Finding Your Inner Sanctuary: Rest for Weary Souls
In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, the search for inner peace can seem like a distant dream. Yet, as the collection of stories and essays in Finding Rest for Our Souls reveals, this peace is not only attainable but can be discovered within the depths of our own experiences. This book, featuring the vulnerable journeys of Amber Mattingly and her colleagues, offers a balm for the weary soul by inviting you to explore your own path toward a sense of safety and rest.
Inner Sanctuary
One of the central themes explored in the book is the power of turning inward to create an “inner sanctuary.” This concept, as Editor Amber Mattingly introduces, is a space of “safety, non-judgment, and peace that we find in our relationship with our Creator”. She emphasizes that by introspectively examining our experiences, we can cultivate this sacred realm within ourselves, a place to find solace amidst life’s storms. As Mattingly shares from her personal journey, even in moments of intense difficulty, practices like yoga can help create this inner haven: “I practiced yoga and meditation through my tears and let my mat hold me with tender care.”
A Higher Power
The journey to this inner rest is often intertwined with our relationship with a higher power, and for many in the book, the Psalms serve as a profound guide. Drawing inspiration from these ancient poems, the authors demonstrate how embracing the full spectrum of human emotions – from anger and fear to joy and hope – can lead to a deeper connection with God and a sense of being fully accepted. Mattingly explains, “Through this exploration, I discovered that the Psalms encourage us to embrace the full spectrum of human emotions. They prompt us to express our feelings openly, assuring us that God’s love is vast enough to encompass all our thoughts and emotions. By engaging in this practice of sharing our deepest emotions with God and feeling fully accepted, we find solace and security within this relationship”. The Psalms offer a sense of solidarity, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles and that generations before us have also grappled with similar feelings.
Embracing Vulnerability
Furthermore, Finding Rest for Our Souls highlights the importance of embracing vulnerability and engaging in spiritual practices as pathways to inner peace. The authors share their personal crises and healing processes with honesty, demonstrating that acknowledging our pain is a crucial step toward finding rest. Amanda Clark-Hines, in her chapter, explores how spiritual direction provided her with “words and ways to navigate conversations that were vulnerable and raw.” She illustrates how even in moments of feeling lost and uncertain, connecting with our emotions and seeking guidance can lead to transformation. Reflecting on her experience with Psalm 13, Clark-Hines notes, “I am allowed to fully express the emotions others would deem as ‘negative’ or ‘unappealing’ and question how long my enemy will be exalted over me. I am allowed to beg for God to open my eyes to see the light in the darkness and be reminded that the Lord’s steadfast love remains.”
The Message
Finding Rest for Our Souls offers a message of hope and empowerment. It reminds us that even in the midst of life’s hardships, we possess the capacity to discover an inner sanctuary, draw strength from spiritual traditions, and embrace our full humanity. As Mattingly says, “What is truly remarkable about this book is that each author unearthed within themselves the very tools needed to flourish, and I believe you, our beloved reader, will too.”
If you are yearning for wholeness and peace, this book invites you to begin your own journey towards finding rest for your soul.
