Spiritual Things Matter

This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man. ~William Shakespeare

Socrates knew that self-honesty seems to be one of the most important keys for human growth when he said, “Know Thyself.” I think about this subject often because I also desire a greater awareness to understand myself and to understand my fellow man.

“The admonition Know yourself was carved on the temple portal at Delphi, as testimony to a basic truth to be adopted as a minimal norm by those who seek to set themselves apart from the rest of creation as human beings, that is as those who know themselves“~ John Paul II. It is not an easy path when one first decides to live such a life, but one finds that the more one is committed to that principle, the easier and more enjoyable life seems to become. It is “easier,” because when practiced often, the pain and embarrassment to look within ourselves seems to diminish. It is “enjoyable,” because there is a certain amount of humor in being human. I am certain that each of us have found ourselves in embarrassing situations, and had a chuckle afterwards about our predicament.

Self-honesty, I believe, is a deeply spiritual principle. Spirituality is birthed forth in people who are not afraid to change and who are not timid in being authentic with everything and everyone in their lives. It is birthed from a desire to be, as one is, in the truest and finest form, energized by love with spiritual potential that is endless. I can not help but think about Christ Himself in the Garden of Gethsemane when he asked His Father if this cup could pass from Him, but because He had the insight of the much greater potential and purpose that was within Him, He quickly added, “Not my will, but Thine be done.”

On such a path of self examination and self-honesty, one begins to worry far less about what others think of them. They are far more focused on the condition of their own heart and their own motives. This path increases our joy as greater peace brings a heightened awareness that so much of the time spend on worries are truly wasted moments. Unlike love, prayer, devotion, kindness, and having good will towards all, worry is a weak energizer and does not possess the capability to bring lasting and positive changes into our lives.

Self-honesty has an interesting component to it in that it seems to be enlarging. Somehow, one will begin to look at things from a much broader perspective. Thus, in almost every part of one’s life – spiritually, emotionally, educationally, financially and even physically, one grows and one heals. Life becomes more simple, and so much falls by the way-side as the important from the unimportant is discerned. There simply is no end to the potential that self-honesty can bring into ones life.

William Shakespeare said it beautifully when he speaks of being true to oneself and our relationship with others: “Thou canst not be false to any man.” When we truly begin to be honest with ourselves, looking into the deepest corners of our hearts, and learn to deal kindly with ourselves, we begin to have greater compassion and kindness for others as well. It is a beautiful by-product of grace and love that extends itself outward to others. Thus, honest relationships are always the best because one does not have to be afraid and hide any longer but is free to be who they are. It is a liberating experience to find such freedom!

The “human condition” itself has great limitations. It is truly only through a spiritually energized life that grace is given to go beyond the limitations of being earth-bound… touching heavenly realms that bring deep meaning and comfort to life as one discovers the true Self within.

Know Thyself…and be at peace!

Standing back and watching
as people come and go.
I notice on their faces
stories that have not been told.

Deep within their hearts
are words they utter not
for fear that no one would understand
but criticize their travailing heart.

Pains from the past they carry
as if just happened yesterday.
They are blinded to their own Power – within,
or perhaps, they have not yet been made aware.

They carry the shame of mistakes they’ve made -
and cover it up with a mask that fits tight.
The dark thoughts of disparity run rampant
as they figure out some way to hide.

When their anger is turned inward
in deep depression they usually fall.
If their anger is turned outward
then others take the fall.

Humanity does struggle
to come to terms with life itself.
They somehow conjure up
that all is complex and thus, they fall into despair.

It is through their passions of tears,
of love and anger, desires and fears;
through the yearning of things not yet received-
that Light begins to penetrate and finally shines to heal.

In humility, I bow to you, my dearest God -
Comfort your people, bring peace of heart.
Oh, comfort those that feel desperately alone-
shedding tears of hidden pain unknown.

Comfort those that have gone astray;
Breathe upon them as You bring clarity along the way.
Comfort those that have fallen – have been bruised and scarred at best-
that they might find a Higher Way, a place of Peace and Rest.

Oh, comfort them, comfort them- my dearest God.
Your Grace is sufficient -
Your Strength is made perfect
in the weakness of men’s hearts.

No more blind leading the blind -
No more deaf ears that cannot hear.
No more eyes that have dimly seen
No more hearts that were only lead by fear.

In Your Grace and through Your Grace-
the moment has come for change.
Your Loving-Kindness is better then life
so comfort Your people, I pray!

~Viola M. Jaynes

Grace fills empty spaces, but it can only enter where there is a void to receive it, and it is grace itself which makes this void. ~Simone Weil

I brushed shoulders with a young woman today who struck me as truly beautiful. It was not so much that her physical appearance was stunning, but rather she had a beautiful glow on her face. Her eyes seemed to be full of love. I recognized it right away as she had her hands gently resting on her stomach. New life was forming and instinctively she protected and guarded it.

The joy that filled my heart when I found out that I was pregnant with my first child were moments I shall never be able to describe. I knew the grace of God was at work. I felt deep gratitude and awe for this miracle.

Having grown up without a mother in my life, I had fears about pregnancy and motherhood. As it is true so many times in our lives, that fear was a greater force in my life than what life proved to have in store for me.

I wondered: would I do all the right things that a pregnant woman must do to grow a healthy baby? Would I know the right moment to go to the hospital to have my baby? Would I know how to breastfeed my newly born? Would I have what it takes to not only bring forth a child, but to also have a true mother’s heart? I would ponder these questions many times during my pregnancy. I would pray for God’s grace to help with even the smallest concerns. When the time came, I gave birth to a healthy and very beautiful baby boy. He latched on right away and could not get enough of mama’s milk. I instinctively knew what needed to be done. The bonding I felt was one of a true mother’s heart. I wept with deep gratitude! It was grace revealed once again!

My second baby was a little girl. Bigger in size but still a successful birthing process. A little red head and totally in love with her mommy. I am deeply grateful for the love we share for each other! Both my children are thriving. Time goes so fast and God’s grace covers so many of our mistakes and frailties.

This beautiful young woman today, whose shoulders I barely brushed, reminded me that grace is sufficient in every area of our lives. Each of us has been given a measure of grace and none of us could stand if it were not so. Perhaps this will help us to be gentler and kinder with those with whom we come in contact. And perhaps, if we look deeply enough, we will recognize that we too can extend the gift of grace – to others and to many of our circumstances. Grace is transforming by its very nature. When you’ve been touched by grace, it is impossible to stay the same!

Viola Jaynes