Today feels like a good day to share that I have read your writings almost daily since the pandemic. Each time I walk away with an insight - however small. Today’s reading felt like a gift. May we continue to move ahead, with ease. Thank you.
Thanks Rev Cameron. As a black women and daughter of Dominican immigrants- ive had to figure out a lot on my own for me and for my parents. Yes- i have had some guidance along the way- but that is never my first instinct- it’s ok-, roll up your sleeves and get this done- or else it wont. I’ve built a life like this- my husband , also son of immigrants. This is what our parents did. And though they sacrificed for us to have success, - I have asked myself recently- do I still need to keep doing things like this? It’s taken major changes to be more “ at ease” but the New Yorker first gen immigrant is “ strong in me”- thank you for the reminder- I can continue to make changes and I dont need to be beating up the “ me” who helped me get to where I am today. Much gratitude to your ministry.
Elder-age brings a lesson: when your own "power" wanes, empower others. It is a shifting away from pressures we put on ourselves in order to be seen as valuable players and moving, instead, toward the unconditional nurturing of others. This is a nurturing done not out of the pressure of duty or role responsibility but out of responsive love. Much more restfully kenotic!!
Good morning, Rev. Cameron. "I brace for dangers that aren't there anymore." When I was a teacher -- I am newly retired after 45 yrs.! -- I would start to get anxiety dreams around this part of the summer. They went something like this: I would walk into a classroom and suddenly remember I don't have a lesson ready or a test ready, that sort of thing. I was "bracing" for a school year that hadn't happened yet. But here's the thing: I still get those dreams, even though my classroom days "aren't there anymore." Our subconscious mind carries the weight of so much stuff -- stuff we might not even know we have. So a big "YES" to Isaiah! We need to sit down, rest, and just watch the sun make shadows on the furniture.
Amen! It took months for the tension to leave after more than a year caring for my mother. SHE was happy in heaven, while I was still a recovering caregiver. Even with changes in scenery and new diversions, the pressure of "Do I need to check on Mom" remained until it had done its time. But I had faith that GOD is faithful, and would make sure that pressure would indeed go away in its time. - which it did.
You nailed it, and named it. The pressure has been building up, and I wondered what it would be like to not fight it. Your pieces speak to me, but this one especially timely. The prayer will stay with me.
Today feels like a good day to share that I have read your writings almost daily since the pandemic. Each time I walk away with an insight - however small. Today’s reading felt like a gift. May we continue to move ahead, with ease. Thank you.
Thanks Rev Cameron. As a black women and daughter of Dominican immigrants- ive had to figure out a lot on my own for me and for my parents. Yes- i have had some guidance along the way- but that is never my first instinct- it’s ok-, roll up your sleeves and get this done- or else it wont. I’ve built a life like this- my husband , also son of immigrants. This is what our parents did. And though they sacrificed for us to have success, - I have asked myself recently- do I still need to keep doing things like this? It’s taken major changes to be more “ at ease” but the New Yorker first gen immigrant is “ strong in me”- thank you for the reminder- I can continue to make changes and I dont need to be beating up the “ me” who helped me get to where I am today. Much gratitude to your ministry.
Elder-age brings a lesson: when your own "power" wanes, empower others. It is a shifting away from pressures we put on ourselves in order to be seen as valuable players and moving, instead, toward the unconditional nurturing of others. This is a nurturing done not out of the pressure of duty or role responsibility but out of responsive love. Much more restfully kenotic!!
Good morning, Rev. Cameron. "I brace for dangers that aren't there anymore." When I was a teacher -- I am newly retired after 45 yrs.! -- I would start to get anxiety dreams around this part of the summer. They went something like this: I would walk into a classroom and suddenly remember I don't have a lesson ready or a test ready, that sort of thing. I was "bracing" for a school year that hadn't happened yet. But here's the thing: I still get those dreams, even though my classroom days "aren't there anymore." Our subconscious mind carries the weight of so much stuff -- stuff we might not even know we have. So a big "YES" to Isaiah! We need to sit down, rest, and just watch the sun make shadows on the furniture.
Grant me the ease of life controlling me rather than me controlling life . What a blessing that would be.
Amen! It took months for the tension to leave after more than a year caring for my mother. SHE was happy in heaven, while I was still a recovering caregiver. Even with changes in scenery and new diversions, the pressure of "Do I need to check on Mom" remained until it had done its time. But I had faith that GOD is faithful, and would make sure that pressure would indeed go away in its time. - which it did.
“Guide us toward a life
shaped by grace rather than strain.”
Thank you for sharing your reflection and the beautiful prayer. It reminded me of something Thomas Merton wrote:
“ It takes great humility to become the man/woman God meant for me to be.”
Yes! It takes great humility to put my personal agenda, my false control aside and surrender to grace.
🙏
Fight or flight. A whole new meaning. Thank you for this. 🤍
You nailed it, and named it. The pressure has been building up, and I wondered what it would be like to not fight it. Your pieces speak to me, but this one especially timely. The prayer will stay with me.
Thank you for this message. Something I really needed today.
I really needed that message this morning! Thank you