How can we evolve spiritually?
TUNE IN: APPLE PODCASTS I SPOTIFY I STITCHER
Do you want to evolve spiritually? To get from a transactional relationship with God and other people to a deeper connection? On Episode 17 of The All Gifts Podcast, I explore this topic with Molly LaCroix. Molly obtained her master’s in marriage and family therapy at a seminary and writes about the intersection of faith and well-being.
In April of 2020, Molly was diagnosed with breast cancer. During this time, to overcome the challenges of dealing with the diagnosis in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, she relied on a spiritual practice she developed. While fighting cancer, Molly published her book, Restoring Relationship: Transforming Fear into Love Through Connection, where she describes this spiritual practice.
I enjoyed the like-minded conversation with Molly. As crazy as everything is in the world, with violence, disease, and every other evil, like Molly, I believe God is doing something awesome. I believe he will do great things in people if we're willing to listen to his voice and be led by Him. One area where my husband and I are being led is to evolve away from a transactional relationship with God and with other people.
When we are transactional with God, we come to him to “check the box.” We ask for what we need and then we go on with the rest of our day. We aren’t filled up with his Spirit. And, then that affects the way we relate to other people. When people come to us hurting or in need, we are more likely to just give them a bible verse or some pat advice and send them on their way. We don’t do this because we’re bad people. We just don't know what else to do.
One of the beautiful gifts of the coronavirus is God got to spend more time with us. And in this time, he got to heal us. That healing has allowed us to better experience God’s love and cultivate greater self-love. And it is from this place of loving abundance that we can genuinely care about and love other people.
I love this podcast because I have a chance to learn from people like Molly who have studied psychology, therapy, and biblical theology. It was at this intersection that Molly developed her spiritual practice that builds on our relationship with God first and then with other people in ways that are freeing and healing.
It embraces the very first verses of the Bible, that what God created is good and that our core identity reflects the image of God. When we sin, according to Molly, "parts of us," are acting out in ways they developed because of some previous adversity.
Molly helps people with the healing work of connecting with those parts of themselves and developing a relationship with them. And when they can connect with those parts, they can have better connections with God and with other people. You’ll want to listen to the episode to hear Molly go into much more detail about this incredible spiritual practice.
What has helped you evolve spiritually?
Show Notes:
Download The All Gifts Journal Prompts for Emotional Processing.
