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I have fond recollection of my recent visit to the hospital. Certainly, I did not enjoy the pain, and I do not want to be admitted again any time soon. What I remember with such tenderness, however, is the way True Love met me in the presence, smiles, and caring of many persons who cared for me. They were being paid, yet their spirits and sharing with them confirmed we transcended "professional" and "patient" to engage at a level of Other-Other, One.
I especially recall the nurse who listened to me of a matter terribly hurtful to me. She had gone through a similar experience and shared her story with me. She affirmed that my feelings were valid and my experience not mine alone. Of course, she did not have to take time to do that, but she did, and her innate kindness touched me deeply. Again, God had met me ~ nudged me onward ~ by an otherwise total stranger. God had met me, to say to me by the testimony of this woman, "Don't let this take your heart. Don't lose your Life. Don't close in on yourself. All is and will be well." ~ There are "angels" all around us, and God sends them when we call for help.
To be alive truly, and spiritually, is not a matter of shutting out either joy or suffering, but finding each, equally, a way to and with God ~ Who is Love and nurtures True Love. And this way will be a way to and with the other. And this way will be a way to and with our true Self.
* What is the difference between an innate, divine, and life-giving tenderness and a mere sensitivity that often leads us to be overly reactive to the acts and words of others? * How do you nurture innate tenderness daily? * When did you last laugh until you cried? * When did you last weep a healing weeping? * How is True Love offering itself to you? How are you responding?
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*Charitable contributions would be appreciated to assist Brian in the continuance of his work of ministry. For contributions, contact Brian through the Inquiry below.
*Brian's book of mystical love poetry, An Ache for Union: Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major booksellers, or through the Cokesbury on-line store, at www.cokesbury.com .
*Brian K. Wilcox lives with his two beloved dogs, St. Francis and Bandit Ty, in Southwest Florida. He serves the Christ Community United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda, FL. Brian is vowed at Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in South Georgia. He lives a contemplative life and inspires others to experience a more intimate relationship with Christ. Brian advocates for a spiritually-focused Christianity and renewal of the focus of the Church on addressing the deeper spiritual needs and longings of persons, along with empathic relating with other world religions, East and West. Brian has an independent writing, workshop, and retreat ministry, for all spiritual seekers.
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