Free

For your consideration…..

Don’t you love this quote? Who would not wish for a brave heart, fierce mind and free spirit?

Some might say they have that. at least most of the time. I would. But I would also say I falter. I back slide. That is what today’s message is about.

Our message today says that it is easy to get caught up in “ties that bind us.” Often they come disguised as exactly what we are looking for.

We seek our own truth and we seek validation so we search for like-minded people and organizations. This is not a bad thing. We should surround ourselves with support for our truth and life purpose. The problem comes in when being part of the friendship, organization etc. is not entirely conducive to our truth, what we believe and who we are.

No one person or organization is 100% correct 100% of the time. We know this yet we often ignore it. ignore our truth for the sake of belonging. Political parties, PACs, community organizations, churches etc. all have something they represent. They have a set of guiding principles. We join them because they align with our own.

The question today is what happens when we don’t agree with their choices or decisions. Assuming we have listened without judgment and given full fair consideration and we realize we are at odds….we don’t agree on a stance or action….now what? This is where the real truth is revealed. Any person or organization that says it is my/our way or the highway is not worth our time, talent and heart. Period. Quality people/organizations value truth. They can face differences of opinion in the light. They value them.

I have volunteered for many charity organizations. Some see differences as strengths and others as weaknesses. I have at various times joined women’s groups and found the same thing. They simply cannot tolerate any beliefs that are different so they disassociate themselves from those women or groups. In the end the women’s movement suffers because of intolerance when tolerance, love and support are the very things a woman’s heart has to offer the world. Peace, unconditional love, unconditional support, ready and welcoming arms are the gifts of the spirit of women. Any organization that can not support that can not fully represent women.

We are reminded today to stay true to our sacred truths and to keep our hearts, minds and spirits free. We have a choice. We always have a choice. We are reminded today to never sacrifice the freedom of our hearts, minds and spirits.

That is the HOPE.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take….

-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”

-Drink lots of water.

-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.

-Unleash your free heart, minds and spirits on the world.

What made me smile yesterday….

-A mindfulness class in Saline.

-Lunch with Kathy.

-A fun trip to TSC.

-A chat with Alex, great dinner and a good book in the evening.

Love, Blessings and Gratitude,

Rev. Chris