Sunday Soul Sessions: It's more than okay to put yourself first

 By Missy E.

It seems like the main reoccurring advice my therapist likes to stress at our sessions is creating healthy boundaries. If I think about it, creating these safe, assertive spaces as a way of self-preservation—mentally, physically and emotionally—served me well during some of the most stressful adult situations in my personal life. 

Sunday Soul Sessions: How complete abandonment and trust can be hard, but why it's worth it

 By Missy E. 

Hope is not far away for those who seek it. Every season has a purpose. (Photo by Nathan Cowley)

If I'm a storyteller, if my gift is the written word, then I suppose here goes my reflection for Nov. 10's Sunday Soul Session on The M Report. 

The Scripture parable about the woman and two coins was the main focus today. For a quick refresher, the people in the house of worship contributed money to the treasury, some offering large sums, but it was the offering of a woman in poverty who gave her only two coins, her everything to the treasury that stood out to Jesus where he pointed out her actions to His disciples. This written reflection is what I want to emphasize:

"Our Lord desires that we should know how badly we need Him, that we should perceive our profound poverty before Him. By giving her whole livelihood, this widow puts herself in a position that necessitates unmitigated trust in God's providence. 

She is not afraid to be weak and small before God, and He delights in such childlike abandonment: our weakness attracts God because it offers Him an emptiness that He can fill ... no matter how deep the abyss of our misery, it cannot be an obstacle to God's action. Sanctity doesn't consist in this or that practice, but in a disposition of the heart which makes us little and humble in God's arms."

So the question begs to ask us, how is your heart, today? Does it need extra lovin', does it need a spark of joy, does it need healing? Does it need the freedom to speak something that's been hidden or abandoned?

Sunday Soul Session: Joy As Our Sacrifice

By Missy E.

Snoh Aalegra performs in Houston. Photo: Robyn Tuazon

Hello to my fellow M Report readers! What's up ya'll! Too many days have passed since I shared on this blog more of my posts. I've admittedly spent more time posting content to the social media platforms all while neglecting the foundation of this platform - THE M REPORT WEBSITE and newsletter. 

Well, while excuses are my challenge, I must also admit, that wedding planning has been in full swing, if not even more so now, as crunch time continues to approach. I can't believe it but truly - time flies! 

Back to the message: Joy as our sacrifice. 

"I shall offer within the Lord's tent, a sacrifice of joy. I will sing and make music for the Lord" Psalm 27:6 

Weew, chile, when that message hit, it was without a doubt something I contemplated on for a hot second. 

Sunday Soul Session: Seasons Come, Seasons Go

By Missy E.

“2020 is a very limited edition version of yourself” - @chubbynavyblue

Pause for one second. Think about something for me and vibe with me. What month is it? November. What year is it? 2020 (oof). What does it feel like outside? Is it warm? Is it cooler? Ah, now, realize that this is a new season we are all in as a world. November 2020 hasn’t ever happened before and yet, here we are - living and breathing in this particular chapter of human history. 

Sunday Soul Session: "They Made Her Stand In The Middle"

By Father Bryan Massingale, Professor of Theological and Social Ethics at Fordham University in the Bronx

(Editor's Note: I was so moved by the words of this priest, in particularly the last two paragraphs. Excellent writing to keep the most poignant and powerful point at the end. The author cites a woman theologian whom I actually had the privilege to hear speak at a panel as part of Religious Sisters Week. It was SO refreshing to hear woman leaders in the Church who are incredibly intelligent and challenge the status quo, especially when 10 out of 10 times they're challenging their superiors [men].

Nonetheless, this reflection challenges toxic masculinity in the most honest and humble way - by fixing the comparison on Jesus. I hope you enjoy as much as I did.)

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