My power is limited, if I have any at all. But my actions are powerful, for good or bad depending upon both intent and the experiences of the receiver. My strength is in knowing I control only my intent, not the receiver. And my greatest weakness is acting as if I have more control than I do.

The bird doesn’t grab hold of the wind to fly, nor does the fish order the direction of the sea to swim. Both know what they can control and, therefore, are free to live fully in their powerlessness. Such are we to the world; to the ignorant, to our loves, to our lovers, and those who choose to know us only through assumptions. And can you blame them for assuming that they too are in control, thus, know you?

Indeed, we can each learn from the bird and fish. Both carry on knowing without question there is a power which exists greater than their own: Their life depends upon it. Why do we not think the same?

In truth, this “power” greater than our personal best is the purity of God. God is not a religion, a checklist, a goal to obtain, a church to attend, or a tattooed mantra. And God is certainly not the bird or fish, even though we act as if we are the wind and sea.

We must learn how to fly and swim in the moment. Yesterday’s patterns afford us the security of repetition but not the presence to know how to adjust to today’s climate. We must be fully responsive in the moment to wholly surrender to God and be free from our desire to control. 

Admitting to the truth of our powerlessness allows God to work through us. In this effort, His purity is allowed to breathe in us and from us. The result is better intentions, more productive actions, greater grace, and the gift of something higher and deeper than control….Faith.