“For what shall it profit a man/woman, if he/she shall gain the whole world, and lose his/her own soul”.
Matthew 16:26

We erect borders, barriers and boundaries to protect against physical, mental or emotional pain. The ability to successfully implement and enforce these virtual lines of demarcation may determine whether we become the ‘soul survivor’ or the ‘sole survivor’. Both are viable options with different outcomes.

How should we protect the very essence of who we are? Who are we and what methods will we choose to use for our soul survival or will we be the sole survivor? Our methods should depend on circumstances and how we perceive the threat. Our willingness to be vulnerable may influence our choices and how we respond.

Relationships are messy! Sometimes, we can be so deeply wounded our only response is to erect an impenetrable barrier to protect our very soul and insure our survival. A barrier can insulate (protect our soul) and isolate (keep us alone). Does being alone in this space make us lonely? Each of us wants to be seen, heard and valued – is standing alone better than standing with people who do not see, hear and value you?

In the context of today’s politics, we hear so much about physical borders. How are we affected when people violate our spiritual and emotional borders? In the context of this narrative, these are virtual ‘lines in the sand’ that are neither impenetrable or encompassing. This does not diminish their importance. How willing are we to extend grace, to forgive or to restore relationships where someone has ‘merely’ crossed the line? Do these border intrusions allow us to retain our soul or retreat to solitude?

Does everyone want or need ‘healthy boundaries’? Unlike a border, a boundary has the potential to encompass, demarcate and define who I am and the space in which I dwell.
Circumstances and events may contribute to boundary erosion. Continuously shoring up our boundaries (through prayer and/or meditation) allows us to reinforce our requirement to be seen, heard and valued.

Whether we choose, borders, barriers or boundaries as sentinels for our sacred space is situational. We must continually assess what is important to us and our survival. Only then, can we determine what type of enclosure we need to retain what we hold dear. We alone can determine if our soul survives and thrives in community or dies in solitude. Each of us is called tp participate in our own rescue. How we do it is up to us.

Guest Blogger Patricia Hampton McQuilkin