"There is no fear in love." Today I explore what fear and love feel like in our bodies. Which do you choose today?
“For me, the proof has always been in the pudding. If this stuff didn’t work, why would I keep doing it?” This argument was refreshing compared to much of the sensationalism I had previously heard about Jesus.
It was my second year in Korea and the darkest of my adult life. I was at my mentor’s house, and as she scooped warm quinoa, sweet potato, black bean chili into my bowl, I asked, “So...what works?”
“The way God teaches us to live. It works better than any other way I’ve seen. As I’ve remained faithful to the teaching of God and chosen to have faith in his love and grace, I’ve received joy and peace that nothing can threaten. It’s amazing.”
“What does he teach?”
“To trust him. I’ve found it’s a better way. It’s crazy that somehow his work is through us humans, but it’s never just one of us. It’s all of us, as we depend on him together. A real mystery, but look at how long it’s been working. Humans may fail, but God’s work through humanity is alive, active, and here among us. Has been for centuries.” I noted her peace and steadiness, remaining intrigued and skeptical.
Fear and scarcity don’t feel good. Trusting in Love feels much better. Once I stopped asking myself to create or control energy, but just relax and receive it, it flowed into me, through me, out of me.
Around this time, I began practicing three simple, wonderful words: I was wrong. Admitting that I was wrong freed me to receive a new perspective. I began to really believe reorientation is one of life’s greatest gifts! We do not need to continue to practice things that do not help us to be well.
In time, I’ve learned:
Being well is:
a daily practice
a willingness to relearn
choosing vulnerability
living responsively
adapting to today’s circumstances
receiving and giving in community
courageous
Being well is NOT:
controlling the uncontrollable
neglecting that which is yours to steward
seeking perfection
crafting image beauty
dichotomous thinking (us/them, good/bad, right/wrong)
gripping onto certainty
achieved alone
I began practicing three simple, wonderful words: I was wrong.
As I sit here today, I see coronavirus stripping our nation bare. The shortcomings of our systems are exposed: the fragility of our economy, the inequities of our society, the corruption of our political system, and the inadequacies of our medical care. Statisticians are calculating numbers our minds struggle to comprehend. We try to tell ourselves not to be afraid, but our minds persist. Will we deflate seeing our human insufficiencies or will we call on the name of Love who is sufficient in all things?
One of my favorite artists, William Matthews, on his album Kosmos, includes this interlude:
“I started listening to lots of different people, and I found that none of us know what we’re doing… I feel like humanity is collectively waking up saying, ‘We’re here. What does this mean? You’re here, too, and I don’t know what to do with you… so I’m either going to be afraid of you, or I’m going to bring you closer.’”
As I’ve meditated on the human body as an ecosystem this week, I’m struck by how the systems are united and respond to one another. The lungs, veins, nerves, and intestines all listen to one another and communicate. They share the same mind, same mission: to keep the body alive and well.
The future is not yet decided.
Are we willing to be an ecosystem? This pandemic requires that we work together. Are we open to receiving energy from one another as we inhale and exhale, listen and choose, feel and move, think and act, cultivate and connect, receive and give?
On a walk just now, I asked God how we should respond to the escalating situation in the U.S. today. Even asking, it became immediately clear: we must pray. That is the only way that each of us will know the best way to use our power today. Depend on Love to guide each of us to what we can do today. No matter what statisticians may say, the future is not yet decided. Who are we to claim certainty over that which does not yet exist? May we receive the energy we need to tackle today and the wisdom to know where to direct it.
Some days (like today), when I feel stuck in fear, I’ve found the best way to get well again is to give! Because when I do, I remember that everything I have, I’ve received anyway. Giving catalyzes wellness even better than breathing.
Some days, when I feel stuck in fear, I’ve found the best way to get well again is to give! ... Giving catalyzes wellness even better than breathing.
A friend of mine and I this morning identified three active ways we can give of our energy this week:
Use our voices to persuade people to stop moving as best as possible (SHELTER-IN-PLACE, so as to not overload our hospitals in the coming weeks).
Financially assist those who are affected by the collapsing economy. Show them that Love is near. We are not alone.
And in the meantime, respond to those who are emotionally affected, including ourselves
Today, we can choose to reorient. We can choose to listen. We can choose to act rationally. As we adapt to the needs of our society in the days, weeks and months to come, we will continue to steer together. We will get through this. We will advocate for the oppressed. Love will guide us.
Are you willing to commit to keeping the body alive and well today (yours as well as ours)? Will you join me in this mission to steer in love?
May we listen and respond to the voice of Love as we wait for goodness to come.
We are together, and we are ready for what is ahead.
God will give us all that we need as we steward our energy in love.
Peace be with you all, and as always, be well.