græy wrote: ↑Wed Jun 16, 2021 2:01 pm
I appreciate that, Hagoth. Thank you. It has been a bit nerve wracking the few times so far that people have come asking what they should do, expecting some super-powered insider knowledge based response. But I've got nothing to offer other than a listening ear and
encouragement for them to trust themselves to make the best choice.
Confession time.... bless me father, for I have sinned ...
My turning point involved a bishop who obviously had no divine guidance... handed out a temple recommend and calling to someone who lied through interview and was quite dangerous. I marched them both back into the office for another interview and removal of said TR. I was pretty rough on that bishop and feel bad about it now, he was just a fumbling pawn for the church as so many are. Through it all I came to the conclusion that women are the real protectors, the real providers in so many different situations, and I am now fulfilling my proper role.
Just ask those who come with high expectation, why do they think the original apostles could not walk on water? Could not always heal people? Did not understand the atonement, could not stay awake even one hour? What does it mean that an apostle was the one who betrayed Christ with a kiss? Can we rely and worship and trust apostles? Answer, no. When it crumbles down, that is when you find the strength of your own two legs, when you walk on your own two feet. People will come who are in really bad situations, help them find their own inner strength. Especially in the case of women who are told they have no authority over themselves, have no ability to lead, cannot be bishop, cannot bless or baptize or heal - women especially need to know they hold authority. That authority is revelated when you take it for yourself. No one gives it to you, no one lays their hands on your head - that is not real authority. Real authority is something you take yourself.
something from another spiritual group I'm in now that came around and I appreciated:
Independence and self reliance:
"I release my partner from the obligation to complete me.
I release my parents from the feeling they failed with me.
I release my children from the need to bring me pride, so they can write their own paths to the rhythm of their heart, as it whispers in their ear.
I do not lack anything, I learn with all beings all the time.
I thank my grandparents and forefathers who have gathered so that I can breathe life today.
I release them from past failures and unfulfilled desires, aware that they have done their best to resolve their situations within the consciousness they had at that moment.
I honor you, I love you and I recognize you as innocent.
I am transparent before your eyes, so they know that I do not hide or owe anything other than being true to myself and to my very existence, that walking with the wisdom of the heart, I am aware that I fulfill my life project, free from invisible and visible family loyalties that might disturb my Peace and Happiness, which are my only responsibilities.
I renounce the role of savior as a being one who unites or fulfills the expectations of others.
(A savior is someone who helps others see their own inner light and strength.)
Learning through, and only through, love, I bless my essence, my way of expressing, even though somebody may not understand me.
I understand myself, because I alone have lived and experienced my history; because I know myself, I know who I am, what I feel, what I do and why I do it.
I respect and approve myself.
I honor the Divinity in me and in you.
We are free.”
From a mindset of having faith in others, to a mindset of having faith in yourself. It is a big step.
Blessing to you bishop as you try to help people find their strength!
“You have learned something...That always feels at first as if you have lost something.” George Bernard Shaw
When it is dark enough, you can see the stars. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
