“We can’t imagine the freedom we find from the things we leave behind.”- Michael Card (“Things We Leave Behind”)
In Chapter 4 of The Wall Around Your Heart, author Mary DeMuth looks at four types of kingdoms we build on earth that keep us living stalemated by the past. Today Mary discusses the Woe-Is- Me Kingdom.
The Woe- Is- Me Kingdom is the place where we rehearse the responses we never gave to those responsible for our ministry downsizing or vocation loss. It also is the place where we futilely attempt to alter the past with “What-if” questions. When we focus solely on our hurt, we eliminate our receptiveness to the hurt of others. We must let go of the bits and scraps of heartache inflicted by others. The author comments:
“What would it look like if you truly let go of those words and actions that severed you? When you live in the woe- is- me kingdom, you see only these awful things. You cut yourself off from beauty and joy and hope. You sever your ability to empathize with others and build God’s kingdom, person by person.”
Mary encourages us to take time to relinquish the pain of our ministry downsizing or vocation loss to God, placing those directly/indirectly responsible for our loss into God’s capable hands. We’ll find freedom and release as we venture beyond our own angst by reaching out to others in need.
Today’s question: How much time have you spent in the Woe- Is- Me Kingdom? How have you been intentional in relinquishing your pain to Jesus? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The I- Am- Awful Kingdom”
