Letting Go

   This week as we all continue to follow the path Jesus has asked us to climb, I would like to invite you to take a moment of rest.  Place yourself in the following encounter and meditate on any truths that may be revealed to you.

  You are steadily walking up a path. When you reach the top of the hill you see Jesus sitting on a large rock.  He smiles and calls out your name.  He motions for you to join Him.  Your excitement grows with each step you take. The thought of sitting next to Jesus fills you with happiness.  You are about two steps away when you suddenly stop in your tracks.  The Almighty One is before you. Reverently you bow your head and kneel before Him. Your mouth opens as your soul speaks, "Lord, I am a sinner.  I am not worthy."

  As you bow your head, you feel Jesus place his hands on the sides of your head close to your face.  The most incredible feeling of love flows through your entire body.  Your body no longer has weight; you feel only love.  Jesus again speaks your name and says, "I desire to heal you, if you will allow it."

  "Yes, Lord! Yes!" you beg. Next you feel Jesus slowly slide his fingers and then the palms of His hand up the sides of your head until they are no longer touching you.  As this occurs, you feel as if something has been removed, although you know you weren't wearing anything on your head.

  "There," Jesus says, "That is much better.  I have no idea why you would ever want to wear this."

  For a moment you are very confused.  You quickly look up to see what Jesus has removed. You are completely baffled.  Between His hands are countless strings randomly intertwined.  You shake your head and say, "Lord I do not understand.  Where did that come from?"

  Jesus places the stringy mess on the ground. He reaches His hand out and invites you to rise and sit next to Him.  "You placed it there.  That is a circle of lies that you have told yourself over and over or have allowed others to tell you.  It really messes with your thoughts-it's very destructive."

  "I'm sorry, I'm not really understanding," you admit. "How did you know they were there?"

  Jesus smiles at you. "I know your thoughts.  Can I ask you something?"  Do you really believe that I love you?" Jesus asks.

  "Yes, of coarse," you reply.

  "Do you believe that through Baptism you became a child of God?"

  "Yes."

  "Then why do you look to the world for approval and self worth?  You have been made with such love and beauty. I would love to tell you how I see you.  Are you interested?  I desire for you to wear a crown of glory, not a circle of lies."

  You look down at the circle of lies and let out a big sigh.  It looks like such a mess, and now that it's visible, it looks very familiar.  "Jesus I really don't want to live with those thoughts anymore.  There are times when I seem to have no control over them.  They have a way of stealing peace and happiness from me.  There are a couple in particular that I would really like to talk about.  Can we start with those?"

  "Yes, my child, let's uncover some truths together."  Jesus places His arm around your shoulder as you walk this next path together.

-Susan