STEP AWAY FROM THE CAROUSEL

The quote below resonates with me.
 
"Individuals in emotionally abusive relationships experience a dizzying whirlwind that includes three stages: idealization, devaluing, and discarding. This cycle can repeat numerous times, spinning a merry-go-round of emotional vertigo for those caught in such relationships." (source: goodtherapy.org, Mar 25, 2015).

Today I want to blog about temptation and cycles of abuse.

In the past I have felt helpless to stop going-around-in-circles with dysfunctional but important people in my life.  Maybe you have too?

For me, engaging with unhelpful and tricky people has been (still is) a temptation.
 
Now if I am at risk of that temptation I say, "O right, I'm supposed to turn this over to you God!"

Some quotes that help me stay on course:

"Knowing the tendency we have to pride, egoism, self-reliance, independence, and impatience, the evil one entices us to rely on our own calculations. This is why we often miss the God-given way out of temptation. God desires our childlike faith so that, in him and with him, we have confidence that he fights for us." (source: catholicexchange.com, January 14, 2015, Temptation: 12 Things to Know).

"It is by practising humility and meekness ... that we...  complete the victory of him who is faithful in resisting every attack."  (source: catholicexchange.com, February 28, 2017, Temptations Not to Be Reasoned With, Rev P.J. Michel).

""Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”"  (source: irishcatholictimes.org, Overcoming Temptation, May 28, 2020, The Irish Spirit--Issue No.3, Freedom from Evil Spirits by Pat Collins, CM).

Advice to self:

Step away from the carousel!

Deny the false self.

Take up cross.

Follow Christ.

And hang out with the Sisters of Life today!

Amen.

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Creator: PhotoTalk | Credit: Getty Images
Copyright: PhotoTalk
Happy "Feast Day" Fr. Bill Adley+ SJ


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