The “family rule/value” I grew up with was that we never quit anything. This had served my parents well in their minds but led to my not recognizing there are indeed times to quit/stop/walk away/run away from people, places, or things. Thank you for sharing your reflections on this topic.
It’s the part of the serenity prayer that always bothered me until I realized there are things outside of my locus of control. It’s useless to stress about those things. It’s within myself I have the power to change things. Additionally, as I was raised by a parent who grew up during the Depression, there’s a tendency to hold onto things even when they’re of no use to you. Or if something isn’t working for you, (even that bottle of shampoo or lotion you got on a great buy) saying goodbye. A very dear family friend used to tell me if your hand is closed holding on to something, it is unopened for new blessings. So appreciative of your thoughtful words.
I appreciated these thoughts this morning, thank you. As I get older, I’m finding great value (spiritually, emotionally, financially) in the concept of resignation. For me, it’s risen to Zen status: “In Zen, all we do is get rid of things.” Minimalism and a simple, slow life is Soul living and affirming.
This was such a legitimate point, and I agree. Living with multiple sclerosis has taught me this as well. I think of Ecclesiastes. There’s a time and season for everything under heaven.
That includes a time to begin, and a time to finish or resign. At least in my experience, it’s often pride that causes us to hang on past the point where resigning would be practical.
Resilience can look like flexibility, finding a new way to do and be (and hopefully, to thrive). It should never look like rigid determination, because setting inflexible goals or standards only sets us up to fail.
I've learned this lesson too. Success is not always powering through. Success is also knowing when to walk away. Success is believing that God will sustain us no matter our path, and our worth is not diminished as we step into unknown territory. Success is trusting that there is more than one way for us to thrive and God will celebrate all of those ways, not just one. For me, my greatest success has been to learn what it is to trust myself and my experience. Success comes in all forms, even when we don't feel particularly successful in a given moment.
"Resignation" can also be thought of as "surrender," long a vitally important spiritual discipline.
I agree. I had the same thought.
To everything there is a season. I’m learning that accepting that as I grow older may be part of wisdom.
The “family rule/value” I grew up with was that we never quit anything. This had served my parents well in their minds but led to my not recognizing there are indeed times to quit/stop/walk away/run away from people, places, or things. Thank you for sharing your reflections on this topic.
It’s the part of the serenity prayer that always bothered me until I realized there are things outside of my locus of control. It’s useless to stress about those things. It’s within myself I have the power to change things. Additionally, as I was raised by a parent who grew up during the Depression, there’s a tendency to hold onto things even when they’re of no use to you. Or if something isn’t working for you, (even that bottle of shampoo or lotion you got on a great buy) saying goodbye. A very dear family friend used to tell me if your hand is closed holding on to something, it is unopened for new blessings. So appreciative of your thoughtful words.
Sending you the love and support of a stranger. We all must walk our own paths. Wishing you comfort on yours.
Go with grace, Lamar. Listen to your own soul’s guidance. Love your folk with the time you still have.
I appreciated these thoughts this morning, thank you. As I get older, I’m finding great value (spiritually, emotionally, financially) in the concept of resignation. For me, it’s risen to Zen status: “In Zen, all we do is get rid of things.” Minimalism and a simple, slow life is Soul living and affirming.
This was such a legitimate point, and I agree. Living with multiple sclerosis has taught me this as well. I think of Ecclesiastes. There’s a time and season for everything under heaven.
That includes a time to begin, and a time to finish or resign. At least in my experience, it’s often pride that causes us to hang on past the point where resigning would be practical.
Wow. Powerful post.
Resilience can look like flexibility, finding a new way to do and be (and hopefully, to thrive). It should never look like rigid determination, because setting inflexible goals or standards only sets us up to fail.
Godspeed, Dr. Lamar. May you and your family be at peace.
Dear Pastor Lamar, I wish you peace and rest. May you breathe in the love of God, may you feel God’s embrace and the beat of God’s heart.
I’m too close still Lamar but my heart is with you brother ✊🏼🫂
I've learned this lesson too. Success is not always powering through. Success is also knowing when to walk away. Success is believing that God will sustain us no matter our path, and our worth is not diminished as we step into unknown territory. Success is trusting that there is more than one way for us to thrive and God will celebrate all of those ways, not just one. For me, my greatest success has been to learn what it is to trust myself and my experience. Success comes in all forms, even when we don't feel particularly successful in a given moment.
Bless you, pastor. Letting go is not the same as giving up.
I'm sorry for what you are going through and pray for the best.