Today’s Reflection
A RELUCTANCE TO ADMIT our weaknesses has several painful consequences. On the one hand, we often find ourselves living a lie. We hide behind masks of competence and self-sufficiency and pretend we are OK. We become actors in the drama of our lives, playing roles far removed from who we really are. People around us, especially those nearest and dearest to us, feel we have put up a barrier and that they cannot reach us or get close to us. This can isolate us from real contact and openness with others. Always pretending to have it together makes for lonely living, which can be very painful indeed.
– Trevor Hudson
One Day at a Time
From pages 7-8 of One Day at a Time: Discovering the Freedom of 12-Step Spirituality by Trevor Hudson. Copyright © 2007 by Trevor Hudson. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Think of a situation when you shared your feelings, even if they were not positive feelings. What was the results? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.
Ephesians 6:10, NRSV
This Week: pray for those who are learning a new skill. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers. Call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center website.
This week we remember: Rose of Lima (August 23).
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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6 Comments
I have found the beauty of transparency in the two small groups I am involved with for women’s Bible study. The second group, which I joined this past Fall, was bigger than my other group. I was pretty quiet the first several weeks. All the small groups meet the first half hour for a review of the passage and some commentary by one of the pastors or elders. At the end, the speaker encouraged transparency during the small group sessions. Towards the end of ours – I spoke up, mentioning what the elder had said. I was honest with my new diagnosis at the time, which was uncomfortable for me. The outpouring of emails and texts the next few weeks was incredible and so appreciated. I felt from the very beginning that the people at this church were “real” – and what I mean by that is there are no masks. Something I yearned for. So grateful for them and the continued, sustained support I am receiving from them now as I go with mom through this stage. It will be good to be with them on a consistent basis starting in two weeks.
Grateful for cooler temps yesterday and being able to open my windows for the evening. Grateful to be making headway with necessary tasks at school and still two more days to organize things before I see my students on Monday. Grateful for stillness in these early dark hours, for the sounds of nature filtering through my still open windows.
There are times when admitting weakness is tougher. Sometimes it depends on the person(s) you are admitting it to. Thankful that God is a ready and willing listener, knowing that makes it easier. Our weakness is God’s strength.
Very thankful that Erich has a job, it is a struggle here to find work that fits.
Between now and next spring much needs to be accomplished in order for the move to take place. Steadily measurable progress is being made. Thank You, Lord.
Prayers for safe and productive school years, God’s peace to those with health problems, help for those in need, resolution to problems, and God’s love, grace, and mercy to all. Thank You, Lord.
Comments no longer come. I have to look back at previous day’s posts, thankful that is possible, but it takes longer. You are all in my prayers.
As I have related previously, I am not able to show any weakness whatsoever in my current home situation. I feel like a deer in aa lion’s den, as in I would be attacked if I showed weakness or vulnerability.
Prayers that Erich is successful in his new job. Prayers for Robert and his continued heart strengthening excercise. Prayers for Anneliese and her ongoing pan.
Prayers for Jill and the new school year.
Prayers for Lou and her youngest daughter who is startiing her senior year of school. Prayers for her friend’s family and the deep sorrow they are experiencing.
Prayers for Betsy’s safety during travel.
Prayers for Andrea, her daughter and grandson. May calm and wisdom prevail.
Prayers for Connie and her wonderful ability to find much for which to be grateful.
Prayers for Mary and her parents. I pray they are all well.
Prayers for Marcy. I pray she and Roger are safe.
Tazzie is sleping on the electric blanket and under tthe fleece blanket. He and Chai have been playing together often lately. They chase each other, racing at top speed throughout the house and then turn and pay fight each other.
Prayers for you, the UR family, the only place I can be vulnerable and honest and my authentic self. Again, my deepest and sincere thank you
Thanks dear Julie!
My parents are both well.
Blessings
Thank you, dear Julie! I cherish your prayers and all UR prayers. Today my daughter, grandson and I had breakfast together and then I took the little guy to the zoo for a few hours.
I am thankful your kitties bring joy to you in the difficult situation you are in. I pray you will soon be free of ” the husband” and in a very good place. In the meantime, I pray for you to be strong and have good support. God bless.
I have always tried to live an “authentic” life. I find it hard to be in a situation where some in the family are not exactly truthful. An honest answer (or no answer) is not that hard, I don’t believe.
Thankful for:
the way my son keeps in touch so faithfully
my beautiful hanging basket
finding small clippers that I can use
Simple Life, Simple Joys
PTL
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