What Can We Do Differently?

“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”

Brene Brown

If shame feeds hiding, all manner of illnesses and unproductive conflict without meaningful solutions - what could we do differently? Recently a friend of mine was faced with a common but extremely stressful situation. She realized her husband had moved beyond social drinking into the territory of, “Holy cow, we’ve got a problem.”

This is how she handled it. She changed her life. Interesting, right? Her husband has A PROBLEM and she resists the urge to fix it. Or him. This is SO counter-intuitive. And I was so curious about her unique approach to loving him. As best I can, based on a series of interviews, I want to spend the next few days unpacking her process. But please do not mistake this unraveling of a thread in the mosaic of her life as a tutorial on treating substance use disorder. It is not that. It is, I hope and pray, a road map for spiritual renewal.

If you’d like to use this time to journal and process a problem you have, that would be awesome! Each day will have a prompt for your consideration - if you do not need a prompt, do not use it! In preparation, will you join me in prayer?

Lord, you are worthy to be praised with my every breath, loved with my entire soul, served with my every act. You love me, receive me, wash, clothe and support me. When I am sightless, deaf , unable to receive your joys and know your thoughts, you love me nonetheless. Your Spirit seeks me, renews me, gives me spiritual perception, opening me to your presence - light, guide, solace and delight. Your presence is a gift, not to be grabbed or earned; no lack on my part can rip me from your lovingkindness. Help me - help us - walk by your side, lean into your strength that together, we might be salt of the earth and a blessing to all.

Amen