Letters from Emery

For a long time, I struggled with my relationship with God—mainly with what to call “Him”.

In fact, I still struggle.

But there’s a beautiful truth I learned some years ago that’s assured me that it’s okay to struggle with God.

(In fact… More than “okay”, I think it’s necessary.

Because perhaps our most important relationship is that which we have with creation itself.

And how can you have a meaningful relationship at all without struggle?)

I digress…

The beautiful truth I learned is this: the name “Israel” in Hebrew actually translates to: “He who wrestles with God”.

Somewhat paradoxically, the name of the great city of Jerusalem in Israel translates to: “the city of peace”.

Which, to me, creates the magnificently complete idea that: “to know peace with God, we must first wrestle with him”.

Well, I know perhaps all of us struggle with “God” in our own ways.

(Even if you don’t “believe” at all, you still had to struggle with the concept of God in order to arrive where you have.)

And regardless of your affiliations with God, (notice I ommitted“religious” ), I think it’s so important to wrestle in the very least with this idea:

You’ve arrived here somehow.

By what means, by what “name”, by what “grand random occurrence” is almost irrelevant.

The truth is, you are here.

And the only way out is, at least in some way similar, if not equally the same to the way you came in.

So, however you’d care to wrestle with God is none of my business.

But what I hope for you is this:

That you do wrestle with “God”.

And if you’re going to, you might as well treat “Him” like a worthy opponent.

By that I mean, someone you respect. Someone to thank for the battle.

Perhaps, even, like someone who loved you enough to create you, and someone—even more—who still does.

Alas, your beloved “homework”:

I hope you take even 10 minutes today to wrestle with God.

Not with whether or not “He” exists.

Not with what to call him.

But with the very idea that maybe, just maybe…

God is out there.

After all, what you have to lose by doing so surely pales in comparison with all you have to gain by…

Well, by wrestling—in whatever way you choose.

May we all find peace and friendship in our very creation & existence,

-Emery

A prayer for your pocket:

Dear Lord, Thank You for this day.

Thank You for a roof over my head, and a warm bed to rest it.

For the opportunities before me, and another day to seize them.

For all those who love me, and the chance to love them back.

For the strength to pull my weight, and for weight I’m proud to bear.

For every miracle you’ve sent me, and another chance to be one.

Thank You, Dear Lord, for providing me everything I need to execute your will—this day especially.

May everything I do today bring me closer to The Kingdom.

For thine is the power, the glory…

Forever & ever.

Amen.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lettersfromemery.substack.com

A Letter I Wrote to Myself || June 27, 2017

Promise me this, my brother.

No matter how your truth and understanding of self may evolve.

No matter where your work and life will take you.

No matter how committed you will find yourself to your passions or how occupied you'll become.

No matter how time may pass or how your focus may narrow.

No matter how love and your relationships may blind you or change you or become the foundation of your comfort…

That you will still, without hesitation, permit your childish self to shine through.

That you will do your best to go for magical experiences and find magical people that will make your life rich with the new and old.

That you will stay curious, creative, and strange in your own ways.

That you will travel the world and not be afraid to shy from routine or comfort.

That you will never lose your renaissance self or your authentic, small-town heart.

That you will enrich yourself with music. With creativity. With art. With culture. With literature. With philosophy, spirituality, and science.

That you will surround yourself with good people, and at that, people who make you uncomfortably comfortable with who you are and who you can become.

That you will give out of the open goodness of your heart, and not out of desire for return.

That you will take risks and concern yourself not with what others think of you or how you live your time here.

That you will make mistakes and above that, be willing and open to learn from them.

That you will stress not for the achievement of fame or fortune, but rather, for the achievement of a good life. A happy life.

One of impact and love and deep human connection.

That you will never be afraid to dance and sing like a fool or soak in the rain.

That you will capture moments, but live them better.

That you will appreciate each day as its own gift and stay grateful for the life you have, and not one you envy.

That you will remain playful.

That you will never be too high to cry. Or too low to laugh.

That you will write with blood and speak with heart.

That you will live this life best you can. And on your own terms.

That you will not fear death. But embrace it as a life set free.

And as one well-lived.

Promise me this, my brother.

And life will be more beautiful than you could ever imagine.

For you and for the ones you touch.

Stay kind. Stay humble. Stay foolish.

Yours forever,

-Emery

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lettersfromemery.substack.com