I’ll talk and write about my faith — but never intend to pressure anyone.
I believe in LOVE above all else, and that means respecting your right to believe whatever you believe.
I believe in God as an infinite source of love — and at different times of my life have used the name Spirit or the Universe. I’ve practiced and explored different religious traditions, but throughout my life have always believed in that infinite source of love many people call God.
I believe in finding common ground among various faith practices, and that love is a really big tent. Be loving. Be kind to others. Take care of people. Take care of animals, plants and nature. Seek peace.
For many years, walking in the woods, or sitting on a rock by the sea or on top of a mountain made me feel closest to God.
Lots of really good people have really good reasons to avoid church or organized religion. I know plenty. I used to be one. Then I moved next door to a church, because I fell in love with a man whose family has been part of this church for many years.
After awhile, one summer Sunday morning, during my coffee time outside in my favorite chair, I decided I’d go next door to the church service at 11. It seemed like time. You could say the Spirit moved me.
My husband never pressured me. A neighbor invited me, and said she thought I’d appreciate the wonderful community. She was right.
I’ve only heard love, acceptance, kindness and wisdom from our pulpit — and so I keep going.
The next summer, the pastor married us in front of an old stone house at the state park five minutes away — a place where we have walked so many miles and held so many family picnics that it feels like an extension of our home.
In the last several years, I’ve cherished my church community and the ritual of church services. Yet, to me, living that faith means honoring each person’s spiritual journey.
My wish: That we all feel infinite, divine, unconditional, healing LOVE. From that, all is possible.
I also cherish our church community. I do not know what I would do without them. They have been at my side through sickness and the death of the man I loved.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Beverly. Grief never goes all the way away.
It is my God and my church community that is sustaining me during this time. I pray that more people turn to a spiritual life, whatever their religion might be. That is the only answer to our broken world.
Beautiful, Diane. Thanks for your comment. Agreed – the more love we can pour into the world, the better.