The 9-year-old boy had been making progress with his swimming but still had a way to go. His parents and I (his grandmother) did what we could: cajoled, encouraged, bribed. There were lessons. But fear was hard to overcome.
But then I noticed a pattern evolving. At the brink of every step forward—putting his face in the water, going under, jumping in—he would resist us. But then, left on his own, he’d go off to a section of the pool and work on it, whatever it was. And invariably, he’d master it. In freedom.
The spiritual life is more complex than that scene at the pool. But there’s one important similarity: Our growth—our real, sometimes even radical, growth—only comes out of a place that’s not of enslavement or fear but in the freedom that Christ gives.
How do I stay away from my fear? *** Becoming a child of God by receiving the Holy Spirit and being led by Him in Romans 8:14-15, “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. The Spirit you received doesn’t make you slaves. Otherwise you would live in fear again. Instead, the Holy Spirit you received made you God’s adopted child. By the Spirit’s power we call God Abba. Abba means Father!” *** Accepting the fact that being a child of God means sharing in His (not our own) suffering and glory all the same in Romans 8:16-17, “The Spirit Himself joins with our spirits. Together they tell us that we are God’s children. As His children, we will receive all that He has for us. We will share what Christ receives. But we must share in His sufferings if we want to share in His glory!” *** Here is how we are supposed to look at our fears and sufferings by focusing on God and the eternity He has for us in Romans 8:18-19, “What we are suffering now is nothing compared with our future glory. Everything God created looks forward to the future. That will be the time when His children appear in their full and final glory!” ******* Paul’s advice in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, “We don’t give up. Our bodies are becoming weaker and weaker. But our spirits are being renewed day by day. Our troubles are small. They last only for a short time. But they are earning for us a glory that will last forever. It is greater than all our troubles. So we don’t spend all our time looking at what we can see. Instead, we look at what we can’t see. That’s because what can be seen lasts only a short time. But what can’t be seen will last forever!” Amen ♥️✝️♥️
Blessed Trinity Sunday LFF I wanted to give a praise report and update om my sister in law Cathy. She is continuing to improve. She was transferred out of the long tern acute care facility that she went into after being released from the hospital and is now in another rehabilitation facility. (Closer to home too this facility is within walking distance for me and my husband and a few minutes drive for my mother in law) Praise God that she continues to heal and thank you for your prayers
This is great news Joann. So glad she is healing. Wonderful that you are so close.
Good news about Cathy, Joann. I know it's difficult being in the rehab facility and being far from family. This will give you all more time to be with her.
Dear sweet Jesus Holy father take my adult fears away as I am getting older. I have too many of them it has not made me happy. I have a wonderful husband but worry about him everyday along with my family. My mind needs to rest, buy how?
Amy, just another spot on, beautiful and moving reflection that we can all relate to. Thank you for continuing to share your gift with us. To all of the LFF …thank you, thank you thank you. I am so moved by your outreach and am trusting in the Lord for my next steps. It will all be okay, regardless of which direction it goes. So many of our community have health issues, premature births, ill pets / companions. I love that we can share life’s ups and downs. Happy that my kids are home. Pam, Cheryl, Liz, Max, Kevin M, Ken, the Bills, Sandy, Peggy!, Stormy, Salina, Anne, AZMom, Patrick, Ron, Rusty, Irene, and all those I may have missed…I hope you experience peace, joy, healing and comfort this weekend. Happiest of Birthdays Kathy! Amen.
Thank you so much - and God bless!
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Thank you, Amy. I love analogies. A catastrophic event caused by Satan and my free will brought me to a point of undeniable fear. Instead of God saying things like; you should have listened to me. I told you something like this was going to happen, he gently extended his reconciliation, grace, and forgiveness to me. While bits of my earthly fear remain, I am free from fear of my life eternal.
To God be all the glory ✝️
AMEN! What a great way to put it Amy thank you. There is such a difference between telling or encouraging and forcing or supporting. God is the ultimate encourager and supporter. Blessings to all the LFF. Jane I pray work get s better for you and God shows you the path soon. Ken's son, Joann's friend & cat, Sarah's niece and baby, Rusty and having the faith God will open the door to his relationships. To all of the above and to Peggy R, Bill S. Salina, Bill L., Vicky G., Anne, Ron, Irene, Cheryl, Mary Ann, Nancy, Pam, Rita, Rosco, Karen, Claire, JJC, Bruce K., Sandy K., those who write our reflections, to all who comment, and all the LFF family. You need to know that you are all so very special and touch so many peoples lives with love. I am blessed to have been blessed to meet you.
Stormy I love telling and encouraging and forcing and supporting. Yes the Lord is always encouraging us and always there. Memorare Remember, most gracious Virgin Mary, [that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions for Stormy, Pam the two Bills Kevin, Carl, Kaitlyn, Rosemary, Vicky, Laura and Michelle from Tops plaza, Cheryl and son Tristan, Shawn, Jane and her more positive relationships with jher supervisor, Chris's medical issues, Cyndi and her son Anthony, Debbie and her daughter Anna, Stephanie and Christine who's her caregiver Souls in purgatory and those souls who have no one to pray for them. Mother in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen Ken
A very simple, yet very compelling example for bringing our strayed loved ones back to the faith. Thank you Amy.
Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds - lay people as well as clergy and religious. Learn more.
Receive a free reflection for Sundays every week via email
About Living Faith Living Faith Foundation Ambassador Privacy Policy F.A.Q. Contact Us
© 2024 Creative Communications for the Parish, a division of Bayard, lnc. All Rights Reserved.
Fear was real to me yesterday as I took my husband to the ER after talking to his brother who is an Anesthesiologist that he may be having a heart attack or kidney stone!!! *** He didn’t have an heart attack (thank God :-) but having a 5x7 mm stone trying to pass :-( *** He was eventually discharged with meds to go home last night! *** A rough night with vomiting and pain and most of his med requires food that he couldn’t keep down! ******* Knowing and believing that Jesus knows what we are going through, is with us through it and He knows how it all end…to God be the glory…is always the ultimate goal!!! Matt will get through this and that not if but when I get over my helplessness to make the pain go away ✝️ *** Praying for the food he eats to stay so he can take and keep the meds! Praying the Living Water helps Matt to pass the stones smoothly in John 7:38, “Does anyone believe in Me? Then, just as Scripture says, rivers of living water will flow from inside them.” We believe, Amen ✝️ Drink baby, drink, until you float and pee to pass the stone!!! I am disappointed that I have to cancel my trip to see and help Jessi this week…I was supposed to leave this morning :-( But Your plan is always better than my plan as You look after Jessi this week with her Air Force uniform, hair and the mock medical school residency interview on Tuesday ✝️ You are the best and the One and only for there is no other, my God and my Lord, Jesus Christ! Amen!!!