My Ten Most Powerful (And Sometimes Shocking) Revelations This Year

freedom-webRevelation: Something revealed or disclosed, especially a striking disclosure.

In no particular order…

1. There is a huge difference between forgiveness and reconciliation.

2. Endurance can be an idol.

3. The ego hates losing, even to God.

4. There are few in our religious culture who understand the necessity of mature internalized conscience, so wise guides are almost impossible to find.

5. Our culture has no rite of passage for the second half of life.

6. Suffering, even—and perhaps especially, when it is self-inflicted, hurts.

7. Life is not a melodrama.

8. A knock at the door of a brothel is really a knock at the heart of God.

9. We have sacrificed the essence of who we really are, at the altar of self-denial.

10. In the words of T.S. Eliot, “Last year’s words belong to last year’s language, and next year’s words await another voice.”

Question: What is one of your powerful revelations during 2012?

10 responses to “My Ten Most Powerful (And Sometimes Shocking) Revelations This Year”

  1. WhatThisGirlLearns.com Avatar

    I definitely get the first two.

    The revelation I’ve had to keep reminding myself this past year is,
    “Not everyone has to approve of me.”

    1. randy Avatar
      randy

      So true…thanks for joining the conversation.

  2. Lori Avatar
    Lori

    Randy,

    You articulate my internal experience so well in many of your posts. So often I’ve been unable to put word(s) to it, and then I read your own (occasionally borrowed). Thank you.for turning your pain into a healing salve for the rest of us.

    1. randy Avatar
      randy

      That means a lot, Lori. thanks!

  3. Vince Avatar

    Had that T.S Elliot quote in my ear last week…wasn’t just me

    great list brother!

    1. randy Avatar
      randy

      Thanks, Vince. He knows how to turn a phrase, huh? :)

  4. Ginny L. Yttrup Avatar

    Powerful list. Thanks for sharing. I’ll claim two of yours as my own: #1, #9. I’ve lived both those revelations in the last 3 years. Painful truths to learn…yet so valuable.

    1. randy Avatar
      randy

      Yes, painful but needed. Thanks so much!!

  5. Michelle George Avatar

    I have a voice and I am worthy of using it

    (currently reading Rohr’s Falling Upwards at your recommendation…the words are breathing life back into me after a tough couple of years. thank you!)

    1. randy Avatar
      randy

      Awesome, Michelle. Awesome!!