February 22, 2024
“There is nothing to prove and nothing to protect. I am who I am and it’s enough.” Father Richard Rohr
On this ninth day of Lent, Richard Rohr sounds a bit like Popeye: “I y’am who I y’am!” If you don’t like it, too bad.
Sometimes those words are just wishful thinking.
Whether it’s the way I’m wired, my upbringing, harmful theology, old hurts and wounds, or anything and everything else, the struggle with self-esteem and self-worth is no stranger to me. So at first glance, I relish this reminder from Rohr that I am enough, just as I am. Yay, me!
But then a couple of questions arise. On what basis am I enough? On whose authority am I worthy? Because Rohr (for whom I have much respect) says it, does it make it so? I’d prefer to have what Brian Morykon of Renovare Institute (https://renovare.org/) calls “Divine footing” on which to base my claim.
When we hear shame and feelings of unworthiness whispering in our heads, we can trust that these message are not of God. Brian Morykon shares the story found in Luke 5: 8-11 about Peter’s lack of trust when Jesus tells him to fish from the other side of the boat. When Peter hauls in a netload of fish, shamed and embarrassed, he falls at Jesus’ feet and condemns himself as a “sinful man” for not trusting. Instead of laying on the guilt and shame or condemning Peter himself, Jesus raises him up and simply points him in a new direction: “I will make you a fisher of people.” And Peter accepts the invitation.
The same thing happens after Peter denies knowing Jesus three times. When the resurrected Jesus next meets Peter, who had wept bitterly from shame and self-blame, Jesus doesn’t even mention the betrayal. Instead, he asks if Peter loves him and then points him in a new direction: “Feed my sheep.” And Peter accepts the invitation. Shame, condemnation and unworthiness are transformed by the invitation of Love.
It is in our ongoing relationship with the Divine, however we name it, that we become enough. It is when we begin to trust the invitation of Love that we can accept that we, ourselves, yes you, yes me are indeed made by something greater than ourselves and are made in that image, the image of Love. Then we can let go of allowing shame and a lack of self-worth to define us. We are defined by God; we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) and that IS enough.
Blessings ~ Rosemary
Photo credit: Pixabay
Spirit Reflections 
”…as if (…) has the authority to name who you are and what’s possible for you. …only the infinite love of God has the authority.” James Finley
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What a wonderful reminder to remember the Truth of who we are and forget the untruth of who we think we are. And oh, my goodness—what an absolutely beautiful image. It brought a tear to my eye as I contemplated the message it conveys. I wonder where you found it, if there is a photo credit, and if it would be all right for me to share it? Thank you for a beautiful blog!
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The photo credit should show at the bottom of the blog. It’s from Pixabay, under “Acceptance.” Feel free to share anything! I still need to figure out how to add subscriptions on each post but WP is a world unto its own and I fear getting lost there. Thanks for reading!
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Amen to James Finney! I also will be using a quotation or two from Brennan Manning along these same lines. I know that I cannot be reminded enough.
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Thanks so much for the credit info. I didn’t see it anywhere on the image—just wanted to be sure that I didn’t step on any copyright toes. You’re so right about WP (and all of computerdom, for that matter). It all seems to get more confusing by the day, doesn’t it? My pleasure to read—thank you for writing!
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I agree with Julie about the image! I feel the tenderness and love and place myself in this image with the powerfully and gently expressed words as a backdrop. Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Rosemary. Your quote from Ps. 139 is also a favourite! Thank you for your wisdom…..🙏
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