Observations from a Spiritual Journey - part 2

As a baseline for “as we understand him,” the podcast, Mike and Glenn took turns sharing their story. This last week it was Glenn at the Mic, and what follows are thoughts based on a few snippets of his segment.

Some thoughts were touched on during Glenn’s recounting. Others were ideas we had as we re-listened:

Pay attention to the Tapestry

The underbelly of a tapestry is frayed and ugly. It is disconnected and disassociated. Yet, the flip side presents beautifully.

It was easy to see the artists' views as Mike and Glenn wove through their life stories.

There is absolutely no doubt that the master creator had a plan for these lives. He has made a message out of a mess. He has made magnificence from mud. He has made a jewel from junk.

We couldn't see it while going through it but needed each thread to create the final picture.

Awkward Adolescence

For us, adolescence was a time of rebellion and redirection. True north existed within but was snubbed for selfish desires and activities. We now know that we were the rule and not the exception. It took maturation for us to come to a place of understanding and acceptance.

Because of the compass conflict, we held on to shame, remorse, and regret for far too long. Finally, we have come to a point where we, through self-forgiveness, are embracing the season for what it was.

We pray that others that they lessen the load so they can move weightlessly through life with a relationship based on forgiveness and self-love.

Surrender

We have determined that surrender is the lynchpin to a fulfilled life. However, this simple concept is only hard to execute if ego and pride get in the way.

Surrender can be complex or as straightforward as “help.”

Have we had enough? Enough pain? Enough disappointment? Enough chaos? Enough rejection?

We have found that surrendering our existence and the little outcomes in front of us is the differentiator between serenity and psychosis.

Brotherhood

Jesus chose a dozen misfits to lead his ministry. He did not select proven military leaders, polished politicians, or society’s elite.

More to the point, he didn't do it alone.

We have taken His lead and have chosen to surround ourselves with men on a mission. Our collective aim is to learn to live within principles and guidelines for our betterment.

They say that one is a product of the company they keep. We are a reflection of our relationships.

Do others see Jesus in us?

The Prodigal Son

We are Bible-believing men who hang on to the words written in the greatest-selling book ever.

Yes, there are commands, promises, and warnings within the pages. There are also relationship offerings found on almost all of the sheets.

One impactful allegory has touched both of us is found in the 42nd book of the Bible (Luke)

The parable Jesus speaks in Chapter 15 is about a father’s relationship with his two sons. As the story continues, the younger son, who is impatient and greedy, asks his father for his inheritance early. The father agrees, but the son goes out and wastes all his money, eventually becoming homeless and destitute. But, to the son’s surprise, his father and brother welcome him back into the family.

We identified; we blew it all, and God welcomed us back. Amen.

“With or Without me.”

Bono and the boys sing out loud, “with or without me.” Our interpretation of this love verse is that God will move on and do his God things - with or without us.

We choose to do life with.

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Thoughts and ideas for this blog post were taken and built upon from asweunderstandhim.coffee podcast #2 titled “Glenn’s Spiritual Story” The podcast dropped on 4/16/2023. Click here to hear the podcast.

Photo by Glib Albovsky on Unsplash

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