Identifying the Self I Bring to Church - May 2022
Identifying the self you bring to church--what are the expectations we come with?
Comments:
During meetings, hope for doctrine, but often it is very directed by culture
My expectations are the problem
Church in Paris - boys wearing jeans and tennis shoes passing the sacrament - and they were focused entirely on the Savior
This has been the biggest challenge over the last two years - attending church via Zoom - what is the condition of my heart - sometimes identifying with the grouchy, judgmental self. Working on softening my heart
Emotion can be a counterfeit for the spirit - emotional speakers can be challenging
The whole world is grouchy - which makes everything, including traditions and culture, harder
We can choose to laugh to help us through something hard at church
Hold on loosely, but don’t let go - song
Sometimes have to start tuning out, and meditating with my eyes open
Physical presence is a necessity - Samuel Brown
We create the church, we are the church - Melissa Inouye
I want to bring the inclusive self, how to connect with others
Loving-kindness meditation towards others as she walks through the neighborhood
It can take courage to go to church when there is a personal or physical issue going on
Make space in the room for more than one opinion
Breathe, if triggered - focus on breathing to take care of yourself
Sometimes, making a mindful choice to leave the space is the right choice
Make a statement when appropriate
Tries to zoom out to see the big picture - put it into the proper perspective
Allowing space for grace
Prayer: “Help me see the good, change the harmful, and let go of everything else.” Carly Higginson Sessions
Brene Brown podcast - guest: Richard Rohr
https://brenebrown.com/podcast/spirituality-certitude-and-infinite-love-part-1-of-2/
Sister Aburto Reyna - "We Are the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints"
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/04/13aburto?lang=eng
Melissa Inouye - Crossings (pg. 116 and 117) quoting the Foundation for Religious Diplomacy (FRD) The Way of Openness:
"Be Honest, Be Kind, Listen Well, Share the Floor, Presume Good Will, Acknowledge the Differences, Answer the Tough Questions, Give Credit Where Credit is Due, Speak Only for Yourself, and Keep Private Things Private."