I first heard the terms “Introspection” and “self-examination” when I entered the Community of the Sisters of St. Joseph back in 1974. Though the Sisters’ teaching related both terms to spiritual growth and prayer, I soon realized I was more than familiar with their practical meaning.
As a child, I had been taught to exercise both. They came under the heading of ‘Learning how to think for yourself’.
My father was insistent on our learning to think for ourselves. We were taught, not only to consider and examine “facts”, but to determine whether we agreed with those facts or not. What did we think about it? How did we feel? Had we looked at all sides? Where and what was our truth?
Other questions had to be answered too... “Why did you say that? What did you mean? Can you prove it or is that your opinion?” Naturally, these questions would result in debate where thoughts and ideas had to be substantiated. My brother could offer some pretty strong and valid points and was often forceful about trying to convince me of his viewpoint. I wasn’t always convinced and, when I ran out of debatable facts, would retreat within myself and look there for my truth. Once I found it, I stood firm and there was nothing anyone could say or do to change it.
I learned early on where my truth lived but I also learned that the gathering and sifting of pertinent information was necessary in discovering it. I had to look at and examine the “facts” with my head and sort them out while listening to how my heart felt about it.
I had been taught, too, that God was everywhere and that He created all things. This teaching of my father usually related to God’s presence in nature. It was under the Sisters’ tutelage I came to realize God’s presence in myself. It was in one of those ah-ha moments I realized I find God in the same place I find my truth.
Knowledge is wonderful! I don’t think we should ever stop learning and educating ourselves. But... acquiring knowledge isn’t enough. Knowledge without truth is worthless just as thinking without feeling is worthless. We must think with both our heads and our hearts in sincere seeking of our own truth. We can’t find that truth within ourselves without also finding God for God is truth. “I am the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)
This is a global crisis we are living in and we are being bombarded with information. What do we believe? There is only one truth and that is the one we find within ourselves after we have answered the questions in our heads. The important thing is for us to ask the questions. The important thing for us to do is to THINK and consider all the facts...not just the ones which agree with preconceived ideas. The important thing to do is to keep an open mind. The truth cannot make itself known through a closed door.
And to those who are leaving it all up to God... please remember where God lives. God lives within each one of us and we need to give Him/Her the freedom to express the truth through us. We have to do OUR part in partnership with God.
God Bless you!
Connie
Good job, Connie
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