“Be My PLP: My Private Leaning Post” by Joan Y. Edwards

For Lent 2024, I wrote this reflection for St. Matthew Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC. I am thankful to Jim Alvarez who asked me to write and record a reflection for the members of our church. I am so thankful he recorded it and other people’s reflections for us to share.  I hope it brings you peace. I also put it in a post on my website as: “If God is Happy With You, You Don’t Have to Worry about Anyonelse. “

Here is the video on YouTube:
“Be My PLP: My Private Leaning Post”
https://youtu.be/k5rzYW3S53g?si=z3noXc7Lj2Q_iLya

In elementary school, 7th and 8th grade, I would lean up against a friend and say, “Thank you for being my PLP: My Private Leaning Post.”

What an awesome idea! You know who makes the best-ever Private Leaning Post? God does. Lean on him. He is available to help and protect you twenty-four hours a day. Ask him.

 If God is happy with you, you don’t have to worry about anyone else. You are not responsible for other people’s happiness.  You are responsible for your intentions. Why did you say it? Why did you do it? What did you want to happen? You are not responsible for how others react to your thoughts, words, and actions.

If someone takes offence at something you say or do, it hurts. They seem perturbed and unhappy with you. You are human. You care what those you love think about you. They might misunderstand you. You might not even understand yourself.

 Lean on God. Spend time talking with him. Tell him all about it. Let him filter your emotions, thoughts, words, and actions with his loving wisdom. Hand over your tough emotions to God. He will help you dive deep to uncover the source of your problems and ways to find peace. He will replace your ignorance with knowledge. He will transform your anger into patience and turn your hurt into compassion and peace. He will help you accept yourself and those you love with courage and trust.

 Remember this: If God is happy with you, you don’t have to worry about anyone else. These are joyful words. And they are good words to lean on.

Amen.

Here is a song Carol Baldwin mentioned in the comments. Thank you, Carol.
”Lean on Me” by Bill Withers (YouTube)

https://youtu.be/Nx_D0VTHBag?si=iMVC-0j4Ja5jQLD2

 

Scriptures to help you:
1. 1 Cor 13:5 “love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not keep a record of wrongs;”
2. Proverbs 19:11 “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”
3. James 1:19 “Swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”
we become mindful of God.
4. Emily Cronkleton. Healthline. “10 Breathing Techniques for Stress Relief and More:” https://www.healthline.com/health/breathing-exercise
5. Sara Lindberg and Kerry Weiss. Healthline.com. “22 Ways to Calm Yourself Down:” https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-calm-down
6. Zen Habits. “32 Ways to Make Someone Happy:” https://zenhabits.net/ways-to-make-someone-happy-today/

Thank you for being here. I would be honored if you share this with those you believe will enjoy it. Please leave a comment. I really like hearing from you!

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