Circle the Wagons

There's nothing better than watching a good Western on one of the movie channels. Whether it's John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, or James Stewart, I love the feel and spontaneity of the old West and the courage of the pioneers who had to fight for their land. Hundreds and hundreds of easterners made the decision to load up all their belongings, leave behind family and friends, and travel by wagon train out West to a new land and a new beginning.

It was inevitable and portrayed in a typical western flick, the wagon train was attacked and the cry went up , "Circle the wagons!" The strategy against foes like Native Americans and intruders was key - in making a circle with the covered wagons and hiding behind the carts, you had a better chance of protecting the people hiding inside the circle. At night when they were most vulnerable they would circle the wagons again to protect the livestock and supplies from raiders.

In the spiritual Godlife we many times practice the concept of "circling." With circling we purposefully build a wall around our true self for the express purpose of protecting our true self from being disclosed. Just like in the old West, we operate under the drive of fear - fear of rejection which leads to fear in our relationships. We work hard every day in order to keep the walls of the circle up of an image that is expected from others or an identity that is accepted by our friends and associates.

The underlying fear is that we will some day be discovered for who we really are.

God's love is not always touchable and is replaced by the pseudo-acceptance of more visible people that surround us in our world. They control our image, the image we have to maintain is always in the back of our minds. Like Native Americans on the prairie they always seem to be lurking in the distance instilling fear in our every move.

The opposite is true - the true experience of God's love within "centering" creates the freedom to be me without masks and performance. He loves you just as you are - that true person inside the circle.

God says, "Don't be afraid., I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're mine." (Isaiah 43:1b-2, The Message).

In the language of the old West, that's translated, "Don't be afeared, partner...I knows ya...I accepts ya...yer mine."

HeeeHa!