Don’t let the tools rust

TYS offered spiritual and practical tools to add to the unique toolbox we each have to sustain us in daily living.  These tools are not only for use on the abortion recovery path. They are also for use in the ongoing expedition of life during which we continue to be transformed into who we are designed to be.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (AMP) And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.

But as the scripture points out, I don’t transform my story, it comes from God.  The tools gained in TYS are not magic wands that will instantly change us.  Rather they are instruments to pull the weeds or distractions that may hinder our ability to connect with God. This can stunt our growth.  Using the tools opens our hearts and minds to engage with God so His presence can transform us over time. He invites us to participate with Him in the work, remaining accessible to Him by practicing the use of spiritual tools.

Tremendous progress in this work was gained in an abortion recovery group. Many of the areas over which we stumbled, though, have multiple levels and certain issues may need to be revisited before they stop interfering with our life in other areas. New rounds of struggles happen in life and can trigger those old areas, so we need to access those tools and re-apply some of what we’ve learned in recovery.

The tools we use…

I typically need tools like prayer, journaling and gratitude on a daily basis.  Some of the other devices I must keep handy include anger and forgiveness letters and shame and truth walls (along with safe community in which to share as needed).  These instruments and others helped me through the loss of a family member, the suicide of another relative, the divorce of close friends, and a myriad of other issues that trigger old stumbling blocks discovered in abortion recovery.  

Different tools engage different aspects of our being and may be used separately or together.  Some tools engage the mind (journaling and reading), while some involve the emotions (letters, walls). Some tools satisfy the need to belong (sharing in community), some permeate the spirit (prayer, gratitude) and some encourage behavior (anger management and self-care).

Using spiritual tools keeps us grounded in reality and in God and keeps us out of our heads and away from the lures of the enemy.  Our goal is greater recovery and wholeness in God, and the tools are implements that move us toward that goal.

Tools should be used consistently, even if only a little at a time.  Otherwise, they can get rusty and more difficult to use over time.  Don’t wait for a crisis to hit and then scramble to find the needed tools only to find them caked over with rust, barely able to move (like the pruning shears in my garage last year).

Let’s Talk: What tools have you used lately? How can a spiritual tool you’ve gained be used to help you connect to God today?