Reflections from the New Life Weekend in San Jose, CA February 12th through 14th.
Have you ever imagined what it might be like to travel light and let go of the excessive emotional baggage that weighs you down and keeps one stuck in regret, shame and unbelief. Get on an airplane…we get that. We have to pay big bucks for two, three, and maybe even four pieces of luggage. Our pocket books say “ouch,” our hearts, not so much. Why is it that we hold on to our excessive baggage, hurts and pain, thinking that it is going to offer some benefit, when actually it serves as the anchor that take us down. It can be very costly – to lose relationships, freedom, and hope within our lives.
Walking into the conference room on Friday afternoon in San Jose revealed faces of people burdened by their emotional pain. You know it when you see it – it’s palpable; eyes downcast in shame, fearful of engaging with others, spiritually wounded, stuck and burdened with guilt. Imagine with me laughing together as Steve breaks the ice with his playful, authentic and interactive style and feel the breath of fresh air begin to fill and clear the tension in the room. Then go to your small group and connect courageously and safely with new found friends. Be amazed as you confront choices, unload past regrets and reveal patterns that have kept you in defeat. Then watch the healing work of forgiveness as you forgive yourself and others for the “unforgiveables”. You’ll see as I did the countenance of people lift. Their faces looked brighter. Actually, they even began to become more creative and life-filled as evidenced by a time of community sharing on Saturday. Truly, unloading our past and present struggles can invite us into lighter living. I am not talking about forgetting; I am talking about freedom to live. This weekend offers some of what freedom is about. Attending the New Life Weekend: Regret Free Living might be a way to take the first step toward reclaiming your life.
Call 1-800-NEW-LIFE today to learn more about your Regret-Free Living Weekend.
Posted on
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
by Sheri Denham, Ph.D., MFT