I Got a Text from God to Stop Running Away

After last week's big announcement about Signpost Inn moving to Charlottesville, Virginia, many people have asked me how I’m feeling about it all. Most of the time I give the standard answer, something to the effect of, “Great, I’m really excited about it!” Which is true! But also not the whole answer. And, honestly, I don’t even know the whole answer.

I’m good at running away from my emotions.

When I pause long enough to think about moving to a whole new city I feel a lot of things: excitement, fear, sadness, curiosity — just to name a few. Some of those feelings I enjoy, some I don’t, but they can all be BIG. I’m afraid that if I pause with any of them for too long, all the rest will come rushing in and overwhelm me.

Which is true. When I stop to feel one of my emotions I often start feeling a lot of others too!

So I run away. I reach for my phone, the remote, a productive task, a beer, pretty much anything that can keep me moving or numbed and not present to my emotions.

Then I got a text from God.

Technically it was from a friend, but unbeknownst to him, he was God’s instrument.

“Great job of communication on the announcement... But here’s what I wanna know, how’s the man behind the great communication?”

My fingers literally locked up. I wanted to type: “Great!” but I couldn’t.

I paused.

I gingerly poked at one of the big emotions sitting in my chest. It responded like a puppy wanting to play. It bounced up and down as if to say, “Pay attention to me!”

I decided to “sit down” with it, to scratch its tummy and pat its head. (Metaphorically of course, you gotta go with me on this weird imagery!)

A few other excited “puppies” crept out of the corners of my mind and body. They all wanted some attention. And they all wanted to know it was okay to be there with me.

For a few minutes I was overwhelmed. There was a whole pack of “puppies” all clamoring for love. And, honestly, some of them were more like big ugly pitbulls than puppies (I’m looking at you Grief and Anxiety!)

But after a bit, things calmed down. My emotions just needed a little attention.

And then I started talking to God about what I was feeling. Instead of my usual hurried prayer, “Lord help me!” I was able to tell God what was actually on my heart and mind. I was able to hand him some of the puppies, and talk to him about what was going on in my life.

Jesus didn’t shy away from me or my emotions. He wasn’t disappointed that I’d been running away. He was full of forgiveness, gentleness, and welcome! It was quite a relief!

If you resonate with this, I invite you to try it with the simple practice below.

An important note: You may not have “puppy” emotions right now. You may be facing all pitbulls! This practice can still help you give those things to God, but you don’t have to do it alone. As a spiritual director, I’m trained to help. Please reach out.

A Recollecting Prayer

In this simple prayer we re-collect ourselves — gather our disparate “parts” and reintegrate them in God’s presence.

Start by closing your eyes and finding a deep breath. Draw air deep into your belly. Continue breathing deeply and gently notice your physical presence where you are. What it feels like to draw air in through your nose and into your lungs. What the seat beneath you feels like, what you can hear. As you are able, allow yourself to feel welcomed by Jesus into that physical space. “The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5).

Next, notice how your body feels. Let go of any judgment or analysis and just become aware of any stress or strain, aches or pains, relaxation and comfortableness. Again, simply welcome each sensation, pleasant or unpleasant, without judgment, as does Jesus. There is no need to stop these feelings. They are part of your current reality. God delights in you (Luke 12:32).

Now, turn your attention to your inner being. Your emotions, desires, and resistances. Again, no need to judge them or control them. Simply welcome them as part of your reality right now. God already knows your inmost thoughts and feelings and loves you (Psalm 139). Stay here as long as you like. Let the waves of feeling come and go, offering each to God’s good care.

Finally, turn your attention fully to the presence of God, the Holy Spirit who both indwells you and encompasses you. Offer to him your body, emotions, and thoughts. Insofar as you are able, let go of your demand for control of yourself and your circumstances. Speak to God freely as you would to a dear and trusted friend.

You may choose to end by praying Psalm 103:1-5:

My soul, bless the Lord,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
My soul, bless the Lord,
and do not forget all his benefits.
He forgives all your iniquity;
he heals all your diseases.
He redeems your life from the Pit;
he crowns you with faithful love and compassion.
He satisfies you with good things;
your youth is renewed like the eagle.

Moving Update!

We are packing boxes like mad! Our official launch date is Sept 29th or 30th. (The moving company will confirm soon).
We have a lovely rental waiting for us in Charlottesville.
Pray that our house in Cañon City sells, or we find a trustworthy renter.
Pray for safe travels and safe arrival of all our belongings.

Provisions for the Road

Church hurt can cast a long shadow...

If religious spaces or leaders have hurt you, or you work with those who have been hurt, this webinar is for you!

Saturday, October 24
Time: 9 AM Pacific | 10 AM Mountain | 11 AM Central | 12 PM Eastern
Cost: $25 (or Pay What You Want)

Join us for a live, gentle 90-minute webinar designed to help you process church hurt and discover a hope-filled path toward healing. You’ll learn from Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, a trauma therapist, theologian, and spiritual-care practitioner.

Why this webinar is different:

Healing from spiritual hurt requires a unique approach—one built on safety, choice, and zero pressure.

Private and Safe: You will never be required to speak, turn on your camera, or share with the group if you don’t want to. You can simply sit back, listen, and learn in total privacy.
Trauma-Informed & Faith-Grounded: Taught by a licensed mental health therapist who is also a Christian, and theologically grounded. Heidi will give you clinical tools that are rooted in theological soil and respectful of your agency, doubt, and story.
Practical and hopeful: You’ll leave with language and practices you can use, plus clear next steps.

What you’ll receive:

Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, will guide you through 5 waypoints on a pathway out of spiritual trauma:

Tell: Giving your story time and space.
Reset: Finding real rest for your mind, body, and heart.
Believe: Rebuilding a foundation of meaning.
If religious spaces or leaders have hurt you, or you work with those who have been hurt, Curating beauty, creativity, and pleasure in everyday life.
Gather: Finding a small, safe circle of trust.

Learn more & register today

Food for Thought

Things the team found interesting this week, no endorsement implied.

What does it Mean to Be Emotionally Unavailable?

By The Attachment Project

Emotional unavailability is when "the inability to recognize, categorize, and be conscious of one's feelings" prevents you from connecting deeply with others.

Sin Explained

By Graham Tomlin at Seen & Unseen

“Life would be simple if things that were bad for us were ugly and things good for us were beautiful. But life isn’t like that. As the great St Augustine said of his own younger tendency to steal just for the sake of it: ‘It was foul, and I loved it’”.

Who Do You Talk to When You're Struggling?

By Ryan Burge at Graphs about Religion

New data on who Americans actually turn to when life falls apart, and how faith, church attendance, and even politics shape who we trust enough to be honest with.

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Soul care for Christians at life's crossroads.