A Time to be Thankful ~ Day 4 Spiritual Eyes

Spiritual Eyes

Back in 2010 I had Lasik surgery done to correct my vision. I am grateful for the surgery and being able to see.  I can't imagine not being able to see.  Being blessed with good eyesight truly is a gift but being blessed with spiritual eyes is an even better gift.

I never thought of spiritual eyes until I started listening to Joel Osteen back in early 2000.  I slowly began to understand that if I wanted to increase my faith and have peace with God, I had to correct the vision of my spiritual eyes. I had to trust and develop a stronger relationship with God.

Being in a toxic relationship distracted me from placing my time and trust in Christ.  My ex was my Savior. Whatever mood he was in determined my mood.  Whatever made him happy made me happy.  I was like a clone of his emotions.  I struggled to live for him. I depended on his attention and love for me to bring me joy and peace. I endured this lifestyle for so many years. I was drained, depressed, and disappointed countless times.  No one should be responsible for our emotions - good or bad.  Nor should we have to rely on any person to bring us that peace.  It is up to us to take control of our emotions and our lives.

I struggled to make our relationship work but my peace wouldn't come until I left that lifestyle.   My spiritual eyes would not improve until I placed God at the center of my life. 

At the end of 2008, my life seem shattered.  He and I had broken up for good.  Within a few weeks my dad was suddenly diagnosed with cancer. No matter how much I wanted to control things, I realized that I had no control over anyone's life, especially the two people I had cared for the most.  I couldn't change my ex and I couldn't heal my Dad.  

All I could do was let go and trust. I had to trust that this invisible being, this spirit, was walking with me.  I was overwhelmed with such fear and loneliness.  I wasn't sure what next step to take.  I cried out to the Lord.  Suddenly the peace came over me. I don't know how but I just knew my life would better.  I trusted that God would give me the strength and directions I needed, and He did. My spiritual eyes grew stronger.

I believe that all things happen for reason. My losses taught me that no matter what overwhelming struggle we may endure, God is always walking beside us.  All we need to do is call out to Him.  He will lead us. He will strengthen the vision of our spiritual eyes.

 

Bullied by a Religion

The Unseen Bully

As usual, I sat quietly in study hall lost in another world.  It was easy to disregard the other students around me. On occasions, I would hear their whispers and giggles about my hair, shoes, or whatever else about my appearance that was comical to them. By the time I was a junior in high school, I wasn't a stranger to bullies.  In fact, I had grown quiet bored of other students' disapproval and immature laughter at me.  Yet the whispers did not make me invulnerable. Rejection still hurts regardless.  A couple of girls questioned me and made hurtful comments about my clothes.  Too embarrassed, I never shared much and always replied with smiles.  Apparently this was even more comical to them.  Thankfully by the end of the semester, I was able to transfer to another class.  On my way out the door, one of the arrogant girls stated "Bye, Miss Smiley".  I gladly smiled my biggest smile at her and went on my merry way.

As long as I can remember, I always longed for that sense of belonging with others.  Regardless of how I was treated, I don't recall confronting many people, mainly out of fear, but also because I know the pain of rejection. Early on my parents taught me the spirit of love and respect for others.  While this is a great asset, I was also taught to remain quiet and that your opinion isn't that important. However, now my heart has been called not to be quiet and to share my thoughts.

Lately the bully issue has been a hot topic. Most times when we think of bullying, the scenes from The Christmas Story may make us chuckle. Yet bullying still occurs long after we have left those wonder years behind.  Like my junior year experience, the unseen enemy is right next to you.  Maybe you are wrapped up in another world like I was in those teen years.  " What bully? How can bullying possibly be in religion?" Easy.

Our country's foundation was an exciting new beginning with the freedom to share and practice Christianity.  The freedom we have in American truly is a blessing so no wonder many scramble to get in our doors.  The freedom of speech, to choose, to love, and the freedom of religion.  However this freedom can also cause chaos among those who believe their opinion, their religion, and their leadership is the RIGHT and only way.  We lose sight of the importance of it all.

I have been fortunate to have friends and acquaintances from diverse cultures, opinions of life, and religious denominations.  What amazes me the most is that regardless of the beliefs, the common denominator is always God, Prayer, and Peace Towards Others. Did I choose these people or was it God, my Heavenly Father, who brought us together? I believe "our {re}connection could be impacting a yet bigger picture somewhere else" as my childhood best friend, Betty, stated to me in a recent email. Our reconnecting friendship just happened a few years ago through some unfortunate events.

Whatever your belief, I felt blessed and compelled to share the link below as presented by a Muslim / Christian speaker, George Chavanikamannil, who recently spoke at my church, Grace Community.  His knowledge of the Koran and the "Islamic Extremists" shattered my heart. Strangely, I felt much sadness but not just because the Koran denies Christ, my Saviour, calls Jews "filthy pigs", or strives to "kill" those who deny the Koran. The sadness I felt and still feel is the separation of all mankind.  As tragic as it was was, my heart is still warm from those friendly humble "togetherness" moments days after the 9/11 incident.

While there may be many beliefs and lots of spirituality confusion, this is not by accident. The Enemy loves to have confusion and separation.  Having extremists (bullies), whether it be a cult, social group, or religion, who wants to annihilate you because you are Jewish, Christian, or anything other than Islam/Muslim or an unbeliever is not part of God's world. That separation from God, our inner Peace, causes us to hurt and disbelieve in anything good.

And just as there is confusion, there is also Hope.  Hope for all believers, regardless, to pray, to seek within their heart, and hold tight to the Power that is stronger that us all, which is God's Almighty Hand. Stand strong and smile at the bully.

We have the choice to believe in HIM, yet God never refuses to choose us.

• Info on the Koran & Islam
• No Matter What