#Rethink - May 2020
#Rethink - May 2020
Happy May! This month we are wondering why we gravitate to formulas, contemplating life in The Great Pause, and pondering empowerment.
Why are we so quick to turn life into a formula?
I pushed my shopping cart through a literal monsoon to my car and hurriedly shoved the groceries into the trunk, only to discover that the keys I’d just used to open the trunk were somehow missing. My car was still locked so I couldn’t close the trunk in case they were in there somewhere.
It was raining so hard I could barely see the car next to mine. Out came the groceries again. I found the keys and reloaded the now soaked shopping bags. As I closed the trunk, the water that had been collecting for the last five minutes on the top came down in a wave. I don’t think I could have gotten wetter if I’d taken a shower with my clothes on. 😲
Not long ago, I would have started wondering what I did wrong to cause this to happen. I would have looked for the cause and effect. Was there un-confessed sin in my life? Was God trying to teach me something? What was the REASON? Does this sound familar to you?
What if there isn't a reason?
What if our formulas are just another version of a prosperity gospel?
What if we are really looking for a sense of control?
I'm not suggesting that God is uninvolved in our lives, but maybe He has bigger plans than just to keep us dry and happy. And maybe sometimes things just happen. 😆
My friend, Brenda Yoder gave these last few months the perfect name. On her Facebook page a couple of days ago she called it The Great Pause. And then she nailed how I've been feeling.
"...During the Great Pause, I've longed for voices unaffected by fear on one hand, and conspiracy theories on the other. I've longed for trustworthy voices speaking into our culture and current situation. Have you, also, sought such voices?
...I've been drawn to simplify and be more quiet. Not on social media as much, reaching out in person more.
"Real life" is what I crave, the life I can touch and feel. Those with whom I consider most important in my life. Life-giving truth I can depend on is also what I seek..."
I have been struggling with an over abundance of information these last few weeks too. It's been an excessive amount to sort through and I've struggled to add my own voice to the roaring din. Brenda spoke the cry of my soul.
It's okay to turn the gush of information off (whether news or social media), and walk away, and just live real life. 😀
"While empowerment is bestowed upon you by someone else, efficacy comes from within: it is your own ability to decide upon a desired outcome and make it happen," Nancy Sulla, Building Executive Function.
I'm currently taking an online class while working towards getting my teaching certification renewed. I read this sentence at least four times as I instantly thought of the Christian life.
So often Christian growth is almost forced or guilt-tripped onto us by others. But like anything else, if it’s not internally motivated then the change isn’t genuine. What if we approached Christian growth like we do educational growth?
We have been empowered by the Holy Spirit. Jesus bestowed that power on us when we trusted in Him as our Savior. We are not alone as we struggle along in this world.
Efficacy is a big word that means having the internal ability to produce a desired or intended result. It is developed through creativity and problem solving. I wonder how much our lives would transform if we believed that we have this ability?
What if instead of feeling outward pressure to perform, we had an inward desire to change coupled with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit? What if we used creativity and problem solving to internalize our growth? What if we stopped separating spirituality from the rest of our lives?
I think our growth and restoration could be amazing and genuine. And maybe a bit out of the box. 😁
Thanks for taking a moment to #Rethink some of our religious traditions and beliefs. I know that it can be scary to deconstruct and reconstruct our faith, but finding the Real Jesus is absolutely worth it. As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or comments.
If you know someone who would love to #rethink, please share!
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