dailyprompt-1979

Finding Peace Through Spirituality: My Transformational Story

First, I asked AI’s definition of spirituality. Below is the response.

Spirituality is a broad, personal exploration of meaning, purpose, and connection, and one’s relationship with existence, often beyond the material world. It can involve beliefs in a higher power, universal consciousness, or the sacred, but it doesn’t always require religion. For some, it’s found through practices like meditation, prayer; for others, it’s a sense of awe in nature or connection to others. It’s subjective, shaped by culture, experience, and individual reflection, often addressing questions about life’s deeper truths.

With that I would say that spirituality is important to me. I was born and raised in the Catholic faith. In the era I was raised religion was based on fear and sinfulness. You were a sinner naturally, and you had to work hard to earn the reward of heaven. For over thirty years of my life, I thought I would never be worthy of a peaceful existence after time on this earth.

As my life progressed, I guess you could say that I began to question this kind of outlook on life and time after earth. I was put in situations where I had no control why this situation happened. I was beginning to realize that life is just more than trying to be accepted into time after earth. I was beginning to feel that life was one big learning session. All through your life you learn by events you experience, and you learn from everyone you encounter. Oh, I still go to church and practice Christianity. However, I have lost the fear that I am not worthy anymore.

Two and one-half years ago I experienced a near death event and for a period of time I feel I was given a preview of time after earth. I had this feeling of PEACE, TOTAL PEACE! This is a feeling I will never forget and looking forward to this eternal feeling.

I have written many posts about spirituality. Here are some links,

A Journey of Faith and Religion,

A Strange Tale

Touched By God

February 7, 2023

A Gift of Life

Me and Spirituality last year’s prompt

In conclusion, spirituality has been important to me throughout my life and time after life on this earth, serving as a guiding force that has shaped my values, beliefs, and understanding of the world around me. It has provided me with comfort during challenging moments, instilled a sense of purpose, and fostered deeper connections with others who share similar journeys. As I navigate the complexities of existence, the exploration of spiritual practices and teachings continues to enrich my experiences, allowing me to reflect on the mysteries of life and the profound interconnectedness of all beings.

Daily writing prompt
How important is spirituality in your life?
View all responses

Me and Spirituality

First a little history about me. I was born and raised a Catholic. My mother was a devout Catholic and Grandma, her mother was also. Grandma lived with us until I was fifteen when she passed away. My dad was raised a Baptist but did not practice any religion. Anyway, I was started out as a catholic.

I went through all the things a young person did growing up as a prospective Catholic. I went to catechism every Sunday after service. Listened to my mother and grandma about the Catholic religion. I was baptized, did first confession and first communion. Finally, confirmation, to become a soldier of Christ. During that time, I ended up with the impression that it was very difficult to become worthy of entering heaven. After your death God was there with his big tablet and you had to account for every sin you committed during your time on earth. I cannot ever remember being told that God loves you unconditionally. During this time the church used fear of eternal suffering in hell to be a good human. Being just human was a sin.

I went through most of my life as a Catholic. Trying to earn my way into eternal life with God. During this journey I had some spiritual events. First, when my grandmother was on her deathbed, she did not have time for us. She said that there were these two angels in the corner of the hospital room waiting for her. You can believe that or not.

Secondly, when my mother was in hospice, she said to me. “Tom, I am afraid of dying. I don’t know what is waiting for me. I am very afraid.” This really bothered me because she was a devout Catholic and I thought she should be more prepared for death. I was disturbed until a short period after her service my mother came to me in a dream. She was sitting in her favorite chair with the Mona Lisa smile on her face and communicated to me. “Tom everything is great, I am at peace, do not be concerned about me.” You can believe that or not.

Thirdly, I met this girl in grade school. We became very attached to each other. We had something special. Being the jerk I was in high school; I ended the relationship. Around sixty years later she came to me in a dream and said “Tom, I was meant (created) for you. However, you rejected me. Our lives would have been totally different if you would not have rejected me.” I woke up with a start and it bothered me. After a period of time, I did some research and discovered that she died three days before I had this dream. Did a spirit visit me? You can believe it or not.

Forth, I was taking a walk alone in the afternoon and this voice said to me. “Tom, stop trying to be somebody you are not, just be yourself, that is why you are on earth. Since then, I am just being myself.

Finally, I had a near death experience and after I thought I took my final breath I was someplace, and I felt PEACE, TOTAL PEACE! What I felt is difficult to explain. I was having a feeling I have never felt in my eighty plus years, PEACE! I truly believe I experienced a preview of time after death.

In conclusion, my religious experience and the above spiritual events has prepared me for the final days. The final days may be soon or twenty years from now. When the time comes, I will be ready to experience that feeling of PEACE, TOTAL PEACE!

I am convinced God loves us unconditionally and Christ died for our sins.

Daily writing prompt
How important is spirituality in your life?
View all responses