Words carry powerful
messages of destiny. Often the singular most powerful voice we hear is in our
own head, the voice often full of negativity, sorrow, and discouragement;
rather than of joy, courage, and positivity. We are all too quick to talk over
and not really listen to those in need, even for ourselves.
For a moment, I invite
you think of Mary, Joseph, Jesus, St. Francis and St. Clare, as people sitting
here with you. What if your friend Mary came to you with news of a pregnancy?
What if your friend Joseph came to share with you that he was going to by the
stepfather of a little boy? What if your friend Jesus came to talk to you about
how the weight of the world felt like it was on his shoulders? What if Francis
was your best friend who shared with you how he was ready to give up the fancy
things in life to better respect the simple things? What if Clare was your
friend who shared that she was going to cut off all of her hair and disobey her
parents to follow her life calling?
Would you listen?
Would you judge?
Listening is hard. We
want to share our shared experiences, our judgments, or resolutions. We want to
“fix the thing”. When someone shares with us, it is a gift; it is not a fixable
word problem. We must respect the words, the story, and the gift being shared.
In listening we should receive the gift with joy, courage, and positivity. And
in listening, even to ourselves, we must honor the space to give encouragement
in challenging times. Aligning our energy, practice, and words in the book of
life welcome peace.
Mary, Joseph, Jesus,
St. Francis and St. Clare are sitting here with us. We just need to listen.
Michele
Montecalvo, EdD, MS, MCHES
Assistant
Professor of Biology and Health Sciences
 |
| ...give encouragement in challenging times. |
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