An Answer to Loss: ‘Gathering’
October 16, 2008 by
Filed under Featured Articles, Grief and Faith, John Pete
By John Pete — I have often encountered people who question the purpose of life, especially following a sad loss in their lives. As a spiritual person I too have questioned our purpose and the existence of God and why bad things happen. And as everyone must, I have come to many of my own conclusions based on my personal experiences, and sometimes the experiences of others.
The answer for me is about gathering. From the beginning of our lives, we are filling a metaphorical basket with all the good and bad things we encounter in life; things that we carry with us, or discard along the way. As our experiences make us wiser, we begin to discard more and more of the negative things in our basket and focus on gathering those that are good and nurturing. In the end, the things which we have chosen to gather and keep with us become a reflection of who we are, who we have become as a spiritual beings.
At the end of our days, I believe, we will take with us that which we have gathered as we continue the evolution of our souls, much like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon.
Gathering the things that nurture our spirits is what we can all strive for every day of our journey on this earth. The real question is, can you be happy with what you have gathered when this life is over and you rejoin your loved ones? As spiritual beings, these soulful reflections can show us who we will be when we leave this life behind for the next.
John Pete edits the site, www.opentohopefaith.com.
When You Doubt Your Faith
August 11, 2008 by
Filed under Featured Articles, Grief and Faith, John Pete
by John Pete
Even the most faithful of us are challenged by death. I, along with millions of others across the world, was shocked when letters written by Mother Theresa of Calcutta revealed that even she was long tormented by doubts about God, having witnessed so much suffering and death firsthand during her lifetime.
Yet it is doubt that reaffirms the human nature of Mother Theresa, and in the end bears witness to the great strength of her faith. After all, did she not persevere with her work to alleviate suffering until her final days, despite all of her spiritually painful doubts?
Having one’s faith challenged by a devastating loss seems a natural response to an event that brings such great pain and so many unanswerable questions. It is okay to be angry with your god if that is what you feel, because all feelings are valid. In my view, the greatness in God is in knowing that God understands your anger and doubts, and most surely expects them.
In the end, it is reconciliation, one way or another, that really matters. Perhaps you will relinquish your faith in the face of adversity, or maybe you will explore your faith and persevere in your actions, as Mother Theresa did. The question of doubt has affected the masses since the beginning of faith, and doubt often leads eventually to spiritual growth, peace and solace. To doubt is simply human nature.
Come explore these issues with me and others at www.opentohopefaith.com.
