next, we delve into clarifying the roles of perspective, priorities, and purpose. These three pillars form the foundation of our approach to conquering overwhelm. By gaining clarity on our perspective, honing our priorities, and defining our purpose, we create a roadmap for navigating life’s complexities with intention and purpose.
Embracing the process and power of self-reflection is a crucial step on our journey. Self-reflection is the mirror that allows us to see our inner landscape clearly. It helps us identify the triggers of overwhelm, our strengths, and areas for growth. Through self-reflection, we gain insight into our thought patterns and behaviors, enabling us to make intentional changes.
But the journey doesn’t stop there. We are committed to building strategies that transform overwhelm from a foe into a friend. Efficiency, the revered hallmark of growth-oriented individuals, often feels like a symphony of productivity. The rhythmic ticking off of tasks generates a profound sense of accomplishment—a reminder that we hold the reins of time. Yet, in this dance of productivity, a formidable challenge arises when life’s unexpected disruptions shatter the graceful pattern we’ve woven. It’s then that we must heed the words of Stephen R. Covey: “The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.” This revelation marks the genesis of our journey towards mastering the presence of overwhelm.
In the throes of overwhelm, the energy that normally fuels our cognitive prowess retracts from its command center—the prefrontal cortex (PFC). This cerebral hub orchestrates a symphony of intricate functions, from planning to decision-making to insightful epiphanies. Regrettably, stress acts as a siphon, diverting vital resources away from the PFC and thereby eroding its effectiveness.
In stark contrast, the amygdala, often referred to as the “reptile brain,” remains steadfast in its primal roots. Acting as an ever-watchful sentinel, it detects stressors and sounds the alarm for the fight-or-flight response, ushering in anxiety—the heartbeat of overwhelm.
While the amygdala stands as a proud sentinel, the prefrontal cortex, nestled within the frontal lobe, represents a newcomer in the evolutionary timeline. Responsible for focusing our attention, making ethical judgments, navigating complex decisions, and adhering to societal norms, it proves susceptible to the ravages of stress, often leading to irritability and detachment.
The path to restoring the prefrontal cortex’s resilience is paved with mindful steps. It requires not only tempering the fight-or-flight response but also nurturing the cortex’s durability. The cultivation of meaningful social connections, the embrace of mindfulness practices, and the pursuit of therapeutic guidance act as powerful catalysts in the development of coping mechanisms and heightened self-awareness.
But the choice is yours: do you commit the insights gleaned from this exploration to paper, casting aside hesitation and judgment, or do you brush off the abundance of information presented, a choice that acknowledges the weight of the content?
As we stand amidst the deluge of tasks and responsibilities, a beacon of hope emerges: the beacon of prioritization. Effective time management is not a tale of ceaseless toil; rather, it’s the art of making intentional choices that optimize your use of time. Prioritization, goal setting, meticulous planning, strategic delegation, and a firm stance against the siren call of multitasking are among the strategies that elevate productivity and focus.
Prioritization isn’t a mere task; it’s a skill that empowers high achievers to align their personal and professional pursuits judiciously. By understanding the value of priorities, individuals can harmonize work and life, leading to improved productivity, reduced stress, and enhanced decision-making. Sustainability and profitability intertwine, creating a tapestry of success. High achievers who invest in self-care, continual learning, and meaningful connections reap the rewards of integrated success.
As you embark on this journey armed with knowledge, determination, and the willingness to evolve, you will transform your relationship with overwhelm. It’s a transformation that promises not just survival but true thriving. The optimization of time isn’t just a tool; it’s a way of life. With each deliberate choice, you carve out space for growth, creativity, and fulfillment.
In the orchestra of life, success isn’t solely measured by the volume of achievements. It’s defined by the harmony between your aspirations and your actions. Effective time management is your conductor’s baton, guiding you to invest your most valuable resource—time—where it truly matters. By doing so, you craft a future where you’re in control, stress is tamed, and your potential unfurls its wings.
So, embark on this journey with courage. As you master the symphony of time management, you’ll discover that you’re not just a player in life’s orchestra—you’re its virtuoso. Your crescendo of achievements will resonate, not only as a testament to your hard work but as a melody of balance, purpose, and fulfillment.
And to get to know me better, please like and follow along @myjoycoach ✨
Stay Curious
Good morning! It is always a pleasure to be here in the FBC community but today I feel an extra deep sense of pleasure. I will admit my imposter syndrome is running strong right now. Standing in for Pastor LaThelma. A human for whom I feel a great deal of admiration and awe – Her studies, her practice, her devotion. But I also respect the work she has done as an individual to show up fully as herself – as she was divinely crafted.
Who am I to preach for her – to you? Am I enough?
Though I am ordained through the Universal Life Church online so that I may perform wedding ceremonies for friends and family, and though I find this to be one of the greatest blessings of my life, I still struggle with my enoughness to be here today.
The conflict, I know, is not an external one. I have felt welcomed by Flemington Baptist Church (FBC) since our first visit here just over a year ago. I know I have been called here to this community. We, my family and I, have been welcomed home.
As with most struggles, I wrestled with two contrasting, internal voices.
The first is the voice that has been given permission for much of my life to speak up as truth. The authoritative voice in the back of my head saying, are you enough? The second is the voice I hear calmly, quietly, consistently saying, My darling, of course you are enough.
When I find myself wrestling with a deep voice in my soul and the nagging voice in my head, I know it’s time to call upon vulnerability. It is time to invite God’s love to breathe oxygen into my life and bolster my courage to overcome my fear – to let my curiosity for what I can be to dominate over what I am afraid I am not. It is time to say, I do not have to do this alone. I never do this alone.
Today’s bible passage comes from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
9 But he said to me, “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. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
For when I am weak, then I am strong. This passage reminds us of a few things:
We are to expect hardships in life. Even with God’s love and protection, just as happiness is an expectation – so, too, is suffering.
that we avoid the ego’s nagging refrains by reminding ourselves that we do not have to be perfect but that God’s power is made whole, complete, perfect when we allow the relationship to be one of deep connection – of openness – of weakness.
In another sermon, we will break down my feelings on the use of the word weakness here as definitions matter and our cultural connotation of the word is unflattering, but it is assumed that weakness is the opposite of strength – of showing feebleness. In contrast, the kind of weakness Paul speaks of shows courage and clarity that can only be revealed when we trust. I believe that the weakness spoken of here is intended to say “trust” and this requires an openness – a vulnerability to bring forth our own authenticity – our divine truth.
Fun fact about me, I earned my black belt in Okinawa Kenpo karate when I was 27. I went in thinking I would learn how to fight. What I learned was how to protect myself. How to keep my person and my property safe from danger – from vulnerabilities. What I also learned was balance and peace. The fight stance alone is a contrast.
In this stance – we are solid, hyper-vigilant, and ready for attack. The translation of Karate means “empty hand”, and the translation of Kenpo (Kempo in some variations) means “the law of the fist”. To protect without weapons except for those organic to the body. It is powerful to practice relentlessly to possess weapons within us. There is safety knowing we have the tools and the experience and the courage to protect and feel peace in that security. Our bodies and minds can be truly powerful (and for this training – I am really aggressive when I take Tai Chi classes – LOL)!
Yet even in our most respectful, humble of scenarios, the bow, we never release the burden of protecting ourselves – of eliminating our vulnerabilities. We never lose eye contact. Never look away. Never hand over our power.
Karate taught me how to eliminate my vulnerabilities (physically) and protect. I am grateful.
But we are called to pray. To open up our vulnerabilities. To open up our weaknesses. To hand them over – to trust in god.
In this stance we are safe – but we are burdened if we attempt to take on life and its onslaught of struggles and fear alone.
In this stance, we are safe – unburdened because God has our back.
But the world today can be a scary place.
When I look at the world around me, I am certain that each one of us desires in a desperate manner to be seen – not just to be seen for what the world prescribes – but for who we are truly meant to be. To live fully. To dust off the edges of our gems and shine them for the world. If we believe we are divinely created, then we must never stop seeking this truth. We must always leave room for new oxygen – more growth. Continued change.
We know this, yet we grant permission for our culture to tell a different story of success and belonging. Let’s face it, there are many avenues of influence into our minds, bodies, and souls today, and this weaves a tightly wound, unbreathable corset around our souls. It is narrow – one of judgment. Standardization. Segregation. Intimidation. And scarcity. We are told to conform – to fit in – to withhold what’s inside. We are rarely told we are special and necessary if we are different from the masses, learn and perceive the world in unique ways, or worship a different God in a different manner in a different church with different music and traditions.
I am here today to ask you to reframe your weaknesses – see them as a calling from God to explore your innermost beliefs and interests and desires – to see them as guiding lights drawing out the inner gem within. Know your weaknesses are only your truths asking to be set free. Knowing that when we bow our heads and hearts and lift our hands in supplication that we are allowing God to breathe oxygen into our souls and bring forth our inner majesty.
I am here today to ask you to now see this in others – to allow their weakness to find a space to breathe without judgment.
I am here today to ask you to stay curious. As I have said many times before, I believe that God lives in connection. I believe in the connection between the bees and the trees, and the water and the sand, and the earth and the sky. I believe in the connection between all of god’s creatures and all of god’s creations!
When we look at all that connects us rather than all that separates us and allows connection despite the contrast, we create a space for God to live. When we can open up to this, we can see God’s work alive all around us. And I believe this requires our vulnerability.
In cybersecurity, a vulnerability is a weakness that can be exploited by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to a computer system. To combat this, we hire experts to explore and identify the vulnerabilities long before a criminal might crack into the system – subsequently and allow the software and data and safety to breathe and grow. We install firewalls and constantly check and recheck and protect in order to thrive. For this to be successful, the experts must be curious enough to look closely and honest enough to share the truth.
In the humanities, vulnerability is the willingness to show emotion or to allow one’s weaknesses to be seen or known; willingness to risk being emotionally hurt:
This is the courage to say I love you first, to say I no longer love you first. It is the wisdom to say, I feel alone, and I need support. It is the risk we face everyday to introduce ourselves wholeheartedly to the world.
This is a risk. But is it one worth taking since God’s power is made perfect when we do.
This can be scary. When we do it alone.
But God is our firewall. Our fortress. Our strength.
It is not a weakness to expose ourselves fully, the real risk is withholding the truth. For in doing so, we risk diminishing the light within. Diminishing God’s work and God’s ideas. Restricting connection.
Researcher and storyteller, Brenee Brown, defines connection as “the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
Connection is the energy that exists between God’s creations. It is the energy that exists between people. It is the Holy Spirit at work.
When we consider where we see God at work – God’s hand at play, I cannot help but think of all the magic there is to share. When we are curious, we find God in the connection of music spanning from the Americas to Africa to Australia and bringing forth a chorus of culture and communion. When we are curious, we find new ways to share the message of love and faith with those who are unfamiliar to the gospel. When we are curious, our differences become a new page in God’s book for us to explore. Our differences broaden our knowing of God’s creativity and confidence. Our differences are God’s divine work.
If we build our boundaries constructed by bricks of fear and judgment instead of trusting in God’s firewall, we will eliminate the opportunity to be seen as we truly are – to see others as they truly are, and this makes deep connection nearly impossible. When we carry the burden of hyper-vigilance and fear alone, we disconnect ourselves from our faith and our sanctuary of God’s love.
We must be curious about what God has in store for us. So simply keep your firewall subscription up to date, and all will be fine.
So that’s it, right? Easy peasy –
Wrong. This is not the easiest thing.
In a society that thrives on fear and scarcity, we must remember God’s abundance.
Then stay curious about where to find it.
Because you are safe.
John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
To move through with curiosity and confidence – separating the inner voice of God from the nagging voice of fear – we are set free. And freedom is what we crave. This comes from connection.
I fear that we are struggling as a culture to experience deep connection not only to others but especially to God and to ourselves. To shed light on this, I would like to share a few things with you:
Glennon Doyle’s podcast, “We Can Do Hard Things”, recently highlighted work published by Australian Palliative care nurse, Bronnie Ware. Her “5 Regrets of the Dying” were shared. I was called to this because I, too, have expressed these regrets through life, and I am working to transform their relationship to my happiness and my suffering. In sharing them with you now, I want you to close your eyes and please raise your hand if you have said – or are saying – these things to yourself today.
I wish I had the courage to live life true to myself, not the one others expected of me.
I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.
I wish I had had the courage to express my feelings.
I wish I stayed in touch with my friends.
I wish that I had let myself be happier.
If you raised your hand for even one of these, I invite you – as my calling here today – to get curious about the subject. Is it your connection to expectations, work, feelings, relationships, or your inner self that needs your attention? What happens when you ask the question of “am I enough” and God answers, “Of course you are.” Can you hear it? Can you be still and know that you are safe? Can you stand upon your fertile, higher ground, and relying upon the legacy of your roots, can you reach up and out to shine your light? Can you redefine the perceived weakness?
Jesus said “I am the way and the truth”. He said, “follow me. Be curious with me. Trust me.” And God will be your refuge, your road, and your right. The truth is the fertile soil and earth upon which our roots grow deeper and allow the branches to extend up and out. We are strong and stable because of the truth (be still and know) and then we are set free by the truth to seek outward turning over a new leaf(stay curious) knowing we can always return to our core. Our faith. God’s work is ever present.
The thread of vulnerability is woven through each branch welcoming both feelings of being held (not restricted) and being seen as we grow and breathe life into ourselves and others. But we must stay curious. We must allow oxygen to breathe life into our souls.
In this Easter season as we approach Pentecost, we are reminded of the love, the faith, and the dedication that allowed Jesus to face his journey from life to death on the cross. We are then reminded of the love, the faith, and the dedication that defeated death in his resurrection. We are reminded that Jesus never walked alone, and he knew it. He walked each unbearable step in the knowing: He died for it. So that we may be set free. Even in the face of change, danger, opposition, or despair, God is with us just as God’s Holy Spirit held Jesus as he carried hope for you and me on his shoulders. God had his back – just as God has your back and mine.
