In The Darkness, Shine More Light

In The Darkness, Shine More Light

         Sometimes we go through challenging times and it darkens many areas of our lives, but when we rely on our Support Group changes can happen. To brighten the situation may require us to shine more of our own light.

Ernest Hemingway once said:  “In our darkest moments, we don’t need solutions or advice.  What we yearn for is simply human connection — a quiet presence, a gentle touch. These small gestures are the anchors that hold us steady when life feels like too much.”

“Please don't try to fix me.  Do not take on my pain or push away my shadows.  Just sit beside me as I work through my own inner storms.  Be the steady hand I can reach for as I find my way.  It's a quiet reminder that I'm not alone in this vast sometimes frightening world.  Hold my hand until dawn helping me to remember my strength!”

When the words of another inspire us, we’re energized toward quite a direction, maybe beyond any we previously thought possible.  To shine any more light could be the spark someone needs getting them to the next level that achieves progress.

Being the thrust a person requires might result in phenomenal things we may not have envisioned.  If our light-shining is effective, then the ways to influence those within our environment make great strides.  Shine on!

Wired To Be Replenished

Wired To Be Replenished

         When we get injured or cut, the healing begins almost instantly, and maybe feeling better begins soon after.  To get physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually fed and hydrated makes a significant difference in so many ways.

         Being hungry and thirsty we seek to fill those needs.  Nourishment is filling us to a balanced level, maybe to a point that we can be a blessing to someone else.

         In areas of love and caring we look for connections as well as viable relationships.  I was recently reminded about ‘tudes taught like Beatitudes and gratitude.

         Inspiring and energizing others can enliven them as well as us.  Our outreach could make goodness happen to uplift a person from their grief or sadness.

         We don’t even have to say a word, just being there beside them may be enough.  To refill their void might restore the wholeness they’re seeking bringing a smile to brighten complexions.  Just be there, and be joyful.

Missionary in Poway/U.C.

Missionary in Poway 

Written March 1998, in the St. Michael Church Youth Voice newsletter

In August, 1990 after being laid-off from a job. I considered some different opportunities.  I thought it was an opportune time to go to some other country and do some missionary work.  After ]raying about it I thought about what leaving would mean, moving away from family and friends.  And the prospect of that seemed scary.

Then a friend encouraged me to contact Tammy(Hanks Mansir), and help with the Youth Ministry activities here at St. Michael.  That began the journey of living my faith, and sharing my faith amongst you in this community.  Through this I realized that God was calling me to be a missionary, but not to some far off hand, rather to the people of St. Michael and all my other environments.

Some people are called to carry God's message a great distance, but most of us are simply to bloom where we are planted.  God will use you wherever you are, if you are willing to answer, "Here I am, Lord!"

As a missionary I have been God's messenger, but as a person of faith I have also had times when I've grown in that faith because of you.  It could be through direct contact, or indirect contact like praying for you or sharing a story that somehow touched your life.

Looking back I see that for the most part I have chosen to be comfortably holy. But God wants us to go beyond our perceived limitations and be uncomfortably holy.  That point of uncomfortable holiness can only be defined between each of us and God.

Jesus said the greatest gift one can give is to lay down your life for a friend.  Each time we put another's needs ahead of our own needs, wants, and desires we are giving up a part of our life for a friend.  Jesus said, "Love one another as I have loved you."

It takes a lot of strength, courage, and love to be that giving.  When we have Jesus' presence touch us the effect is like an overflowing cup.

Another key to the role of a missionary is humility. I had to let go of my selfish wants and put myself in God's hands. But it was and continues to be a struggle.  Many times I want to do it my way, or I know what's right.  So God just waits for me to come back and seek guidance to follow His will.

Saying, "yes," to God's missionary work for me has also led to incredible spiritual growth, yet still I'm yearning for more.  God's calling you too!

Missionary in U.C.

Written March 2996, in the (Our Mother of Confidence) Youth 4-1-1 newsletter

 

In 1990, after being laid-off from a job, I considered some different opportunities.  I thought it was a time I could go to some other country and do some missionary work.  After praying about it, I thought about what leaving would mean; moving away from family and friends.  The prospect of that seemed scary.

Then a friend encouraged me to help with their youth ministry activities (at St. Michael, in Poway).  That began a journey of living my faith, and sharing my faith in that community.  Through those experiences I realized that God was calling me to be a missionary, but not to some far off land, rather to the people of St. Michael and all my other environments.

My environments for missionary work also include Our Mother of Confidence (since 1992, in University City) and directly with the Youth Ministry Program since January 2005.

Some people are called to carry God's message a great distance, but most of us are simply to bloom where we are planted.  God will use you wherever you are, if you are willing to answer, "Here I am Lord!"

As a missionary I have been God's messenger (as you are), but as a person of faith I also grow in my faith because of you.  It could be through direct contact, or even indirectly, like praying for each other or sharing a story that somehow touched our lives.

Most of the time I've chosen to be comfortably holy.  But God wants us to go beyond our perceived limitations and be uncomfortably holy.  That point of uncomfortable holiness can only be defined between each of us and God.

Jesus said the greatest gift one can give is to lay down your life for a friend.  Each time we put another's needs ahead of our own needs, wants, and desires, we are giving up a part of our life for a friend.  Jesus said, "Love one another as I have loved you."

It takes a lot of strength, courage, and love to be that giving. When we have Jesus' presence touch us, the effect is like an overflowing cup, blessing many around us.

Another key to the role of a missionary is humility.  I had to let go of my own selfish wants and put myself in God's hands.  But it was and continues to be a struggle.  Many times I want to do it my way, or I know what's right. So God just waits for me to come back and seek guidance to follow His will.

My "Yes," to follow God's way includes a faith connection with all of you.  And I am blessed by that!

I’ll Stand Close, and Raise ______

I’ll Stand Close, and Raise ______

         When someone is in need and we’re close enough to help, there is an opportunity to raise the temperature if a person is cold, to raise someone’s spirit if they are sad, inspire another who needs it, etc..  Being in another’s Support Group offers encouragement and assistance to reach a level that goes beyond what may have been imagined.

        If we’re in need, we also have to be willing to accept the help of other people, so that we can progress forward.  To expect assistance may be so challenging if we block the way for someone to be the giver.

        To be one who lifts a person to levels that achieve tremendous results can be a blessing and a step toward incredible hope.  For us to stand close to the needy could show caring, kindness and compassion, uplifting others as well as ourselves.

        A Support Group is so important to each of us, to get past our issues, to points that brighten our paths.  Closeness can be a phenomenal boost for so many that are connected.

        Terrific results would come from beneficial links that are established by any unions to transform participants.  I can do amazing things in lives of another by just doing forward thinking tasks.  Be Supportive, Lift Others Up! 

When It Comes To Sharing (Giving), Some Stop At Nothing

When It Comes To Sharing (Giving), Some Stop At Nothing

 

Originally written October 2007, in OMC's Faith in-Formation newsletter

On September 30th our Gospel reading (Luke 16: 19-31) was about Jesus telling the story of a rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus.  The rich man didn't even notice Lazarus' needs, even though the begging was happening so close to where he lived.

         Jesus told this story to show how we relate to others affects our fate in eternal life. It's important to treat each other in kind and caring ways.  Our actions help to build up connections and strengthen the bonds between each of us and other people, as well as the ones with God.  Many of the lessons that Jesus taught are about sharing and giving, because it is a topic we need to hear about over and over again.

         The title of this story actually has two meanings, the way I see it one is being like the rich man in the Gospel story who gave nothing to the poor at his door, and who's focus was self-centered. The other is very generous, and nothing stops them from sharing and giving.

         We all see the needs of others everyday, everywhere.  "Begging" comes to us in very different ways. Those needs could be for food/drink, clothing, attention, friends, and many more ways you could suggest.  Some of the needy are far away or close, even crossing our path directly.

         But how do we respond to the needs of those people God brings to us?  Some are easier to help than others.  Will we stop at nothing? Or will nothing stop us from being the kind and caring people Jesus challenges and expects us to be.

         It takes work to become aware of the needs of others around us.  It takes effort, choices and actions to see the "begging" and respond.  I think one of the things Jesus will ask us is "What needs did you see?" and "In which ways did you stop at nothing?"

Walked Smack Dab Into ______ - An Epiphany

Walked Smack Dab Into ______

-    An Epiphany

     When we encounter something, there’s a realization of relevance that is made apparent to our senses.  Then we’re presented with a “What do I do with this?” scenario.

        And if we face a time when our way gets lost or obstacles block the path to clarity, then we need something to give us that forward pushing.  Thank the person who rekindled your light, and restarted your flame.

        Moving toward improvement, we can appreciate anyone who inspired, energized and motivated us.  The brightened vision highlights the way our viewpoint is formed and makes our decisions ones that are enhanced.

        We are all wired to ______, with healing and positivity on the horizon.  When our calling becomes known, nothing can stop us.  And anything that we’re challenged with may lead us to incredible results.

        Being made aware of a situation reality could reveal magnificent items that maybe we weren’t sensing previously.  The jump-start we experience may be what’s needed to take us to levels thought impossible.  Be Present – stay aware and become a gift to another.