This was from a spiritual direction session where I was talking with my aunt about my anger about something that was happening at my child’s school.

Betty: The key point is they have to know how to let go. I wonder if your current struggle with sleep isn’t Jesus trying to teach you how to let go, and you’re having a struggle with it. Because we cannot sleep unless we know how to let go, So, in that regard, then it’s a supernatural thing that you need to work thru with God’s grace.

If you remember when I began to hear about the situation at the school, one of my first question to you was, “Didn’t you go to God about it?”  My very first thought would be to turn to Him, and let him instruct me as to what is going on. But it seemed like that whole idea was foreign to you in that moment. And yet, that is key when something really critical happens in your life. Your first movement should be toward God. “Lord, teach me” It’s that humble, contrite heart willing to learn. God can work powerfully through that. But the arrogant, angry heart is shut down to input from God. Well, you can’t afford that. If you’re in a critical time, you’re out there alone if you don’t turn to God. So, you want to train yourself when something is happening, to turn to God and say, “Lord, teach me.” That way He can help you in the situation where you definitely need help. But he can’t help you if your arrogant prideful and offended person is in charge. So, that’s the way you hurt yourself in a time of crisis. So, really beg for the grace for when you’re in sudden need to know immediately to run to him. And then be obedient, and do whatever he tells you.

AM: It was a good lesson, because it stung. 

Betty: I respect you, because when you noticed it, you turned to prayer and helped other people.

AM: So, I see that responsibility…

Betty: And especially if you show yourself willing to, when you make a mistake, to immediately go out there and say, “Whoa, wait a minute. This is not going to help us. And apologize for your overreaction and whatever part you played in that. Then, I feel like if you’re willing to admit your mistake, then they can trust you that you’ll do this if you make another mistake.

AM: X was poking at me. She said I was in anxiety and that I really needed to trust in the Lord…

Betty: She’s probably afraid of her own shadow and hasn’t had help in how to own it.