Ever hear a word that resonated so deep that it almost made you feel as if someone was talking about you specifically - where what was said was stated so clear that you just know for certain that you were the topic of discussion - when a word given was so precise that you were made to feel as if you've been stripped naked and exposed bare for all to see - where you get so nervous that you look around to see if anyone around you notices that you're the topic of this very general yet extremely specific teaching?
What you're feeling is real but I'm here to tell you: Don't resist the feeling of discomfort. Don't run from the unsettling sentiment of feeling unworthy. Those are good things - for what you're experiencing is actually an opportunity for refinement.
This discomfort is ok. When words are spoken by those you are ordained to love - especially those above you - assume that their words are about you, and take it personal. Yes. You read it right. Take it personal. Every word. Every gesture. Every warning. Every joke! That way (1) if it is not meant for you - but for your brother - you still can/should learn from it, or (2) if it is meant for you - you receive it.
I am aware that one of the unwritten rules in the world's manual of how to act is to refrain from taking things personal - but I would push back on that common sentiment. I would push pack on that unwritten rule. I would argue that what they that are not HIS declare does not apply to us. For we are obedient and our ears should be attuned to receiving instruction - whether it comes from the mouth of a babe, Imah, or Chief Man. My retort is that - we should take things personal, especially if it comes from those that truly love us - especially if it comes from those that love us in a way ordained by The Most High. I would instead offer that the true key is not being offended - especially if the words came from genuine people that are held in high esteem. The heavier the word-giver the more we should pause to consider.
For me - I really enjoy the feast days. I look forward to them all, but I have to admit that they're not as fun as they used to be when I was a child - when I was then fulfilled by just the comradery with my playmates. As a man I've realized the purpose of the command for all that are HIS to appear - that being for the comradery - the opportunity to suffer...together. As we experience the discomfort of the observance we should find solace knowing that all of HIS people are going through it too - for HE takes pleasure in refining those that are HIS. The comfort of bread is no substitute for the comfort we offer one another when in alignment with his will.
And so - for this experience - I say HalleluYah, for these M'Odiym (Appointed Times), for they are indeed intentional set-apart moments, even divine checkpoints created by Our Father to offer us opportunities for refinement and support. We could have been forgotten or truly deemed unworthy, but verily HE is good - and HIS mercy and HIS lovingkindness endureth forever! With each gathering (whether in a large setting or just within the family household) comes more responsibility and more of an accountability check on one's own performance. As such, we must be able to internalize the experience of these feast days as opportunities for refinement and self improvement.
Another word to the wise: After you've been exposed - thank all of the people (yes this includes women and children) for two things (1) aiding/participating in your roasting, and (2) also being there to let you know that they too were roasting for these past seven days. These latest set of Feast days - the Kag that forbade any presence of leaven/bread have ended, but if the experience was as meaningful and inspiring for you as it has been for me...we should be expecting some amazing testimonies at our next gathering, testimonies of how we have refined ourselves more - since this latest family reunion.
Looking forward to Kag Shavuoth (the Feast of Weeks) and the roasting ordained for that time! HalleluYah! HalleluYah! HalleluYah!
Peace be to you. Peace be to your house. And peace be unto all that is yours! Shalom Shalom!
Bn Shmû ÉL is a loyal son, a committed father, devoted brother, and author of The Land Of Milk and Honey: The Heart Of The World.
Comments