PLAYING SMALL

I recently asked myself these questions: “In what ways am I playing small?” I followed up with... “Where and what have I been withholding, and what as been the payoff?

Just by asking these questions I quickly learned that I have been withholding most of my abilities as a minister and a writer. I know that this is playing small because I am an intelligent and loving person. I ask myself, why then am I not taking responsibility for my actions instead of believing that the illness I’ve had for so many years can stop me?

I’m not sure what the payoff is as yet, but I am willing to explore this “holding back.” Is it my age – I don’t believe it. Age is a plus as a minister and a writer as well. Still, I have not found the courage to step into these shoes. Perhaps I have one foot in, but not both. This must change. I don’t know how many years I have left on this planet, and I want to make them count.

Written for you with Love,

Barbara

Beloved Children, All answers to your questions are within you, and you must bring them forth. Your actions are scattered as is your mind. Your fears are holding you back from all that you can give to yourself and to the world. It is imperative that you accept this and begin to change that which is holding you to a place that is not serving you well.

The grip of fear prevents you from shouldering the responsibility of the present. You have good intentions, sometimes great intentions, but your fear overtakes you and you hide in your shell. You are afraid to allow the true Self to shine.

My dear one, be not afraid. You are loved and you must give your gifts in all ways. Living one moment at a time and releasing fear will catapult you into freedom. You must stand tall and face the fear of exposing your deepest truths. And this will set you free.

And so it is…

Wisdom’s Voice

Rev. Dr. Barbara Rasp

www.wisdomsvoice.com

A Good Family Man

Recently I’ve been feeling the presence of my father. He was born on March 4, 1911. This year would have been his centennial birthday. He left this world at only 56, and as I look at my age at 71, I realize how young he was.

Dad was a simple man who loved his family…a man who was always there, but often in the background because of his quiet nature. I’m so thankful that he was my father, and I know a part of him still lives in me. The natural ebb and flow of life fills my heart, and I sit today in gratitude for this man of courage. I hope some of that courage has passed on to me.

Many years ago when I was very ill and unable to get around very well, dad came to me in a vision. I awoke one night and saw him standing by my bed. I watched him as he turned and removed his glasses and threw them into the air. His image then slowly faded.

Dad was a good family man…soft spoken and gentle. I can see that part of him lives on in me. He loved the simple things, and I do as well. Although this memory brings forth a melancholy, I can sit here with tears in my eyes and be ever so grateful for this moment.

His death came as a result of a cancer contracted by working with cancer causing materials. As I reflect on his life, I’m sorry he didn’t live longer. I would love to have known him better because I feel so blessed that he was my father.

Written for you with Love,
Barbara


All women are mothers, as all men are fathers. This means that each one has a mission to nurture and provide for the children of the world. I love you, my children, and I trust that you will do this. When you do not do this, I still love you, but my heart bleeds for the lost ones you fail to nurture.

Mother Mary
From “A Gift of Roses”
By Barbara Rasp