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Love, God
Deborah J. Simmons-Roslak
and
Linda J. Orber
Love, God
Copyright © 2018 Deborah J. Simmons-Roslak and Linda J. Orber. All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in critical publications or reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher. Write: Permissions, Wipf and Stock Publishers, 199 W. 8th Ave., Suite 3, Eugene, OR 97401.
Resource Publications
An Imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers
199 W. 8th Ave., Suite 3
Eugene, OR 97401
www.wipfandstock.com
paperback isbn: 978-1-5326-1750-8
hardcover isbn: 978-1-4982-4221-9
ebook isbn: 978-1-4982-4220-2
Manufactured in the U.S.A. 01/02/19
Before We Begin
Human beings are gifted with an intrinsic drive toward the divine. Whether staunchly religious or entrenched in the struggle with belief, this very human need is reflected in various philosophies and spiritual belief systems of the world across time.
There is a deep sense of longing in the hope that God hears us, answers us and holds us closely within the dance of the divine. Still we are unsure. Theologians and mystics continue to point the way in which we are able to fully participate in a divine relationship with ultimate Love. It is a path of the heart that seeks to live and love in this way.
The good news here is that the opportunity to develop our own personal relationship with God doesn’t require burning bushes, or forty nights in the desert, it does however require that we clearly see how we, ourselves, block the relationship so desperately sought through acceptance of fear and self-distain in its stead.
Confused feelings of unworthiness, self-doubt and fear of divine retribution all create a smoke screen in which we attempt to hide our hearts and vulnerability from our very Source. Fortunately, we can also choose not to put our faith in misperception rather, we can take tentative steps toward trusting the truth of divine Love, which is the birthright and heritage of every one of us.
The following pages incorporate some of the words written by theologians and mystics across time, a coordinating bible quote, a reflection and an opportunity for you as a seeker to experience the love of our creator through a guided meditation.
This path of the heart may bring surprises. It can reveal your self in relationship to God. It can help you to better understand how you use fear to turn away from the Love that you seek and it can assist you in experiencing the Ultimate Love that is the very source of your being.
Happy travelling!
“We stumble and fall constantly even when we are most enlightened. But when we are in true spiritual darkness, we do not even know that we have fallen.”
Thomas Merton
There are various forms of darkness: the darkness of the sky on a dreary February day, the blackness of pre-dawn hours or wandering through days of our lives without direction, or intention. Darkness in and of it self can be delightful such as when stargazing, or it can be distressful when we feel lost and confused.
While seasons and clock-time bring fluctuations of shade with them, living a life without direction or deliberate intention becomes no more than dwelling within a deep, dark enclosure without knowledge of the self imposed prison sentence we have constructed for ourselves.
There are many who live out an entire lifetime without knowledge of their self-imposed prison sentence, experiencing every thought and action through the cold darkness of a closed heart and unexplored humanity.
Fear is the root cause of darkness. Fear of the world, fear of one’s own perception of self and other, fear of non-worth, and the fear of self imposed vacuum of purpose can all be contributors to a perceived darkness. But darkness is not the truth of who we are, nor is it our inherent identity even in form.
“For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light.”
Mark 4:22
Take a Moment to Listen:
Sweet child: denial of light will not cause light to dissolve, just as denial of your inherent holiness and wholeness cannot deny what has been created and extended in perfect Love.
The smallest question of lack or ‘other’ calls the Light of Love and perfection to answer. Within Love’s answer lay your complete humanity, holiness and wholeness. Grasp the Hand of Love’s invitation and you embrace the fullness of who you are in Truth.
Guided Meditation
Sometimes we feel lost and confused—not knowing a way out of our confusion. We forget that there is a light to guide our way and a hand to hold.
Find a safe and comfortable spot. Let yourself relax as you close your eyes and take a breath. In your mind picture a dark and dreary sky. Picture the darkened clouds above and hear the rustling of the wind. Can you feel the wind pick up a bit and the rain begin to fall? It’s ok. You are safe.
Invite God to be with you. Feel His presence deep within you. It doesn’t matter how much wind or rain there is. You can feel God’s enormous presence with you. Sit with God for a while. Is there a direction you are seeking? Is there a road you are unsure of? Tell God what that is. Let Him know of your uncertainty. Take your time. When you are finished, sit with God for a while in quiet. Try to hear Him tell you He is with you.
As you hear these words does anything occur to you about your situation? Is there space to think about things in a different way? Even if you are still unsure, can you feel God’s presence with you? Can you know a little more that He will guide you? How does that feel?
Can you watch the clouds part now and the sun peak through? Can you experience the wind slowing down? Try and remember throughout the day that God’s light is here to illuminate your mind. His Hand is here for you to hold. You don’t have to decide by yourself. Love is with you.
Your Thoughts/Experience:
“You are not a human being in search of spiritual experience. You are a spiritual being immersed in a human experience.”
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Are we the sum of body parts moving clumsily through years of a tainted perception of a life? The success of which is deemed forthcoming or damned through the judgment of poisoned lenses? How could that be the ultimate truth of our identity? The still small voice that calls in silence would not exist at all if this were true.
Instead, we are the union of the voice, which calls in silence and the answer, which waits to be heard.
