The Courage to be You!

I'm reading a book by Mark Nepo, Finding Inner Courage, and I'm struck with his understanding of what true courage is.  He says, "The word courage comes from the Latin cor, which literally means heart.  The original use of the word courage means to stand by one's core."  No wonder I'm drawn to this book!

I love that definition!  In the language of restoration it reflects our concept of reconnecting to authentic identity.  Simultaneously I see two pictures of what that means.  First, I see myself drawn to that core, intrigued, standing by it, discovering it, embracing it and protecting it.   And I recognize the courage that it takes to do that exploration.  All the things that have "shaped" my life have left behind a definition of what the world assigned to me as who I am.  And yet, beyond that is the true me.  Pushing through others expectations and definitions to discover me is costly, risky and hard work- it takes courage!

Secondly I see myself standing by my core, living out of what I've uncovered! Immediately I feel the peace and joy of living from authentic identity.  It means that the things I attempt are managed with the power that lies in knowing fully what I bring to the table. Living out of my core means I know my limitations, I know my strengths and I live in that balance without fear or regret.And it takes courage to do that, especially when others object. 

The best part of standing by one's core and living out of authentic identity?  Because I believe that my authentic identity was created with the heart and handprint of God, I'm living out of the intimacy provided in that connection.  And I feel loved, accepted and powerful!

 

Peace in Restoration

Yesterday morning, as I was driving to witness the recording of a song written for Connections, I was in touch with a deep abiding place of peace, contentment and expectation.  I was reminded about the scriptural teaching that says God provides the "peace that passes all understanding".  I began to sink into that concept from a Restoration perspective.

At that moment, in my car, thinking about where I was going, I knew that this act was yet another step in walking out my destiny.  Fifteen years ago I made the first step to open Connections, without money and without participants.  I had a vision and passion and a friend who said she would make the journey with me.  My entire life changed.  I became single again, expereinced my parents walking away, finances became a continual struggle, and I went back to school.  And I found me!

At the core of who I am is the passion to enable people to become all they were created to be and step into their destiny.  I did not know that Sandra had been writing and singing for years with the dream of recording a song and becoming the artist she knows she is.  When our paths crossed, Sandra, without expecting anything in return, wrote, "I Won't Let it Own Me", a song that epitomizes the message of Restoration.  She had no idea that Connections would be able to pay for the recording and start-up distirubtion of that song.  She stepped into destiny when she willinging allowed God to use her passion for His purpose.

Yesterday, I knew that the provision I was bringing to the recording of that song was directly unlocking Sandra's destiny while fulfilling mine.  Part of my destiny is to assist in the unlocking of the potential in others.  The peace and contentment I felt was in the knowing that my restored identity was accomplishing its purpose. Not everything has changed in my situation.  I'm still single, still out of touch with my parents, and still financially challenged.  But the peace and contentment of being connected to my God created identity and walking in destiny is unexplainable and so very awe-inspiring it takes my breath away.  Thats "the peace that passes all understanding."

TGIF

Okay, so I can't manage to do this every week, here is my latest TGIF
T - Telling myself I'm grateful for the journey
G -Using my gift of listening
I - Internalizing the joy of "being" that I feel
F - Feeling full of possibilities

Restoration = multiplication

This morning I heard the statement that "Restoration is linked to multiplication."  Made me wonder, how does our Restoration Paradigm bring about multiplication?  I asked the question in two arenas.

First, how does Restoration in someone's life bring about multiplication (or increase)? And I knew the answer the minute I pondered the question.  Restoration is about reconnecting to authentic, created identity.  In that identity is the provision of all we need to live life with power and influence.  As we live out of who we were created to be and not what others say we are, God's purpose and presence is multiplied in the earth. 

Second, if restoration is linked with multiplication, why is it that our Restoration Paradigm and materials are slow to be embraced and we haven't experienced increase?  I'm baffled; why is it that when new technology is introduced, everyone runs to it - they don't question "outcomes" or "best practices" or even how much effort will it take to use this new gadget? Our Restoration materials are challenged by all those questions. Why? Perhaps the enemy who seeks to keep us all separated from our power in identity would seek to keep us from embracing the process that takes us there. Restoration is a core aspect of God's character. We will overcome and we will experience increase!

TGIF

We have just concluded a six week class introducing the elements of restoration - it was an awesome group!  The elements (recognize, responsibility, internalize, power of agreement) provide a framework all of us can use to make sense of our realities.  I use it in my life!

Every Friady I will post a TGIF - and give you a taste of the self awareness in restoration. Self awareness is power.  You too can adopt this thinking! Every Friday review the week and get ready for the next by checking in with yourself  - TGIF!

T - What am I telling myself  - I'm so glad I'm on the downside of life.  This week I'm challenged by the realities of the work I do, the responses I get, the shifts in our country and the strength it requires to keep on doing it all. 

G - What gift am I using - Compassion.  In light of my inner voice, I'm deciding to have compassion towards me. Hmmmm, get a good fiction book, curl up in the lounge chair and escape.

I - What am I internalizing? - I've got what it takes. No matter what happens to me, I can figure out my next steps.  Even if I make a mistake, I'll be okay.  Even if it doesn't turn out the way I hope, I'll be okay.

F - What am I feeling? - I'm feeling exhausted but hopeful. I've been here before, I will keep on doing what I need to do and I will ge there!

Happy Friday! - Post your TGIF'S - I'd love to hear them.

Don't turn away!

As horrific as it was to hear the trial coverage of Sandusky, it was so very important for us all to be awakened.  Now I fear that because the senstional reports are over, we will quickly turn our eyes and ears away from the topic once again. 

We can not let that happen!

Why?  Because today another child is being groomed. Today another child is being sexually assaulted. Today another child does not have the voice or power to make the sexual assault stop.

Today someone calls Connections and feels remorse, wishing they had told.  Today someone carries guilt because they believe that if they had told, maybe the perpetrator's next victim would have been saved. (Probably not true. Even when someone sees or knows - like in the trial - we don't usually respond well.)

Today someone wrestles with shame, re-activated by the Sandusky trial.  Today someone takes a drink or does drugs trying to silence the pain.  Today someone wonders about their value.  Today someone hides the confusion they experience in relationships.  Today someone asks, "who am I really?"

Don't turn away.  Don't put this new awareness behind you.
http://www.connectionssp.org/
http://www.standup300.com/

We've landed safely!

When the prayer warriorI had just met looked at me and said, "you need to know them and they need to know you", and added, "if you're bold enough, go and introduce yourself", I knew it was the next step. Since I've never been accused of being reserved, (ha!) I went. (This conversation was actually just two days after I wrote my last post.)

Gladstone is a community of young people dedicated to living an Acts 2 life.  Turns out they are in my area!  I don't know all the details yet of how it works.  I do know they have agreed to live in community, sharing resources and impacting the area around them. I walked up to the house, sat on the porch and joined in the conversations of these young people.  I was welcomed, included and felt at home.

The next morning I received an email inviting me to use their meeting space to host our Connections restoration group!  I was stunned!  I was humbled, and I was so grateful!  I didn't have to ask. There was no "screening", no hesitation, just a heartfelt welcome and sharing of resources! 

This week we held our first group there.  Two community members met us at the door, welcomed us, invited us to enjoy the chocolate treats they left for us, then disappeared to allow us to meet. Our group settled in, resting in the acceptance offered and marveling at the beauty of the space.  My eyes tear up in gratitude as I write this several days later.

Amazing!

We moved out of our old space in obedience and freedom.  We stepped into a place of grace and beauty with hope and provision!  How awesome is this journey of restoration and freedom.