It was a moment of serendipity.
After writing last week’s post on the dual nature of freedom (freedom from + freedom for), I read the Daily Meditation from the Center for Action and Contemplation. It shared an expert from author Sarah Bessey on the importance of being “against” what is bad, but also “for” what is good. I’m sharing it here as a follow up and expansion on last week’s theme. I hope it helps you take another step toward Becoming Yourself.
Imagining and contending for what you hope for in this world is one of the hardest and kindest paths I’ve discovered out here. In the midst of all this, don’t forget to imagine something better. Don’t forget to dream of what could be possible. And don’t forget to live into those hopes with faithfulness. Move in that direction, especially when all you know is “not this.”
If it helps, sometimes I’ve thought of this as the rhythm of turning away and then turning toward, almost like a beautiful dance…. We turn away from those things we’re against and toward the hopeful future we imagine. In a purposeful movement, we turn away from the practices or beliefs or habits that consume us, threaten us, reduce us, and distract us. And then we turn toward what brings flourishing, goodness, and truth to us. Turn away, yes, and turn toward…. What we turn toward should reorient us to the world in a posture of love, joy, and service.
It can be a simple rhythm to begin with. Turning away from spaces in social media that have become toxic for you and turning toward inviting a lonely neighbor over for tea. Turning away from voices that bring shame and guilt to you or others and turning toward voices that preach freedom and wholeness and love. Or turning away from shrinking back and shutting up to keep the peace; turning toward owning your voice, your body, your experiences with boldness. Turning away from gossip and petty nitpicking; turning toward language of blessing….
Begin with Against, and keep going until you find your For. It’s an act of defiant faith. It will give you something to lean into. It will give you a path to follow.
Sarah Bessey, Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith (New York: Convergent Books, 2024), 171, 173–174. As shared in the July 6, 2024 Daily Meditation from the Center for Action and Contemplation (cac.org)
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Hey Matt, Darleen and I are not dancers but we are definitely going to try the turning away--turning toward idea suggested in this week's post. We had hoped this furlough we are taking for the 10 weeks in Canada would help us when we return to Queen Creek to follow the 10 minutes arrival before worship and leaving 10 minutes after worship request made by the church. However, last Sunday we were overwhelmed by the line up of people wanting to greet us in this visit. I especially felt overwhelmed and blessed by this happening and so now I have to ask for help in making the adjustment to not having the reception when we go home. As usual, your post is giving me some very positive advice on how to deal with this new situation. Thanks so much for your time and efforts to share and I hope you are blessed (I know for sure you have been) to realize how you are being used to comfort and challenge us who read each week. Love you, brother!
Hey Dennis. I can't even imagine what a gauntlet you're running. That balancing act must be unbelievably difficult. Hoping and praying the best for you as you navigate this. And thank you again for being one of my biggest encouragers. It means more to me than you know and helps keep me writing! All the best to you both