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I know, after over a decade of living the contemplative-vowed life, that I left conventional faith for spiritual Christianity seeking to hear the blessing that arises from within me. No one had taught me how to listen to that Voice. Though I had accomplished much and had many persons to bless me, I still felt unblessed. I yearned for the Voice within. Now, having learned to receive the kiss of the Friend, who communes with me Heart to heart, I feel blessed. And I join that blessing to the blessing others offer me.
Ultimately, now, I know the blessing of others and God are really one blessing. I could not know that, however, until I had learned to receive the "deep gentle voice."
Some days I still feel unblessed and struggle to feel a loved one. By going within I hear another Truth that leads me Home. That Voice is unobtrusive and gentle. I, at times, lose it among the other many outer and inner voices. But I find that it is the Voice I most need to listen to and the Word that most satisfies my longing to know I am an appreciated and loved son of the Divine One.
Now, I find I am much more ready to pass on the heritage of blessing to others. I must own the blessing of God to be prepared to speak it upon others. Those most ready to speak blessing are those who live from that Voice assuring us we are eternally valued as the distinct, beloved persons we truly are.
The blessing is not something we just trust, for others have assured us of it or we have read about it in a holy book; rather, in the quiet we experience the Voice in the inner sanctuary of our hearts. Then, we know that no voice of cursing speaks the truth. We anchor our affection and thought to that Voice of Love.
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This writing is written the day before I will be wedded to my beloved. She blesses me, and I bless her. We are a fount of blessing to each other, for we have lived years learning to receive the deep, blessing companionship of God. She and I have somewhat different paths of experiencing the Divine, but our differences have led us to the same place: we are blessed ones, and, thus, we are able to be the conduit of that blessing to others prepared to receive it. Ultimately, my beloved and I know that the purpose of our lives and union is to give and receive blessing.
Suggested Reflection
Do you feel truly, unconditionally a loved one?
What do you do to reconnect to the Inner Voice of Love?
Can you identify any inner or outer voices that keep telling you that you are not a blessed one? How might you dissolve those voices that lead to you feeling cursed, rather than blessed?
Brian is available to respond to requests pertaining to seeking a Spiritual Director, his speaking, doing classes, workshops, or retreats for churches or other spiritual groups. He will inform regarding how to receive his other writings or offer replies to comments or questions.
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*Brian K. Wilcox is Pastor of Christ Community United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda, FL. He is a vowed member of Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community. His passion is living a contemplative life and inspiring others to experience a deeper relationship with Christ through contemplative prayer and living.
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