Imago Dei.

@storyboardc

Imago Dei + Image of God.

Hi Dear Friends,

This is my first Faith post in quite sometime. I’m a little rusty and nervous to put this out here, but here goes…

My dear friend Robert planted these Sunflowers outside our little store in the Spring and this year they have grown to the highest heights despite the worst drought on record, excessive heat and skies filled with smoke from wild fires.

Watching them flourish honestly has been one of the few highlights of my Summer.

So, last week as I walked into work, the morning light was perfect and I noticed this one amazing Sunflower. It stopped me in my tracks as the breeze moved it like some kind of cinematic moment. I was in awe. A Neighbor and her daughter even paused to join me in honoring its unique colors and it’s center seeds coming forth.

It was definitely a little Holy Inspiration to Write what has been on my Heart as of late.

Imago dei

When I think of this special little Sunflower that Bloomed so beautifully despite all the Challenges against it. Drought, Excessive Heat and Wild Fire skies. I also can’t help think of its blessings this season: a Gardener that watered him almost daily and a neighborhood that encouraged him and his fellow sunflowers to grow all summer long. What a loved little Flower that God Created indeed.

Then I thought of Us. You and Me. (*And now I’m also thinking of St. Therese, The little Flower with all this flower talk 🌻.

We, like that Flower are called to be beautiful even during the most Difficult of circumstances. We were and are created for it. Not just in the beauty standards of our day and age. But, truly in our Interior Life. A Beauty that can only come from the infinite goodness of aligning with a God that created us. In His Image.

I’m no theologian. I did work at a Catholic bookstore for a few years 😂. So, as I unpack this spark of insight I’ve been sitting with- I’m pretty mind blown. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve heard this before. My whole life growing up in a Catholic Christian Family. But, not until now has it really come on my heart radar to pray and meditate on.

It’s definitely a tall order to live up to to say the least, especially currently as I personally struggle with not feeling like the best representative of Imago Dei right now. I have a lot of work to do. Don’t we all?

But, it’s doable ♥️.

I have a few Faith Tools helping me along since my Reconversion this winter back to my Catholic Faith. Maybe they can help you uncover your own Imago Dei as well.

BLESSED IS SHE

My first one is my “Old Friends” at Blessed Is She, a WELCOMING online community of Catholic Christ-Centered Women. Open to All ages and walks of life. There are no cliques. No Judgements. No needing to fit into a Catholic Culture Vocation mold.

I never stopped following them on Instagram after I left my Faith and BIS messages were right there when I returned. Ministering to me on such a deep and intimate level. I even attended a local Revival of theirs in my area in June. It was such a healing and humbling awakening. I will have to share that evening story one of these days.

But, in the meantime I’m still experiencing such a renewed relationship with Christ from that evening. So much light and comfort that seems to be having a ripple effect in my daily life. Don’t get me wrong things are far from perfect, but without my Faith right now I truly would be a complete mess.

I’m so grateful for Blessed is She for peeling back one of the many layers of Imago Dei in me to remind me of my inherent worth as a dearly Beloved of Christ through the Bible and they’re unique Daily Devotions.

WORTHY OF WEARING

I had recently read a book about Body Acceptance by a well-known IG entrepreneur, advocate and influencer. It was a bright and fun read in all, but it left me feeling a little duped again. I had bought again another expert “self-help” book just after getting rid of about 20 similar ones.

I will definitely write a more detailed post on this subject later too. Whoa I have a lot of writing to do 😂.

But, I finally came across something that has aligned with what I’ve been needing to read.

Worthy of Wearing by Nicole M. Curuso via IG. A reminder that IG isn’t all bad for inspiration these days ♥️. And this Book is giving me that MORE I have been craving.

I went to my Local Catholic Bookstore and picked up a copy. It is a beautiful book and so well written. So, Full of Imago Dei insight. I’m still deep diving into it with my fine tip sharpie as my companion and learning so much despite never having a issue in the style department. I will definitely share more once I am done.

Hallow

I love Hallow. It’s so been apart of my reconversion Journey. I use it daily almost. Getting me back to a healthy prayer life. The benefits have been beautiful.

I love listening to Blessed Is She’s Daily Devotions read by Nell O’Leary. Her Voice is so calming and kind. I also never miss Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons and Love praying the rosary along with him as well. The offerings on this Catholic Prayer and Meditation App are endless.

It’s so well designed too. Worth every penny. *They do offer 14 day trial that I would highly recommend if you are not familiar yet with it. Do Please try it.

But, when it comes to my Imago Dei project the most helpful on Hallow has been a collection featured called HEALING WOUNDS with Dr. Bob Schuchts and Sr. Miriam of the John Paul II Healing Center. It truly opened me up to so many parts of my heart that has Held me away from Christ’s love and being able live the Life he has planned for me. All those Gifts…

Like I said above I don’t feel in most moments that I’m worthy to be that imago Dei representative, but this series of meditations and prayers allowed me glimmers of possibility to allow God to work within me.

I hope my Little Imago Dei Post today has helped you in some way discover something. I know this is ongoing project- lifelong :) But, it’s helped me to write it all down and reflect so far in this beginning stages. Please share any of your thoughts. Love to hear until next time.

Love, C. 🫀