Hello, My Name Is Grace

If we are not mindful, we run on autopilot until some trauma wakes us from our unconscious state and begs us to look upward. It calls us to look to something bigger than ourselves, even to the Creator, to fulfill our needs and to emulate the behaviors of the One who is self-actualized. The journey takes a lifetime and is never actually completed until we cease to live in this realm. But seeking continuous improvement, especially in the spiritual sense, is what keeps life interesting and worth living. So, along this journey, as with any good drama, there are obstacles and challenges. We are in a virtual battleground and need to be prepared. Step number one: Know your enemy! I used to think my enemy was whomever was standing in opposition to me at the moment; but I have come to realize that there is a pattern in all my encounters. The most consistent thing in all my problems was the obvious common denominator: me. I was, and sometimes still am, my own worst enemy. But more than that, what is it within me that makes this so? This chapter is about the Who, What, Where, and Why of it all. The child inside wants more answers, and so I would like to expound upon the Why: Why are you here? To love and serve God—the Almighty Creator, my neighbor, and my enemy. But first you must learn to love yourself. Why? Because the Almighty Creator loves and serves me (us). Why? Because the Almighty Creator is relentlessly, tenaciously in love with us. Why? Because that is the Almighty Creator’s nature and because we are His/Her creation, we are lovable. Why? Because we were created to be in a state of relationship—the Almighty Creator wants to bring us to full maturity and then marry us. Why? Because Love always wins! But back to the battle story in front of us. We do have work to do, and we need to have the right tools; so, put on your armor and walk with me through my story of how I went from feeling unworthy to realizing that we are all beloved—even me. Here’s your outfit for the journey: Ephesians 6:10-17. The Armor of God "10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”