An Engaged Presence - Enneagram 9

Melanie Erickson
Apr 10
2 min read

Created to Awaken, Called to Abide Series

AWAKEN -- I am unique, for God imparted His essence in my being (ANOINTED)

ASK -- Who am I when minimizing, stubbornness, overwhelm, and avoidance are more frequent behaviours? What is unravelling? (inner stability or safety). What am I afraid to discover (self-importance) and why? (lies). How does lethargy show up as a counterfeit veneer?

When God calls Jonah to go to Nineveh, he resists, not from defiance but to escape conflict and discomfort (overwhelmed), so he flees (avoids). In a life-threatening storm inside the fish, he falls asleep (disengages in chaos). God gently but persistently brings Jonah back. He pursues him and invites him to “engage”, not “escape”. Jonah’s heart is exposed with thoughtful questions, not force, and he struggles to reconcile God’s mercy with his own feelings. Jonah wanted peace, but not at the cost of inner turmoil; however, he realized true peace comes through participation, not withdrawal (obedience). Jonah 1-4 (PRESENCE)

TRUTH

ALIGN -- Where voice and intentional reflection replace superficiality and refuge (I am humble)

I am enough, (I am fully seen) I do enough (I am connected)

I am more than enough.(I am deeply known, I am complete)

I reclaim my ordained position with initiative. I let go of “O.K.” (imitation presence) (I am alive, I am real)

SACRED ACTION

ADORE -- Where God’s will trumps all (Jehovah Nisi)

I accept God’s perfect plan and purpose

I allow God’s guiding values and principles

I admire God’s enduring patience and presence

HOLY LOVE

ABIDE -- Where“Christ in me” ignites my being. (ENGAGED)