Tag: #Reconciliation

Cranberry Lemonade: Faith & New Beginnings

In our previous two posts, we discussed how faith can help us see life through a different lens. We learned how faith can transform and turn us into new creations by providing the courage to move beyond our past. Then, we explored how we can find peace with ourselves and others by seeking reconnection and reconciliation. Today, we will explore divine intervention and new beginnings.

Divine Intervention and New Beginnings

Peace and reconciliation bring newness to our relationships with God, our families, and our communities. Divine intervention allows us to grow into this new creation, like cranberries and stevia, transforming lemonade into something fresh and different. The key is to be receptive and hear God’s calling. We must allow God to work within us as we feel a nudge to do something different.

How do you see divine intervention in your daily life?
What role does prayer play in your life?

Action

This week,
consider reaching out to someone you have lost touch with.

 Prayer – Let us pray…

Divine Creator,
You are in and around me.
I surrender my life and all of my relationships to the Universe.
Fill me with love.
I trust You will direct my path and journey with me.
Help me to create something spectacular with lemons!

Amen

#Faith #Transformation #SpiritualJourney #Reconciliation #Relationships #NewCreation #Reflections #Peace #DivineIntervention

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Cranberry Lemonade: Faith & Reconciliation

Last time we imagined we were a glass of lemonade. We tried envisioning what we could add to our lives (the lemonade) to make it new and different (cranberries). We learned that faith shapes us and can help us become a new creation.

The Power of Reconciliation

Reconciliation is a natural consequence of personal transformation. We seek to heal past wounds and rebuild broken relationships as we grow in faith. However, reconciliation can be complicated. It takes two willing hearts.

John and Sally

Consider John, who has recently embraced his faith. In his journey of self-discovery, he feels compelled to reach out to his cousin Sally, whom he hasn’t spoken to in over a decade due to an old argument. John is ready to reconcile, but Sally may not be. John’s willingness to reach out is a powerful first step. He has done what he can and now can rest in the knowledge that he has made an effort, continuing to pray and hope for a future reconciliation.

Cranberry Lemonade: A Symbol of Newness

Just as adding cranberry juice to lemonade creates a new and refreshing drink, welcoming the Creator and others into our lives makes us new. Paul’s words echo this truth:

“The old has gone; the new is here!”

This newness isn’t just a surface change—it’s a complete transformation of our spirits, connecting us to the Divine and one another. It’s about embracing a new way of thinking, a new way of living, and a new way of relating to others.

What practical steps can you take today to embrace the newness of realizing you are a faith-based person?

Start by reflecting on your beliefs and values and how they influence your actions. Then, consider how you can align your life more closely with these principles. This could involve regular prayer, attending religious services, or engaging in acts of kindness and compassion.

Finding Peace in Reconciliation

True peace comes when we accept relationships as they are, not as they were or as we wish they might be. In his message, Paul urges us to be reconciled to God. But before we can do this, we must make amends with those around us. Apologizing and seeking forgiveness allows us to find peace within ourselves and the world around us.

In the case of estrangement, I am not advocating writing a letter of amends. However, I am advocating that you write a letter or multiple letters for your eyes only and then place them in a memory box or burn them. Experts have mixed thoughts on this. Remember, both hearts need to be ready. Processing emotions is part of healing, even when reconciliation isn’t possible, yet.

Is there someone with whom you have had a falling out?
How might your own transformation inspire you to reach out and seek reconciliation?

Next time, we will conclude this series on Cranberry Lemonade as we explore the topic of faith and new beginnings, where we will explore divine intervention.

#Faith #Transformation #SpiritualJourney #Reconciliation #Relationships #NewCreation #Reflections #Estrangement

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Cranberry Lemonade: Faith & Transformation

Introduction

Life often hands us challenges—those sour, difficult moments that can leave us bitter or discouraged. But just as we can transform tart lemons into refreshing lemonade, faith has the power to transform our lives in profound ways. Through faith, we become new creations, shedding the past and embracing a future full of hope, reconciliation, and renewal.

In this three-part series, Cranberry Lemonade, we’ll explore how faith can lead to transformation, reconciliation, and new beginnings. We will discuss how faith can lead to personal transformation, turning us into new creations with the courage to move beyond our past. Then, explore the natural outcome of this transformation—seeking reconciliation in our relationships and finding peace with others and ourselves. We will complete this series by considering how divine intervention and reconciliation lead to new beginnings, not just in our spiritual lives but also in our connections with family and community.

A New Creation in Faith

“…Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” – 2 Corinthians 5:16-19

Faith is a trust or belief in something, whether it’s nature, the Universe, or Mother/Father God. This belief is deeply personal and shapes us into who we are. Some may adapt to fit their circumstances like chameleons, while others stand firm on their principles. But when faith takes root in our hearts, we undergo a transformation—a rebirth into a new creation. This change can come through various actions, whether connecting with nature, attending church, or exploring biblical prophecy.

The Lemonade Analogy

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” It encourages us to stay optimistic, even when life presents challenges. With their sourness, lemons symbolize life’s difficulties, while sweet and refreshing lemonade represents the positive outcomes we can create.

But what if we take this a step further? Imagine adding cranberry juice and stevia to plain lemonade. This new combination is something wonderfully different, just as we can be transformed when we embrace reconciliation.

If your life were a glass of lemonade, what ‘cranberry juice’ (new element) would you add to make it even more refreshing?

It could be forgiveness, understanding, or a new perspective. Consider what you can add to your life to make it more refreshing and transformative.

Transformation Through Faith

When we accept faith and become a new creation, we experience a profound sense of freedom. The past no longer holds us back, and we are empowered to move forward with courage and strength. This transformation naturally leads us to consider our relationships—especially those needing mending.

Can you recall a time when you experienced a significant transformation?
How did faith play a role in that change?
What old habits or mindsets have you let go of since embracing your faith?

Next time, we’ll look at the power and peace of reconciliation as a symbol of newness in this journey of life.

#Faith #Transformation #SpiritualJourney #Reconciliation #Relationships #NewCreation #Reflections

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April is Stress Awareness Month – Part 9

The 8 Stages of Estrangement
Looking at Both Sides of a Coin

From a Parent’s Perspective

Stage 8 | Healing

Healing comes in all sizes and shapes, and moving forward with life and becoming unstuck, is essential. Healing can begin with writing, therapy, exercise, or workshops. Breathing retreats can help. Seminars on Living a Miraculous Life can help. Spiritual vacations can help. Here is where hope may enter the picture. This is to be considered cautiously. Not necessarily hope for reconciliation, although that may very well occur. It is hope for what the future might hold. Hope may also be a necessary component for coping. Parents cope in different ways. Whatever helps heal a parent from estrangement is worth doing. It is essential to heal “enough” so that life can move forward. To become “unstuck.” To start living again with purpose and with thinking differently.

I am finally able to speak about the estrangement without breaking down. I am making progress! I am spending time with the people who want me in their lives. I’m concentrating on my extended family. I have a lot of love to give, and I am so grateful I can share my love with those who see the value in me.

A parent’s perspective

This is the phase where a parent will practice self-control and where self-empowerment begins to flourish. Parents may start their day with a meaningful mantra, prayer, or other mindful practice. It is a time to try new hobbies, activities and new circles of friends. Expanding horizons and being open to conversations will start to occur. No matter how healing occurs, there is nothing more important than for a parent to be their best authentic self. 

It is the author’s opinion that complete healing of oneself is not possible. Hearts will begin to mend when forgiveness occurs because it is part of the healing process.

Forgiveness of parents.
Forgiveness of personal trauma.
Forgiveness of children’s behavior.
Forgiveness of the who’s, what’s, and why’s of the estrangement.

Complete healing is impossible. So, what is next? Healing as best as possible so one can appreciate the simple joys of life.

Photo Credit: Freepik dot com / healing

From a Child’s Perspective

Stage 8 | Healing

This is the stage where the child accepts estrangement as part of life. The child begins to heal when they find others who have similar situations. They find a tribe that supports estrangement.

I have finally accepted that my parents are no longer my parents. As far as I am concerned, I have no parents. My friends’ parents are much more respectful, accepting, tolerant, and kind. They do not have high expectations nor drone on and on about the past. My friends’ parents are drama free, and I like that.

A child’s perspective

The beginning of this stage is very vulnerable for children. They are at a tittering juncture, wondering if they made the right choice. There is deep reflection, and they question their original thinking. This is when about 20% of estranged children reach out to reconcile with their parents. Those who accept their circumstances or what they are might seek further counseling for their healing journey.

It is the author’s opinion that complete healing of oneself is not possible. Hearts will begin to mend when forgiveness occurs because it is part of the healing process.

Forgiveness of parents.
Forgiveness of parent’s trauma.
Forgiveness of parent’s behavior.
Forgiveness of the who’s, what’s, and why’s of the estrangement.

Complete healing is impossible. So, what is next? Healing as best as possible so one can appreciate the simple joys of life.

Author’s Note: Estrangement caused me to feel unloved, and I knew I needed to love and respect myself before I could love others again. From my experience in participating in support groups with other estranged parents, there is a choice to make. You can choose to blame, distrust, and be bitter. Or, you can choose to love and heal yourself, from this incredibly harrowing experience, by opening up to others. It’s up to you. A special thank you to Kathryn Kollowa, EdD, MSN, RN, for her feedback and added insights incorporated in this most recent update.

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Thank you for your support!

#Estrangement #NadiaCraneAuthor #8StagesofEstrangement #Healing