I believe that I am a good person! I follow the rules, I always go out of my way to make sure I act with integrity and I work hard. The issue is years of verbal and emotional abuse have filled my core with junk! A part of me believes that inside I am bad because people have told me this over and over.
Passing this lump of poison has been an ongoing process. I am much better now, healed in many ways. I understand I am valuable and contribute many good things to the world around me. I am amazed at how far I have come over the years. Yet I have come to a stubborn, deep rooted place that opposes anything good.
This unwanted part of me believes that I will fail. It believes that I am no good. It believes that I am ugly and clumsy. It believes that I am a whore. It believes that I am a lousy liar that everyone hates. It believes that I smell. It believes that I would be better off dead because I will never be able to show my face to people. This core that is exposing itself refuses to politely leave me and allow me to live a fully confident life. It sneers at my hopes and dreams, stepping on them and laughing.
I believe that people reflect what is going on inside. I think it shows up in relationships, experiences and ultimately a person's ability to succeed. I can see how these thoughts have hindered me in many ways. I accepted less than I was due.
God allowed me to remove a layer of spiritual trash with my spiritual transformation. The challenging thing is what this process has revealed. The dark, shadow ball of my life's past trauma, hurts, pains and disappointments. This dark space is calling on things around me that I do not want in my life.
Now that I see the power I have given this darkness. I am changing the game. There is 95% light inside of me and goodness that yearns for more expression. This is where my authentic power lies. That dark place in me that I allowed to dictate and limit my potential is now exposed. I have given my attention to the light. I thank God for a deeper spiritual awareness.
Are you willing to see what is wrong, to do what is right? patvilla.blogspot.com, livelearnlovelook.blogspot.com via Google images.
God is sharing some amazing insight with me as I continue to purify my soul. One of the most enlightening revelations God shared with me is my spiritual environment. We all have an unseen area around us that sends out a powerful message. It lets people and the universe around you know when you are confident, shy, mean, angry or unhappy. This invisible space is like a house and should be kept in good order.
Just as you expect people to respect your real home. You should have the same expectation of others respecting your spiritual home. How many of you would allow someone to come into your kitchen with an arm full of human feces? How many of you would allow a friend to pour a bucket of blood on your white carpet, let them come back over and still call them a friend? Most of us would not allow this to happen, but it does everyday.
Allowing people to dump their mental, spiritual and emotional baggage is messing up your spiritual home. How does this happen? Well, let's say someone in your circle is angry about something random. If they choose you as an outlet to cope with their anger, how will you allow them to do it? They could yell at you for no reason, they could make your life miserable or they could sit down and talk about their hurt feelings. Which one of these is acceptable to you? We have a right and a responsibility to keep smelly trash out of our spiritual homes.
The process of keeping your spiritual home clean begins with awareness, boundaries and claiming your right to Peace.
Determine your boundaries. Look over your life and take inventory. What are the things that caused you pain? How will you handle the situation if it arises again? What are the words you will use and how are you going to respond to the response of others?
Practice, practice, practice. You have allowed certain behaviors to take place in your space for a while. It takes time to form new habits. Do not give up because you are not doing what you planned. Get back up and try again. It is about the process, not the destination.
Be aware of the hate seed. Some people like to hide their bad behavior and use others to do their dirt. They poison the minds of others and send them into your space with a "hate seed." These people that had the seed planted will treat you rude without any cause. They will be suspicious about who you are and question everything about you. This is because someone is feeding them hate and dumping in your spiritual home. Get to the bottom of all odd, uncomfortable, suspicious and uncharacteristic behavior. Do not let someone plant their hate in another to destroy you!
Get comfortable in your own body and space. You do not have to be perfect. Your unique shape, personality and contributions are excellent. Know that you are good, flaws and all. You are on a journey of becoming. If you believe you are already there, good or bad, there is not any room to grow.
Begin to keep your spiritual home clean by creating boundaries and respecting yourself. One day at a time. photo via: Google images
I had a terrible day yesterday. It left me doubting myself, my integrity and my ability to live out my dream. I had a moment of losing hope and I wanted to give up. I cried for a long time and tended to my wounds. Now the devastation is over and I am looking at my dream. I am not going to stop moving forward, the fire and desire in my belly still burns for success. But the foggy presence of defeat has attached itself in my soul. I can not be true to my vision with the marred corrosion of defeat attaching itself to my thoughts.
I have to free my mind and get back to the place of clarity. This is critical because I am nurturing and growing a vision. This vision needs to be feed healthy thoughts or the stench of foul dream destroyers will choke me out of my space. After the devastation a purifying process must happen. The sickness of defeat must leave my being or I will be crippled by its oppressive force.
This is true for anyone looking to accomplish anything great. Great success comes with major lows, the calm in between and extraordinary highs. The important step that must happen after the devastation is purification! If there is not a purifying the staleness of loss will linger and become interwoven in your work. I do not know about you, but I want a pure work. This is the type of foundation that is not easily broken.
My purification is going to a spiritual one. Intense prayer, a healthy diet (leading to a possible fast), exercise and the speaking of life giving words. Defeat will leave my presence and only life, a winner's attitude and a serious swagger will remain. I am going to use this defeat to transcend my current existence and arrive in a fresh, clean, crisp and vibrant place. I will not allow devastation to taint my dream. The devil and all of his evil dwell in the darkness of devastation.
If you want to take this journey with me I will post my daily activities on the Empowered Peace Facebook page. I would like discussions to occur in the surroundings of the community forum. This process will go on for me until I achieve a level of clarity and the freshness of a renewed mind, body and spirit. You may stop, continue or just observe as your spirit guides.
Here's to the trash going out and to the power of the spirit bursting through and taking us to new dimensions.
If you are unable to view this video go to the website following this link.
Are you ready to kick the $&!# out of your soul?
photo via: ehow.com, warmthofloveministies.blogspot.com via Google images
Restoration is the feeling of sunshine after a long cold rain. It is vindication after a harsh, wrongful punishment. It is like running into the arms of a loved one after years of silent separation. It is like water touching the dry dirt of parched flowers. It is like the smell of a baby after a bath and the first kiss of true love.
I am thankful for many things in my life, but I am in need of some restoration. God has blessed me in many ways. He has done things for me I am sure I do not deserve. But one thing I need is restoration. I need to experience the decay of vindictive rumors and the rise of truth. I need to experience the rewards of my hard work pulled from under my feet. I need to know that God is near me and has not left me ashamed.
I believe in God with all of me, but sometimes prolonged circumstances tear into my Peace of mind. It is during these times of trying that my soul longs for the cool refreshing of God's restoration. It is during these times that the Psalms of David comfort me. I look forward to God's restoration.
In the meantime I will embrace the process of my growth. I will stretch the elasticity of my faith and move forward with hope and determination. The dry days are only for a season. I look forward to sweet restoration! photo via: visualforces.com via Google images
The people you meet attending church are not all nice. As a new believer nothing was better than attending church. Worshiping God with fellow believers was amazing. I was apart of some really great ministries and I was filled with hope each Sunday. I loved being in church. I went at least twice a week and two times on Sunday! I was filled with enthusiasm, curiosity and passion for my church and church family. Then I met the 'ugly' people.
The people who smile in your face and then stab you in the back! These ugly people really go to church! I met the people that gossip and spread rumors. I could not believe Christians could be that terrible. I met the Christians that have sex with everyone they can and go to church and pretend they are spending their nights in prayer. I met the hypocrites that destroy peoples lives all week and sing in the choir on Sunday.
A transition in leadership and a connection to a mentally ill individual changed everything. A church that was once filled with caring and community turned greedy. Money and power became more desirable than love and support. It was justified with the word of God and harsh treatment to anyone that did not "fit in." The ugly people took over and their crew stunk!
For months I denied how things had changed. The pastor shouted from the pulpit "you came here for the word of God, forget about sister so and so." "Stay at the church God has planted you, it doesn't matter if its hard." I told myself this over and over as I ignored the harsh treatment from my Christian brothers and sisters. I prayed, I cried, I broke down in service when the treatment became to much to bear. I was tortured and I still do not know why. My clothes were criticized, my make-up was scrutinized, my daughter was teased and security constantly eyed me. What ever these people thought of me was never brought to my attention. They had to think I was wicked to be treated with such disgust. But to my frustration I was never confronted, at least I could have defended myself and clarified suspicions. Nothing but cruelty. Nothing but the cold shoulder. Nothing but mean looks and superior glances.
I finally got a chance to meet with my pastor after months of rejection. I asked him if there was a problem and he denied anything. I was too afraid, hurt and ashamed to discuss the treatment I felt coming from him and the church. It was easier to take his word and try to move forward. The treatment did not stop and I decided enough is enough. I'd had enough abuse.
After 4 years of hell I left the church. I prayed to God and asked why these people treated me with such cruelty. I did not do anything to deserve the mess they dealt out to me. Then one day I got up and went to a different church. This was months later and I was gun shy. It was exactly what the doctor ordered. I was loved and accepted. This church helped to heal the pains of spiritual abuse inflicted by my former pastor and church. But as I healed and some incidents occurred I yearned for more! What happened to the church?
As I reflect on these events I feel it is important to share my thoughts. New Christians deserve to know everyone attending church is not nice. There are some real ugly people that will treat you like crap. All Christians need to know their behavior inside and out of church can rip and tear the souls of many. Non-Christians need to know Christians are not perfect, but the ones acting like devils do not represent all. Pastors need to know the devastation bad behavior creates. Those of you that have been hurt in church, you are not alone.
The Things I Have Learned
Stop Judging! Being a Christian does not give you the right to look down on others. Discriminating against people based on their clothes, finances, personal appearance and zip code is cruel. Every person has a story take the time to listen and give the love of Christ. Withholding love based on your estimation of who has earned it is arrogant and just plain wrong. Giving charity does not mean you gave love! Telling someone how to live their life certainly does not mean you helped them.
If you are being treated like crap leave! No one should be treated like trash. Superior attitudes based on the acceptance of man is nonsense. People change like the wind and trying to meet their standards is grueling. Find out who you are and accept yourself! You can not define yourself by anyone's standards, not even the pastor.
Giving money is a personal choice. Churches need money to survive. The pastor spends a lot of time helping his flock and should be compensated. But being manipulated into giving is wrong. Giving large amounts of money does not mean God is going to bless you more. Only give large amounts when prompted by God. If you want to help pay for church expenses because the pastor asked, its okay. It is not okay for the pastor to say you should be ashamed if you do not help. There is a definite spiritual law to giving but allow God to reveal it to you in His time. If the pastor is telling you that you are missing out on anything because you do not give $20 when he asks, there is something wrong. Different views on tithing exist today. Study the word of God and decide for yourself.
Everyone in church is not there to worship. Many people go to church because it is fashionable. They quote the scripture and say "have a blessed day," but their hearts are cruel. They are hateful people and do terrible things, inside and outside of church. Giving someone automatic trust because they attend your church is a mistake. They should earn it like anyone else. This includes the pastor, his wife and their children.
Know yourself and stop trying to figure out everyone else. Act from your truth and not one imposed on you by another man.
Learn the meaning of the Bible yourself. Everything coming from the pulpit is not truth. Read your Bible and ask God to reveal His truth to you. Do not depend on another person's understanding unless they have gained your trust. If you are able to see the flaws in your husband or wife, why can you not see them in the pastor. They are human and can err. Make sure the teaching you are hearing is really what you believe. God gave us a brain to think with, us it!
If someone is giving you damaging information about another person, ask! Ask the person that was drug through the mud if the information is true. If you do not have the nerve to get the truth, do not treat them poorly based on a lie. You would not want this to happen to you. Learn how to ask and involve all parties. If the person giving the information says its a secret, I can almost guarantee they are liars!
Enjoy the journey and always continue to grow. You can not let ugly people ruin your good thing. Find another location, ignore them if you can but do not allow ugly people to tear you away from God.
As I think about the headlines, I guess the people I have met are not that incredible. Jimmy Swaggart, Ted Haggard and Jim Bakker were powerful men of God. They influenced millions of people and raised millions of dollars in the name of the Lord. I can not speak for these men, but if they are truly remorseful, I think they would say: "Getting caught was the best thing that ever happened to me." photos via: tscnyc.org, grannystandingfortruth.blogspot.com, banklawyersblog.com, churchloan.net
This psalm is a common passage of scripture, but many times the power of this prayer escapes us. As I contemplated this scripture I was taken by exactly what God does in my life. The scripture begins with an acknowledgment of God being the shepherd of life and a confidence in knowing every need will be fulfilled. There is never a reason for me to worry. God will take care of me because I call Him Lord.
I have waited for people to step in and save me when times were hard. I did not know how I was going to manage on my own, and desperately wanted and waited for someone to take away my pain. All I had to do was handle the situation to the best of my ability and not worry. God was always working on my behalf and continues to meet my needs. Every trouble I had, He brought me through.
God makes me, He leads me, He restores me all for His name's sake. That means God is not worried about how many times I mess up. He acts on my behalf based on His name! The name that is above all names! I do not ever have to work to be good enough for God.
God reassures me in this scripture. He says even when I am in really bad places I do not have to be afraid. He will always comfort me. The other wonderful thing God does for me, He gives me wonderful blessings when my enemies are looking. No matter how hard a person tries to hurt and harm me, God blesses me. This lets them and me know who is really controlling my life. I am continually blessed.
Sometimes it seems that nothing but trouble follows me. This is not true. God says Goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life. It is okay to think about good things and anticipate them. I will not be jinxed! God says this is what follows me and I will dwell in His house FOREVER!
photos via: newseed.wordpress.com, freerepublic.com via Google images
It is Christmas time again, how many has it been for you? This is my 40th Christmas and the question I am pondering...What is the real meaning of Christmas? My Judeo-Christian American heritage has had many different focuses throughout the years. During wartime the focus was on peace, during a recession the hope was for a better economy and during times of change Americans cleave to the familiarity of Christmas to comfort their confusion.
When I was a child, Christmas was great fun! My nephew and I would look through store catalogs and make our Christmas lists. We would steal fingers of frosting off of the cakes my mom baked and look for hidden presents. The funny thing about looking for presents, was the fact that we believed in Santa Claus! How funny! We would watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snow Man, The Grinch That Stole Christmas and A Christmas Carol. It was such a wonderful time of year for our family. We were always happy and filled with good food.
As I got older Christmas became a time of family gathering. It was such fun to have the family together and open presents! We got the usual socks and underwear, but those special requests! It was always so exciting to open the diary or roller skates that I wanted more than anything. The family turmoil that troubled me in later years did not seem so bad during Christmas.
As an adult I came to have a personal relationship with Christ. The holidays began to center on Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross. My daughter and I would read the book of Luke. Then we would watch the book of Acts on dvd and eat a big dinner. We then opened gifts and went to visit relatives. These were very sacred times.
Now here I am at Christmas number 40 and life's circumstances have matured and seasoned me. And again I ask the question, what is the real meaning of Christmas? I went to the gospel of Matthew and read the story of Jesus. I have read this gospel many times before, but now I have come with different questions. God what is the meaning of Christmas?
God has always existed and played an active part in the lives of His children. The Old Testament is filled with stories of God intervening in the lives of Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Samuel and Ester. He guided them and through each of them flows the blood line of Jesus. I asked God "how did life change when you sent Christ our Savior?"
Christ's life was sober, focused and difficult. God embodied experienced emotional distress, betrayal, death, murder, persecution, humiliation and isolation. God himself suffered some tough times. Then I asked God "Life continued to be difficult for believers after the resurrection. Where is the abundant life in martyrdom and despair?" "Shouldn't things have gotten better with the resurrection of Your Son?" Yet there remains struggle and strife, in the world and inside of people.
Then I remembered the precious things that Jesus did have in the world. He had relationships. He had His disciples to comfort Him. He had His disciples to reveal, teach and guide. He had His disciples to love. He had His disciples and humanity, which gave purpose and meaning to His life.
Yes life is hard and sometimes unbearable, but there are a few relationships in my life that give me joy. It is my relationship with Christ that gave me a life worth living. It is my relationship with my family that gives me strength. It is my relationship to my destiny that gives me hope even when it feels like I am all alone. The meaning of Christmas is relationship.
Christ's sacrifice on the cross gave me the ability to be one with God. I am not separated from God because of my sin. He sees me as snow white and clean, washed by the blood of His Son. It is my relationship with God that my enemies seeks to destroy. The deceptive games of satan make people think they are seeking to settle a personal vendetta; but each person's act of unkindness is an attempt to separate the receiver of the pain from God.
This Christmas is a great time to renew your relationship with Christ.
This 40th Christmas means relationship to me. What does this Christmas mean to you? photos via: alliecat-alliecat.blogspot.com, americana-music-and-memories.com, wellswarren.org, noquestionleftbehind.blogspot.com via google images.
Welcome to "Working on Monday!" This week I am going to focus on plotting our path to paid employment. I'm not just talking about a job, I'm talking about your life's purpose. The pathway to your destiny. I have worked since I was 15 years old. My experiences have been an unequal mix of tolerable and terrible workplaces. The weight of the scales rests on some pretty terrible work experiences. I am taking the bad, worst and awful and creating life lessons for "Working on Monday." I have come to the conclusion that business as usual is dead.
"Working on Monday" a Practical Perspective
Let's get right into it! I have always been an idealistic person. Since the age of twelve I had dreams of changing the world for good. The problem with this statement is not the goodness I wanted to impregnate the world with, but the lack of clear planning. A dream is important, but you have to plan to reach your dreams.
Where do you want to be in twenty-five years? Yes, twenty-five years, successful businesses have long term strategic plans in place. If we are going to be relevant and living our dreams in the future, the planning and action needs to take place today. Everything we do in this series is going to be strategic!
Action Plan 1:
Write out where you want to be in twenty-five years. Don't spare any details. Where do you want to live? Where do you want to work? What kinds of relationships do you have? How much money do you want? Dream! Don't settle for less than your best in this twenty-five year vision.
Since business as usual is not reaping the results I desire, I have to change. I have always thought my job was to finish my work with excellence and go home. If that was all that is required, I would be the CEO of Pepsi! It takes more than quality work to make it in business. You have to understand and participate in politics with skill. I have always hated politics, I thought people that practiced them were suck ups and phonies. They are just smart! If you are not apart of politics, believe me, politics will be working you!
In the book The Prince, by Niccolo Machiavelli he discusseshis analysis of the psychology of man. Machiavelli is known for his unethical approach to politics. I am not suggesting you compromise your integrity, quite the contray. Know your enemy. The business world is dog eat dog, and if you are going to live your dream, you have to run with the big dogs! Many people practice a Machiavellian approach to business called realpolitik. The name of the game is POWER! I never cared about power, only helping people and doing the right thing. I have learned you can not make it on lofty ideals alone.
Machiavelli suggests there are two types of principalities, new or established. Established principalities are inherited and ruled by families for generations. A modern day example of an established principality is Ford Motor Company. How does this relate to you? Every company you work for has a culture. You have to learn that culture and work within it to fulfill your dreams.
Action Plan 2a:
Pick five companies you want to work for and learn their history and culture.
Action Plan 2b:
Go back to your twenty-five year plan and learn about the history and culture of the life you want to live.
Staying actively engaged with other business people will help you network, stay sharp and have fun. Most companies want you to apply for a job online. It is tough to get noticed. Engaging in community events and organizations is crucial.
Action Plan 3:
Join an organization or club. Pick something that has meaning to you and mirrors your values and life dreams. Your religious organization does not count.
"Working on Monday" a Spiritual Perspective
Genesis chapter 37 tells the story of a young Joseph. He had big dreams that made his siblings turn from tolerating him, to hating him. They plotted his death to kill his dreams (Genesis 37:20). This is a story God uses to share the importance of your dreams. Joseph's brothers didn't want to get rid of Joseph, they wanted to kill his dreams. Don't let anyone steal your dreams, your dreams are more valuable than your life. A man without a dream is spiritually dead. One of Joseph's brothers suggested that they not kill him, a divine intervention designed by God. He said let us just throw him in a pit. Unemployment, under employment or working a job you hate is like being in the pit. Can you imagine how Joseph felt? He must have felt betrayed, hurt, afraid and worried about his future. Can you relate?
Spiritual Lessons Learned from Genesis 37
You can not share your dreams with everyone. Your big dreams will stir hatred in envious people, including envious family members.
People will act upon their hate. Don't be surprised when people attack you.
God always supplies help in a hopeless situation.
You can get thrown in the pit on your way to destiny. It is not the end, only the beginning.
Jealous people will lie to destroy you, even if it hurts their own family.
God uses your trouble to shape and mold you for your destiny.
Your dreams are a preview of your ultimate destiny.
Other Things to Consider
Make sure you file for unemployment. I encourage you to explore your states website and learn about the possible benefits available to you. We will discuss this in more detail as we continue our process to paid employment.
Part 1 of this series discussed the condition of a suffering soul and a conduit to transform the pain, volunteer work. Giving your time to others in a position similar to your own can be a healing balm to your heart. Volunteer work is also a restorative tool for people suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
!!!Caution!!!
Volunteering too soon after a difficult situation can be overwhelming. Discuss your situation with the Volunteer coordinator of your chosen program or a healthcare professional before you start.
How Volunteering Heals Your Suffering
A compromised soul is imprisoned. If you are in this state, you will not be able to function at your full capacity because shame covers you like a transparent blanket. This blanket of limitations prevents you from interacting with people in an honest and healthy manner because you fear they can see the dirty secrets of your past. You are burdened with a false belief that others will be repulsed by you if they knew what happened to you. These lies seen through shame lock up your purpose and volunteering can be a key to freedom.
volunteering connects you with mentors. Reputable organizations with good leadership will have dedicated people that have an understanding and compassion for your/their cause. This inspirational influence adds a dimension of hope to motivate a helpless soul. It also unites people and erases loneliness and fear.
Volunteering gives a senseless act meaning and fills your being with purpose. Your message to the people who hurt you says you refuse to be a victim of your circumstances. You begin to touch people connected to your cause and they are Empowered by your example, this brings Peace to your lives and makes the world a better place. The blanket of shame that once contained you is slowly lifted and your life is lived for a purpose bigger than you. You are no longer contained in your small world but released from bondage because you become determined to make a difference.
Suffering a traumatic event(s) can leave a person feeling victimized. This victimized mentality is another barrier between meaninglessness and purpose. Becoming a volunteer energizes people and allows them to feel valued. When a person feels they are needed the shy unneeded persona of a victim is removed. This allows for a person to speak and take risks for another person's well-being. These acts transfer back to the broken soul of the individual and slowly mends the wounds of the soul. A victimized person can unknowingly be self-centered and see the actions of others as ways to hurt them. Helping others redirects these thoughts and working for a greater cause takes the focus off of self.
Volunteering not only allows for you to provide acts of kindness that are satisfying to your soul. Volunteering is also a place for your mind to find rest. Your mind is taken off of your pain and mundane daily routines. You begin to think about how you can serve others. These are noble, true and virtuous thoughts that give the mind Peace. God created humanity to serve each other with the gifts and talents He carefully choose for each of His creations. You may not know how to sing, act, dance or even cook but each person has the ability to help another person through volunteering their time and giving their love. Use your suffering to live a life of purpose.
References
Reclaiming Children and Youth: The Journal of Strength-based Interventions, v14 n1 p16 Spr 2005
The book of Philippians (NKJ)
Tunnicliffe, H. (2009). Volunteering - better than daytime TV any day!. TCE: The Chemical Engineer, (819), 32. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.
Resources
Helpguide.org (A great website filled with information about various mental and physical well-being articles)
Maya Angelou's poem "And Still I Rise" is a colorful voice used by the experience of transcendence. This poetry articulates the suffering of life's injustices and demonstrates the will of the soul to be free. Human spirituality is expressed in a person's ability to contribute to the world around him. A person finds the ability to touch their world in many ways: parenting, teaching, working, entrepreneurship, learning, being someones child, spouse, sibling, care taker, provider, activist, musician or writer and the list is endless. These offerings to the world are continually changing as life reveals its requirements of participation. Suffering occurs when a person is forced to make unwanted changes in their roles. Death, terminal illness, job loss, family conflict, abuse and other painful occurrences are the events that cause crisis and the awaking of transcendence.
Transcendence is an available means to spiritual well-being. It happens at the point of acceptance and the person's willful participation in their reorganized life role. Eastern religions such as Buddhism, attain transcendence through the denial of self and meditation. A person is to relinquish himself of feeling emotions and detach from the world. This includes non-attachment in relationships and to material possessions (Hanson 2008). Western traditions such as Christianity find transcendence through morality, worship and prayer. Emotions are not denied in western traditions but they are considered unreliable for making responsible decisions. People practicing western religions have doctrinal responsibilities to their relationships which bring blessings into the lives of the obedient (Yount 2009). These are of course very broad descriptions and insights into Eastern and Western religious ideologies. They are not meant to be exhaustive in this context. Both religions seek to find meaning in suffering and use certain practices to overcome suffering and acquire transcendence.
Real Life Applications
Making meaning out of the death of a loved one, the pain of broken relationships or being treated unfairly is the beginning of transcending your soul to a more enlightened or mature place. On your path of meaning making you may experience sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety, loneliness, fatigue, helplessness, shock, yearning, relief, numbness, disbelief, confusion, preoccupation, social withdrawal, dreams, avoidance and crying. You are not crazy, you are human and we feel these experiences when our sense of well-being is threatened or taken away (Worden 2009). One of the most effective ways to work through your suffering is artistic self expression. It is an avenue for your soul's cry. You can keep a journal of your feelings, scrap booking, singing inspirational music, art, gardening, dancing and other artistic activities. Set aside some daily time to inventory your thoughts and feelings, you have feelings and accepting them is accepting yourself. There are not any right or wrong feelings they just exist within you. This daily time limit will help you manage preoccupation. Take care of yourself i.e. get your hair cut, have a massage or a manicure (Rosenberg 2009). Most importantly be gentle with yourself. You are not perfect and will make mistakes in this journey called life. Use some good old fashioned forgiveness and keep going. Your on your way to transcendence and movement beyond your pain. God Bless You and Amen.
Here is some additional readings on the subject of transcendence:
Hanson, J. (2008). Searching for the Power-I: Nietzsche and Nirvana. Asian Philosophy, 18(3), 231-244. doi:10.1080/09552360802440017.
Harris, H. (2008). Growing While Going: Spiritual Formation at the End of Life. Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging, 20(3), 227-245. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.
Rosenberg, R. (2009). LONERGAN ON THE TRANSCENDENT ORIENTATION OF ART. Renascence, 61(3), 141-152. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.
Vis, J., & Boynton, H. (2008). Spirituality and Transcendent Meaning Making: Possibilities for Enhancing Post traumatic Growth. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work, 27(1/2), 69-86. doi:10.1080/15426430802113814.
Worden, William J. (2009). Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy, A Handbook for the Mental Health Practitioner, forth edition. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company, LLC.
Yount, W. (2009). An Evangelical View of Transcendence and Senior Adult Attitudes. Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging, 21(1/2), 88-103. doi:10.1080/15528030802265387.
Ted Haggard is starting a new church. He is the former pastor of mega church, New Life Church and the former chief of the National Association of Evangelicals. Haggard confessed to participating in sexual activities with a male prostitute and to ingesting illegal drugs. His separation from these organizations in 2006, was devastating to many conservative evangelicals.
Ted Haggard has made a controversial decision to start another church. Millions of people across the nation are discussing their feelings and opinions about this event. Most of these discussions are addressing the absolute questions of right or wrong, truth or lie, sinner or forgiven, yes or no. Despite your personal views or religious affiliation there is a man tending to his own spirituality. Haggard has made a decision to participate in his purpose. His experience is filled with many different forces. He has to contend with opposing forces, supportive forces and lingering indifference to live out the dream in his heart.
Many of you are struggling with decisions that will change your life and the life of others around you. You are trying to make the best choices from your own limited perspective. Normally the most pressing question is how much pain will I cause myself and/or my loved ones to feel. The answer to this question is simple, you are going to feel pain no matter what you decide. Life's circumstances are beyond our control because God made eternal decisions a long time ago. Thus having God's perspective is best when you are confronted with major decisions.
Connecting with your purpose in life will give you the courage to live your dreams. Your life may not be as public as Ted Haggard's yet the same controversy can exist. My point is this, life is happening in spite of your choices. Making a decision to participate in your purpose gives you the ability to be whole. Living life according to God's purpose for your creation is fulfilling. It gives you a different perspective in the painful seasons of your life.
