iandthoureflections

Finding the Sacredness in Tragedy – Part 3: Cain & Abel (Continued)

*Image Credit: Creative Disciple Making by Jacob Abshire*

In Part 1, we explored the forever heartbreaking loss of lives and dreams in the Story of the Challenger. This story prompted us to identify two questions we often ask ourselves when tragedy strikes.

“Where was God?” and “Why did this have to happen?”

Then, in Part 2, we read a few sections of the biblical narrative of the Story of Cain and Abel. There, we saw Divine intervention. God spoke directly to Cain. We learned that Cain was angry, which led us to believe that anger impacted his decision to kill his brother. We don’t know whether Cain’s anger was toward God, his brother, or perhaps both. Part 2 ended with the tricky question, “Why did God let this happen?” We will use this question as a springboard to further explore the sacredness that is so often found in tragedy.

The Essence of Sacredness

Let’s begin with sacredness.

Sacredness is hard to describe. But I’ll give it a go. Sacredness is how we identify something or someone that has been touched, directly or indirectly, by the Divine or the Divine appointed, like angels.

Did you know there are one hundred twenty-six references to “sacred” in The Bible? Here are a few of the thirty-one words described as sacred:

Sacred Stones
Sacred Gifts
Sacred Anointing Oil
Sacred Food
Sacred Gems
Sacred Cities
Sacred Mountains

Sacredness has something to do with worship, reverence, and holiness. Let’s look at this passage where God talks to Moses.

“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and Jacob.”
At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.
Exodus 3:5,8

Even tough the word “sacred” does not appear here, I would describe Moses’ experience as sacred. Would you? Moses was in God’s presence on Mount Sinai, where he stood on holy ground.

What Else is Sacred?

The Catholic Church has seven sacraments – Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion, Confession, Marriage, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick. Each of these experiences is sacred.

One might say that sacredness is part of the whole.

It is in life. It is in death.

And it is everything in between.

Sacred Ground

Sacredness lies within each of us.

Our ancestors made it possible for us to be on this earth. Whether we remember one, two, or three generations, they have influenced us. Their sacrifices were for us to have the life we have today. Let that sink in.

Their final resting place is on sacred ground. Why? Inside each of us is a tiny part of God. God is holy, and hence, by the laws of genetics, we are sacred, too.

Probing Questions

“Where does the sacredness reside in this story of Cain and Abel?”

What can we learn from this?

This story tells us the very nature of God. It is a snapshot from birth to death.

God creates Adam and Eve.
Eve gives birth to two sons.
God rejects Cain’s offering.
Cain murders Abel.
Cain lies to God.
God gives grace to Cain and shows him mercy.

Embracing the Mystery

Despite life’s adversities and unanswered questions, we find solace in God’s presence. Knowing God is with us in our trials and tribulations gives us peace. When we mourn, God mourns. When we are joyful, God is joyful. How we see God is how others see us. Let that sink in. Pause to reflect on that.

Like the birds in the air, God feeds them. And we are more valuable than birds. (Matthew 6:26)

As we reflect on family tragedies, The Challenger disaster, and other calamities, may we ask God to take away our pain and sorrow as we grapple with these life-and-death questions.

Our human mind can’t fully understand the Divine, and that is okay. That is where the sacredness lies. A mystery, if you will. Continue to ask questions. The very question of existence may just reveal itself to you.

In Part 4, we will look at the Story of Noah through the eyes of the sacredness of tragedy.

#Cain&Abel #Sacredness #Tragedy #LifeQuestions

Finding the Sacredness in Tragedy – Part 2: Cain & Abel

*Image Found: haelantherapies.com (Source Unknown)*

When adversity strikes, the wounds can be deep.

Today, we will examine the questions we might ask ourselves when tragedy attacks.

In the face of such pain, people find themselves grappling with profound questions such as:

“Where was God?” and “Why did this have to happen?”

Every day, lives and dreams disappear in the twinkling of an eye. In Part 1, we saw how they disappeared the moment the O-rings failed following the launch of the Challenger space shuttle.

Life is truly short.

We turn now to the Old Testament.

The Story of Cain and Abel

Two brothers.
One jealous.
One not.
One life.
One death.

In the fourth chapter of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, we learn of the tragic tale of Adam and Eve’s family. They have two sons, Cain and Abel. Then, one day, in a fit of jealousy, Cain kills his brother Abel.

Let’s read a few verses.

In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.
The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor.
So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.
Genesis 4:3-5

“Where was God?” and “Why did this have to happen?”

We really don’t know. Cain may have felt God’s absence, which may have fueled the fire. Yet, there is no doubt that Cain was angry. But we don’t know how furious he was or what type of anger management issues he may have had.

Which brings us more questions than answers.

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”
“I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.”
Genesis 4:9-10

After God asks Cain what he has done, Cain lies. God banishes Cain from his presence and makes him a wanderer. And that is the end of the story.

So, these questions remain:

Where was God when Cain killed Abel?
Why did God let this happen?
Where is the sacredness in this story?

Like in all tragedy, God is there. Right? I tend to think, yes. Yet, many people may feel that God is no where to be found during difficult times. This theme will be woven throughout this series. In this Story of Cain and Abel, God was in the midst. Smack in the middle! As we see in the dialogue between God and Cain.

Another compelling question to consider, not listed above, in the Cain and Abel story is: “What made one offering more acceptable to God than the other?” This question might get at the heart of the matter, “Why did God let this happen?” Perhaps God’s favoritism toward Abel was the trigger for his murder.

Favoritism

If you ask siblings if their parents had a favorite, I’m pretty sure most of the time, a sibling would be able to “name” the favorite. It could be the oldest, the youngest, or the one who was the most “obedient” child. But let’s flip this a bit. How would you feel if you weren’t the favorite? Pause and think about it.

Before we leave the hot topic of “favorites,” consider this: How would you feel if God favored someone over you? This situation seems to take it up a notch, doesn’t it? And, in a roundabout way, it brings us back to one of the initial questions.

A Tricky Question

“Why did God let this happen?” A tricky question, for sure. Why does God let any tragedy happen? Cain could have been pissed off at God. He didn’t have to kill his brother, did he? It’s complicated. Clearly, we don’t have all the facts.

In the next few posts, we will continue to search for the sacredness that is either in or emerges from tragedy. Hang in there, dear reader, Part 3 will shed more light. I promise.

#Cain&Abel #Sacredness #WhereWasGod #Tragedy #LifeQuestions

Finding the Sacredness in Tragedy – Part 1: The Challenger

*Image Credit: Abstract Sunrise Space Wallpaper 1920×1080* (*Pixelstalk dot net*)

In the next few posts, we will explore the concept of sacredness and how it can be found in the very essence of tragedy. In accidents, calamities, or vicious crimes, we, as people made in the image of God, have the free will to respond in any way we wish. As children of God, however, there is hope in the trials set before us.

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!
I have overcome the world.”
Jesus, The Gospel According to John, 16:33

The Challenger

Most of us are familiar with the tragedy of The Challenger. Thousands watched it launch in person that day. And millions more watched it in real-time or on the news after the fact. Seventy-three seconds after lift-off, plumes of smoke spiraled downward from the sky.

It was a chilly day in January 1986 in Cape Canaveral, FL. It was so cold that frost covered the aircraft. One of the reasons that the space shuttles launch in Florida and Texas is their warm weather patterns. But in January 1986, Florida had an unusual cold snap. The weather had broken all previous records for low temperatures.

One might ask, why would temperature be so important? Well, it had to do with the 0-rings. Or, more generally, its nuts and bolts. The 0-rings had a specific temperature range for optimal success. Cold temperatures would cause the metal to respond more slowly. Or fail, as it did for The Challenger.

Lives and Dreams

Each of the seven crew members lost their life that day. It was a tremendous loss.

Let’s take a moment of silence to honor these brave souls.

Michael J. Smith, Francis R. “Dick” Scobee, Ronald E. McNair, Ellison S. Onizuka, S. Christa McAuliffe, Gregory B. Jarvis, Judith A. Resnik

Mike, Dick, Ron, Ellison, Christa, Greg, and Judy were mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends. And now they are gone.

Not one person would argue that they left this earth too soon, leaving their loved ones to grieve this unimaginable loss. Each of these individuals was living their dream—the dream of space travel.

Lives and dreams forever lost.

Have you lost special people in your life? Or dreams that can no longer be realized?

Next time, we will explore the questions of “Where was God?” and “Why did this have to happen?” “This” can be applied to many situations and circumstances. Stay with me, and you’ll see how God can transform tragedies into hope.

#TheChallenger #Sacredness #WhereWasGod #Tragedy #LifeQuestions

The Spirit of the Diamond

The Spirt of the Diamond

O mighty Spirit of the Diamond,
Cast your spell on us, humble mortals.
Majestic heavens embrace your power,
Where galaxies collide, and stars ignite.

Reveal to us your universal secrets,
Magnetic forces under your command,
Guiding planets in their cosmic dance,
Around the blazing orb of day.

Pull us toward the gravitational center,
Infuse us with your holy Spirit,
Impart your wisdom to us, we pray,
Renounce the demons, cleanse our souls.

Mesmerize us with incandescent brilliance,
Chip away our dark and hardened shells,
Revealing the authenticity within,
An unadulterated mind, free to soar.

Your flawlessness radiates purity,
Summoning Angels from realms on high,
To join us in celestial harmony,
Welcoming us with such delight.

Sanctify us with your transformative power,
Pour forth the nectar of the gods,
Nourish us on this spiritual journey
From now until the end of time.

#Diamond #Poetry #Sacredstone #April #Birthstone #Spirituality

Go Ahead and Call Someone You Love

#NationalReconciliationDay #CallHome #Communicate #PersonalGrowth #Introspection #RespectPerspectives #LoveWins

I and Thou: Decluttering The Soul Step 4 – Simplify and Prioritize

Winter layers begin to shed as the days of spring arrive. Leaves are raked to make room for the newness to unfold. Seedlings start to push through the dirt, and sprigs of life appear. Leaves turn green, and so does grass. The sun shines brighter, and the days are longer.

Today, we will explore ways to simplify and prioritize our spirituality.

Simplify and Prioritize

Identify Distractions

Spiritual clutter can hinder our intimacy with God. Like messy desk, a messy soul impedes focus and hinders our relationship with God.

What is distracting you from your spiritual walk? Is it social media? The busyness of life? Worldy pursuits?

Release Burdens

We often carry emotional baggage that hinders our closeness to God. We harbor ill-will. Bitterness, unforgiveness, guilt, shame, the list goes on. We can release these burdens by forgiving ourselves first. Then, we can forgive others. Remember that forgiving doesn’t necessarily mean forgetting or being a doormat. It means to forgive, as God commands. So, go ahead and release grudges and hurts. Let go of resentment and replace it with gratitude and grace. Detach from anything and anyone that hinders your spiritual journey.

Fellowship

Engage with others who have similar faith and belief systems. Join groups where you can be authentic and share what is in your heart. Make a point to have meaningful conversations with friends, family, and others. Fellowship provides encouragement and accountability. It’s like having God in your midst. More so than if you were not practicing your faith.

Easter is a time of forgiveness and redemption. It is time to reflect on the Cross.

Take time to reflect on God’s…
Love
Grace
Redemption

Use this season to turn toward God.

Image Credit: Decluttering An Overwhelming
Soul Tyler Speegle dot com

Decluttering the soul is an ongoing process. Be intentional, seek God’s guidance, and allow grace to transform you. You’ll experience a deeper connection with God as you simplify and prioritize.

Remember, be patient with yourself. As you align your thoughts with God’s truth, you’ll experience greater peace, clarity, and spiritual growth. In this season of renewal, may our hearts, minds, and words reflect the beauty of spring—a fresh start, growth, and the hope of resurrection.

#SpringCleaning #Decluttering #DeclutteringYourSoul #Simplify #Prioritize #Easter

I and Thou: Decluttering The Soul Step 3 – Clean Your Words

Fresh air.

Sunshine.

Spring flowers.

It’s time to renew our hearts, minds, and spirits. Our hearts contain our emotions, wants, and feelings. Our minds conceptualize thoughts and feelings, and our words express them.

Today, we will explore what and how we say words and the impact they have on the world.

Clean Your Words

Words. They can build you up or tear you down.

Recently, I attended a webinar on estrangement. The speaker highlighted how overwhelming experiences distort our narratives, often leading to blame. When hurt or overwhelmed, we instinctively seek someone to hold responsible. But here’s the twist: in that state of overwhelm, we miss crucial details and context, creating a distorted story. This distortion fuels exaggerated or minimized blame, resulting in multiplying misunderstandings.

The vicious cycle continues: clouded thinking, jumbled emotions, and a lack of clarity. We lose confidence and retreat inward. The antidote? Talking about our experiences with an empathetic listener. This opens space for our “distorted” story to become a “mature” story. One that is appreciated, acknowledged, and affirming of the truth.

Be Choosy With Your Words

Just as God spoke the universe into existence, our words shape our reality. If we choose life-giving words, we can encourage, affirm, and inspire others.

Encourage others.
Affirm their worth.
Inspire hope.

When we speak positive words, we create a more positive atmosphere around us. Instead of complaining or criticizing, find ways to uplift and inspire. Replace negatives with affirmations.

“I can do this!” Or “I’m learning!”

Be Mindful

Gossip, negativity, and complaining clutter our minds and our environment. They drain our energy and deplete us. Let’s try to be more mindful of what we say and how we say it.

Be Christ-like

Our words should reflect truth and love. How did Jesus speak? He spoke with kindness yet firmness, honestly yet with compassion. Let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no.

When we speak from a place of love, our words become the healing balm of Gilead. Love is our foundation. It is solid, like a rock.

Be Redemptive

Choosing affirming words is redemptive, not only to ourselves but to others. It is a powerful spiritual practice that involves intentionally selecting the words that come out of our mouths.

Appreciate
Acknowledge
Affirm

Speak what you desire into the universe. Say positive words aloud. Speak affirmations and declarations to yourself and to others. Watch how these words will change your life and the life around those you love.

“I am worthy.” “You are worthy.” “I am loved.” “You are loved.” “I am strong.” “You are strong.” “I can do anything.” “You can do anything.”

Let’s declutter our mouths by purging harmful words and replacing them with life-giving expressions. Go ahead and declare blessings over your life and the lives of others. Take a moment to reflect on your most recent conversations. Are you contributing positivity to those you talk to?

Remember our words have a ripple effect and they impact our own hearts and minds, as well as those around us. Choose words that align with your spiritual values, bringing light, love, and truth into our relationships and experiences.

With God, life’s “overwhelming” experiences can be less overwhelming when we meet God on our daily walk.

#SpringCleaning #SpiritualDecluttering #Decluttering #CleanYourWords #BeMindful

I and Thou: Decluttering The Soul Step 2 – Clean Your Mind

Spring is a great time of year for spring cleaning. We need to clean our minds as we open our windows and let the fresh air in. Do you agree? Our hearts represent our emotions, desires, and affections. On the other hand, our mind stores our thoughts, reasoning, and intellect. It processes information, analyzes, and forms beliefs.

In terms of regular clutter, most of us understand that too much clutter leads to disorganization. Like a desk, for example.

What does your desk look like? Is it messy, like mine used to be? Or is it neatly cleared from clutter? Are papers stored in files or loosely strewn all over? How about your stapler? Is it on the desk? Or in the drawer, out of sight?

If a messy desk can prevent you from focusing on the task at hand, think about what spiritual clutter will prevent you from doing.

So, go ahead, get the scrub brush out and…

Clean Your Mind

Hear the 4-Star General bellow a command?

“YOU. ARE. DISMISSED. RETURN TO YOUR BARRACKS.”

Then, a siren goes off. The loudspeaker echoes through the stillness of the night.

“TAKE COVER. ENEMY FIRE”

Wow! That would make me a bit worried! Then, how can you protect yourself?

Good question!

Acknowledge Your Mind is a Battleground

Your mind is a battleground where spiritual warfare takes place. Negative thoughts, doubts, and lies can clutter your thinking. These mental strongholds hinder spiritual growth.

Identify Your Struggles

Identify areas where you struggle. Fear, anxiety, insecurity. Recognize them as targets for decluttering. So you can bring every thought into alignment with God’s love.

Make Time For God

The mind is noisy. At least mine is, most of the time! It is constantly gathering and processing information. Yet, we must allow ourselves to be quiet. Stillness permits us to hear God. Spending time in God’s presence, meditating on His Word, and surrendering ourselves to God will transform our minds.

Say Goodbye To Toxic Thought Patterns

Ask God to reveal any toxic thought patterns. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and the courage to confront negative thinking.

Fear often originates in the mind, but it affects the heart. It paralyzes, steals peace, and hinders trust. Try to replace fear with trust. When fear-based thoughts arise, intentionally shift your focus. Remind yourself that God is faithful. Recall past instances where God showed up. Trust that God is with you even when you are uncertain. Declutter your mental space and align your thinking with God’s promises. Reading Psalms is a great place to start.

Change Your Viewing Habits

The mind consumes information. What we read, watch, and listen to. It also shapes our beliefs, whether we think that or not.

Be intentional about what you feed your mind.

Avoid toxic content such as news, harmful entertainment, and gossip. Instead, try uplifting, inspirational content. Fill your mind with God’s Word and positive influences.

Allow God to transform your mind. Romans 12:2 encourages us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” We can do this by reading, studying, praying, and reflecting.

Decluttering is an ongoing process. As you align your thoughts with God’s love, you’ll experience more peace, clarity, and spiritual growth.

#SpringCleaning #Decluttering #DeclutteringYourMind #MakeTimeForGod

I and Thou: Decluttering The Soul Step 1 – Clean Your Heart

Spring is a season of renewal, not only for your home but also for your spirit. As you dust off the winter cobwebs and declutter your living spaces, let’s take a moment to consider how you can apply the same principles to your inner lives. The next few posts discuss steps to spring-clean our hearts, minds, and words.

Today, we start with hearts.

Clean Your Heart

Just as you open your windows to let in fresh air, consider opening your heart to God. Let God breathe new life into it. Take Pentecost, for example. The Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples. Picture this:

Rushing winds.

Tongues of fire.

Different languages.

Wow! That would make me take notice! Then, how do you go about cleaning and opening up your heart?

Start with Prayer

By praying daily, you open yourself to God. You can commune with a higher power. The One who created you and who lives inside each of us. Some of us may say, but I pray, and God doesn’t hear me. Is that true? First, ask if you have accepted God. Accepting God is the first step. Acknowledging God as the Divine Creator is a great place to start. If you have questions, be bold. Ask God to reveal the power of his love and grace to you.

Then, listen.

Go to a quiet space and ask God to join you for a conversation. Once you have established a pattern of spiritual intimacy with God, keep the pattern going with prayer, worship, and meditation. It doesn’t require hours and hours. Just a few minutes each day will be impactful.

Ask for a Scrub Brush

If you have become complacent in your faith, ask God to scrub your heart. God will brush away all the bad stuff. You just have to ask! Then, God can reignite your heart with the fire of the Holy Spirit.

Still Unsure?

Look at creation. Nature. The intricate design of a flower. The vastness of the night sky. If you are still unsure, read stories of transformed lives. Testimonies of faith, if you will. There are hundreds, if not thousands, on YouTube.

Be open to what spiritual gifts you have.
Be open and eager to consider opportunities that God presents.
Allow the Spirit to empower you for service and ministry.

Have Faith

By examining your priorities, you can rekindle your passion for God. Like the church in Ephesus, return to a new zest for life. Like a new creature!

You can become stronger in your faith. Remember, you only need faith the size of a mustard seed.

May your heart burn brightly with divine love, purpose, and a hunger for God’s presence.

#SpringCleaning #SpiritualDecluttering #Decluttering #CleanYourHeart

Let’s Join Australia in Celebrating Harmony Week

Unity

Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world. Each year, it celebrates its diversity by acknowledging the integration of migrants into its community. It supports the value of unity.

Belonging

What I love about this event is that it draws attention to how important the sense of belonging is to all of us. How do we as a society foster belonging? Let’s start with empathy and compassion. Then, we can throw in honor and respect for good measure. We must work on ourselves first to move forward as individuals, families, communities, and nations. Mindfulness, reading self-help resources, and engaging with others can help us become comfortable in our skin. Build up tolerance. Learn the tools to communicate effectively. Practice acceptance. Once you have done the introspective work, lean into your strengths and identify your weak spots. Know what they are. So you can work on becoming a safe person. A person who receives others without judgment.

Building Bridges

Building a sense of belonging requires effort and, thus, action. Belonging doesn’t just happen. Yet, you can make it happen by being the honey bears want. Draw people toward yourself, don’t push them away. Focus on others and practice active listening. Try new things. Do something different. Get out of your comfort zone.

Concentrate on what you have in common with others. Not what you might differ on. Build bridges with an attitude of acceptance. Validate yourself and validate others.

Respect

You, my friend, are a child of the Almighty God. Yes, you are. Shouldn’t you respect yourself and others if God created and respects you? We can choose to be optimistic and forgiving or miserable and bitter. Remember, if you want to have a sense of belonging, you need to accept others so they feel like they belong. In so doing, we build communities where diversity is valued and differences are embraced.

#HarmonyWeek #Unity #Belonging