Powerless-ness is a concept discussed in many recovery settings. It is important to me as a woman to consider that word from a strong feminine perspective. Many women, even in today's more liberated culture, receive a message that they are powerless-powerless in their job, powerless in their relationships, powerless in their institutions such as in church or in government decisions. When I start feeling powerless, I start feeling anxiety, fear and anger.
A young woman I love left for Paris last Thursday from the Washington DC area. She was headed for a very brief few days with her husband who was already in Paris on business. Because of weather she missed her flight out of Philadelphia. She was rebooked on a flight to Amesterdam the next morning only to arrive to another snowbound airport. She finally made it into Paris late on Saturday. Talk about powerless!
We are powerless over other people, places and things. BUT we are not powerless over our response to those people, those situations that cause us anxiety, fear and anger. We have a choice to respond in an adult, courteous, even loving manner. This young woman started taking care of 2 young sisters stranded with her who were travelling alone to Paris to meet their parents. How relieved those parents must have been!
Everyone has finally arrived in Paris. It is snowing and raining and generally bad weather. The vacation in Paris is shortened. But they are grateful. Grateful to be safe, grateful to be together.
We all need to go the next step...to be grateful to God...to acknowledge it is God who gives us all things...to thank Him/Her for helping us through difficult times in a way that is loving and caring...that we can be pleased that we responded in a loving way.. grateful that He/She gives us power to make the loving decisions.
What is the thing you are most grateful for today? Have you thanked God?
Blessings-Penny
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