“For those who shelter in the darkness fear, above all things, the Messengers of Light.”
- The Way of Simplicity (v. 42)
This quote is probably one of my favourites from scripture and one that I find the most empowering. In context it speaks of how “the soft”, “the simple”, “the kind” etc are mocked and scorned by those around us who think to survive and be strong we must be cold, hard and aggressive. What I love about Filianism is how it flips this pro-toxic masculine message many of us were raised in on its head and says that it’s the soft who are the strongest, the kind who are the smartest, and the supple who endure the longest.
For years I was bullied for being ‘too sensitive’ or ‘caring too much about what others think’. And yes there is an issue with putting someone else’s needs above your own to the point you neglect to love yourself. This is why the Love of Self in Déanism is held equal to the Love of Others. Both have to be in balance as both flow equally from the fountain that is Love of Déa. However because I was chastised so much for being ‘weak’ that I was never taught the power of my empathy or the wisdom in understanding others feelings. Not saying I am all that wise or strong, but had I known there was a positive way to turn around how I see the word and react to it as a gift, not a hindrance, it may have saved myself and others a lot of pain. This is true to what I’ve learned in CBT as well. It’s a lot to do with changing the way you think but not necessarily having to change who you are as a person or try to be something you’re not. While I can’t go back and change how I reacted in the past, I can try in the future and also help younger sisters find courage in their sensitivity as well.
Our Lady was mocked, taunted and attacked by those who thought Her desire to save others as foolish, as it came at a cost of Her own power and ‘life’. Yet She continued on even into the darkest conclusion, and in return for Her devotion not even the gates of Hell could stop The Mother from coming to revive and uplift Her Daughter. Such is how Déa will always come for us so long as we continue to carry and bear Her light no matter how much the keres of this world attack or humiliate us. Not to say the people who mock us are keres, demons, for doing so - but the ignorance that blinds them and the kear that poisons their heart is the work of Irkalla. And every one of us suffers from this to one degree or another. It is not a case of ‘us vs them’ - we are all Déa’s children. Proudly bearing the torch of Our Lady’s light in compassion and wisdom helps to banish away the keres which grip another as well as those with their claws in our own souls.
We are told a few verses earlier that “within their laughter lies fear of chastity”. Remember this whenever you are mocked or bullied for your faith and the laughter becomes more something to be pitied than a weapon.
Praise Déa and may She shine within and around you today and for always.
