A Life of Purpose

Over the years the number of people that have asked “What’s my purpose in life?” has been more than I can count.

It is something that gnaws at the soul.

I've recently learned this in my own life.

I used to see purpose as the ego’s way of validating its own existence… and it is.

But I have also come to realize it is so much more than that. You figure that out when a role you have identified with for over 25 years is "retired".

The question regarding purpose often stems from a connection to something bigger than we are (I call it God) and feeling called to do something on behalf of that.

Perhaps you can tell by the tone of my language, I have changed.

These changes, while amazing, have also come with major growing pains.

Imagine seeing life clearly one way, so clearly you could walk through it blindfolded... only to have the switch flipped in an instant, and suddenly everything you believe reality to be, gets dropped on its head and you feel like you are alone in a barren desert.

The term “reality check” doesn’t cut it.

Reality collapse is more like it.

I thought things were all hunky dory with my growing connection to God… but then spiritual warfare came and attacked every dang crack I had.

Luckily, my husband is a strong, wise man, and with the help of some special people, I was able to pull my head out of my hind end.

Wired to Love-

Since I was 16, I lived in the nuances of “Spirituality”. I was alienated by the church and people who shoved it down my throat. That happens when they say and do horrible things to you. I came to understand that in most cases, church does NOT necessarily teach you how to have a relationship with God. It also doesn't certify you as a good Christian.

I like to ask my clients this question… and I would like to ask you, the one reading this, the same question…

Do YOU know how God loves you? Do you see it and feel it?

If you don’t, then there’s a problem.

You either don’t know God… or Satan has taken over your brain. Sadly, the later is a common problem.

HaSatan means “accuser” or “the adversary”.  It is a title. It lives IN us. It takes over our minds. We literally befriend this liar and then welcome it in and let it stay without an end date. Truth be told... most of us don't even realize we let this (cuss word) in!

Satan’s voice is cruel, rude, fear based and judgmental… and we allow it to become a part of us and tell us things about ourselves that are LIES.

You need to know how it feels to have God love you. You really do. Because it makes it a hell of a lot easier to shut out the voice of the accuser... because it is the ultimate truth.

Are you stuck in fear, trauma or the past? That is the evil one holding you down. Period.

Is the narrative in your head one of feeling less than or worthless? Again, the evil one.

God does not feel this way about any of us. But we will not know this unless we have a relationship with Him.

Also God does not ask you to be "special" to be worthy of His favor. You are only required to love.

Have you ever heard we were “Created in His image”?

This means we were literally created to do acts of love, compassion, kindness and mercy here. We are wired to love like God.

We humans are God’s handiwork, created to do good works for others, and we were fashioned in a way with tools that allow us to do this. THIS is our purpose. To use these gifts to do good in the world.

Each of us is uniquely made by God, and each of us has been given special abilities to share with the world. Some of you are writers who can inspire. Others of us are talkers who know exactly what to say to aid a hurting heart. Some of you have financial means to give gifts to those who need a little help. There are so many ways we can help someone.

 Poiema-

The Greek word means “work of art” or “poetry”.

God made you with care and purpose.

Poiema denotes a product of creative action… a workmanship, handiwork, or thing made. While the English word “poem” owes its origin to this term, its definition lends itself to mean divine craftsmanship. WE are that product.

Where Purpose Meets Reality-

When you wonder why you are here, stop looking for a job, a title, or something specific. Look at your day-to-day interactions. This is where the most spectacular of things occurs in life.

We are here to love.

We are here to help.

We are here to share.

It's seriously that simple.

This last week I have been undergoing what I would call an identity crisis. I’m no longer helping people heal the way I used to since I stopped communicating with the dead. This crisis caused me to see that my identity was wrapped up in my “role” , and I felt value in myself knowing that I was helping people who were hurting. I didn’t see the value in myself in just my “day to day” interactions with others, and this became evident when I dropped the label of “Medium” and spent the last several weeks wondering where or what I am to do next.

Imagine my shock when I was told by the Head Honcho Upstairs that it is time to rest.

I only felt valuable if I was “impacting someone’s life”.

Then I heard Him say “Don't you do that in your day-to-day interactions”?

Then I was shown a time I was walking down a sidewalk when I was not in a good headspace, and a stranger smiled at me. It lifted my heart. Another time I was feeling like I may not matter to someone, but then they sent me a text I was not expecting. Or a message I received from someone who I thought didn't actually like me, but it was one of the nicest things I have heard to date.

We are wired for God to move THROUGH us.

This is our purpose.

Let your purpose be looking for ways to meet the needs of others.

Feed the hungry.

Give water to the thirsty.

Clothe the needy.

Visit the sick and lonely.

Show mercy to others, regardless of social, political or ethnic boundaries.

Pray for those who mistreat you.

BUT here’s the thing…

Purpose must be humble.

When performing kind deeds, do so quietly, without public show or desire for applause. Otherwise, you are appealing to your ego more than anything. It doesn’t take long to scroll and see videos of people filming themselves doing good deeds… this makes me cringe.

We are warned against doing good deeds in order to be seen or praised by people. It strips away the spiritual value behind it.

Let your purpose be to live a life of goodness that stems from inner transformation and love for people, not as a legalistic checklist to be seen as a “good person”.

Also, let yourself rest when there is a time of transition. You ALWAYS have ample opportunity in your day-to-day exchanges to show love.

Let your light shine through good deeds so that others can see the “Godliness” in you. Faith is lacking in this world more than ever. Be the reason someone believes there is a God. Be the reason someone finds hope when they feel it is lost.

When we are connected to our Creator, it innately changes us and good deeds become a part of life without thinking… but sometimes when we are starting out, we have to slow down and see who may need us. Look for the little things, not just the big things.

We all have a calling…

To love. To help. To share

Practical acts of love and mercy that meet human needs flow from a genuine heart, but not out of a desire for praise.

Look for simple ways to love, help, or encourage someone around you today.

Be the reason someone believes in Humanity again.

Be the Light to someone else's dark night of the soul.

With Love,

Becky Costello, Spiritual Life Coach

www.rebeccacostello.com