Presence

We live in a world where texting and phone calls are easier than actually being with someone. And I get it... I am subject to doing it myself. And, I'm thankful for phone calls and texts when I cannot be with the person due to distance.

One cannot deny, however, the power of presence. Being together in community is how God created us. He wants us to love on others and be there for one another.

Unfortunately, trauma often affects a persons desire to be around other people. Having experienced it myself, I know how hard it is to want to be in a group or with other people. The words that trigger, the looks that shatter... it is not as easy to overcome as people think. Until you have experienced it yourself, please do not judge those who struggle with the anxiety of being in a group. We find our safe place and safe people and, I will be honest, it often is not in a "church."

I am thankful that HIS Presence is what brings me peace. HIS Presence is what grounds me. The times I begin to feel alone I cry out to Him and ask Him to tear the veil from my eyes and release His light into the darkness. I believe that HIS Presence will bring clarity as too where I should go and who I should contact. The words from the Shabbat Prayer book, Mishkan T'Filah A Reform Siddur page 147 blessed me today:

O GOD, You are as near as

the very air we breathe,

yet farther than the farthermost star.

We yearn to reach You.

We seek the light and warmth of Your Presence.

Though we say You are near,

we are lonely and alone.

O let our desire be so strong

that it will tear the veil that keeps You from our sight!

Let Your light release our darkness

and reveal the glory and joy of Your Presence.

May I always be in an attitude of prayer and always have a desire to be in His Presence. Those two items will keep me centered and focused, allowing me to be a light and love to those I come in contact with.

Love and blessings,

Rose