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GraceNotes: Holding the Space for … Reflection
#62 — June 1, 2017 |
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God is a concept by which we measure our pain. — John Lennon Greetings, Inspired Seekers! Most of the time when I sit down to write this newsletter, I am inspired about the work of Spirit in this world in spite of the news and the tragedies we witness. And I am excited to share that inspiration with you. But today is different. Today there is only one question that pops up in mind and in my heart: How do you experience suffering? The suffering we experience as humans can take place on a grand world scale or on a deeply personal one; but we all experience it, regardless of our faith tradition. We experience this suffering as a holistic encounter with pain - physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual - in many different combinations. In the midst of that suffering, we face a larger question: How do we experience the Divine in those moments? How does God or Spirit or your Higher Power share that uncomfortable space with you? For that, in part, is how we define our God. And, in those moments, no matter how we experience that Sacred Spirit, we probably face the most honest definition of that Source. In those moments, Spirit brings many things including comfort, hope, healing, faith, questions and peace. The one thing a loving Source does not bring forth in times of suffering is judgment. We humans do a fine job of that all on our own. Those feelings of judgment come from a smaller power, not a Higher one. And our definition of God begins to look like a definition of Self. In moments of suffering, The Space for Grace is roomy, broad and deep, all-embracing and all-inclusive. In that holy space where suffering lives, there is no place for exclusion; when we find exclusion and judgment, we find ourselves sitting with ourselves rather than sitting with Spirit. We are our own creation rather than God’s creation and that is a lonely space. A dark space. A limiting space. Entering into that Space for Grace requires nothing more than to surrender that suffering over to the Holy One, as we define Him or Her. Suffering shares the heartspace with the hope of Spirit and the help that is there to claim. That is the essence of a Big God. And so, in a world where there is so much suffering, in our lives that have sorrows beyond measure, perhaps it is time to make sure we are not enslaved by the smaller power but, instead, fully entwined with the Higher One! Let’s make certain that our definition of God is not too small! Grace-Fully Yours, Monthly Affirmation: The Godspace is for all of us. I release my suffering into it and claim my healing and the healing for the world. The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington provides hope and healing to people of all spiritual traditions through coaching, rituals and sacred ceremonies. She can be reached at 215 260 1611 or at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com. |
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