That’s ok. I am very positive. It’s a shoe I’m happy to wear. I’ve always been a “positive” person, but I used to be a lot more negative. Before I understood what I do so far about God’s Love, I lacked faith, trust, and love in myself and others. I was also afraid of the world. Not a good place to be.

I see so many people stuck in the lack of awareness similar to what I used to be or worse, and I feel for them. When we work through the pain we become stronger and wiser. Until we do that, we are trapped in a cycle of reacting to our surroundings and feelings instead of being the observer and deciding how we truly want to interact.

And much of it is getting trapped in our negative thoughts that tell us we’re no good or we’re unworthy. According to whom?? Whom are you listening to? Why? Why do you want to listen to someone who makes you feel bad about yourself. Why do you do that to yourself if you do? It is your decision whether you accept someones negative words or positive words. Why not focus on the positive? God wants you to focus on the positive. We move in the direction of our focus and goals. How can you fulfill your passions and purpose if you feel yourself inferior, unable, or unworthy? It is only by being who you were meant to be that your purpose can be fulfilled. You decide that purpose. And when your purpose is in alignment with God, then nothing can stop you except yourself. (That doesn’t mean you have to become a priest. It means that you want to help make the world a better place doing what your heart driven passions are.)

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and discipline.  2 Tim 1:7

Of course. His Spirit is within us as well as around us. To negate ourselves in any way is denying the power of His Spirit within us. To think ill of ourselves is turning out backs on God’s Love. No wonder we feel powerless or unworthy when we put ourselves down. We’ve just told God, “I’m not accepting you and your gifts.” It is only by being open to God and accepting His Love and His gifts that we have the power to accomplish our passions, purpose, and be the persons we want to be. Of our own power we do nothing. We are not separate from God. We are His children. We are infinitely connected to God. As His children, His power/love is available to us. Our job is to let Him love us. When someone gives us a gift, we accept it and say thank you. To not do so may be insulting or hurtful to the person giving the gift. While God’s Love is infinitely strong such that He does not feel insulted or hurt, the symbolism is analogous to what He is trying to teach us.

His message is simple. “Let Me Love You.”

Learning to do that may not be simple. It hasn’t been for me, and I’m still learning it’s depths. But the journey has been immeasureably worthwhile. It has been what life has been about. When we let God express His Love for us, we begin to learn what love truly is, and that is where empowerment truly comes from.

Many of us are aware of how we create our reality. Quantum physics explains how that is possible and its awareness is helping me get closer to God and all His creations. But has anyone mentioned its spiritual equivalent? That it is the power of God within us that gives us the power to create reality. It is the symbiotic unity that we have with God that allows us to create our reality.  We are His children/creation so we also have creative power. But when we think we are separate from God (i.e. unworthy), that’s when we begin to experience the pains of the world. When we feel the connection, we know empowerment, joy, peace, and love.

It takes work and practice to bring such empowering awareness. But anyone can do it! The first step is prayer. For change or growth to take place, one must ask God for the guidance to learn what one wants to learn. That’s the first step. We have to want to change for the better. Many will not. Change is scary for many people. Have faith. When you take a leap of faith, faith itself will catch you. So when you’re ready, say your prayer, and then give it to God. If your heart is sincere about wanting to know something better than you do now, then forces will be in motion to bring that about. Things will happen that will guide you. It might be something as simple as you are strangely drawn to a certain book in a bookstore, or a stranger says something to their friend in the grocery line that has meaning to you. We never know. What we know is that however God brings you to His Love is that His way is perfect. So we can take comfort and trust in that. And the more we can let go and trust Him, the more we are opening ourselves to His gifts. (God’s Gifts: that which comes from His Love, i.e. love, joy, grace, strength, financial support, life’s challenges and hardships to help us grow, ect.)

The next step is learning how to trust our inner guidance. The Holy Spirit communicates to us through our body awareness. Learning how to listen and understand is a process that takes practice. I’m still learning and may be for the rest of my life. Step by step is the process. But that is for another post or article.

You can start with the following tip: When you need to make a decision, even if it’s between a rock and a hard place, which decision gives you the greater sense of peace? Which decision allows you to sleep better. Which decision makes your body feel softer/lighter/more open and which makes it feel tight/harder to breath/shrinking? The better you feel about the decision, the better your decision is likely to be. Don’t necessarily think about it. When we think about something, our preconceived beliefs and ego issues tend to get in the way. Feel about it. What are your body’s sensations telling you.? Body sensations that feel right is what you’re looking for. Is your decision in alignment with your life’s purpose?

Nelson Mandela probably said it best in this excerpt from his poem “Our Deepest Fear”.

“…who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you NOT to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the World….We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us….”

When I honor myself, I also honor my Creator.

Yep. I’ll wear the Miss Mary Sunshine shoe – with honor!

Blessings to you!

Irene