My newsletter exists to spread the idea of a loving spirit to readers each Tuesday morning.
Each week, I find inspiration from secular and/or sacred texts and weave a personal essay aimed at revealing a loving spirit at work in the universe. Each post concludes with a prayer and self-enrichment journal prompts.
Reflection:
“Your job is only to write your heart out, and let destiny take care of the rest.” Elizabeth Gilbert
Scripture:
“Ask the Lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.” Proverbs 16:3 (CEV)
Experimenting with my writing voice on Substack brought about vulnerability at the edge of comfort, which is terrifyingly thrilling and leaves me a little queasy. Nonetheless, I pushed past that barrier and published a spiritual reflection each Tuesday morning, this being my fifty-second one.
I heeded the advice from Eliabeth Gilbert to “write my heart out” as I explored spirituality over the past year. Substack allowed me to share my creative work with a bigger audience than my captive and supportive dogs, who listen to me read drafts while at my feet. More importantly, the weekly writing practice provided joy that I cultivated by writing about a loving deity regardless of what was happening around me.
Raised Catholic, I fell in love with the story of Jesus. I devoted much of my life to practicing this faith tradition, which is full of beautiful and sacred rituals. Growing up in a rural community, I was not exposed to other cultures and belief systems. Therefore, I clung to the only path to eternal happiness that was available to me.
Overtime, I deepened my understanding of the Christ story—learned how to navigate my faith journey. Presently, I find solace by believing that the Holy Spirit is alive and present among us. I am less concerned about the source and/or the future, and more interested in preserving faith, hope, and love in the here and now. This is a path full of peace.
My spiritual development occurred, in part, from my longstanding daily habit of studying Christian devotions from various sources. In the morning, I journal about scripture in beautiful books with poetry, prose, songs, prayers, and sketches.
These were kept private for more than a decade.
Overtime, I came alive in my faith and learned to tune in and trust the Holy Spirit that is omnipresent. I learned to have a connection with the divine, which inspired me to share my spiritual writing.
Enter Substack.
I launched Divine Time with Tara where I finally shared my devotions while branding myself as a Christian writer. The reward of using Substack was more personal and meaningful than a barrage of followers or book deals. As the weeks turned to months, I continued to show up for my deadline each Monday night because I didn’t want to disappoint myself.
Having had the discipline to write a polished (not perfect) reflection each week for the past year has deepened my spiritual understanding. Faith is not unlike science in this way—with a growth mindset, things that were once thought true can be challenged.
Recently, I decided to expand the territory that I’m interested in exploring with my writing. I do not feel the message of love is exclusive to those who practice my same faith tradition. I’m just into breaking bread and sharing wine seeking fellowship with those who believe in the power of love.
My work on Substack invites readers to consider that the source of creation is divine. I invite others to practice tuning into their own spirituality through contemplation and journaling.
I went onto Substack seeking a tribe of others like me. I gained so much more—the reward of deepening my faith and understanding while developing a body of creative work. The connection with readers was a glittery bonus when I got to think someone, too, believed in the power of love and their role in the divine dance of life.
I remain interested in exploring the topic of spirituality in my writing and in my life. However, I am resting this summer, turning back to my longer-form work, and considering how my spiritual reflections could create more value for the readers. When I reflect on today’s Christian proverb, I am reminded to pray and allow the Lord to bless me with his wisdom.
See you back in September 😊✌️❤️
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Journal prompts:
Remember a time when you needed to step back. Did you need a break from work, from relationships, from something else? How does rest allow for growth?
What does “write your heart out” mean to you? What is on your heart?
I invite you to pray with me . . .
Prayer: Oh Holy One, thank You for this life and all the beauty in it that inspires me. In this season of rest, provide time to help me understand Your love and how I might work to share Your love with others. I trust You completely and welcome Your blessings into my days. Amen.
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Your subscription helps spread the good vibes. Peace and love to you. ✌️❤️
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