Loyalty

For your consideration…

Today’s message came in via a conversation from Mindfulness yesterday. A gentleman used immigration as an example of complex issues to which there are many sides. He spoke of conflicted loyalties.

Loyalty is defined as “a strong feeling of allegiance.” I think most of us agree that we value loyalty and would like to be considered loyal to those in in the various avenues in our lives. Certainly, if we admire someone we would expect loyalty to be part of their core character.

As in all things of value, being loyal it not always easy. Often we find ourselves conflicted. So then, we have to ask ourselves “why” are we conflicted and to “where do we owe our loyalty?”

Our message today tells us to first go back to judgment. Often judgment is what is controlling our loyalty. So the first thing we need to do is suspend judgment. Secondly, we need to notice where our authentic self stands. You know, the part of self that is always loyal to us and always feels love. Real loyalty always is from love. There can be no loyalty to anyone or anything without love.

Finally, when we are conflicted and feel we must make a choice, ask why? Why does a choice have to be made? Can we not love and be loyal to many things including ones that seem to be in conflict? Indeed, if we stop to think about it, who or what has ever been completely perfect and always right? Is it only perfection that deserves loyalty?

We are asked to let go of guilt and obligation and give our loyalty to what truly serves our highest good and the highest good of all.

That is the HOPE. And so it is.

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

-Affirm…“I am loved.”

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

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

-Drink lots of water.

-Take a good look at what deserves our loyalty.

What made me smile yesterday…

-Ahhh. Mindfulness.

-Funny Instagrams from moosepaws…pnw.

-Lots of little tasks done.

-An early bedtime.

Love, Blessings and Gratitude,

Rev. Chris