This Week's Quotation:
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2
Riding the Waves
Terri McCartney
May you remain steady as you ride the waves of life these days. If you're like me, sometimes it's exhilarating, sometimes it's exhausting, and often it's a bit of both. I feel that gaining mastery in riding the waves has everything to do with discovering our authenticity so we are not conformed to this world. That awareness and a commitment to sovereignty invites the renewing of our minds.
What's beautiful about this quote is that it provides empowering advice for all of us. It doesn't matter what tradition our faith is founded in. There's only one Source of being, and that Source is within all of us.
Conform means "to be molded according to a pattern." I'm continually discovering new patterns of deeply ingrained values and beliefs founded in prevailing societal norms, religious dogma, or cultural and familial expectations that my mind has unconsciously adopted. And no question, they are what has me falling into the troughs of the waves of life.
In being ever-open to the renewing of our minds, we grow. We learn to see things from heaven's perspective, which changes how we respond to the situations and people around us. New neural pathways are established in our brains. We evolve. We think with the mind of our Source—we know we are all in this together. Instead of conforming to long-existing patterns of judgment and separation, we creatively discover new solutions that honor all. We join together and become co-agents to improve conditions so they support the good and thriving of all.
We must diligently access those routines and practices that support our ability to remain attuned to our Source and help us steadily ride the waves. This ensures each of us is a consistently welcoming vessel for Divine Inspiration and ever-ready to hold space for others challenged by monstrous waves.
About Open Windows
We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world's sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.
We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.
As you bring out so beautifully, Terri, it is only as we “remain attuned to our Source” that we can “steadily ride the waves.” If I start reacting to what is coming to me from the world or if I settle into some religious interpretation of what Source is, I go under and begin to drown. Great to ride the waves with you!
This spiritual recommendation to us is such a gift – and can make all the difference in our world…..
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2
Totally agree, Terri. No need to be conformed to anything other than what is right and true. THANK you. Love, Tom
Thank you this accurate portrayal of my life–riding the waves of life, hopefully with courage & grace. Only then am I sending out a vibrational message to others that says, “Hold on! I am with you. All is well.”