It feels like standing in a thick cloud of woodsmoke. I gasp and choke, trying to find air but there’s not enough oxygen. My heart races, my thoughts become mixed and jumbled, and I become overwhelmed with a strong need to flee or fight. I set my phone down and walk away from it, the headlines, and the influencers causing the panic attack.
It hadn’t always been that way, but about a year ago I had a genuine desire to grow in empathy. I wanted to understand different perspectives, opinions, and experiences. It was a good desire, one that grew from my beloved Catholic faith. But somewhere along the line, my peace and I were swallowed up by the arguing, shaming, and snappy comebacks.
I thought I was focused on Jesus, but I had actually lost sight of Him in the loud crowd. So a few months back I unfollowed over one thousand accounts. I muted many, many more. I sought out silence so I could sift through things in the presence of God.
I tended my home and garden. I read books to my little ones and played board games with the big kids. I drank hot coffee on the front porch with my husband. I attended Adoration and dug into my Bible. And then I stepped out of my home and mentored, donated, and served others in my community. I found that when I was influenced by the Lord, His Church, and Sacred Scripture I finally had the ability to not only see but to actually care for those who were afflicted.
What do you need to do to refocus and protect your peace?
Be influenced by the Lord. // Bonnie Engstrom Click To Tweet
Thank you for being here.
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