22. The Soul
The phrase, “do not be afraid,” is spoken over 300 times throughout the Old and New Testament. How do we respond to these words and how do we integrate them into our lives? The role of fear is a perplexing one. Fear can keep us appropriately safe from danger but it can also cloud our thinking, weaken our resolve or even prevent us from acting.
It is a natural desire to minimise our experience of fear. But perhaps we are not called to remove fear from our lives but instead learn how to safely and intentionally move through it, and the way through it is by practising wisdom and trust. Perhaps the phrase ‘do not be afraid’ bears a sentiment of ‘‘trust in me, I am with you always”; or simply ‘I gotcha’. The invitation grounds a trust in a God who promises not to shelter us, but rather to provide and love us in our fear. Fear transforms itself into an invitation to surrender to God and we, in turn, grow and are transformed by the process.
The ABC’s Mental Health Week feature comes this week's video of Hamish Blake writing a letter to his younger self about some of the mental health challenges he faced growing up.
Lifeline Wisdom - The outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19 has impacted people in varying ways on an international scale. It is understandable that during times like this, people may be feeling afraid, worried, anxious, and overwhelmed by the constantly changing alerts and media coverage regarding the spread of the virus.
While it is important to stay informed, the following are some mental health and wellbeing tips and strategies to continue looking after ourselves and each other during these difficult times.
Click the above image for the full article.
- Not Afraid by Red Rocks Worship will help with Practicing Trust this week. A worship hymn about God making a way in all things.
- Amongst the noise and chaos of life, we are constantly fighting for something; to be heard, to be known, to be loved. Your Love Defends Me challenges us not to fight but be still and let God fight for us instead.
For those who prefer praying to more traditional hymns, this COVID-19 Version of Abide with Me reminds us of the trials and tribulations of life and that God will always be with us.
- The Religion Teacher's twitter account provides practical resources and teaching strategies for Catholic religious educators and catechists.
Consider these offerings to celebrate the Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola - Friday July 31
- Contemplative Arts Mini-retreat "Seeing Forgiveness" - This guided group retreat run via Zoom this Saturday, August 1, is an offering from the Faber Centre of Ignatian Spirituality.
- Saint Ignatius of Loyola: Soldier for Christ - This high-quality production provides a well-round biography of the influential Saint Ignatius. You may need to re-register for FORMED: return to the FORMED Homepage and select the 'Sign Up' button. Simply complete the form. You will not require a password, all Parishes of the Diocese of Lismore have a full subscription to this amazing resource.
Click the image above to submit your prayer intentions.
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Proclaim Lismore Staff
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