So much is absorbed by us as infants and small children. Some of us had a calming mother who soothed us when we were upset. Others of us had a mother who was full of anxiety, and we are left with an anxious presence. Early conditioning is like a blueprint for our relationships in life, whether for good or sometimes for bad. But we need to own our stories and get in touch with what happened in our lives, the emotions we felt, and the interpretation we made of those events and emotions. It is good to revisit them even though they may be filled with anger, fear, guilt and pain, in order that we can live an integrated life and have soulful relationships.
When we share our stories, it enables us to be more present to our family, friends and God. Pastors Richard Plass and James Cofield together have written a book called The Relational Soul, and help many to shed their “false self” and be at home with their “true self”. They encourage us to share our stories, because “we are relational beings who are hurt and healed by our relationships. We need others to help us see ourselves well.” In sharing our stories, our bad memoires can be recalibrated and changed.
Of course we will want to share our story with the Lord, for He listens and longs for us to enjoy His presence and the presence of others. In coming home to Him we find our true home for our souls. Let us open ourselves up that we may be healed.
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