You are Beloved

I was invited to write an article for a newsletter published by Center for Spiritual Development, a Ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange in Orange, CA. The topic requested was a reflection on being the beloved of God. I would like to share it with you.

God not only loves you, he delights in you! Scripture tells us that we are created in his image, knit together in the womb, fearfully and wonderfully made, and nothing can separate us from his love.

Sadly, many people believe this in their head but not in their heart.

Perhaps you doubt his love because of the wounds life has inflicted.  I have been there.

Or because of unanswered prayers.  I am still waiting, too.

Or you say, I know God loves me, but does he like me?  I hear you.

Although I do not have answers for the messiness of life, I have experienced his extravagant love for me.  You can, too.

I’d like to share a spiritual practice that draws you into belovedness.  Not only is this transforming for you as the director, but also for those you accompany.

Neuroscience confirms that meditation rewires the brain to transform lies or shame into truth. This is not about emptying the mind, but renewing, refreshing, and replacing toxic thoughts with truth.

Meditation was hard for me at first, but over time, that faulty wiring in my brain, “I am not enough,” was transformed into, “I am the Beloved.”

 Find a safe, quiet place to be alone.

• Reflect on today or yesterday. Write down five ways you experienced God’s love for you. Examples:  A kind text, a hug, a dog greeting you, a sunset, peace of mind.

  
  

•  Now, write down 20 characteristics about you. Don’t be shy.  Psalm 139: 13-14.

• Close your eyes. Sink into your chair as if you are sinking into God’s love. Take several deep cleansing breaths. Place the five gifts of love in your palms and hold them close to your heart. Spend five minutes allowing gratitude to fill you.

• Now ask for wisdom if there is a lie or negative self-talk you believe about yourself.

• Meditate or ruminate on your list of characteristics or a scripture, such as “I am the Beloved with whom he is well pleased.” Mark 1:11. Breathe in your truth, breathe out the lie. When thoughts come in, and they will, put them into an imaginary cupboard and return to meditation.

• When you finish, do a simple body scan and take a few deep breaths. Journal your experience. Try this for at least ten minutes every day.

I am the beloved child of God. I hope that deep within your being, you will know this, too.