The last Sunday sermon of 2024 at the Church of the Spirit, delivered by Interim Co-Pastor Audrey Williams, left me inspired and contemplative. Her message centered on the concept of duality—a theme that resonates deeply with me as an empath. In her words, duality is a part of life’s intricate design. It is present in everything: endings and beginnings, light and dark, joy and sorrow. This universal truth encourages us to see, embrace, and use duality as a source of power.
As empaths, we experience life’s duality more vividly than most. We not only navigate our own emotions but often feel deeply connected to the emotions of others. This can be a gift, but it can also become overwhelming, especially during transitions like the end of a year. For many of us, this season brings both relief and unease. We find ourselves reflecting on the past while simultaneously looking ahead, balancing excitement for new beginnings with apprehension about what lies ahead.
Interim Co-Pastor Williams’ sermon reminded me that duality is not something to fear but rather something to embrace. In nature, we witness this truth in the seamless transition between seasons. Endings are not final; they are the fertile ground for new growth. She urged us to let go of nervousness and fear and to view each ending as an opportunity for renewed experiences. As she so beautifully put it, “We must look with a positive lens.” This doesn’t mean forcing positivity but cultivating a deep understanding of our connection to Spirit and trusting in divine guidance to order our steps in wisdom.
This past year has been a whirlwind of events—both heart-wrenching and hopeful. It's easy to feel weary after so much emotional upheaval, but Interim Co-Pastor Williams’ words remind us of our innate spiritual resources. “You have a storage of wealth that you can come to in times of uncertainty,” she said. This wealth includes not only our inner wisdom but also the support of the spirit realm, family, friends, and professionals.
As an empath, I’ve spent years learning to balance the duality within myself. I’ve learned to distinguish between my feelings and those of others, to feel deeply but not hold on to emotions that aren’t mine. This requires constant mindfulness and trust in the divine order of things. Interim Co-Pastor Williams’ reminder that “God doesn’t make mistakes” reaffirmed my belief that even in moments of uncertainty, I am guided by the God consciousness within me. By putting God first, I can see every experience—even the challenging ones—through a lens of positivity and growth.
For empaths, welcoming the new year requires intentionality. It’s about acknowledging the duality of excitement and apprehension, hope and caution. Interim Co-Pastor Williams challenged us to approach 2025 with a smile and an open, loving heart. To do this, we must release the weight of past burdens and allow our inactions to transform into meaningful actions. Service to others becomes a bridge that connects us to our higher purpose.
So, as we stand at the threshold of 2025, let us celebrate the duality within and around us. Let us honor the endings of this year and step boldly into the beginnings of the next. Let us trust in our connection to God and the guiding wisdom of the God consciousness within us. With each transition, we grow. With each experience, we are renewed.
Here’s to a year of balance, growth, and peace. May we see all things through the lens of love and gratitude. And may 2025 be a year where we truly embrace the intricate beauty of duality.