[Note: From time to time some of the resources on this site come from a more personal world-view. I do not claim to have a monopoly on truth. This is just a point of view. If this does not serve you I hope you are able to find other resources on the site that speak to you.]
Here is a quote from one of the many newsletters I am subscribed to:
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- In order to let suffering transform us, we must let it take us to the edge of our own inner resources where alone we can “fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31), even against our will. We must pray for the profound grace of this second stage of softening and opening in the presence of suffering.
My personal opinion is that this is the very meaning of the phrase “deliver us from evil” in the Our Father (the Lord’s Prayer). We aren’t asking to avoid all suffering. It is more that we pray, “when the big trials come, God, hold onto me, and don’t let me turn bitter or blaming—an evil that leads to so many other evils. When I am led to the edge of my own resources may I fall into YOU, who are my true and lasting Source.”
Excerpted and adapted from “Opening the Door: Great Suffering and Great Love”
from “The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See”
by Fr. Richard Rohr
Which leads me to tap:
I know that through out this day I am going to face trails and struggles…some will be created by the situation…while others will be created by my choices…some will be big and some will be small…the emotions I feel in these moments will be real…but I know that they will not all reflect the truth…I pray that I am able to recognize in every trail and struggle that I face…that I am able to see this as another moment of healing…I am not seeking out struggle for the sake of growth…but know that in these moments of struggle I will be given the opportunity to heal and grow…help me on this day not to give way to bitterness…hopelessness…and…disconnection from the love of God…give me vision to see God’s presents in all moments…help me to know that God’s love is not something I need to seek…but that it is full here…and I need to simply accept it…I know that struggle can make me jaded and bitter…preventing me form not only miss God’s love in this moment, but the next as well…struggle is not the enemy…bitterness is…I can make loving choices in the middle of struggle…it is hard for me to make loving choices in the midst of my own bitterness…help me not to dismiss struggle…but to see it for what it truly is
Hi Gene
I love that you put yourself out in your website powerfully and fully. I love that you are personal sometimes. Your heart and compassion shine through, always.
May you be free from bitterness today and know peace.
Best wishes
Claire
This is such a powerful piece, thank you.
I suspect that it is possible to become addicted to bitterness and struggle, to secretly desire and seek out these aspects of life and to forgo ease, help and comfort when they really are a matter of choice.
wouldn’t it be great to anchor in the feeling of all encompassing grace and love, to be able to access this at any time we notice a tendency to hang onto the struggle or give energy over to this strategy that we run
I hence forth declare, from this day forward I will no longer willingly particpate in the struggle strategy,… I will immediately switch to the point of grace … I will stop and connect to this positive energy … I will accept the gifts that are mine in this moment … I will honour my truth … I will say my name, and remind myself that the energy of grace is mine now … and fill my heart and soul with this loving power … I will be gentle, loving and accepting … and then I will move forward assured of a deep connection within to grace and love … I will speak and listen with this in my heart and mind … I will connect to others with this in my hands and voice … I will walk and breathe in the glow of grace
Kathy – you are so right about “I suspect that it is possible to become addicted to bitterness and struggle” It is very easy for us to get attached to these emotions for so many reasons.