Category Archives: False Self
Waking Up
I want to be fully awake to God. I’d like to live so aware of being in Christ that I rely on nothing other than God for my security or identity. A bird held by a single thread is still not … Continue reading →
The Cost of Being Known
“What was the most memorable meal you ever had?” a friend asked everyone at the dinner table. One by one each person described an experience of eating extravagantly prepared food in an exquisite setting. But it was hard for me to listen. … Continue reading →
The Dance of a Loving Community
“We find it difficult to admit our faults and failings,” Doug Schroeder, SoulStream‘s director, said in a reflection entitled “The Gift of My Imperfect Self.” I read that while I was away co-facilitating a Living from the Heart intensive. During that week, I also noticed that I … Continue reading →
Held
This picture called to me from the table covered with photos at a silent retreat earlier this year. I wasn’t sure why until I sat with it in prayer. What stood out for me at first was the bronze colour. It … Continue reading →
Longing for More Life
If you’ve read my posts lately, you may have noticed that God has been gently widening my view and inviting me “to see all people as my kin, all living beings as my flesh.”* As I do this, I’ve been challenged to turn from self-interest … Continue reading →
Between My Selves
I gather up my courage and for the second time talk with my spiritual director about being overweight. “I’m so confused,” I lament. “De Mello says ‘Don’t change.’ Richard Rohr points out that two of the four gospels begin with the call to … Continue reading →
Calling Forth the Divine
Mom with Harry, Ron, me, and Sylvia in 1959 My parents were married on November 1, 1952, three weeks after Mom landed in Canada. Six years later, at the age of twenty-five, she had four children to look after and business accounts … Continue reading →
Balancing the Impossible
I’m becoming wary of my false self and its admirable intentions. Now, when I think about doing something good, I ask myself why I’m doing it. Is it to enhance my reputation, bring personal gain, or help me feel good? Or am … Continue reading →
Gravity
“I’ve looked at your x-rays, and your teeth are fine,” the dentist said. “That toffee didn’t do any harm?” I read the look on his face. “I worry too much,” I said. He nodded. He’s right. I do worry too much. I … Continue reading →
Returning to the Well
After the Samaritan woman talked with Jesus at the well, her life changed dramatically. From then on, I bet she kept an eye out for him whenever she went to get water. I can even imagine them having more conversations that weren’t recorded in scripture. In … Continue reading →
