Jeleila Starr ~ Niburian Council ~ Preparing Our Loved Ones For The Future ~ 9 April 2012
Jeleila Starr ~ Niburian Council ~ Preparing Our Loved Ones For The Future ~ 9 April 2012
Was talking to my mom last night. The topic turned to the end of the world. Mom, (a staunch Christian) told me she was filled with anxiety and dread over it (she believes the world is going to end). Mom told me she was cleaning up her life so that she would be counted worthy to meet Jesus when he arrived. She was eating better and exercising (lost 50 pounds!) and working on forgiving.
Several thoughts ran through my head as I sat there listening. First, I wanted to change her mind so that I could save her from the fear gripping her. I wanted to interrupt her (she was on a roll) and say, “Mom, the world isn’t going to end; only the systems are and they are just going to change. You have every reason to be hopeful…it’s going to be better!”
Secondly, I reminded myself that it is not my place to try to change her. If I really loved her, I’d honor her right to believe as she wanted. I’d simply act as a sounding board, allowing her to voice the fear without trying to change anything. (Hard but doable.)