Challenge: Floating on the River of Shame looks good on you…until it doesn’t.
Day 29: Apparently, Holy Spirit has a new plan for me. When he wants something done, he is a diligent taskmaster. For that reason, I do what he asks me to do. Not as promptly as he might like. But, I am obedient. So, yesterday, on Substack, I started a new assignment. A personal challenge with another count-down.
Since he’s already got me writing a daily reflection for all 365 lessons in the A Course in Miracles Workbook, I did not welcome the idea of doing a month-long challenge.
Of course, objections (complaints) immediately started flowing out of my mouth. How am I supposed to fit all of this in? When do I get to rest?
Per usual, he ignored my complaints. So, I complied, and got to work organizing the challenge by publishing my Day One note on Substack.
But why are you giving me another challenge?
Without missing a beat, Spirit responded.
- You are not to do this in your own strength. We are here to help you. (Oh! That’s nice.)
- I want the people who follow your work to connect to me, and to you. (I am not alone! What a relief!)
- Plus, there are areas where your mind is still connected to the River of Shame. (Uh, oh. Here we go.)
- There’s something you’re afraid of right now. It’s time to address chaos in relationships. (Nope! Not ready for that. Pick something else, please!)
- Surrender. (Hence, the wrestling conversation from yesterday.)
Personal Challenge Day 2: Humility and Surrender (Substack)
So, my challenge to exit the River of Shame has something to do with opening my closed mind?
God is in everything I see. ACIM Lesson 29
Well, that’s good to know. Not that I really understand how that works right now.
ACIM Lesson 29: The idea for today explains why you can see [God] in anything. It explains why nothing is separate, by itself or in itself. And it explains why nothing you see means anything. In fact, it explains every idea we have used thus far, and all subsequent ones as well. Today’s idea is the whole basis for vision.
… Try then today, to begin to learn how to look on all things with love, appreciation, and open-mindedness. You do not see them now. Would you know what is in them? Nothing is as it appears to you. Its holy purpose stands beyond your little range.
When vision [Holy Spirit] has shown you the holiness that lights up the world, you will understand today’s idea perfectly. And you will not understand how you could ever have found it difficult.”
Hey, stop looking at me like that! You’re the reason I’m in the River of Shame in the first place.
Okay, back to chaotic relationships, I’ve done the work to forgive the men in my life. In addition, I’ve forgiven myself for the things I did wrong… and the other women involved in causing problems, etc. What a mess!
Forgiving hasn’t opened my heart to a new relationship, though. Quite the opposite, actually.
As it turns out, I am delighted with my solo life. Having a husband feels like an intrusion. I don’t have time, space or interest in a relationship right now.
So, do I look on my past relationships / marriage with love, appreciation and open-mindedness?
Uh, no. Definitely not. Which means, of course, to quote from the ACIM lesson mentioned above, “…their holy purpose stands beyond my little range.“
And that is correct. Maybe that’s where Holy Spirit will focus me during this 30-day challenge.
Challenge Clue: Successful marriages happen in The River of Grace. Location matters!
Nevertheless, my curiosity drives me to continue with this challenge because I love to solve puzzles with Holy Spirit.
Furthermore, I need to get out of the River of Shame! Without Spirit’s help, I’ll be comfortably uncomfortable (and solo) for the rest of my life in the wrong location!
As a result of finishing this post, Spirit gave me a very important clue: All successful relationships are connected to the River of Grace.
So, let’s go! I’m two days in. How do I move from chaotic relationship split-mind in the River of Shame to the Unified Mind of the River of Grace?
A Course in Miracles (ACIM), Lesson 29 video
God is in everything I see. ACIM Lesson 29
A Course In Miracles (ACIM): Workbook Lesson 29 (full text – free to read)
Got questions? Find me on substack.
By the way, I’ve chosen substack as the place to gather and chat. Instead of striving alone, come and join my community! Especially if you’re wrestling with questions or searching for clarity. Together, we can discover, uncover, and reclaim lost emotional territory.
Please subscribe (free or paid) to get full access to chat with me and ask questions about living life from the River of Grace. Learn how to connect directly with Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Disclaimer for quotes: I use an AI tool to capture quotes. It corrects grammar as people are speaking. Why? It’s very annoying. But, it is quick. And the relevance of the quote isn’t changed. What do you think? Are these robots a help or a hindrance? Only time will tell.
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