I believe I have a higher power. I have no idea what my higher power looks like, but he/she/it is what I want in a good friend. I chose to open myself up spiritually to a higher power that is like a good friend, and that is why he/she/it is like that. He/she/it is accepting, loving, guiding, and has a sense of humor.
I do two things with he/she/it: 1) I pray; I ask for things. Things like strength to make it through the day or strength for learning to love myself away from all my shame. 2) I meditate; I shut up, find my center, and listen. I like to think of it like a conversation, I talk and then listen. I do not like the idea of worship and I feel I, my higher power, and everything else has the same inherit value.
Out of prayer I usually find incentive that wasn't there before, not saying it is magic, but it does help me through this and that. Out of mediation I find a more centered place within myself and a sense of serenity and acceptance- even in the worst moments.
I do not mind using the word God in prayer. The word is used in multiple religions and no organized group or individual person can convince me I can't use the word- it is my ability and I believe my personal right. Here is an example of a prayer I say often: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference."
My feelings on many of the western religions I have come across are not positive ones. I have seen examples of Churches being money or power driven, and I do not like that- it makes me feel people are being sold false spirituality. I also do not like the idea of the threatening fires of hell. I also have a problem with many religions moral code. Such thoughts are mostly judgment and prejudice, and though I can't stop from feeling my feelings, I try to keep in mind that no two individuals are the same and I can never judge people based on their group.
Overall my stance is this: I have, communicate with, and love my own higher power. I feel atheist have every right to be atheist, Christians and every right to be Christians, and I have every right to my spirituality. I don't really wish to fight on it but if anybody has questions go ahead and ask em', I'd be more then happy to answer.
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