The beauty in going backwards

Going backwards to go forward

Some things I've learned in a new way over the last year:

--It is necessary at times to go backwards in order to move forward. To remember, and love, the person you were to be able to live more freely.

--Speaking forgiveness is stronger than just forgiving those who have hurt you.

--Prioritizing and re-prioritizing people into your life. Especially family.

--the importance of listening to your best friends.

I have had to jump in feet first into these realities. Man, has it been life-giving. My best friends have helped me to see the need to do these things, and I will forever be grateful for their love and support.

Dealing with, and ignoring, the guilt of not prioritizing some important friendships through the years, I have seen the beauty in re-establishing them. It has opened me up to getting through some of the tough things I've held on to.

Sometimes being vulnerable is more than opening up to others. It can also be necessary to be vulnerable with yourself. It has helped me to be more open to what I need in my life, the ways I fall short, and how to recognize the ways that people are speaking truth and love to me that I may not have been able to see in the past.

I have been blessed in many ways this past year. In maintaining, and prioritizing, the friendships I've been developing, as well as re-establishing, and growing, friendships that I haven't done a good job at in the past. 

But, more importantly, is working through how to prioritize my relationships with myself and with God. I'm still a huge work in progress, but I am constantly surprised but the ways God loves me into freedom.

I pray that you can find ways to open yourself up to more love and vulnerability. And that God will surprise you in ways unimaginable.

Sunday Prayer-Light overcomes the darkness

Lord Jesus, thank you for being the Light. Thank you for dispelling the darkness. Help us to remember all that you have you told us about the hope we can have in You. As we have a moment of light, joy, hope, and celebration in the midst of this season of penance, we thank you for the reminder that your suffering and crucifixion brings your Resurrection. Thank you for not allowing the darkness to overcome.

We praise you all of our days. Amen.

Praying through Lent: First Thursday reflection

I have always found today's daily readings to be not only a challenge to me, but also a great source of consolation and comfort.

The response, 'Blessed are they who hope in the Lord!' What else is there really? Hope! We have hope! The Lord has promised us so much, and had given us a path to Holiness! We should have hope that God makes everything beautiful, both successes and hardships.

The first reading is all about how following the commandments will lead to life: true, lasting, perfect, joyful life! 

"I call heaven and earth today to witness against you: I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the LORD, your God, heeding his voice, and holding fast to him. For that will mean life for you,

a long life for you to live on the land that the LORD swore he would give to your fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."

And then we have the Gospel reading in which Christ tells us that if we want to follow him we must deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow him.

Lasting life requires selflessness. It requires that we accept the crosses in our lives, and follow Christ. It is in being faithful to the Lord, that we find true peace and joy. But, it is hard. To deny ourselves takes work. God has known that. He gave us commandments to help us. The acts of penance: prayer, fasting and alms giving help us to get back on track. 

Let us take time this Lent to work hard on ourselves. And as we follow Christ to his crucifixion, we will be more open and ready to join him in his Resurrection.

Praying through Lent: Ash Wednesday

Prayer for Ash Wednesday:

   Lord Jesus Christ you gave your life for the salvation of all people. For you have been merciful to us, and have given us the way to joyful hope in you.

We beg you to pour your mercy on us while we journey through this season of prayer, fasting, and alms giving. We are all sinners, and desire to reform our hearts and lives so that we may receive your graces with our whole being. Help us to be humble in our words and actions. We seek to find you in the silence and to sharpen our faith through these acts of penance.

     During this Lenten season, may we be a blessing to others and ambassadors of your love, your sacrifice, and your mercy.  

"Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

We ask all of this in your most holy and perfect name. Amen.