I was raised in a really twisted religious envoronment,so I get really confused about the truth about God,and sometimes right and wrong,in the laws of God,not the laws of the land.But I was told once that God would not give any one person more than they can handle.Is that really true?Does anyone know?I don't consider myself a religous person,but I do consider myself a spiritual person.I pray sometimes,but I don't pray for me,I pray for others,and I thank God for the things I've been blessed with.I feel like if I pray for me,than it's selfish.That's one of the twisted beliefs I was taught growing up.My family didn't teach me the truth about the religion I grew up in,they almost made it up as they went,so I didn't get the real version of that religion!

I think that is just a saying, but I'm not sure.
When I was having a bad time I went to a used bookstore and found a Bible that was easy to read { some are more old language wordy versions}.
And I just started reading at the beginning for awhile and then went to Psalms and Wisdom sections - those are very powerful sections and will help to give you internal peace.

The title peaked my interest so I thought I'd take a peak. Justice it was Mother Teresa who said

That last line is the key Justice .....God has trust in us and if you believe that, you have no worries.

Must go sleep

You know something, Justice.

I was raised a Catholic and converted to Judaism during my divorce.

I'm more eclectic now -- a little bit of everything.

I've seen people that are very combative with their religion. When I was in hospital taking care of Mom during her last days, one woman actually told me that my Mother was dying because I was a practicing Jew. No word on why her sister was in the same room as my Mother I found her comments to be extemely hateful and hurtful. She called herself a "good Christian"

My Mom's doctor was also a "good Christian". He sat by the bedside and prayed before surgery. My Mom didn't like it. But, I did. He was able to bring his religion to his work without being offensive about it. He prayed for God's help and guidance in his hands before he operated. I found him to be a very caring and loving and thoughtful and religious man who did not use his religion to hurt others.

That, I think, is the key. If you can practice your religion (whatever it is) in a thoughtful and kind and caring way without being cruel to others who do not believe as you do. And if you can have tolerance for people who believe differently than you do. If your beliefs bring you comfort during difficult and painful times. Then I think you have mastered the whole reason why people turn to G-d for help.

Religion is supposed to be a comfort and a support and means to help others. It's not supposed to be a weapon that you use to get children to mind or a weapon to get others to believe as you do.

Justice, you have a kind and caring heart. I can't help but believe that if you let your heart lead you to the best religious practices for you, that you will find comfort and you will find soul-satisfaction.

Hugs.

Barb

Hi Justice

I was raised Christian, but I no longer belong to the church or call myself a Christian (nothing personal, just don't like labels).

I don't think it's selfish to pray for yourself, as long as you're careful in what you pray for. When praying for myself, I tend to pray for strength and understanding instead of specifics. I also think it's important to pay attention to the world around you - the noise and the silence.

When I look back on the burdens I've had to carry, I see why I had to carry them. They were useful lessons and tools. They either served to give me strength, or they provided me with the expertise I need today. If others had carried the burden for me completely, or sheltered me from life, I'd be in a real mess now.

If my illness progresses as my mother's did, my future burdens will slip into the category of extreme challenge. I've got nothing better to do, so I figure I'll see how much I can take. I won't allow my world to come crashing down on me until it really does come crashing down on me.

Hi Justice I can't help but notice that you are in Utah... did you grow up LDS? I can also fully understand you're not wanting to be there, lol.... I went to a boarding school in Utah. I much prefer San Diego too...I'm an O.B. woman!

I gave up on religion many moons ago. I am a very spiritual person, though. Your relationship with God is personal, and you really don't need any person to lead you to Him. Ministers etc. are human, with human motivations like greed, envy and lust. They may not mean to, but they cannot help but insert their personal foibles into their teachings.

Yes, I do firmly believe that God doesn't give you more than you can handle. The problem is that WE seldom know what we can handle till it slaps us in the face, lol. I have had rsd/crps for 14 years now, hiv/aids for 8, and was diagnosed with epilepsy this year. If someone had ever told me I'd get all these diseases and be able to handle it, I'd have laughed at them and said "not me, no way... I'd kill myself first". Well, I'm still here, even if I'm not always sure why.

i like what you said about Learning to like yourself, and, learning to know that you do not need the approval of others to feel like a worthy person. This, is something I'm trying to learn right now. I am recently divorced, but, when my ex-husband was about to leave the other night to move out, I called for him to come back. I just couldn't deal with being all alone here, in the middle of an emotional crisis from my illness. I do love him. But, more as a friend, then, a lover. We have decided that we're dating, but, not being exclusive. I don't know. I'm sick of putting him on this roller-coaster of ups and downs. One minute we're together, the next, we're not. I'm in cognitive therapy, but, I haven't been going very long. I need to learn how to deal with my illness, and, the strong emotions that come with it, on my own. Pray for me please.

Peace, and, Love
Cgirl

this is such an important thread to support you, Justice and also for others to feel comfortable talking about what we believe and why, and how we feel about life's burdens and trials.

all I want to ask is that everyone remember that the Sanctuary is here as a spiritual haven for everyone and that religion is a subject that can quickly get people offended, especially when negative things are said about their religion.

so what I would ask please is that there be sensitivity to the fact that we have many faiths and many denominations and groups here (yep, even those who go to Calvary Chapel like me )

Let's try not to be specific in "dissing" any groups and therefore not hurting members feelings who may be part of that faith or denomination or group.

I am not singling any posts out here in asking this....I am just being pro-active in the hope that this thread will stay honest while still being supportive of ALL.


That way we can keep this valuable discussion alive.

Justice,

It sounds like you experienced spiritual abuse along with a lot of other abuse. I am so sorry you had to go through this.

Columbiangirl,

Don't beat yourself up for needing someone. Sometimes we are just not strong enough to go it alone. You will get stronger. The thing is you must realize that you are important. You count and are worth taking care of. I will pray for you.

The main thing about God, according to my belief, is that is does not have a denomination. He is just God. He also has time for everyone. You don't have to worry about whether your need is less severe than someone else's.

Jesus came to earth to show us what God was like, then he took our punishment which took care of the sin problem. God just wants to love us. He doesn't want to hurt us. He wants what is best for us. What we need to do is learn to trust him and lean on Him........and also lean on each other.

Judy

Hi Columbian Girl 1 Thanks for your reply. You hang in there! Alot of us are not used to taking the care neccessary to look after ourselves in the right way. We are so used to wanting and thinking we need another person to help us feel ok. I think everyone likes companionship. When you are alone and feeling sad, look to God for that companionship. He loves you and wants the best for you. You can depend on him to be there for you. Keep reaching out to him to fill the emptiness that you feel...he is there, Columbiangirl, just wanting for you to reach out to him.....Reach out and do not stop. Develop a friendship with him like no other and go to him when you are lonely....he will never leave you. Have faith in him. You won't reget it!!!!I am praying for you!!!