Dear Souls & Hearts Member,
I’m not doing well. But I am being well.
Perhaps I should explain.
I’ve been sick for three days — I was levelled to the ground yesterday – in bed the whole day.
Not able to do much. Not “doing” very well. Especially yesterday.
Physically, I have felt very weak; yesterday, I could barely walk.
Mentally, I had so much difficulty focusing. I couldn’t read a magazine. I was so tired and foggy.
Not “doing” well.
But with so many capacities to “do” stripped away, I could focus on being.
In the past, when I’ve been sick, I’ve railed against the illness, not seeing it as a gift from God’s providence. Not this time.
In the past, when I’ve been sick, I’ve not readily reached out for help. Not this time.
In the past, when I’ve been sick, I’ve generally moved away from God. Not this time.
In the midst of not “doing” well I am “being” better. And that’s a gift.
I’m realizing again how much my manager parts treasure “productivity” and “creativity” and “functionality.” So I have a great opportunity here to recalibrate and get centered on being, and especially “being with.”
As St. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
And this weakness, this illness is opening avenues within me. I am noticing things I didn’t see before, and I’m more emotional, without anger dominating. And I am seeing this as a great opportunity learn and grow in my human formation as well as my spiritual and pastoral formation.
It really is an adventure.
And just FYI, I will be reaching out for medical care in the morning.
Please pray for me. I am praying for you all, practicing “being with” you in the mystical Body of Christ.
Warm great affection in Christ and His Mother,
Dr. Peter
P.S. Did you know that it’s very difficult to find an emoji that is both sick and smiley? I had to make my own…
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Six Days Until the RCC Reopens!
The St. Jerome cohort of the Resilient Catholics Community (RCC) will open next week to welcome our 10th group of faithful Catholics to join the rest of the RCC, 300 members strong, on our human formation journey. Learn more and add your name to our interest list. Listen in on an informational Zoom meeting where Dr. Peter and RCC lead navigator Marion Moreland explained the details and answered questions.
Listen to Dr. Peter on the Belt of Truth Podcast
The second podcast of a five-part series entitled “Understanding the Roots of This Silent Killer” was released today. Dr. Peter continues his discussion of shame with host Josh Bach on the Belt of Truth podcast.