Welcome to The Wildroot Parables weekly discussions! This is where we can come together as a community and have real talk with one another: open, honest, gracious, and curious.
This is YOUR space to discuss with each other, not just engage with me! Because of this, SAFE SHARING is my highest priority. If you are not engaging safely and with grace with others, you will have to leave. Period.
Our devotional on Monday was all about remembering, honoring those that died (Memorial Day) and waiting with expectation for the inspiration of the Spirit (Pentecost). For our discussion today (and out of respect for the fallen, not wanting to trivialize them here) I would like to focus more on Pentecost, especially the image of holy fire: something that seems to destroy, but in reality inspires rebirth and true thriving.
Today, let’s discuss the things in our lives (inner traits, untrue beliefs, circumstances, relationships) that had to be dismantled or destroyed for us to thrive. Can you think of an example you feel comfortable sharing here?
The image of a forest fire that has burned through, but has in fact prepared for new life seems an analogy. I've had seasons of coming apart from things, for greater things. There seems something to that. It is spiritual discipline, but requires intentionality. The set apartness, which is holiness, is a sure thing!
Growing up as an introverted highly sensitive, I always believed both were “wrong”... that I shouldn’t be either. It took until my 30s to realize how much I was trying to be someone I’m not, someone God didn’t create me to be. I had to let go of societal pressure (and the voices of teachers, family, and other authority-figures telling me to be louder) to embrace my true nature in order to thrive. 🌿
Apologies that this is not a direct answer to your question, but, “the image of holy fire: something that seems to destroy, but in reality inspires rebirth and true thriving” gave me a powerful inspiration. You should study phenomenology if you have not already. You have a natural inclination for it.
My husband and I have been going to marriage counseling (this is a good thing) to help us work through some sticking points and because at the five year mark (🎉) we knew it was time for some maintenance. Our counselor has been walking us through the areas we’re gripping, grasping at control, exposing our fears. It seems we cling to fear itself, too afraid to let go - the irony! Fear of loss, fear of having nothing, fear of dismissal. These certainly need to be acknowledged and then dismantled in order for us to thrive, individually and as a family!
May 31, 2023·edited May 31, 2023Liked by S.E. Reid
I'd say anger/resentment (with a dash of fear). In general, but for me I'm talking about the 2020 disaster and how it affected me. For years (it's still unreal that it's been years), I was stuck in the past. But I've let them go (trying to, anyways). I gave it up to God and moved on.
The image of a forest fire that has burned through, but has in fact prepared for new life seems an analogy. I've had seasons of coming apart from things, for greater things. There seems something to that. It is spiritual discipline, but requires intentionality. The set apartness, which is holiness, is a sure thing!
Growing up as an introverted highly sensitive, I always believed both were “wrong”... that I shouldn’t be either. It took until my 30s to realize how much I was trying to be someone I’m not, someone God didn’t create me to be. I had to let go of societal pressure (and the voices of teachers, family, and other authority-figures telling me to be louder) to embrace my true nature in order to thrive. 🌿
Apologies that this is not a direct answer to your question, but, “the image of holy fire: something that seems to destroy, but in reality inspires rebirth and true thriving” gave me a powerful inspiration. You should study phenomenology if you have not already. You have a natural inclination for it.
My husband and I have been going to marriage counseling (this is a good thing) to help us work through some sticking points and because at the five year mark (🎉) we knew it was time for some maintenance. Our counselor has been walking us through the areas we’re gripping, grasping at control, exposing our fears. It seems we cling to fear itself, too afraid to let go - the irony! Fear of loss, fear of having nothing, fear of dismissal. These certainly need to be acknowledged and then dismantled in order for us to thrive, individually and as a family!
I'd say anger/resentment (with a dash of fear). In general, but for me I'm talking about the 2020 disaster and how it affected me. For years (it's still unreal that it's been years), I was stuck in the past. But I've let them go (trying to, anyways). I gave it up to God and moved on.