As teacher, Pitchford is in awe when a student who usually is so full of
self-glorification, suddenly lifts the veil and shows the divine image beneath. Radiance shows, shining like the sun. At those moments, she wonders if folks see that focus of the divine in her. To see the divine gaze of Jesus and to reflect it, is her goal and the intent of this book. According to Merton, the false self and private self is the one who wants to exist outside the reach of God’s will and God’s love, outside of reality and outside of life. This self is only an illusion.
He admits how difficult to recognize illusions, and so easy to cherish those about ourselves.
Pritchford notes that God is entirely committed to this healing of the false self, but often sadly receives only a bit of cooperation on the part of humans. God desires to erase the tragedy of Eden, to make us naked and unashamed. Humans are often so caught up in self adoration and
often fail to notice God’s healing efforts. Paul urges, “You were taught to put away your former way of life, and to be renewed…. …for you are the likeness of God. “ Humans are offered a new way of life to be “in the likeness of God.”
What changes can be evident when we come to see ourselves more and more as God sees us? Pritchford offers the six lessons she learned in the process of
transformation:
a) What you just did? God doesn’t hate you for it.
b) Things that were done to you? God doesn’t despise you for them.
c) This is a
relationship? Cultivate it, even if it takes time.
d) Take it on faith that God is more eager to be in relationship with you than you can imagine. And God works with us as individuals.
e) See yourself as God sees you, if you can. You will do whatever it takes
to grow in that identity.
f) You have a lot to learn about who God is. Lose any false images you have of your unconditional Lover.
God is so eager to make us over. Give God a chance. The world around us is so eager to make us over. Find a true friend who will assist you
in being true to yourself, will tell you honestly what might be in the way of God’s plans, who will actually give us the truth about ourselves.
