Finding Peace When Confronted by Fear and Rigidity.
I recently shared a significant part of my life story on the Mormon Stories podcast, and while the responses have been mostly positive, some have struck a dogmatic, fearful tone. And by fear, I mean fear born of the belief that if these individuals do not call everyone with whom they disagree to repentance, they will be punished by an angry God.
I make it a rule not to engage directly with rigid, fearful individuals who believe they are on a mission, called to save the world. My experience has taught me that no amount of engagement, loving, logical, or otherwise, will open them to a broader perspective. While I feel sad in these situations, I accept where they are on their human journey. As the popular expression goes, I “let them” do whatever makes them feel better.
So, with that in mind, I sat with my higher self to get some perspective. Here is what came through.
The Message
To our brothers and sisters,
As we watch and observe human interactions, we see how fear consciousness grips so many humans, and how they speak and act from a place of fear, not love.
Some humans use their faith and holy books to justify their perpetuation of suffering on the planet. Others fear taking responsibility for their decisions, so they surrender their power to institutions that tell them what to believe, think, and do. From their place of fear, certainty comes from believing what they are told, rather than listening to what they feel in their hearts. They feel “safe” because they surrendered their power and sovereignty to someone else, and they do nothing as the institutions to which they surrendered their sovereignty commit horrible acts against their fellow humans.
What you see unfolding on planet Earth is a reset. By “reset,” we mean that the old way of doing things is dying and a new world is being born. A very significant number of humans living on Earth are reclaiming their power and expanding their consciousness and awareness. The process is already far along for many, and the pace of conscious awakening is only quickening.
Rather than getting angry with those who retreat further into fear, who use religion and scripture to serve fear consciousness in their attempt to keep it as the operating consciousness on planet Earth, love them. Love them more than you fear them. They are your brothers and sisters, after all, and every human, no matter how fearful, angry, or immovable they are from their beliefs, deserves to be treated with respect.
How do you respect them? Let them feel as they do. Let them believe as they do. Let them behave as they do. Refuse to engage them on fear’s terms. Walk away if they try to pull you into their debates. It may take a great deal of effort, but for everyone’s benefit, allow them to be as they are. That is their choice, and it would be disrespectful not to honor it.
If you encounter an angry person who makes your heart race, your pulse accelerate, and you feel the need to respond to something hurtful they say to you, hold your peace, take a deep breath, and wait until you can listen to your heart clearly. When you are calm and can listen to your heart, be guided by the love and joy that reside there, and live by example. That is how you can do your greatest good in these situations.
Know that every human, regardless of their conscious state or how they live their lives, is loved beyond measure, without conditions. Humanity’s free will is its greatest gift and highest responsibility. Be assured that if you exercise your free will to follow your heart and do your greatest good, you will transform the world around you.
Be at peace and never forget that the full resources of All That Is are always available to assist you. You need only ask, and you will receive the help you desire.
Remember that we are united as infinite expressions of All That Is. For this, we are eternally grateful. Be well.
Closing Reflection
Reflecting on this message, I am reminded that the greatest act of sovereignty is staying centered in love when the world around us is reacting in fear. Respecting someone’s journey doesn’t mean agreeing with them; it means honoring their free will while choosing not to let their unrest become our own. Peace isn’t found in winning an argument, but in the quiet strength of walking away from one.
A Personal Note from Me
Sharing my story on Mormon Stories was an act of vulnerability and liberation. While I anticipated some pushback, seeing the fear-based responses firsthand was a sobering reminder of how deeply many are still tied to institutional certainty. I want you to know that if you are feeling the weight of others’ expectations or judgments, you are not alone. I am choosing to ‘let them’ be where they are, so that I can continue to be where I am—in a place of joy, sovereignty, and peace.
An Invitation for You
I invite you to try the “Let Them” practice this week. If you encounter a situation or an individual that triggers a need to defend yourself or react in anger, take a deep breath and hold your peace. Listen to your heart instead of the noise. Observe how it feels to honor your own sovereignty by simply walking away. Let that inner peace be your own private reward.
