Walk with Love

We need to accept direction from an internal GPS (God's Powerful Spirit). We need to be open to the words of our friends and family, but ultimately we have to follow our own heart. There is a gut instinct, often called the small, still voice of the Holy Spirit that guides us through any challenges that come our way. Isaiah 30:21 says, "And you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'"

Sometimes we try to determine what is right and what is wrong. It is hard to know that. I have found that the most reliable guide to knowing is to ask myself, "What would love do?" That is where wisdom is. When we do the most loving thing possible, we will always make the right decision. We shouldn't be afraid to follow our own wisdom. We all have a direct line to God. If other people try to dissuade us from our goals, we need to remember that we only need to please God, not anyone else. In Galatians 1:10 Paul says, "I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God."

Walk with love today. Let God guide you safely like a lighthouse guides ships safely to shore. Trust your wisdom.

Light and Love,
Patty

Stretch

Frank and I moved to Denver in 1998. This country girl had never driven in that much traffic. At first I would not drive out of my suburb, but one day Frank called me to pick him up at the office because his car was being repaired. I panicked. I was so nervous. I had no choice but to drive in traffic. Not long after that I was driving all over the city. My confidence soared. I felt really good and proud of myself. Frank did me a favor by forcing me into a situation that made me stretch beyond my comfort zone. I entered a new phase of my life. It opened new doors. I started substitute teaching in five different districts. This gave me a very flexible life. Before I had always held a contract teaching position that tied me down. Now I was free to work when needed but also to travel with Frank and spend time with family.

We need to help other people stretch too. Every day that I teach, I have students who want my help. I want to help them, but I do not want to hinder them by not teaching them to think for themselves. I do not want to do things for them that they can do for themselves. I want to empower them and give them confidence that they are equipped to solve problems, write creatively, and understand literature. I don't want students to depend on me for the work that they can do themselves.

We need to believe in ourselves. We are capable of doing so much more than we think we can. "We have to be our own best friends because we fall too easily into the trap of being our own worst enemies," writes Roderick Thorp. We need to stretch and let others stretch too. We really can do it.

Love and Light,
Patty

Justice

Sandra Fluke, a 23 year old Georgetown University law student, testified before Congress, and presented her opinion that women should be allowed access to birth control. For some reason, this has been controversial lately with the Republican party. Rush Limbaugh, a conservative radio talk show host, lambasted her and called her a slut. This very mean, critical, and hurtful attack was totally unjustified. I could not imagine the hurt and anger that Sandra must have felt.

When President Obama heard about it, he called Sandra and thanked her for standing up for women's health issues. He was her avenger, and I am proud to say that he is my President.

So far, Limbaugh has not apologized or asked for Sandra Fluke's forgiveness. I feel that even though Sandra was treated unfairly, she took the high road. She realized that Limbaugh was trying to silence her and all women by his insulting remarks. She did not try to defend herself or strike back, but she held her own and controlled her emotions. I was proud to have her represent the women of this country. She is a brave young lady who will not be silenced by a bully. Yay for her.

I feel that God sees every time we are wronged and vindicates us. I feel that Sandra passed the test by using her time and energy to promote fairness for women. Joel Osteen writes, "Those hindering you, trying to bring you down, will see you stepping to a new level" if you don't sink to their level.

I think Sandra has already received the respect she deserves for championing women's rights by receiving a call from the President of the United States. I think Limbaugh will see Fluke's promotion and vindication and that she will have the last laugh. I predict that she will become a great lawyer someday and that Limbaugh will fall on his face. God bless you, Sandra Fluke. You told our story and you will be avenged.

Love and Light,
Patty