Descending to Ascend: The Natural Flow of Spirituality (02/23/'24) < Message

Descending to Ascend: The Natural Flow of Spirituality Dear Friends and Family, I hope this message finds you well and thriving. Today, I wish to share a reflection that has deeply inspired me, one that parallels the natural world's simplicity with our spiritual journey. Water's journey from the heavens to the earth, always seeking lower ground, mirrors a profound spiritual principle. It doesn't strive upwards against its nature; instead, it flows effortlessly towards the sea. This effortless descent is a powerful metaphor for our spiritual path. In our lives, the Gospel acts similarly, not by propelling us towards artificial heights but by guiding us to fill the humble, low places of the human heart with compassion, humility, and love. It is in our descent, in embodying the virtues Christ exemplified, that we find true enlightenment and fulfillment. The Beatitudes teach us that blessedness comes not from elevating ourselves above others but from serving, loving, and embracing humility. Sharing the Gospel, then, becomes not an act of elevation but one of nurturing, like rain nourishing the earth, reaching out to the valleys and crevices of human experience where it is most needed. Let us be like water, embracing our journey towards humility, allowing the natural flow of spirituality to guide us closer to our essence and purpose. In this way, by descending, we truly ascend. May this reflection encourage you as much as it has me. Let's share this natural, spiritual flow with those around us, enriching our lives and the lives of others. With warmth and blessings, Pastor Steven G. Lee (February 23, 2024)