But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal Live ~Jude 20-21 (CEB)
“As our insensitivity to our own feelings grows, our lives often begin leaking all kinds of negative emotions. Without even realizing it, we go about feeling frustrated, unappreciated, resentful, exploited lonely, put upon, needy angry, and acting in ways that let these negative emotions overflow toward others. If we were in touch with our feelings, these emotions could be moments of truth for us, warning us that we are heading for trouble. They could be the raw material for soul-searching and meditative exploration of what is going on in our lives. When we are out of touch with our hearts, however, we fail even to notice our feeling, much less to receive and act on their important messages.” ~From The Journey from Misery to Ministry by Francis Dorff
I know personally what happens when I start shutting down my emotions. I begin to not know the truth in situations and begin to perceive harm coming from all directions. I become more and more isolated and begin to think myself a victim. I cannot be about God’s work if I am playing the victim. If I cannot be in touch with my own heart how can I reach out to other’s?
Heavenly Father, I thank You for loving me so much that You bring me out of the darkness. I also know that You allow the darkness to come again when I need to make the space to seek You once more. In those dark moments I know that You are with me walking beside me, wanting to show me the way, if only I ask. Help me to not be afraid of the darkness but to realize it is just a signal that it is time to search for Your light once again. Amen.
Pieces of the Puzzle 