{"id":202,"date":"2025-05-06T10:58:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-06T08:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/silentcourageauthor.com\/silent-scribbles\/?p=202"},"modified":"2026-04-23T12:33:55","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T10:33:55","slug":"imago-dei-silence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/silentcourageauthor.com\/silent-scribbles\/imago-dei-silence\/","title":{"rendered":"Imago Dei: Discovering Divine Purpose in Silence and Solitude"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. &#8211; Gen 1:27 NIV<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Imago Dei<\/em>&nbsp;is Latin for&nbsp;<strong>Image of God<\/strong>, a phrase found in the creation story in Genesis. It is a metaphysical expression of the symbolic connection between humans and God\u2014portraying us as moral, spiritual, and intellectual beings. This divine image imparts us rational understanding, creative liberty, a capacity for self-actualisation, and the potential for self-transcendence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being made in the image of God means we share something of God&#8217;s essence, expressed through traits like love, righteousness, empathy, and creativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Humans can be creative in many ways, but unlike God, we cannot create out of nothing\u2014we need something to begin with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Writing&nbsp;<em><a href=\"https:\/\/silentcourage.short.gy\/substack-sc-amazon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Silent Courage: An Introvert\u2019s Authentic Journey with Hearing Loss<\/a><\/em>&nbsp;was more than a creative endeavour. It was God sowing a seed (the idea for the book) into my spirit and watering it\u2014guiding me through research, editing, formatting, and publishing\u2014until it grew into something tangible: the eBook and printed versions now available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">God used my challenges and life experiences to shape me, and the years I\u2019ve spent writing to refine my skills so I could create this book. I believe it will touch many people in unique and meaningful ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Post Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/silentcourageauthor.com\/silent-scribbles\/imago-dei-silence\/#1_%E2%80%8BReflecting_the_Divine_Exploring_the_Meaning_of_Imago_Dei\" >1. \u200bReflecting the Divine: Exploring the Meaning of Imago Dei<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/silentcourageauthor.com\/silent-scribbles\/imago-dei-silence\/#2_Feeling_Misunderstood_The_Invisible_Challenges_of_a_Quieter_Life\" >2. Feeling Misunderstood: The Invisible Challenges of a Quieter Life<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/silentcourageauthor.com\/silent-scribbles\/imago-dei-silence\/#Glimpses_of_God_in_Quiet_Souls\" >Glimpses of God in Quiet Souls<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/silentcourageauthor.com\/silent-scribbles\/imago-dei-silence\/#3_Redefining_Strength_Identity_Rooted_in_Gods_Image\" >3. Redefining Strength: Identity Rooted in God&#8217;s Image<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/silentcourageauthor.com\/silent-scribbles\/imago-dei-silence\/#4_Embracing_Uniqueness\" >4. Embracing Uniqueness<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/silentcourageauthor.com\/silent-scribbles\/imago-dei-silence\/#5_Finding_Purpose_and_Fulfillment\" >5. Finding Purpose and Fulfillment<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/silentcourageauthor.com\/silent-scribbles\/imago-dei-silence\/#Quiet_Words_that_Linger\" >Quiet Words that Linger.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_%E2%80%8BReflecting_the_Divine_Exploring_the_Meaning_of_Imago_Dei\"><\/span><strong>1. \u200bReflecting the Divine: Exploring the Meaning of Imago Dei<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The concept of&nbsp;<em>Imago Dei<\/em>&nbsp;should bring followers of Jesus deep comfort. It means that, among all creation, humans are uniquely set apart\u2014we are the only ones through whom God makes His plans and purposes known. In this sense, we are co-creators with Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Imagine a debut author, like me, co-authoring a book with an expert audiologist. I bring my story; they bring their knowledge. Together, something meaningful emerges. In the same way, God invites us to create with Him\u2014not as equals, but as image-bearers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being made in His image also calls us to reflect His character\u2014love, grace, mercy, compassion, righteousness\u2014and perhaps most significantly, the gift of choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But why give us freedom, even when we might turn away from Him?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because love cannot be forced\u2014God desires relationships, not robotic obedience. True love is only possible when it is freely chosen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we accept Jesus as our Saviour, He gives us a new heart. From that moment, a lifelong journey of transformation began. We step into holiness, gradually growing to reflect His image more fully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. &#8211; Ezekiel 36:26 NIV<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Feeling_Misunderstood_The_Invisible_Challenges_of_a_Quieter_Life\"><\/span><strong>2. Feeling Misunderstood: The Invisible Challenges of a Quieter Life<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As discussed earlier, God has given us the freedom to choose. Sadly, many people choose not to reflect His character. As a result, introverts and individuals with hearing loss still face many challenges today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Social Isolation:&nbsp;<\/strong>Rejection, invisibility, and being misunderstood can cause people to withdraw from social interaction. This isolation often leads to anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Communication Challenges:&nbsp;<\/strong>Introverts prefer deep thinking and meaningful conversations, which can make small talk feel draining or insincere. Mishearing or struggling to follow conversations is exhausting for those with hearing loss. Environmental factors like background noise and poor lighting add another layer of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Stigma and Misconceptions:&nbsp;<\/strong>Unfortunately, outdated views and misconceptions persist, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Only older people wear hearing aids<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Introverts are anti-social, weird, or shy<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>People with hearing loss are unintelligent<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When people fail to accommodate specific needs, it reflects a lack of love, acceptance, and respect\u2014all core traits of God. Worse still, stigma and misconceptions often lead to exclusion, sending the harmful message:&nbsp;<em>You are not worthy.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>But here\u2019s the truth:<\/strong><br>Introversion is a personality trait, not a flaw. And while hearing loss may be viewed as a physical imperfection,&nbsp;<em>being made in the image of God has nothing to do with appearance.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Glimpses_of_God_in_Quiet_Souls\"><\/span><strong>Glimpses of God in Quiet Souls<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Introverts often mirror God&#8217;s character in their love of solitude\u2014a space for deep reflection and communion with Him. Just as Jesus withdrew to quiet places for prayer, introverts may find those moments where they feel closest to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Similarly, hearing loss fosters intentional, active listening. What comes automatically to most people becomes a skill developed over time through conscious effort:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Focusing to hear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lipreading and observing body language<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Processing both auditory and visual cues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Asking questions or requesting clarity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Piecing together meaning from context<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These steps don\u2019t just lead to stronger comprehension\u2014they also nurture deep empathy. Because people with hearing loss often&nbsp;<em>listen<\/em>&nbsp;with their whole being, they become sensitive, compassionate listeners who value connection beyond words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Redefining_Strength_Identity_Rooted_in_Gods_Image\"><\/span><strong>3. Redefining Strength: Identity Rooted in God&#8217;s Image<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we think of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/strength?src=search-dict-hed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">strength<\/a>, our first thought is physical power or endurance. But in the context of this article, we\u2019re focusing on the&nbsp;<strong>unseen strengths<\/strong>\u2014mental and emotional resilience\u2014that come together to form what we call&nbsp;<strong>inner strength<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Traditionally, society identifies strong people as loud, bold, and assertive. That sounds a lot like extroverts, doesn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if we are made in the image of God, then it\u2019s worth asking:&nbsp;<strong>How does God define strength?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several examples come to mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>David<\/strong>: Just a boy herding sheep, he killed a lion with his bare hands\u2014and later, a giant with a sling and a stone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Elijah<\/strong>: Stood alone and challenged hundreds of prophets of Baal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>John the Baptist<\/strong>: Boldly confronted King Herod about his sin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Paul<\/strong>: Despite beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonment, and constant hardship, he never stopped sharing the Gospel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And, of course, the most powerful example is&nbsp;<strong>Jesus<\/strong>. Every characteristic of God\u2019s strength\u2014humility, compassion, endurance, grace, truth\u2014is fully embodied in Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the Bible, strength often refers to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inner resilience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The ability to face challenges and overcome obstacles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Courage, perseverance, and unwavering faith<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t those sound familiar?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aren\u2019t these the very qualities that help introverts\u2014and especially introverts with hearing loss\u2014navigate a world that often misunderstands or overlooks them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It makes you pause, doesn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What we often see as weaknesses\u2014our quiet nature and hearing challenges\u2014may be the space where God is cultivating His strength in us.&nbsp;<strong>Our introversion and hearing loss don\u2019t disqualify us. They become the very path through which God\u2019s strength is made visible.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are two Scriptures I hold close:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;&#8230;but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.<br>They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,<br>they will walk and not be faint.&#8221;<\/em>&nbsp;\u2014&nbsp;<em>Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;I can do all this through him who gives me strength.&#8221;<\/em>&nbsp;\u2014&nbsp;<em>Philippians 4:13 (NIV)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These verses remind us that strength isn\u2019t something we have to muster on our own. When we put our hope and trust in the Lord,&nbsp;<strong>He becomes our source of strength.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Embracing_Uniqueness\"><\/span><strong>4. Embracing Uniqueness<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I can\u2019t count the number of times my mother told me,&nbsp;<em>\u201cDon\u2019t be so sensitive.\u201d<\/em><br>There were many reasons for that remark:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When I complained about my brother\u2019s endless teasing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When I was upset after being rejected by my peers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When I felt I\u2019d been treated unfairly by a teacher<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another line I hated?&nbsp;<em>\u201cLife is not fair.\u201d<\/em><br>I know she meant well\u2014trying to prepare me for adulthood\u2014but that\u2019s not what I needed from her in those moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I longed for support, understanding, and someone to acknowledge that&nbsp;<strong>sensitivity is part of my DNA<\/strong>. Instead of toughening me up, I wish I had been gently prepared to live in this world&nbsp;<em>as a sensitive introvert<\/em>\u2014not in spite of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We all carry unique strengths and weaknesses, and these become the lens through which we reflect the image of God. Each of us reveals a different facet of His nature:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Artists display His creativity through their art<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Writers, through their words<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Activists reflect His justice by advocating for acceptance and inclusion<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Those who serve reflect His love through charity and compassion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nurses and doctors carry His healing nature into their professions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pastors and teachers reflect His wisdom and guidance in churches and schools<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>And introverts?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We seek and find our inner strength in silence and solitude\u2014a trait we share with Jesus, who often withdrew to quiet places to spend time with His Father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Finding_Purpose_and_Fulfillment\"><\/span><strong>5. Finding Purpose and Fulfillment<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the past, I often longed for fulfillment and a sense of purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>Even though I had a good job\u2014and built our company\u2019s archives and stationery store from the ground up\u2014I couldn\u2019t shake the feeling that there must be&nbsp;<em>more<\/em>. That feeling intensified after I was retrenched, and all my hard work had disappeared within just two years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I often complained about the lack of opportunities for women, quietly wondering if my hearing loss was holding me back. I remember getting upset when someone told me,&nbsp;<em>\u201cWomen must make their own opportunities.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>How? And where?<\/em>&nbsp;I thought.<br>It was easy for her to say\u2014she was one of those dominant, extroverted types who seemed afraid of nothing. Maybe she was partly right. But for sensitive introverts, it\u2019s not that easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Still, sometimes our opportunities don\u2019t shout\u2014they arrive&nbsp;<strong>naturally, gently, and in stages<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s precisely what happened with&nbsp;<em>Silent Courage<\/em>.<br>I thought I was simply going to write a book. But God had more in mind. That one book became an eBook, a printed edition, and eventually a whole platform\u2014with a digital store, a website, and an author newsletter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But more important than that are the&nbsp;<strong>connections<\/strong>&nbsp;I\u2019ve started to build and the opportunity to&nbsp;<strong>encourage others<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>add my voice<\/strong>&nbsp;to the growing call for inclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the heart of it all, my purpose is simple:<br>To support others on this journey of introversion and hearing loss.<br>Help them grow and live fully\u2014even with quiet voices or silent challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may think your voice is too small.<br>But when enough small voices come together, they become a powerful force.<br>A force that can shift things for everyone\u2014especially for those still new to this journey\u2026<br>Children, teens, or adults who haven&#8217;t discovered their voice, strength, or courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Imago Dei\u2014The Image of God<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are all made in God\u2019s image and walk a unique path\u2014growing to reflect His character. Because He has created us so intentionally, we each display His image differently\u2014through our temperament, experiences, and gifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s a lifelong journey. Often, it requires seasons of solitude\u2014times of stillness where we seek His face and learn to listen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But in that quiet space, He will meet you.<br>And in time, you will begin to see the new heart He is forming in you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just remember:<br>When you enter His presence, take off your shoes\u2014because you are standing on holy ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c020569f wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quiet_Words_that_Linger\"><\/span>Quiet Words that Linger.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If this reflection resonated, you\u2019re warmly invited to explore my <em>Silent Courage<\/em> course collection, offering practical and reflective support for introverts and people with hearing loss navigating life, communication, and connection at their own pace. <a href=\"https:\/\/store.silentcourageauthor.com\/collection\/empowered-and-heard-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Browse the available courses here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Imago Dei is Latin for Image of God, a phrase found in the creation story in Genesis. It is a metaphysical expression of the symbolic connection between humans and God\u2014portraying us as moral, spiritual, and intellectual beings. This divine image imparts us rational understanding, creative liberty, a capacity for self-actualisation, and the potential for self-transcendence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[18,16,15,21,20,19],"class_list":["post-202","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-faith-reflection","tag-faith","tag-identity","tag-introversion","tag-purpose","tag-reflection","tag-silence"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/silentcourageauthor.com\/silent-scribbles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/silentcourageauthor.com\/silent-scribbles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/silentcourageauthor.com\/silent-scribbles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/silentcourageauthor.com\/silent-scribbles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/silentcourageauthor.com\/silent-scribbles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=202"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/silentcourageauthor.com\/silent-scribbles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":932,"href":"https:\/\/silentcourageauthor.com\/silent-scribbles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202\/revisions\/932"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/silentcourageauthor.com\/silent-scribbles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=202"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/silentcourageauthor.com\/silent-scribbles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=202"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/silentcourageauthor.com\/silent-scribbles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=202"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}