Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these.
This: "But if resentments and conflict and jealousies and all the other works of the ego just don’t matter anymore when someone is dying, I ask, do they really matter when they are still living?" JUST WOW. That is maybe the most profound statement I have ever heard. Thank you for that, Nadia. You are so wise.
EGO-“edging God out”. Well into my second half of life, this has been one of my most difficult; however, greatest learning lessons. When I sit with feelings of rejection, not lovable, not good enough, I usually come to realize my big fat EGO took a blow. With this, I’m able to let go a bit easier and realize the conflict/situation doesn’t really matter after all. You are so right Nadia. Thank you ❤️🙌
You had me at “bad theology, bad math.” I’ve never seen Paul get read like a liturgical scoreboard before, but now I want a laminated copy for every church office. Thank you for redeeming “sarx” from the clenched jaws of purity culture and reoffering it as what it really is—our anxious little egos doing cosplay as God.
Also, this line? “Repentance is just remembering we were loved all along.” That’s the kind of heresy I’ll go down singing for.
Oh my poor wounded little ego! Back in October 2024, I got passed up for a promotion for the same position for the fourth time after 9 years with my company. Oooo I was so angry. How dare they! They are passing up great knowledge, skills, and experience. I had so many fantasies or revenge quitting. Being a child of God I knew I couldn't stay in that anger. So months later after praying a lot and asking God to forgive me of my anger and to please remove it I found myself letting it go and forgiving the powers that be in my company and myself. (I am also working on starting my own business.) A few weeks ago we had a company wife announcement that showed the senior management to be dishonest and deceitful as well as dissmissive of their employees and creating division. I do not want to be part of that clique. Lots of folks are leaving now. God knew best. (A side note- this company brags about their Christian values. Hmmm). Poor little egos.
“And…it doesn’t matter” Oof! A really important message for my scared little ego today. Along with the reminder that the Spirit’s fruit grows slowly in the dark earth of ordinary days…my impatient soul needed to hear that. Thank you!!
Oh I loved this….. in so many ways. I am saving it and plan to reread for many moments of life ahead. Good message Nadia… and as always good sleuthing and good writing.
It confirms in me my inclination not to get on a high horse about, um, what's the shortest way I can describe this?
My band (https://www.extraordinaryrenditionband.com/) played at a charitable event yesterday. As usual with such gigs we were there gratis. But the venue provided us with free lunch and free drink tickets in return our trouble as is often the case in such circumstances. I got my drink then went back to the table to get my wallet so I could put something in the tip jar, then realized I had not seen ANY of my bandies put ANYTHING in the tip jar. I had 16 bucks so I went back and stuffed that into the tip jar while grumbling to a couple of bandies still getting drinks something about we should be putting something in the F*&^%$g tip jar.
I was all set to go on our Slack workspace and post something snarky but hesitated, saying to myself, "Let me think about it." And now after reading this especially the part about "anger, quarrels, dissensions" I've completely let go of the egoistical desire to post something like that.
Thank you, Nadia, for reminding me that fruit is more important than being right (and I SO love being right).
I had the pleasure of being in the same room with you in Raleigh NC. Thank you for that too. Your words were inspiring and it felt rich sitting in a room of like-minded, struggling humans.
I would have loved to be closer to you, take your picture, shake your hand - but I knew you would never even remember me and what I really craved was a good ol’ visit with tea - just the two of us talking and laughing together. Sigh….
Instead, I’ll just keep reading your blogs and sending gratitude and love for all you give to the world. (Big hugs)
What matters? First things first—today I’m reaching for a juicy slice of peach (gentleness), a big wedge of watermelon (patience), a handful of blueberries (humility), and maybe a crisp apple (self-control) to keep me grounded. A fruit salad of the Spirit, if you will. Thanks for the yummy analogy. Amen!
Thank you, Nadia! I was just congratulating myself for doing good works that no one saw, then devising strategies to have them be seen and for the flattery to adorn my EGO. I missed you at Manchester United Methodist in St. Louis but thanks to the selfless love of my ex-wife (who recognized yours and my past lives to be much alike even if different) I’m a subscriber. One day I’ll meet you in a church in Denver. In the meantime all praise to God for redemption! I believe- help my unbelief!
For a long time I have described the unfettered ego as the malignancy at the heart of the human condition.
That's why we (all of us, including nice folks like us) are called to follow Jesus up to Jerusalem where our precious egos will be crucified, laid in the tomb and raised to new and everlasting life.
This: "But if resentments and conflict and jealousies and all the other works of the ego just don’t matter anymore when someone is dying, I ask, do they really matter when they are still living?" JUST WOW. That is maybe the most profound statement I have ever heard. Thank you for that, Nadia. You are so wise.
EGO-“edging God out”. Well into my second half of life, this has been one of my most difficult; however, greatest learning lessons. When I sit with feelings of rejection, not lovable, not good enough, I usually come to realize my big fat EGO took a blow. With this, I’m able to let go a bit easier and realize the conflict/situation doesn’t really matter after all. You are so right Nadia. Thank you ❤️🙌
You had me at “bad theology, bad math.” I’ve never seen Paul get read like a liturgical scoreboard before, but now I want a laminated copy for every church office. Thank you for redeeming “sarx” from the clenched jaws of purity culture and reoffering it as what it really is—our anxious little egos doing cosplay as God.
Also, this line? “Repentance is just remembering we were loved all along.” That’s the kind of heresy I’ll go down singing for.
Gratefully gorging on the Spirit’s fruit stand,
Oh my poor wounded little ego! Back in October 2024, I got passed up for a promotion for the same position for the fourth time after 9 years with my company. Oooo I was so angry. How dare they! They are passing up great knowledge, skills, and experience. I had so many fantasies or revenge quitting. Being a child of God I knew I couldn't stay in that anger. So months later after praying a lot and asking God to forgive me of my anger and to please remove it I found myself letting it go and forgiving the powers that be in my company and myself. (I am also working on starting my own business.) A few weeks ago we had a company wife announcement that showed the senior management to be dishonest and deceitful as well as dissmissive of their employees and creating division. I do not want to be part of that clique. Lots of folks are leaving now. God knew best. (A side note- this company brags about their Christian values. Hmmm). Poor little egos.
bragging about christian values is always sign of not really having them!
Amen. If one lives it does one have to tell me they are doing so? " You will know we are Christians by our love"?
“And…it doesn’t matter” Oof! A really important message for my scared little ego today. Along with the reminder that the Spirit’s fruit grows slowly in the dark earth of ordinary days…my impatient soul needed to hear that. Thank you!!
Oh I loved this….. in so many ways. I am saving it and plan to reread for many moments of life ahead. Good message Nadia… and as always good sleuthing and good writing.
OMG thank you for this!
It confirms in me my inclination not to get on a high horse about, um, what's the shortest way I can describe this?
My band (https://www.extraordinaryrenditionband.com/) played at a charitable event yesterday. As usual with such gigs we were there gratis. But the venue provided us with free lunch and free drink tickets in return our trouble as is often the case in such circumstances. I got my drink then went back to the table to get my wallet so I could put something in the tip jar, then realized I had not seen ANY of my bandies put ANYTHING in the tip jar. I had 16 bucks so I went back and stuffed that into the tip jar while grumbling to a couple of bandies still getting drinks something about we should be putting something in the F*&^%$g tip jar.
I was all set to go on our Slack workspace and post something snarky but hesitated, saying to myself, "Let me think about it." And now after reading this especially the part about "anger, quarrels, dissensions" I've completely let go of the egoistical desire to post something like that.
Thank you, Nadia, for reminding me that fruit is more important than being right (and I SO love being right).
I had the pleasure of being in the same room with you in Raleigh NC. Thank you for that too. Your words were inspiring and it felt rich sitting in a room of like-minded, struggling humans.
I would have loved to be closer to you, take your picture, shake your hand - but I knew you would never even remember me and what I really craved was a good ol’ visit with tea - just the two of us talking and laughing together. Sigh….
Instead, I’ll just keep reading your blogs and sending gratitude and love for all you give to the world. (Big hugs)
~ Linda
Thanks Linda. So glad you got to be there!
Oh, Nadia, today's sermonette hit exactly the right spot! 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
What matters? First things first—today I’m reaching for a juicy slice of peach (gentleness), a big wedge of watermelon (patience), a handful of blueberries (humility), and maybe a crisp apple (self-control) to keep me grounded. A fruit salad of the Spirit, if you will. Thanks for the yummy analogy. Amen!
Thank you, Nadia! I was just congratulating myself for doing good works that no one saw, then devising strategies to have them be seen and for the flattery to adorn my EGO. I missed you at Manchester United Methodist in St. Louis but thanks to the selfless love of my ex-wife (who recognized yours and my past lives to be much alike even if different) I’m a subscriber. One day I’ll meet you in a church in Denver. In the meantime all praise to God for redemption! I believe- help my unbelief!
I have argued with the patriarchy so many times, this soothes my soul.
BTW I was right, because it concerned protecting children.
Love you.
For a long time I have described the unfettered ego as the malignancy at the heart of the human condition.
That's why we (all of us, including nice folks like us) are called to follow Jesus up to Jerusalem where our precious egos will be crucified, laid in the tomb and raised to new and everlasting life.
Lovely. Thank you for giving light in the fog of my journey.
Beautiful, Nadia! 🫂 It was lovely to see you and your husband in Grand Rapids this week. Thank you for helping us sing. 😁 We needed this.
My wife and I also attended Nadia's GR event. We echo your words of gratitude.
I'm so glad you were there! What a sweet night.
repentance is just remembering that we actually were loved all along. Amen.