Friday, April 18, 2008

Dearest God,

Some things can't be shared with just anyone. Close, intimate thoughts of life need to be carefully offered to those with whom one can trust.

The five of us sat in a gazebo adjacent to the motherhouse. We had gone through the spiritual exercises and now was the time to share. We went through the reflection questions openly and honestly.

I shared an incident in my life that occurred more than 10 years ago. Not happy with my body image at the time I did not honor my own body. When I learned I had breast cancer, I had to remedy my body self hatred. I spoke to my own breast before it was sacrificed to save my life. Tears streamed my face just hours before my mastectomy. I had to come to terms with the fact that my body was made with your hands.

In the gazebo I acknowledged the need to make my words impeccable, positive words that contribute not only to my own well being, but also positive words to add to the universe. We all recalled the need to reduce the world's emotional poison that leads to hatred, bitterness, resentment, and violence.

I felt the sting of ten years earlier. At the same time I recognized the healing that has occurred through those years, amazing healing not only of my own body, mind, and soul but also of my family. I let go of my guilt and gave thanks once again of your gracious mercy to me.

Taking off our masks with one another, sharing in your light, and praying with one another felt good, we all agreed.

The breeze
of your spirit
blew upon us.
The warmth
of your love
encircled us.
We were safe
with you,
ourselves
and one another.

Gratefully, Andrea