How do you usually react to roadblocks, problems and unexpected chaos? I have spent far too much time internalizing the unfortunate events that have happened. I’ve felt guilty and ashamed that I do not measure up to what God expects, meriting another lesson to whip me into shape. I often thought Gkd was distant, leaving us to flounder or suck it up. But Jesus never advised the disciples of that mindset. He echoed all that was taught in the Old Testament, welcoming any and all who search for Him. Our Triune God I’d very present and with us.
“Over the years, I have come to realize that the greatest trap in our life is not success, popularity, or power, but self-rejection. Success, popularity, and power can indeed present a great temptation, but their seductive quality often comes from the way they are part of the much larger temptation to self-rejection. When we have come to believe in the voices that call us worthless and unlovable, then success, popularity, and power are easily perceived as attractive solutions. The real trap, however, is self-rejection. As soon as someone accuses me or criticizes me, as soon as I am rejected, left alone, or abandoned, I find myself thinking, "Well, that proves once again that I am a nobody." ... [My dark side says,] I am no good... I deserve to be pushed aside, forgotten, rejected, and abandoned. Self-rejection is the greatest enemy of the spiritual life because it contradicts the sacred voice that calls us the "Beloved." Being the Beloved constitutes the core truth of our existence.” - Henri J.M. Nouwen
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