Tag: Love

Posted on in Identity, Spirituality

Beholding the Sacred

Merriam Webster says a Priestess is “a woman authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion,” and “a woman regarded as a leader.” Dictionary dot com says, “a woman who officiates in sacred rites.” So then, what is sacred? The official definition includes that which is connected with God or dedicated to a religious purpose. I am an ordained minister, one who studies spirituality, psychology, and philosophy regularly and I have for decades. I have been actively performing ceremonies for a couple of years now.

I had a mentor who encouraged me to embrace the title of Priestess. I’ve come to understand it’s not about the paper but about the devotion. My title doesn’t come from the government which authorizes me to perform ceremonies, or the church which ordained me, or any other association I could form in this world. I am who I am because of what I do. Rather, I do what I do because of who I am. When I awaken in the night from a vivid dream and write it down for later guidance, I am doing my work. When I craft a gathering to bring souls together as a remedy for the lonely and the disconnect, I am doing my work. When I answer a call from a dear friend searching for guidance, emotional support, or actionable care, I am doing my work.

In this era of my life, the sacred holds space and is growing in my awareness. I have found deep meaning in ceremonies and intentions. I have realized that my very religious upbringing was missing the spiritual element. It feels like the difference between memorizing something necessary to remember and learning something that you will comprehend, truly know, and be able to use. I am now using what I know and studying what I need to know with a passion that is hotter than any I have had before.

A quote that is a longtime favorite of mine; “The more I know, the more I realize I know nothing.” -Socrates.
I have been a life-long student with a thirst for knowledge. With decades behind me, possessing the most knowledge I ever have up to this moment, I am very aware that my own knowledge is limited compared to the potential for what can be known. Yet, I am becoming of the mindset that the greatest goal isn’t to possess all the knowledge, but rather to use the knowledge that I do possess to impact those I cross paths with for the betterment of ourselves and community. What amazing ripples of impact we could make if only everyone would simply become a better version of self and influence the collective to do the same. So, when I put on the purpose of the Priestess, I endeavor to create imprints that promote healing, growth, and higher purpose in the world around me.

Posted on in Identity, Spirituality

The Woman with a Message

It was Mother’s Day, and I decided what I needed was a little spiritual healing. I chose to visit one of my favorite shops for something to light up my soul. There I met a woman with a message for me. From the very first exchange, she spoke words that were familiar to me; things I’ve been hearing a lot lately. She confirmed deep feelings I’ve been carrying. Some of it shined a bright spotlight on what I’ve been struggling with, revealing a need to let go, forgive, and move forward into blessings. Some of it spoke to my life purpose, which I am intimately aware of, and my deep need to embrace my confidence and do what I am meant to do. The thing is, I have been holding onto some old ideas, some expired dreams, and some parts of my past that simply aren’t meant to move with me into the next chapter of this life.

She saw my blocked voice and my hesitation to speak. Ironically, she is not the first person to point this out to me. It’s a message I’ve been dancing with for some time. She connected it to my purpose as a spiritual teacher. No less ironic, she is not the first person to boldly proclaim this calling in my life without knowing a thing about me other than my present energy. I’ve had a handful of guides over the years tell me directly that I am a spiritual teacher and healer. I know this with a certainty in my bones that it’s as much of who I am as the color of my eyes. Even my eyes reveal my destiny.

The most profound part of her message was how she honed in on my gift of writing, the fact that I’ve been stuck and not writing, and the intense need I have to write and share my story as part of my purpose and path as a healer. I’ve danced with this gift for years, writing for fun and education. I’ve worked on books that have never made it much farther than my fingertips. I experience great confidence and also great insecurity about the vulnerability of publishing my own mind. Yet, on a sunny May afternoon, I was brought to a woman with a message for me, which was that I am a woman with a message that needs to be shared. So here I am, taking the first step in a new direction, and telling the story of my own life.

Posted on in Emotions, Personal Thoughts

RElationships, Love & Pain

A comforting scripture reference from my earliest childhood memories taught me that God keeps no record of our wrongs. From the silly mistakes to the outright rebellion, all is forgivable in God’s eyes. What a truly incredible concept. People certainly do not have that superpower. People often don’t forgive, and they never forget.

I’m blessed with a curse, some might say, in that I have the ability to see people through the eyes of Love. I know it’s a gift, but it sure has stirred up some people throughout my lifetime. I’m quick to forgive. I believe in reconciliation. I understand that a person is not defined by thoughts or actions alone.

So then, how do we handle the greatest of offenses? How do we live with what we can’t forget? My energy isn’t usually matched in willingness to let go and carry on when I value a relationship. I’ve even found myself caught in a triangle where two opposing parties won’t budge and so I end up hurt because any choice I make will cause friction. Man, it’s a painful place to live.

Lately, I’ve been thinking more about how the past is permanent. The words that have been said can’t be unsaid. Choices and actions, once committed, permanently alter the path forward. Of course, a change in direction is always possible. Yet, what’s done is done. We can hold on tight and allow it to dictate our existence. Or we can let go and make room for what could be.

In relationships, love trumps pain, if we embrace love. Sadly, some people are married to pain. Maybe there’s unhealed trauma blocking the road to forgiveness. Maybe pride won’t open the gate. Any obstacle in your mind is only keeping you from healing yourself and your relationships. Don’t let that be your story. Someday, you’ll be long gone but your story can bring healing in generations to come.

Posted on in Spirituality

Silent Night

The season of Christmas is typically full of fun, good wishes, and loving exchange. From the music to the gatherings, Christmas is all about joy and peace on earth. Yet, there is a part of the holiday season that is rarely spoken of; the darker side.

To the widower, Christmas might be a lonely time of memories that comes with tears. To the empty nester, it’s truly a silent night. To the mother and father who have lost a child, it might be a struggle to see other families having what they can no longer experience. To the orphan, maybe another year of hope for a family that feels as though it’s slipping away. To the broken hearted, the sentiment of the season might be lost from their sight. The truth is there are many people who are struggling every day and Christmas is no different. There is no Santa Clause and there is no magic to make life easy.

That is quite a depressing reality. However, I don’t believe that the pain of life comes without hope. In fact, the stories of Santa Clause do not hold a candle to the true gift of Jesus. “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12

I recently saw a statement (author unknown) which said, “The first Christmas was simple. Yours can be too.” It was in the spirit of minimalism and speaking against consumerism and the commercial and material driven holiday. It stuck with me. When everything else is out of place or falling apart, when people disappoint, when expectations fail; Jesus is enough. This is a fitting concept for Christmas but certainly it applies to everything else! When I look away from what truly matters, before long nothing really matters. Yet, when I focus on everything I have in my Savior, all the troubles and heartache of the world fade to the background.

So tonight and for the many silent nights ahead; I am grateful for True Love and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.