Monday Morning Boost: Why Is It Hard To Talk About God?
Why is it hard to talk about God?
Perhaps we shy away from the discussion for fear of offending another in their beliefs or coming across as attempting to proselyte another, which can be a real concern when living in an area such as I do with a dominant religious culture.
Perhaps we feel God, faith and/or religion is much too personal to share.
Or we may feel we are on the other side of the proverbial coin in that we don’t feel solid in our own beliefs.
Some simply may not care.
Wherever you are my friends, however you do or do not believe, I honor where you are at.
Now, with this intro, I invite you to join me for a simple discussion about God.
A SIMPLE QUESTION
The following discussion spawned out this simple question posed Sunday night inside one of the Red Edge Mastermind groups.
“What do you guys look forward to most in your lives?”
This question raised many responses from snuggling with kids, traveling the world and finding warm beaches, simple pleasures like a good massage, and good food, one member specifically mentioning a “Philly Cheesesteak French Dip style on a cold day.” There were multiple references to time with family, especially under the challenging restrictions of today.
The question came to me on a day of much pondering and reflection, on a day when I felt deep gratitude for the love I personally feel from God. The following is what I shared with those in my Red Edge Mastermind group which I now share with you.
That which I most look forward to is continuing to feel confident and whole the majority of the time, where internal joy outweighs fleeting happiness, and I experience more of the immersive love of God.
While this may seem merely altruistic, or even a bit too much like Red Edge strategies, I treasure this at such a deep level because I did not feel like this for a very long time. To get where I am today has been a journey wrought from invisibility and of little worth and forged in the fiery furnace of adversity.
This journey has allowed me to feel a much deeper appreciation and eternal love for Elisa and our family. No experience has been greater than watching our children also journey this path of self-discovery.
All other experiences — which I cherish and enjoy immensely — have thus become more vibrant in vision, richer in perspective, deeper in meaning.
Life is better because of love.
This generated a follow-up question: “Les, what does God’s love feel like to you?”
I’m pretty simple when it comes to God’s love. I think it much like the love I feel for my children, just deeper and more complete.
God’s love collectively inspires the masses to individually be a little bit better, sacrifice for the common good, and love others like they hope others will love them. And then empowers them to step forward in action, be it through quiet prayer, humble faith, or stalwart action.
The nature and reality of God is the singular subject most pondered on, debated over, researched, written about and taught concept in life. It is also the most worried about.
Volumes of books have been written on the subject of God concerning how God manifests in various forms, beliefs, and denominations.
Then there is philosophy with all its persuasions as well as literature designed to influence people away from their beliefs.
Within my own personal beliefs and the doctrines and tenets of my Christian faith, the complexities of God can be confusing. Just take the concept of justice and mercy as an example. Which one is He?
This is why I strive to keep it simple by focusing on love.
I see God as a parent, a Heavenly Father, whose love is complete and whole, for me, for you, for each of us individually, no matter who we are or what we are.
I strive to feel that kind of love for Him and strive to love others in the same manner.
Jesus Christ said it simply:
“Love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34).
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matt. 22:37-40).
If I focus on this, I feel I’ll be guided on everything else.
I claim no knowledge when it comes to God other than that which I feel deep inside. I believe that God is real, that He is my father, and that my life is better because I seek to feel and share His love.
I was honored by the safe space provided within my Red Edge Mastermind group to share such deep thoughts. We are a group with strong trust and confidence in each other. Exploring our personal thoughts on any subject is not uncommon as we seek to grow and learn together.
I recognize most of you who read are not part of my Mastermind group. Yet, if you have read the Monday Morning Boost more than once or twice you know sharing personal feelings is not uncommon for me. I am honored if you have found today’s discussion worthy of your time.
Have a great Monday! Thanks for letting me share.
Les
p.s. Take 13 minutes today to gift yourself time to ponder your own thoughts.
Lead Image of detail of Sistine Chapel by Andres Nassar from Pixabay
PERSONAL PROMISE PROCLAMATION
The Story You Most Consistently Create Will be The Story To Most Consistently Come True In Your Life. Promise To Intentionally Create A Beautiful, Powerful, Wonderful Story Of Greatness!
