Book Reflection: Abide Ch. 3
“Healing the root truly does bear good fruit.”
Heather Khym
Chapter 3: We Have an Enemy
Our healing is crucial for us to move forward in life. As a coach, my role is to help you progress toward the life God intended for you. However, some of us may struggle to do so because we haven’t fully healed from our past. As I continue my reflection on Abide by Heather Khym, Chapter 3 reminds us that we have an enemy who tries to separate us from God and prevent us from receiving full healing. When the root of our wounds is healed, we will be able to experience freedom and move forward toward the fulfilling life God has in store for us.
If we reflect on our stories, we realize they're not without challenges. We all experience brokenness, suffering, and pain, dealing with them in different ways. If unaware, we may try to cope, living with an open wound. Over time, this pain can resurface and manifest in our present experiences. Unfortunately, trauma lingers unless healed, often taking unhealthy forms like the need for control, dissociation, anxiety, and depression.
Breaking free from these patterns can be challenging. Paralyzed by emotions and limiting beliefs like fear, unworthiness, or anger, we may struggle with our relationship with God. It's crucial to realize that an enemy seeks to deceive us with lies, leading us away from God. Despite this, God is the ultimate victor, equipping us for battle.
We must break free from agreements made with the enemy’s lies, rebuking them and declaring God's truth. Rather than giving power to the enemy, we should focus on God, bringing our pain to Him.
Heather Khym says, "Healing is always about intimacy, not just the removal of pain." Healing isn't always a one-time event but a process of allowing God to heal our wounds at their core. Seeking God and inviting Him into our vulnerability, receiving Him in the sacraments of the Eucharist and reconciliation, can lead to profound healing. Additionally, having supportive and loving people around us who provide a safe space for us to process and heal is crucial.
God doesn't ignore any part of our story. The enemy may exploit our pain, causing us to doubt our faith. However, God can transform suffering into something beautiful. Look at the cross; as Heather Khym says, “Good Friday is not good without Easter Sunday.” We are all invited to unite with Christ from suffering and death to new life. What difficult area of your past are you called to bring God into?
ponder
Take some time to write out your story. What memories can you recall of past trials and triumphs? What positive and negative messages came from those experiences? What is the truth that Jesus wants you to know?
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