From Fostering Inner Critics to Building Inner Cheerleaders
Dear Josephine, Rory, and Wesley,
More than anything, I want you to know the incredible peace and support that comes from having an abiding relationship with Christ.
But if I were to have a second want granted, it would be that you find peace within yourself long before the ripe old age of 30 when my journey toward inner health truly began. That confidence will help propel you through whatever life throws your way… even when I can’t be there to cheer you on.
-Mama
Inside Out Lectionary Letters
Year A Proper 9 - (Texts, Art, Hymns)
Readings for Sunday, July 5, 2026
Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 / Psalm 45:10-17 / Romans 7:15-25a / Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Summary of Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
In the Gospel reading for July 5, Jesus criticizes the people of his time for how they find nothing good to say about those God sent to them. He points out that he and John were opposites in some ways, yet both of them were criticized by the same people. John was called a demon for fasting and Jesus was called a glutton and a drunkard for doing the opposite.
After this critique, Jesus prays, thanking God for revealing things to infants instead of the wise and intelligent. Turning to those around him, he shares the good news: God’s yoke is easy and burden is light. Instead of heaping burdens on a burdened people, the Messiah offers rest for the weary.
Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul
While Jesus’ criticisms of those in his generation (especially the religious elite) are particular to that time, that dialogue can be an unfortunate reflection of the more difficult parts of our inner journey. We all have inner voices – versions of ourselves with wisdom, insight, and emotions to bring to the table when we face new situations and information.
Sometimes, though, my inner parts feel more like a gallery of critics than a group of supporters. When I fast, inevitably some parts will confuse my asceticism for something darker. When I feast and let loose a little, the cacophony of critics is eager to question my motives.
Yet in the middle of this inner turmoil, we find an invitation to welcome in a Savior who doesn’t add to the noise, but who lightens that burden. Years of inner work, guided by Holy Spirit, have provided maturing parts that don’t stir up chaos, but help me to sort through it.
Years ago, I found myself in an interpersonal conflict. You’ve probably experienced this type of conflict: the type that keeps you up at night, rehashing what you said and rehearsing what you want to say should the conversation circle around again.
In that, however, a major shift in my inward journey happened. Where before I would obsess over how others perceived me, I realized that having peace in my inward journey played a much bigger role than any outward “peace” I could create in that situation.