I know the plans I have in mind for you, says our God, plans for peace, not for woe, plans to give you a future full of hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)
This scripture passage has wandered into my heart and mind at different times along my journey. It always seems to come when I need it most, when I need to be reminded that God is in charge, and I’m not! It also presents itself when I feel that God has either abandoned me or I’m sure I can do a better job taking care of things than God can!
Recently, I was invited to be present to this scripture passage as I walked through our Motherhouse in Akron with our Sisters, who are preparing to let go of this property. Some of the Sisters shared their memories of living at this motherhouse and ministering to the people there. This was a time to remember, a time to reminisce, and a time to mourn. It was also a time to share the joy and healing that took place within these walls.
As the Sisters and our congregation experience the pain of letting go of this property, we place our confidence in God, trusting that God has plans to “give us a future full of hope” beyond what we can understand or imagine. In this time of letting go, we are called to let God in and trust in a God who has “plans for peace, not for woe.”
Whenever we come to a crossroads in our journey of having to let go of something, this scripture passage reassures us that God is with us and has plans in mind for us. God does not abandon us. God’s plans may not be the ones we have in mind and as we walk this journey of life, taking leaps of faith into the unknown and uncertain future, we trust in the goodness of a loving God who is there for us.
Are you ready to let go and let God in? Do you hear God calling you with plans for your future? Maybe these plans are to explore a call to religious life as a Sister. We invite you to take a leap of faith by joining us for our “Come and See Discernment Retreat: Speak Lord, Your Servant is Listening” in the beautiful countryside in St. Catharine, Kentucky, September 13-15, 2024.
4 thoughts on “Letting Go and Letting God In”
Great reflection on my favorite scripture passage. Thank you for reminding me who is and who has always had a plan for me. I too, am leaving this wonderful place in Akron. I have had a great time being here.
Hi Annette,
Jeremiah has always been one of my favorite prophets and spoke early in my life. Over the years, I have learned more deeply that if God is for us who can be against us…many times ourselves. Yet, we do come to see God is love and love is alway guiding us with new light, a quiet presence, a loving glance and joyful embrace. Thank you, Annette, for your insights in Letting go and letting God in….God Bless!
Love,
Sr. Brigid
Annette, thank you for this reminder of the importance of letting go. I recently made a retreat at the Akron motherhouse and grieve in solidarity with them having left the motherhouse in Oxford, Michigan in 2020 in preparation for it being sold. I did not want to leave that motherhouse, but I found new life in the Dominican community in Waterford, Michigan.
Great reflection on my favorite scripture passage. Thank you for reminding me who is and who has always had a plan for me. I too, am leaving this wonderful place in Akron. I have had a great time being here.
Blessings on you Annette.
Hi Annette,
Jeremiah has always been one of my favorite prophets and spoke early in my life. Over the years, I have learned more deeply that if God is for us who can be against us…many times ourselves. Yet, we do come to see God is love and love is alway guiding us with new light, a quiet presence, a loving glance and joyful embrace. Thank you, Annette, for your insights in Letting go and letting God in….God Bless!
Love,
Sr. Brigid
Thank you for sharing this scripture. It does come to mind during life’s journey.
Annette, thank you for this reminder of the importance of letting go. I recently made a retreat at the Akron motherhouse and grieve in solidarity with them having left the motherhouse in Oxford, Michigan in 2020 in preparation for it being sold. I did not want to leave that motherhouse, but I found new life in the Dominican community in Waterford, Michigan.