Discard Human Suit

 

"Think of everything you've ever experienced that was painful;

that's the meaning of Good Friday. Think of all the ways that

love ultimately healed your heart; that's the meaning of Easter."

Marianne Williamson

The reference to the death of Jesus as Good Friday has always seemed offensive to me. Was it not a painful day filled with violence and death? How is this classified as being 'good'? In addition to my quandary, who knows if it were actually a Friday! Perhaps we need to prioritize and seek deeper significance.

Death on the cross was chosen brutal action against an innocent. It was men being barbaric based on false information. And I sit here today, wondering how it is that man continues to persecute others based on false perceptions.Why have we not learned and implemented peaceful ways? If God has made all of us in 'his' image, how in the world have we strayed?

Jesus believed in after life, or so I have been taught. So hopefully his spirit immediately left his physical body to return to a soul's existence. He said that we would all do the same. When it is time for me to discard my human suit, I do hope my doubts will be lifted as I gain greater understanding in the horrific actions of my fellow man.

Power Within Me

"Something amazing happens when we surrender and just love.  We melt 

into another world, a realm of power within us.  The world changes 

when we change. The world softens when we soften.  

The world loves us when we choose to love the world.

Marianne Williamson

In sixth grade, my teacher entered a mark under the behavior heading on my other wise exceptional report card.  The check was by the statement, "Does not keep profitably busy."  In that moment of discovery, feelings of humiliation, shame, and even anger pulsed through my young heart.  

This experience shadows me, creating anxiety when life offers unexpected free time.  Pressure  builds as I try to justify how I live my life.  How can I appropriately display wise use of God given time on this precious earth?

Once I surrender to the power in me, my fears melt into love.   With compassion, I release the criticism of others, knowing they do not  see the murals I have painted replacing my shadows, nor do they read the cherished words scrawled across my heart.  My sharp edges have been softened and I easily hold light for this changing world.  I have found strength in the realm of power within me.