Healing Part 2 - Connections
[Part Two of a series on healing.}
Sometimes our need for healing is obvious. We were abused; we struggle with addiction, or we have cancer. In this post, we'll consider three areas of healing and how they are connected. Once we know the many ways a single wound is manifesting in our lives, we can seek complete healing.
Healing Part 1 - What is it?
What does it mean to be healed? Dr. Bob Schuttes defines healing as “an ongoing encounter with God’s love and truth that brings us into wholeness and communion.” Dr. Bob is a retired therapist, co-host of a podcast called Restore the Glory, and author of many books on healing, including one called Be Healed.
Let's dig into his definition of healing.
A Word for Advent
Advent began this week, so this post is about how to have a spiritually fruitful Advent. It is a season of waiting – anticipating the coming of Jesus. He came once, and He will come again. How can we get ready for His return?
That led me to read the infancy narratives in Luke and Matthew. I was looking for words that reflect the meaning of the season. Maybe something there would help me discern a spiritual practice for the season.
And then I had a thought.
Receive
Receive is an important word in the Catholic Church. When we are confirmed, the bishop lays hands on the head and says, "Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." We learn in First Communion classes that we are receiving the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus. We receive the sacraments of baptism and marriage. We receive absolution in the sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession.
In every case, the idea is to submit our wills to God's and open our hearts, minds, and souls to the graces of the sacraments.
There are things in life that we are supposed to receive, but sometimes we grasp for them. When you have a toy for a child, they might grab it out of your hand. We teach kids not to do that because it's rude. In<
Who's In Control
Many years ago, I did a personal inventory at work, a common practice in the business world. You learn about your personal style and tendencies so that you can better manage relationships. One particular instrument measured three factors, one of which was control. How much do you try to control yourself and how much do you try to control others? I had the highest possible score. As I proudly shared that with the group, someone commented, "I don't think that's a good thing." Really? Why would that not be good? Who would not want to be in control of their life?