Silence frees us from the need to control others … A frantic stream of words flows from us in an attempt to straighten others out. We want so desperately for them to agree with us, to see things our way. We evaluate people, judge people, condemn people. We devour people with our words. Silence is one of the deepest Disciplines of the Spirit simply because it puts the stopper on that.
Richard Foster, from his book Freedom of Simplicity
Listening.
This is something that I have had to make an effort toward in my life. I say too much, usually. I am overly instructive with my children. I am extremely enthusiastic with my friends. I have too much going on in my head and it comes out in a frenetic pace both on Facebook and here. I feel like I’m constantly “throwing up” all over every one.
Hearing.
I have such trouble hearing God. I get impulses. I get emotional responses. I feel. I emote. I become afraid. I become inspired. But do I ever really hear God? I believe what I do matters to God. And then I don’t, believe. I am a devout doubter.
I read his word. When I am connected to the word, I have no doubts. He absolutely speaks. God is active.
I read blogs and articles, and follow the news. My heart surges and leaps and responds.
Children in Haiti. * Rape victims in Rwanda. * HIV * Girls in Afghanistan. * Forgiveness. * Child rearing. * Writing. Photography. *America. Other. * Poverty. Wealth. * visual Anthropology. * Educated. Un. *Racism. * Sexism. *Immigration. *Refugees. *Aid work. * Adoption.
Primal scream! I feel a swirl. I am schizophrenic, or at least I feel it.
“Let your heart guide you. It whispers softly, so listen closely.”
Purpose and calling.
I read an article in the New York Times about a woman who heard about the plight of Congolese women on an Opera. She was so moved that she turned her life upside down to help. She lost her business, fiancé, and home. She lives to help these people.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to follow that path — losing family and love and home.
Listen.
Oh, don’t get me wrong I believe as long as I am listening my heart will be breaking for others. But I long for just want the one thing. The one thing to live my life for. The one thing to learn about. The one thing to go back to school to study.