Dana Owens

When fear or anxiety overwhelm our minds, we often retreat and shrink to be much smaller than who we really are. Thus, often we assume the problem or struggle in front of us is larger than what it actually is.

The purpose of human creation is to become beings who transcend their own selves and love others as God does. However, loving others selflessly requires unlearning our seemingly innate tendency to be selfish or self-centered. For this reason, this process feels like an impossible challenge…

in Numbers 12 Aaron and Miriam went against Moses saying, “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” Tellingly, the translators of the Bible titled Numbers 12 as “Aaron and Miriam jealous of Moses.” But what was the cause of such negative and destructive feelings?

Whether they serve us or not, we often have trouble letting go of expectations. When our expectations are met, we are pleased and delighted. However, when our expectations are not met, we are saddened and at times angry and complain.

According to Jesus, the qualification to be a good shepherd is to be willing “to lay one’s life for the sheep.” This is very inspiring for two reasons: 1. As the good shepherd, Jesus would provide all of us equal and fair opportunities for spiritual renewal and fulfillment; 2. Jesus would not do or even intend anything that would be harmful to humans.