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This is a poem
that speaks to my heart. I discovered it in the summer of 2006, when I was
asked to do a retreat for the presidents and vice-presidents of the Women of the ELCA in Region 4.
During the retreat we spent some time
looking at the history of labyrinths and how they
connect with prayer. I rediscovered it while working on this month's
women’s retreat on prayer.
These are instructions on how to LET
GO. Perhaps it is letting go of a rebellious child, or a burden or sorrow,
losing a loved one, or learning to live with a heartache which we just
cannot let go of. For me sometimes I simply read it over and over.
Sometimes I study it and other times I let it serve as my prayer. You will
find that letting go of your burden will release a peace from within which
will allow your spirit to soar…to be free…to completely give it to God…and
God will work within you to calm your heart and soul.
LETTING GO
To let go does not mean to stop
caring,
It means I can’t do it for someone
else.
To let go is not to cut myself off,
It is the realization that I can’t
control another.
To let go is not to enable,
But to allow learning through natural
consequences.
To let go is to admit powerlessness,
Which means the outcome is not in my
hands.
To let go is not to try to change or
blame another,
I can only change myself.
To let go is not to care for,
But to care about.
To let go is not to fix,
But to be supportive.
To let go is not to judge,
But to allow another to be a human
being.
To let go is not to be in the middle
arranging all the outcomes.
But to allow others to effect their
own outcomes.
To let go is not to be protective,
It is to permit another to face
reality.
To let go is not to deny,
But to accept.
To let go is not to nag, scold, argue,
But to search out my own shortcomings
and to correct them.
To let go is not to adjust everything
to my desires,
But to take every day as it comes and
to cherish each moment.
To let go is not to criticize or
regulate anyone,
But to try to become what I dream I
can be.
To let go is not to regret the past.
But to grow and live for the future.
To let go is to fear less and love
more.
My prayer for you is that these
words will bring God’s peace to your heart!
ME
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