Do you ever think about your – or your child’s – soul?

By Kristy Solis, NOLA Catholic Parenting

One night, my daughters were fighting with each other, like most sisters do. Although a natural part of life, I told them that the fighting was not Jesus-like and very “ugly.” My daughters started to cry and asked me, “Why would you say we are ugly?”  I ensured both of them that they were beautiful creatures of God. Yet, in this moment of fighting, their souls – or their life beings – were “ugly,” which was not aligned with Jesus and his teachings.

Then, my daughters asked, “How do we make our souls beautiful?” This made me ponder my children’s souls.

So, I ask you, do you think about your soul or your child’s or your children’s soul?

From time to time, all of us need to reflect on or consciously examine our souls. What would God say about your soul?  Do not be afraid to ask God through prayer, to show us what he reveals in our soul and how our souls affect others. Today, our society is so focused on images that are portrayed that we forget what really matters in life –  our inner, deep conscience of who we really are, which lies in our soul. 

Our soul or our existence is essential in what we reflect, not just in this life, but eternal life. Therefore, it is important to embody, “If you seek the Lord, your God, you will find him only if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Dt 4:29).

In this instance, I reminded my daughters that their souls or life should always reflect Jesus.  This reflection should not be dynamic but a static standard.  Through this intercession, their souls would allow their true beings to shine with the light of God’s grace; their beauty will shine through their lives and with each other. Even when your soul is ugly in a moment, such as when you are fighting with your sister, your soul could be cleansed to become beautiful again in the light of God.

Let us pray, “Lord guide me to become holy and cleanse my soul as needed.  Lord help me to see my soul as you see it and to allow your grace to cleanse me in the ways that I need to be cleansed for a beautiful soul to shine through and through.”

Kristy Solis grew up in Meraux. She graduated from the University of Holy Cross with a bachelor of science degree in nursing and from Loyola University New Orleans with a master of science in nursing. She has practiced as a registered nurse and a family nurse practitioner with a concentration in adult health. After Hurricane Katrina, God led her down another path – a passion for  nursing education, and she serves full-time as a nursing faculty member at the University of Holy Cross. She recently earned her doctorate. Kristy’s husband is a chief warrant officer in U.S. Army. They have two young daughters and one young-at-heart papa. Kristy’s three favorite things to do with her family are pray together, travel and experience new restaurants. Please send comments to [email protected]. Visit our three-times-a-weekblog and new podcast every other week at www.nolacatholicparenting.org.