Shhhhhhhh,

"Shhhhhhh,

it's a secret."

This compromising statement has been said to each of us at one point or another.

Its request stipulates concealment of confidential or privileged information by recalling and activating the silence inducing idiom: mum's the word, regarding a surprise party, personal private matters, and even juicy gossip.

Anything can fall into this covert category, even biblical wisdom.

While most of the Old and New Testament is filled with proclamations to be dispersed throughout the land, certain passages ask for our uncommunicative cooperation.

Lent comes complete with long adhered to practices of praying, repenting, fasting, and almsgiving, purging us from the inside out and remastering our priorities.

One of the deep-rooted precepts is, "...Do not blow a trumpet before you...when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your almsgiving may be a secret," Matthew 6:2-4.

Furthermore, when one is fasting, abide discreetly with humility, reject being somber and rejoice is the attested rule.

The Gospels admonish, "Do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting...'" Matthew 6:16.

When these actions by man are engineered to promote or bolster the person or for individual fame and prestige the mission falters because all glory belongs to God, and we bear His breath to make that evident.

When man seeks to be lauded and exalted, it is likely an ego driven impulse, hoarding a hidden agenda to be recognized, admired, praised, and idolized.

However, these affirmative attributes and acclamations are reserved for the Lord only, who can accomplish any feat Himself but is honored and delighted when we comply and fulfill His word and fiats.

We are part of His beautiful awesome story that invites our collaboration and construction.

Sometimes demolition and emptying are necessary to move forward by unburdening ourselves of materialistic inclinations and an inescapable stuckness.

Lent can jumpstart this wallowing inertia by unloading these contributing emotional hindrances by giving up one of the menacing offenders, allowing the participant to render the final decision for evacuation.

Although it may feel like a stringent punishment, it clears space for spiritual expansion and can ignite a new path that was buried under daily chores, worldly deception, and rampant mindlessness.

When we focus on Jesus, situations and perceptions are shifted and this new vision reveals fundamental truths and peacefulness, in which we realize that we have gained far more then we released.

The Disciples gave up everything and followed Him, without hesitation.

They acquired the riches of the Kingdom of God as both beloved children and devoted and faithful healers and preachers of The Word.

Still feeling reluctant?

Perhaps prayer will dissolve any impediments or anxieties, and remember to adhere to Jesus' allocution, "...When you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret...," Matthew 6:6.

Conversing with God is a special intimate matter between you and the Lord, exhibiting reverence and homage.

There is no need to be ostentatious and boisterous with your good will choices.

It's not a contest; there are no prizes for first, second, or third place because we are all loved exponentially and equally by God.

He only asks that we do our best and are faithful.

No more posturing.

What can you relinquish today to make more room for God?

Bow your head, and give praise to God, and know we are part of something far greater than ourselves.

Now is the time to exemplify it.

~ "Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock," Matthew 7:24. ~
HEaling Link® will meet Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 7:30pm via Zoom. For more information, please contact Jackie: HEalingLink03@gmail.com Isn't it time to get Linked?