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Janet Caldwell's avatar

I loved this. Don’t pray for clarity pray for trust. Sometimes we just need to move forward even with doubt. I spent a lot of time stationary because I didn’t step out in faith. Clarity is nice but the stepping out is the trust

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Graham Varnell's avatar

Amazing. Curious- how would you differentiate praying for clarity versus praying for wisdom as is outlined in James 1?

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A.J. Swoboda's avatar

That's a good question! Clarity, to me, is a perfect sense of sight. Wisdom is more about "the way" in which we know we should go about doing something. Interestingly, I find that I often lean on wisdom when I don't have clarity.

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Katelyn Entz's avatar

Interesting! I think I often say “clarity” when I mean what you just said about wisdom.

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gabrielle baalke's avatar

I really enjoyed this piece. Like you, I also had a great sense of God's 'clarity' or indeed His presence in my younger years. Then, about 10 or 12 years ago, almost like a bulb burnt out, that sense was absent, and I've been in a mild panic about it ever since. I've wondered: am I less... spiritually attuned to the Holy now? What happened? But no, I'm not. And what happened, I think, is that God called me to the next circle, a tighter one, to be closer to Him, which is what I wanted. But to do that I had to stop relying on that comfortable feeling and start building a stronger faith. Sorry for the ramble. Anyway, thank you.

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Alex Brazle's avatar

Awesome challenge and encouragement. I’ve been doing a lot of wrestling with recently finding out I’m AuDHD and how a neurodiverse brain insects with theology and a life of following Jesus. And let me tell you, as someone who wants life to be clear, black and white, and put into a syllabus so I can follow it well and get a good grade to impress the Big Man, it’s opposite and upside down. There’s a lot of surrendering and meltdowns I’ve been working through in my faith to drop my idol and pursuit of clarity and certainty, which I often cling to as a safety net as a person who’s brain works a smidge differently. And I’m infinitely grateful that Jesus knows and is kind and understanding as we flail about trying to be in and offer His kingdom life here and now. 💕

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A.J. Swoboda's avatar

My goodness, thank you for sharing that, Alex! Yes, to all of it.

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Gloria Critchfield's avatar

Good article. At first I wasn't understanding the use of the word clarity when first reading it. I must agree with Sister Teresa's statement as well as yours. We are called to walk in faith and wholly trust God. I think Hebrews 11 gives us message. Thank you

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Debi Hassler-Never Forsaken's avatar

Thanks for your excellent thoughts on clarity-made made me think of I corinthians13:12-“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”

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Brian Majerus's avatar

"But don’t make the gift of clarity into the idol of certainty." So good. A meme for our times! And the post ministered to me personally. Thanks!

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Candice Wright-Rendon's avatar

I always enjoy your thoughtful and learned perspective, A.J.. Ironically, you are helping to provide clarity!

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Sarah Thomas Baldwin's avatar

Such a good word to lean into.

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Bob Welch's avatar

I usually like your stuff but this one seems a bit fuzzy. Unclear. Just kidding! Great point and well substantiated. Appreciate your clarity on the unclear, A.J.!

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A.J. Swoboda's avatar

LOL! Well, I'm glad to give some clarity to our weird views on clarity. :)

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Ishah Naomi's avatar

This was much needed, thankyou!

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Cathleen Jackson's avatar

I preordered and filled out all the registrations and when I went to download the first chapter after submitting sign up for the group it was gone ugh. Anyway to get without redoing every step again? If not I’ll wait for the book. Thanks

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A.J. Swoboda's avatar

Thanks, Cathleen! That is awesome to hear. Do this for me, send me a message through the contact form on my home page. I'll see if the publisher needs to resend it your way.

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Cathleen Jackson's avatar

I can wait. Thank you very excited for it

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Chris Nye's avatar

So good bro. Always appreciate you.

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Evie's avatar

And still I do not understand why Jesus left so many people without clarity and understanding. When people confuse me they frustrate me. Why would He do that?

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A.J. Swoboda's avatar

Good question! If you'd be open to it, I can offer a response on the Monday Office Hours!

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DeMott David's avatar

I read this after posting a prayer for clarity. I get where you’re coming from and agree life is messy. Sometimes you simply need to know the validity of your next step.

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Margaret Fairchild's avatar

I love this! In the Ignatian studies we lean into what’s called “Holy Indifference “. Trusting God for the outcomes. Letting go of our own expectations.

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