She reminds anyone who cares to listen or read that we are worth the risk it takes to be ourselves, no matter how we think others might react to that, no matter how difficult we may find it as we search for who that person is under layers of shame or guilt or denial.
I do not know about you, but in my life there are only two other inspirations to be true to myself; the stories of those who are also living along this continuum, and the internal light that surprises me by shining brighter as I dare to be myself.
Follow the link down below at the right for more of Brené's thoughts.
Thank you for this simple but huge inspirational post. As for myself...I would only add one other inspiration to these two...and that would be the inspiration I get from my Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. What greater inspiration could there possibly be than that of Jesus sacrificing His life on the cross so that we could receive the gift of eternal life in heaven. We have only to accept this FREE gift through faith. What could be easier?
ReplyDeleteI won't apologize for the soap box, after all, Jesus is the true reason for the season. Without Him there would not be a Christmas season.
Hang in there Halle, for I too experience some of the same things you do. I really do enjoy what you write.
With all that said...please let me extend a Very Merry Christmas to you and your sweety, and may the Lord bless you both very abundantly.
Hugs and Prayers,
Cynthia XX
Cynthia Jane, I will start by wishing you a wonderful Christmas too, and all the very best for the coming year.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the love that comes through in your message. It is sad I suppose to be in the position of disagreement, but here is how I feel, and the soap box is mine after all.
While the story of Jesus and the love shown in the record of his ministry is an inspiration, sadly, I have often found the religion that claims to have been inspired by that life to be in conflict with the message of love at times.
It seems to me when men seek to have power over others, they often use the tools of guilt and shame that are counter to the very healing that I seek.
I apologise in advance for any offence taken, but I will have to add more fuel to the fire started by Halle... while the underlying sentiment in the Christian Christmas holiday is powerful and worthy, the history behind it is not that pleasant. December 25th is actually the celebration of the birth of Mithras, and the early Catholic church forced their theological cover on top of the celebrations of the recently subjugated populations. Over time, the Christmas holiday has also "stolen" other pagan rituals and themes as other populations were overcome by the expanding Roman Empire.
ReplyDeleteWhile the message of the Christ is an admirable one (and is echoed in just about all other religions), I'm afraid that the harm done in the name of Jesus by the imperfect adherents has degraded the message immensely.
May all find peace and happiness in overabundance in their lives!