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Mortifying Fear...
"The greatest weakness in an apostle is fear. What gives rise to fear is lack of confidence in the power of the Lord."
Cardinal Wyszyñski in "Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way" by Pope John Paul II
posted by Holly at 3:26 PM
2 Comments:
What struck me most in this today was that we need to act according to conscience, act according to our calling as mothers, and act according to the needs we see the Lord has placed in front of us. No matter what - We need to do God's Will.
And this will could mean a variety of things:
-to reduce our computer hours so we can spend some time cuddling a child and listening to the escapades of the 10 year old down the cliff...
-to say No to the new job opportunity, for the next ten years, while the rest of our children grow up, so we can provide a loving and welcoming and attentive home...
-to keep the house clean for the sake of the family who lives there, if not for our own interests...
-to do what it takes, out of love, for the other...
And if we experience fear, or doubt in our abilities to do it; if our hearts tremble with fear of the cross or of 'losing out' on something because of our attentive care of the family - then let us mortify this fear
Let us act in truth and in mission, and let us act against the fear, which fosters our selfishness over our sacrifice.
Be not afraid, JPII said when he became Pope. Let us not fear to sacrifice ourselves and our pet aims for our families. The time is short. They will all be gone soon enough. And what will a room full of hobbies and crafts be when the house resounds with emptiness? When our kids are finally gone and moved, will they have such good memories of Mummy and home that they return often? Or will they leave us to our hobbies and our selfishness and our new positions... and to our aloneness.
Hi Holly,
Thank you for your timely and courageous words. I've been imagining and idealizing going-back-to-work. Perhaps I'm seeking attention or status of some sort. I've been at home for 13 years!
Fortunately, our church directory photos arrived this week and I realized how proud I am of my beautiful family! (I didn't know we were such a great-looking crew!) My spirits have been lifted because I am reminded that they are "worth" my best time and energy.
Thank you for your vision!
Beth
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