Let Your Life Speak

Today we stand on the shoulders of all the saints of the church, those who have dedicated their lives to the love of God. Over the years I have read and learned from Catherine of Siena, Hildegard of Bingen, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and Protestant saints starting with Luther. Recently my attention has turned to Francis of Assisi who did his best to follow the life that Jesus modeled of one who loved God above all else.
Francis of Assisi sent out his friars in the early 13th century with the admonition to “preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” I think he speaks to us, 21st C. men and women, as well. Let me paraphrase this quote: that we are to let our lives—what we do and think and how we are with all people–speak volumes about what is important to us. Our presence, our actions and attitudes are more important than anything we might say or preach to others.
Let joy shine in your life. Let sorrow and joy be expressed. Let the meaning and purpose of your life be revealed. Let your faith and faithfulness overflow. Let your fears and anxieties be released. Let your love for God grow every day. Let others wonder what you know that they don’t. Let your life speak out loud who you are.
There is no need to try to convince another of what you know to be true. Your life will convince them. The quality of your presence will be telling. The compassion with which you listen will touch many hearts. The love you offer cannot offend. Let your life speak volumes about loving God.
You will be, then, another example of what it means to love God with all. You will gain even more meaning and purpose and love from what you do, because you are living it every day. You will express more love as you feel more loved. You will be fulfilling your created purpose and your soul’s agenda. You will be living out of your true, God-created self.