Conclusion to the book Fearless

Conclusion to the book Fearless. Establishing a foundation of peace and fulfillment in life, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, is a matter of delving more deeply into the reality of God’s connection to us. Fully receiving and being transformed by the indwelling presence of the Blessed Trinity is an ongoing process. Faith in God’s love for us becomes more surely our source of confidence and self-worth, hope in him becomes our foundation of joy no matter what may come our way, and his love is our unfathomable fulfillment “packed together, shaken down, and overflowing” (Luke 6:38) that overflows into the lives of others. The more we grow in wholeness, the more we pursue holiness unencumbered. As we grow in holiness, our personal integration and interpersonal relationships become more peaceful. It all starts with receiving from the Lord, as he has first loved us (1 John 4:10). However, recall that our relationship to ourselves is our mode, the lens that influences our ability to perceive him clearly.

Seeking health in our physical, emotional, and spiritual lives is interwoven, since those aspects of our person are interwoven. This quest is a beautiful collaboration with God’s perfect plan and redeeming grace as we endeavor, in as much as is our part, to prepare a greater dwelling place for him in our hearts. As our capacity for him increases, his presence progressively fills and permeates us, setting into motion a metamorphosis that transforms all we do. This is what will heal each wounded heart, convert each wayward desire, and unite families, peoples, and nations as the bride of Christ.

A practical tip in times of difficult communication, whether with ourselves or with others can be remembered by the acronym V.E.S.T, as in inV.E.S.T in relationships.  V stands for validate the emotions.  This does not require us to agree with the emotions, but to acknowledge them.  E stands for express compassion, thereby from our heart meeting the other.  S.T. stands for speak the truth.  If there is something we really believe ought to be illuminated in the situation, we can do so after first validating and expressing compassion.  Of course, we can’t control how another will respond, but any truth we illuminate at that point will be more palatable by whomever we are addressing.  This simple formula can lay a foundation for peaceful relating.

In times of stress or turmoil, first consider if the most fundamental difficulty is a break down in connection to God, self, or others, and then consider if it is a struggle with boundaries, knowing we are valued, being known, or chosen.  This can help us all drill down to the crux of the problem and be instruments of His light and love.

May the Lord give you peace.

Margaret

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