The Last Straw Part 6
June 27, 2025
The Last Straw Part 6
When it’s the last straw, we can’t take any more. Our patience, resources, and tolerance are exhausted. So how do we go on? In some situations, when we reach the last straw, there is no going on with that person, issue, or circumstance — the dye has been cast, the party’s over, and the curtain is down.
I will never forget listening to a homily delivered by Reverend Margaret Gunther, author of the classic work Holy Listening. In her sermon, she spoke to the issue of “the last straw” in relationships— “Sometimes it’s not best to go on, to revive things, to repeat the same mistakes that brought us to this point. Instead, the most productive, holy, and healthy thing to do is to end the relationship or the cause.”
But there are other last straws—like when we are completely exhausted but still believe in the cause, the relationship, or the issue and do not feel that ending things is best. In these cases, we need to replenish our patience, resources, and tolerance in order to continue with what and who we believe in. So, how do we replenish what’s been depleted so that we can continue?
To go on even after we’ve reached the last straw requires fresh inspiration. Old things no longer inspire us because they are worn out and exhausted. Fresh things, however, show us the world in a different light and give us different thoughts, new challenges, and new vistas. This is when new people, ideas, places, and activities pump life into the cause with which we had reached the empty mark.
Todd Carter, spiritual teacher, musician, and filmmaker, says that if we are inspired by what we experience inside of us, then others will sense the depth and profound creativity. This inevitably leads to new and different energy. To regenerate our relationships and the issues for which we care, we must first regenerate ourselves. Then, we place our worn-out issues and relationships in the new-found creative activity, and renewal occurs.
The consciousness movement is happening worldwide. It is not a religious movement, but religious organizations, churches, temples, mosques, and other faith groups can be a part of it. This movement was begun not by masses of people but by individuals who have transformed themselves. They no longer do the same repetitive behaviors that wear out their faith. They have been transformed by seeing the light of love and how love is the antidote for the unchecked ego. They know how we affect those around us and those we do not know. They see how all life is connected and that the law of love is the only way the world will survive. They see that the unchecked ego does not buy into the law of love or the Golden Rule.
This is happening with some churches that have reached their last straw. Individuals transform from groups looking at new people, ideas, places, and activities for inspiration. Many old and worn-out methods of looking at scripture, faith, and its application are being scrapped, reimagined, and revitalized. Some churches have begun classes on spirituality, and others have formed their wisdom schools. Many are looking to teachers, speakers, and leaders who, because they are transformed, inspire others to take that leap.
Some organizations have included other faiths, lifestyles, and cultures in their activities, broadening the sphere of people connected to faith. Some churches have opened shelters, soup kitchens, and outreach programs for the disadvantaged.
Spiritual practice: Journal about what inspires you and if you have enough of it in your life.
Self-inquiry: Why wouldn’t you agree that if we are internally inspired, others will be impacted by what’s happening in us?
Dear God,
I am so grateful for the infinite sources of inspiration you placed in this world. I ask to be led to those who will deepen my consciousness and help spread the good news. Amen
