Spirituality: Seeking the truth

Before we begin, let's take a moment to breathe together. Inhale slowly to a count of four, hold for four and exhale to a count of eight. Let's repeat this process four times, and then we can begin.

I've always had a longing to delve deeper, experience more, and feel more deeply. Growing up in a Catholic household, I received all three sacraments of initiation. However, as an African child, certain things were not open for discussion but rather to be followed. At 16, I made the decision to explore beyond just attending church on Sundays and listening to a priest's monotonous voice. I converted to Protestantism, was baptized, and began reading the Bible. My aim was to draw closer to God and, most importantly, to feel His presence. I was attempting to embody the depth of what I was learning at that time- seeking the truth, not just my truth. At that age, I was still young and had to live a little longer to understand my truth. However, I was seeking the truth inherent in all religions.

After some time, I began a solitary and personal quest to connect with God. I lost interest in adhering to a specific set of beliefs and practices and instead sought to feel God's presence anywhere and at any time. I imagined God as a supernatural being sitting on a golden throne, watching over us, judging our actions, and punishing us for our mistakes. This image only caused me to feel fear and prevented me from forming a deeper connection with God. To overcome this, I removed the association of God's name with that image and instead created my own concept of God that resonated with me. In doing so, I discovered that God existed within me.

Back then, I may not have been able to express it in words, but I could sense a deep connection to love, patience, joy, compassion, empathy, and other positive emotions. I searched persistently for this feeling and eventually felt a powerful momentum connecting me with my spiritual self. With each step on this introspective journey, my perspective broadened, and a newfound sense of purpose filled me. I started practicing mindfulness and meditation, which awakened a deep connection to the present moment, allowing me to savor life’s simple pleasures with gratitude and awe. I found comfort in realizing that God's nature and emotions are beyond our control. To me, God is and always has been Love. This connection I felt with God transcended religious boundaries and became the language I speak to the depth of my soul.

I started to uncover my personal truths through small moments of insight and by practicing contemplation. This process has helped me to gain clarity and trust in my thoughts and emotions… As humans, we are gifted with wisdom from God. This wisdom allows us to gain profound insights and understanding that goes beyond our limited human knowledge. We can discern the deeper truths and meanings behind our existence by viewing the world through a spiritual lens. During times of confusion, enlightenment from wisdom can offer comfort and help us make sense of the inexplicable. God's wisdom acts as a gentle guide that illuminates our paths, helping us navigate the complexities of life and bringing us closer to divine truth. Pursuing and applying wisdom can strengthen our bond with God, creating a profound connection that transcends time and space.

May you find the opportunity to develop an authentic bond with God.

I hope this message finds you with an open heart to receive it.