You Were Right

Louisa Ikena reflects on the phrase, “You were right” on both the proclaiming and the receiving ends.

I recently heard the phrase, “You were right,” from someone at church that I had voiced disagreement with. It took me aback so much in the moment that I was temporarily speechless. This person had made a thoughtful, deliberate processing of our communication and came to see my point of view. I was rendered speechless because I can count on only one hand the number of times I have heard that phrase lovingly directed toward me. And there are even fewer instances when I have used this powerful phrase. It is humbling on both the giving and receiving ends.  

A Statement of Surrender

To state, “You were right,” usually means I am admitting I was wrong. Oh, what a rare phrase! To admit I was wrong is dangerously close to admitting not just that I made a mistake, but it is close to admitting the false belief that I am a mistake. Lord, help me remember the truth: You do not make mistakes.  

How many times have I voiced an argument with Our Lord? I try to run the show rather than surrender to God’s Will. This statement might seem obvious, but I have a whole lot of trouble remembering that God orchestrates things infinitely better than I can ever dream of orchestrating things. I think of many examples, ranging from people I encounter in my day to the way traffic is flowing on any given day. I can choose to complain or murmur against God, or I can surrender and offer things up as a prayer.

Finding the Humility to Surrender

Can I find the humility to pray, “You were right, Lord!”? Nothing in God’s economy is ever wasted. Ultimately it is not about who is right and who is wrong on our faith journey. Can we accept each other exactly as we are? Can I accept myself as I am? I try. I miss the mark. And I try again.  

Every breath we breath is holy. Ruah is the Hebrew word for "breath of God" or "Spirit of God." Ruah animates us. It means both breath and Spirit. God’s Spirit is but a breath away. He invites us to draw near. He is not only near us, He is in us. We also receive Him at every Eucharist. His Love is renewed in us daily. God is constantly giving, constantly loving. Our part is to invite Him in.

Invite God into every moment, every square inch of us, every square inch of our lives. Nothing is ever wasted. Even the nooks and crannies of our lives can be blessed by His Presence. When we become aware of God Presence, I believe the natural reaction is wonder and awe. It is awareness of Him that we bring as Catholic missionaries.

We are sent to be light in the darkness. It is a joy to serve. It is a joy to be sent. Let us lift our minds and hearts to God in prayer. No matter what I hear today, I can say to God with confidence, thanking Him yet again: “You were right.”   

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Copyright 2025 Louisa Ann Irene Ikena
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