Let us make man in our image, in our likeness. Genesis
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalms
The Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. Paul’s Letter to the Romans
Who are you and how does your self-understanding affect how you live? The Bible is clear about this. You are God’s handiwork, the very temple in which God chooses to reside. You are God’s chosen, the one whom God picks to be a son or daughter. You are God’s heir, designated by God to inherit a kingdom. This I know from scripture and believe it to be true. I have both heard these words spoken by others and have preached them myself, but ...
There is for me, and maybe you, always a but. There is always a pause, a hesitancy, a thought or impulse that something is missing in me or more is required of me.
Along with members of our healing prayer ministry I am currently reading a book by Rev. Dr. Sharon Lewis. Dr. Lewis is a leading voice in the healing prayer ministry in the Episcopal Church. Her writings on identity, especially hurtful false identity, got me thinking about all the identities I, and maybe you, carry that keep us from living free and generous lives. They got me thinking about what we might become as a parish if we could be healed of, unburdened of, our false identities and live more regularly out of our true identities.
Whereas the Bible says we are an icon of the Divine, some may not see themselves that way. They may have been told they are less than that. They may have told themselves they are less than wonderfully made. Mass media defines goodness and beauty in a very limited way. Society often defines our worth and worthiness in what we do and accomplish and contribute. Parents are not always loving and affirming. Children and teenagers can be cruel. In God’s eyes however, we are infinitely valued and love simply because we are.
Whereas the Bible says we are beloved sons and daughters, some may not see themselves that way. Instead, they may see themselves from the perspective of our broken human relationships where imperfect moms and dads sometimes are not able to be what children need them to be. Feeling unloved and unprotected as children, some may now see themselves as unworthy of love and constantly vulnerable. Unloved and unprotected as children, some may struggle with unresolved feelings toward parents and self.
These are burdens. Rather than living and loving freely in the assurance that we are the beloved children of God, we carry the past as a nightmare. A nightmare that Jesus can heal. To all to whom this may resonate, Jesus says “Come to me.” “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Jesus invites us to bring to him all that burdens us physically and spiritually. Talk with him, ask him who you are, and tell him what burdens you.
Grace and peace be yours,
Fr. Bill+