Simply Soul Searching
HOW IS GOD LOVING ME – AND WHERE IS GOD LEADING ME?
WHAT DO I DO WITH MY ANGER? (#3)
PERSUADE, PROVIDE, PERSIST
Conquer the angry one by not getting angry;
conquer the wicked by goodness;
conquer the stingy by generosity,
and the liar by speaking the truth.
~ The Dhammapada
There are times when anger should move us to action, when we must defend what is right and just, when we must protest what is not. As I reflect on how I might take action this week, three ways come to mind: persuade, provide, and persist.
Jim and I have tried to persuade leaders into changing unjust attitudes and policies. We have written letters to representatives and elected officials, and we have spoken before county commissioners and school board members. Each time, our correspondence has not prompted a reply. Our speeches have not softened stances or impacted decisions. We have yet to hear someone say, “Oh, I see your point now, thank you!”
But even if Jim and I cannot persuade, we can provide. When we speak against injustice, we are providing companionship, alliance, and encouragement for our marginalized or oppressed friends–the ones who are quietly listening, who tearfully thank us afterward. We can also provide help through other ways (offering community support, raising awareness and understanding) for those whose needs are largely ignored and whose identities are demeaned.
And when we are unable to persuade leaders into changing their minds and attitudes, we can provide our gratitude and financial support for the ones who can be more influential–the like-minded political and spiritual leaders who share our values of justice, equality, and democracy; the ones who can be more persuasive through their position, community involvement, integrity, or eloquent speech.
Our ability to make a difference will also increase as greater numbers of us with smaller voices or lesser roles persist in bringing about change. Joining with others in a common cause provides us with the courage, camaraderie, and enthusiasm to take on the issues before us. Our persistence will convey our determination, our strength, and our unity as we work against the ills of our society. We can persist in prayer (Luke 18:1), in meeting together (Matthew 18:20), and in working for good (Galatians 6:9).
Jesus’s life was one of persistent action against injustice, oppression, and other societal issues, and his life serves as an example for us. He stood against biased and harmful political, social, and religious systems by modeling a different way. He protested by turning tables, but also with thought-provoking statements and at times, silence. Jesus persuaded his followers by modeling goodness against wickedness, simplicity and generosity against greed and power, and speaking truth against falsehoods and fabrications. He worked against unjust social systems by providing both help and hope for those who were poor, suffering, and marginalized. Jesus didn’t spend as much time trying to persuade the powerful, hard-hearted leaders of their day, but instead, provided his humble followers with loving guidance and eternal hope to live a better way.
Help me, God, to follow the ways of Christ as I work to make a good difference in this world; to persuade through loving kindness, to provide with faithful generosity, and to persist in eternal hope.
What do I do with my anger?
1. Begin with God.
2. Step out in faith.
3. Persuade, provide, and persist.
This is the last of my What Do I Do with My Anger? series. Take good care, my friends.
(Photo by Karen)
WHAT DO I DO WITH MY ANGER? (#2)
STEP OUT IN FAITH
The first step in our walk of faith is to stop our own works and rest in God’s love, wisdom and power.
~ T. B. Joshua
In last week’s post, I wrote about mindfully choosing to abide with God in these months of dark uncertainty and anger; to center in love and wait patiently for guidance. This has been a needful time to regather my spirit, comfort my hurt, confess my shortcomings, and seek holy perspectives. T. B. Joshua’s words have really resonated with me. But on a list of quotes about guidance * (where I found Joshua’s words), I read another quote that suddenly revealed my next step:
Decide that you are not going to stay where you are. ~ J. P. Morgan
These months of abiding in the darkness have been comforting, restoring–and necessary. But when does “abiding in God” become “holy” procrastinating? When is “patient centering” really an excuse to remain comfortable, or really a cover-up for lack of courage? Because in these months, I have been discounting or declining a few invitations to serve in new ways, keeping my fists clenched in frustration instead of opening my hands to serve. Am I truly deepening in patience and wisdom, or am I timidly avoiding the next step?
I decided to look up scripture verses that address procrastination, and this verse from Ecclesiastes spoke to my soul:
Whoever observes the wind will not sow,
and whoever regards the clouds will not reap.
Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NRSVUE)
I must remember that God does not expect perfection but humble and loving service… that taking one step is an opportunity to learn and grow in the exploration… that God and I can change directions if need be… and that waiting for perfect conditions (like the wind and clouds in Ecclesiastes) will only keep me from doing what I can–even from doing what I may be called to do.
My pastor and friend, Darick Biondi, recently shared with me an opportunity to spend time with adults who have special needs in a “SNAP” program hosted by another local church. I would not have envisioned myself serving this way–in an area outside of my main concerns and frustrations–but I am going to take that first step. Maybe doing something, maybe serving in an unexpected way, will be a starting point for the Spirit to transform my anger into more loving and beneficial acts of kindness.
What do I do with my anger?
1. Begin with God.
2. Step out in faith.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.
(Galatians 5:25 NRSVUE)
* https://www.azquotes.com/
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/
Photo by Karen
WHAT DO I DO WITH MY ANGER? (#1)
BEGIN WITH GOD
This week, I have seen many posts from friends, family, and other writers who share these feelings of frustration, sadness, depression, and anger that I am experiencing. I hope that my writing will help those of you who are struggling along with me today.
I am generally one who is peaceful, hopeful, gentle, and joyful; I am also one who worries, overthinks, and can be sensitive or defensive. Oh, but this anger is not a natural reaction for me! Even during some very difficult days of facing fears or foes, I have not felt this depth of anger I feel now. Anger in itself is not wrong, but when it affects my natural disposition and loving spirit, when I want to “kick back” or hate another, I know that it is not healthy.
So, I am regularly asking God, “What do I do with my anger?”
The first invitation came in a podcast I heard this week. A guest on Life with God, Mimi Dixon, quoted Catherine Doherty (a Russian-born Catholic activist):
“You must never lose track of keeping first things first: to love God and know God. Out of this focus on God, what follows is much prayer, thought, and meditation–and then action. Keeping first things first will put all of your works in the right proportion.” *
I found her words to be timely and wise.
Anger often unsettles us, blurs our focus, emboldens our defensive ego, and impels us to react hastily or ungraciously. Regularly centering ourselves in God–quieting in God’s goodness, seeking peace and humility, listening with patience–will equip us with more faithful perspectives and responses when anger arises.
Anger teaches us, too. Anger reveals what is most important to us, where our passions lie, and what issues should be our priority. We also learn how vulnerable we can be to outside influences; how fragile we are in this world. By keeping centered in God, we will mature in faith and character, discern the best way for us to serve, and rely on God for strength and courage.
Anger summons us to action; but again, our right action is found by loving God and letting God transform our anger for holy purposes. When we truly turn our focus on God, our lives will more visibly demonstrate God’s universal love, for we will we act and serve from that center of love, peace, and goodwill–as we work to right the wrongs, reconcile differences, and strive for the betterment of all humanity.
What do I do with my anger? I am to begin with God.
Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. (John 15:4 NRSVUE)
(In the next weeks, I will be sharing any new inspirations that come to me as I continue to ask God, “What Do I Do with My Anger?”)
* https://renovare.org/podcast/mimi-dixon-on-catherine-doherty
Photo by Karen
WHEN COMFORT COMES FIRST
The winter season is here in the northern hemisphere, and for many of us, the season is a fitting one for our personal heartaches, family sorrows, and genuine concern for our country and world. The daylight has lessened, the weather is cold and harsh, and a sense of isolation deepens as we shelter indoors. As my soul continues to abide in a time of darkness *, any glimmers of peace or hope feel fragile and fleeting.
But during the 12 Days of Christmas, I was blessed by the daily reflections offered at Cloister Notes with Dr. Almut Furchert.1 The spiritual meditations shared by Dr. Almut and Chuck Huff, PhD, were perfect for reading and reflecting in this time. At the end of the season, I wrote this note of thanks:
My hurting soul has felt nearly desperate to find hope and peace for this time; and here, I have found a quiet comfort that I sense will eventually lead to this hope and peace. In every post, I can feel your genuine humility, holy longing, deep compassion, and willingness to let the Spirit lead. Thank you.”
I am learning that a sense of comfort is an essential first step toward regaining peace and hope… that God works to restore our peace and hope by first providing comfort in times of discouragement, darkness, or despair.
When life caves in, you do not need reasons — you need comfort. You do not need some answers — you need someone. And Jesus does not come to us with an explanation — He comes to us with His presence.
~ Bob Benson
When problems or troubles can’t be quickly remedied, God’s comforting presence feels like a loving guardian who holds us and listens to our concerns, soothes our aching hearts, and eases our anxieties, so we feel understood and beloved. God’s comfort comes through the companions who sit with us in the darkness… who share our heartaches… who offer encouragement yet honor our silence… who cover us in prayer… who help us feel less alone… whose words sustain us… whose presence helps us to endure.
As we abide in the darkness, we are never alone. Infinite Love remains with us and in us. Infinite Love comes to us through compassionate and caring companions. We can cling to God and to one another until a bright light of hope and warm sense of peace may return once again.
Thank you for your companionship here.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV)
1 https://www.cloisterseminars.org/ or https://almutfurchert.substack.com
* https://simplysoulsearching.com/2024/12/12/8-an-advent-among-other-things-peace-through-darkness/
Photo by Jim Wicker (thank you, Honey!)
~~~~~~~~~~
Along with Cloister Notes, here are a few other excellent resources I have found comforting–I hope they will comfort you, too:
Substack:
Chasing the Blue Flower with Laura Boggess (https://laurajboggess.substack.com),
Coming Down to Earth with Barbara Brown Taylor (https://barbarabrowntaylor.substack.com/)
A Gathering of Spirits with Carrie Newcomer (https://carrienewcomer.substack.com/)
and she has beautiful music (listen to “You Can Do This Hard Thing” and “Another Day”)
Especially for writers and readers:
Nooks and Crannies (https://mailesilva.substack.com/)
The Courage to Live It (https://shawnsmucker.substack.com/)
Podcast:
Life with God (https://renovare.org/podcast)
“ONE VERY GOOD…”
Over the holiday break, I had the privilege of spending a day with my 5-year-old granddaughter. It was one of those days when I had no pressing obligations, no tasks that needed to be done, and so I felt attentive and present to our day together. We planned our day’s activities over a morning treat–a doughnut for her, coffee for me–and then set out to accomplish them. First, we dipped balls of cookie dough into colorful sugars, tucked them into the oven, and watched them spread into wider circles of color. We played several rounds of Hide & Seek, created a house with building blocks, colored a few pages from an old coloring book, and before going home, she made two special Christmas ornaments for their family tree. We had a simple, fun-filled day of love.
I worry for my grandchildren. I wonder what kind of world, what kind of future they will have, with many concerns for all of humanity and creation.
But today we shared one very good day.
~~~~~
My sister Janet is the main caretaker of our mom, whose awareness has diminished over her 99 years. Janet spends time with her nearly every day, takes her to appointments and family gatherings, assists with her eating, decorates her room with seasonal decor, gives her manicures, and shares family memories with photos and stories. Mom sleeps quite a bit and her memory is fading, but Janet continues to love and serve her well.
And sometimes Janet sees a smile of joyful recognition in one very good moment.
~~~~~
In September, two dear friends and I gathered at BGSU to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our freshman year, the year we first became friends. Over lunch, we shared the highs and lows of our lives since we were last together, and we affirmed our long friendship even as time and distance often keep us apart. As we then walked the campus, we laughed while recalling memories of our fun and silly times, observed the many changes and new buildings, and relished our reconnection after all this time.
After years apart, we were together for one very good afternoon.
~~~~~
These stories are forming a guiding motto for me in this new year. Life is often quite challenging, sad, lonely, frustrating, demanding. We cannot fix the world or solve every problem.
But today…
We can be joyfully present; we can cherish our time with loved ones to share one very good day.
We can be patiently compassionate; we can persevere in love to share one very good moment.
We can be gratefully reflective; we can reunite and remember in sweet friendship to share one very good afternoon.
We can enter each day with a determination to bring about “one very good…” for someone. We can watch for one very good opportunity to give someone a reason for hope, for peace, for joy, for gratitude.
And when we do, we may just find that our days are creating one very good life.
(Photo by Karen)
MY GUIDING WORD FOR THE YEAR: WONDER
Many of us know and share the practice of choosing a word for the year to guide our decisions and inspire our mindfulness. As I began to reflect and “wonder” what my word for 2025 might be, the word “wonder” suddenly resonated with me! WONDER will be my word for the upcoming year.
Wisdom begins in wonder. ~ Socrates
First, wonder as curiosity speaks to my spirit. I have been longing to learn new things, to explore new ideas, to grow and mature in wisdom and insight. I hope that when I wonder about something, I will make time to learn about that subject. I have already started making a list of a few topics to research: the history of West Virginia, more of the background and intention of the original writings of the Bible, and how to design gardens and landscapes that help the environment.
But then…
The possession of knowledge does not kill the sense of wonder and mystery. There is always more mystery. ~ Anais Nin
The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder. ~ Ralph W. Sockman
I find this to be so true! As I gain more knowledge about life, I increasingly marvel at God’s goodness, creativity, wisdom, and holy mystery.
And this leads to (most of all)…
Wonder encourages us to stand humbly before the unfathomable mysteries of human life, trusting that, in them, we encounter God. — Melanie Svoboda in Traits of a Healthy Spirituality
It takes grace in our time to keep our minds open to wonder, to be ready for the tug from God, the push from the Spirit, and the revelation of deep things from the hearts of ordinary people. It takes grace, but it is a great gift. — Lewis B. Smedes in How Can It Be All Right When Everything Is All Wrong?
Wonder as awe and amazement will help me to be more attentive to the goodness of God throughout all of creation; throughout the universe, earth, nature and wildlife, and people and moments. Even in this time of darkness within my soul, I hope that by centering in God’s mystery and majesty I will find deeper peace, consider life with greater and holier perspectives, and live to serve with courage and strength.
OPEN TO WONDER–A PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR
Holy Creator, Infinite Love,
Open my eyes to wonder…
that I might look upon stars and soil
mountains and valleys
oceans and springs
seeds and sprouts
and marvel at your creation.
Open my spirit to wonder…
how I might graciously
steward each of these
and everything that grows
in the incredible space between.
~~~~~
Open my heart to wonder…
that I might cherish this precious life
the miracle of new birth
the maturation of body and mind
the surrender into eternity
and marvel at the privilege of each day.
Open my spirit to wonder…
how I might generously
serve both young and old
and all beloved people
in the number of years between.
~~~~~
Open my faith to wonder…
that I might find your presence
in quiet prayer
in sudden insight
in meaningful conversation
and marvel at the nearness of you.
Open my spirit to wonder…
how I might gratefully
savor each awareness of you
both expected and surprising
in the infinite moments between.
Happy new year, dear friends.
(Photo by Karen)
16. CHRISTMAS DAYS AMONG OTHER THINGS: LOVE WITHOUT INDIFFERENCE
Friday, December 27th
The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference… The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.
~ Elie Wiesel
This birth is not to be taken lightly.
Almost every part of Jesus’ earthly life story is incredible–and should be life changing for us. From his humble birth, he lived a life of simplicity, he walked with integrity and faith (amid challenges and threats), he taught with wisdom, he showed us the way of radical love, he chose to forgive us all as he suffered and died, and through his resurrection, he revealed our eternal life. Jesus came in love, to show us love, so that we might live in love. As we celebrate his birth, as we celebrate that God is with us, we can rejoice with joyful gladness!
But this celebration is also an invitation…
Now that we have celebrated Jesus’ birth, will we put away our nativity crèches and get on with our usual lives? Or are we going to remember him with love, seek him with mindfulness, follow him with devotion, and serve him with joy?
Will we deepen in faith and wisdom?
Will we courageously listen and heed holy nudges?
Will we care for one another, forgive one another?
Will we challenge ourselves to do more in service to others?
Will we be sacred stewards of this creation?
Will we share the joy of beloved community?
The love of God in Christ is here with us. We are invited to embrace this love and live AS his love in the world. May we accept this invitation humbly, wholeheartedly–and always, lovingly.
Happy Days of Christmas, dear friends. This is the last post of the series, An Advent Among Other Things. Thank you for joining me on this journey!
(Photo by Karen)
15. CHRISTMAS DAY: LOVE AS HOPE, PEACE, AND JOY–FOREVER
Wednesday, December 25th
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven…!” (Luke 2:13-14)
“For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.” In the last few weeks of Advent, I have had a deep and emotional reaction when I pray this last sentence of the Lord’s Prayer. I am overcome with the trusting hope that God’s loving kingdom will remain, even when these present days are upsetting. I find the sweet peace that God’s power will abide, the power that will strengthen us, help us persevere, and guide us to do the next right thing in every future day. Finally, I have the incredible joy–and my tears flow–as I envision the glory of God in bright and radiant love–for eternity!
The gifts of Advent hope, peace, joy, and love overwhelm me, all because of a tiny baby born those many years ago. The gifts of God in Christ restore my faith and extend my vision beyond any present darkness. Because of Jesus’ lowly birth, his humble life, and his servant heart, we can live in the wondrous, beautiful, glory of God, right now… and forever.
Yours is the kingdom…
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them and be their God;
he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.”
And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.”
~ Revelation 21:3-5
Yours is the power…
I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
~ Ephesians 3:18-21
Yours is the glory…
For it is the God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
~ 2 Corinthians 4:6
Forever…
Love never ends.
~ 1 Corinthians 13:8
Happy Christmas, dear friends.
(Photo by Karen; all Bible verses are NRSVUE)
14. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: LOVE OVER EXCLUSION
Monday, December 23rd
This past spring, when I and several others spoke before our county commissioners to defend our local Pride event (for the LGTBQ+ community), one woman yelled out to us, “We just don’t want you to go to hell!”
As much as I found her concern presumptuous and misguided, I knew that she sincerely meant what she said; she felt it was her responsibility to keep us from defending what she believed would lead to our condemnation. In a way, I actually felt sad for her. I wondered what it would be like to live in such a fear of God–to not only live in fear for my personal life but to be responsible for everyone else’s.
I am very grateful to understand that God has lovingly created this world with unique and beautiful diversity. The love of Christ comes to us as God’s hope for universal love and unity, and as God’s desire for mutual acceptance and understanding. This love is God’s presence with us, displayed each time Jesus encouraged the marginalized, lifted the oppressed, helped the suffering, comforted the mourning, and welcomed the stranger. This love is God’s wisdom shared in the teachings of Jesus, about being blessed in our own brokenness, being humble in our judgments, and being generous in our lovingkindness.
This gracious, liberating love is our eternal love and joy, right here and right now, the love and joy we can experience each time we speak, encourage, or help another, each time we follow the ways of Jesus, and each time we remove the boundaries of exclusion to welcome another in.
Thank you, God, for Jesus and for your loving relationship with us, an everlasting love to savor and to share, here and now.
(Photo by Karen)
13. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: LOVE IN CHRIST
Sunday, December 22nd
(For my spiritual reminder this week, I plan to place my hand over my heart and pray, “I hold you in my heart, Jesus.”)
We are now very close to Christmas Day, and Love is the perfect focus for such a time. The love of God shown through Jesus is what brings us our hope, peace, and joy.
Back in January, I chose Cherish as my guiding word for the year. I had intended to be mindful of cherishing and savoring my life, my health, God’s presence, and the blessings of each day. Now as I review the year, I notice that the intended purpose for my word was gradually reversed. More than my efforts to cherish my days, I felt God cherishing me in my days.
I sensed God’s presence cherishing me with every meaning of the word. Merriam Webster defines cherish as to hold dear, to feel or show affection for, to keep or cultivate with care and affection, to harbor in the mind deeply and resolutely. Throughout the year, I felt God dearly holding me through the difficult days, showing affection with many surprising joys, cultivating my spirit with care through lessons and insights from life experiences, and never abandoning me, but harboring me deeply and resolutely.
This Christmas, may we remember and celebrate the Love of God that is with us and cherishes us through all of life. The Love that holds us, helps us, heals us, and hallows us (makes us holy).
I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:16-19 NRSVUE)
Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Corinthians 16:14 NRSVUE)
May we feel loved and be love this week.
Photo by Karen
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