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Based on Brene Brown’s book: Braving the Wilderness:
The Quest for True Belonging. (Random House: 2017: New York), Chapter 1 ·        

• What are the four spiritual practices necessary for achieving true belonging?

• What is the difference between fitting in and belonging?     

• Who did Jesus belong to? ·        

• Overview of Braving the Wilderness.

Brene Brown’s book was inspired by a quote from Maya Angelou: “You are only free when you realize you belong no place – you belong every place – no place at all.  The price is high.  The reward is great.”

Scriptures:  Ruth 1:16-17 (where you will go I will go, your people will be my people;

Luke 4:16-30 (Jesus begins his public ministry in his home town and is driven out)

Major themes

We long to belong but “fitting in” gets confused with true belonging (the paradox of being human)

We encounter the “wilderness” when we risk speaking and acting with personal authenticity and integrity despite uncertainty, criticism and vulnerability ·        

Jesus represents an archetype of one who can brave the wilderness.  One who knows true belonging because it is grounded in his relationship and dedication to God.  Jesus belongs to himself because he is profoundly bound to and aware of the Self  

The quest for true belonging is extremely difficult and at times deeply painful.  It requires 4 spiritual practices:

This sermon is part of a series based on Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging by Brené Brown, PhD, LMSW (Random House: 2017: New York).

Music used, reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-723031.