Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Surrendering to a Higher Power is based on heart felt faith

Unitarian Universalists covenant together to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person. From where does this worth and dignity arise, and where does an awareness of this worth and dignity take us?

In Alcoholics Anonymous and other Twelve Step Programs they say, "Let go and let God." "You do your best and God will do the rest." At times, these slogans get shortened to simply, "Let Go," and "Turn it over."

Sometimes implementing these slogans is called "Surrender." "Surrender" is not giving up or avoiding responsibility. Implementing these slogans is a way of asking for help recognizing that there are powers far greater than ourselves in the Universe.

As a child I was taught that I, and everyone else, has a guardian angel who is looking out for me. In addition, I was instructed to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. When I have done so, it has always helped as long as I let go of any expectations of particular outcomes. I simply have learned to "turn it over" by "asking for guidance," doing my best, and then surrendering to whatever happened after that. After all, what more can one do?

This way of living brings one great peace and joy. This way of living provides one with self confidence, self worth, and a realistic self esteem because one comes to understand who one is, a child of the Divine, who deserves to be here and is entitled to Love. It is in this awareness and understanding that worth and dignity arise. This is a matter of faith. It is not belief. Belief is of the head, and faith is of the heart.

Turning things over to the Holy Spirit for guidance while one endeavors to do one's best brings happiness and peace beyond human understanding.


3 comments:

  1. The point of this article reminds me of the distinction between willfulness and willingness. Too much willfulness can bring heartache and pain to yourself and others, a willingness to do God's will and not your own is an other thing entirely. It takes a long time to learn this lesson, but in the end, in our dying, we must surrender our bodies and move onward into the great hereafter.

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  2. I am reminded of the earlier article, "Would you rather be right or be happy?" At some point, it is helpful to let go. I have to remind myself that my navel is not the center of the universe.

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  3. What is being described here is the journey on a spiritual path and not blind obedience to religious authorities. Often this idea of "surrender" is misunderstood as obeisance and compliance and submission. The understanding intended by "surrender" is a liberation, a turning over, an opening up to support and help and assistance.

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