Since the release of “Above His Shoulders,” I have had many individuals ask the question, “How does God play a role?” Those who have read my book are aware of my prayers, my exploration of organized religion, and my stint at Catholic boot camp.
For myself, I have come to realize that spirituality plays an enormous role in healing. I have personally treated Catholic priests and pastors who were pedophiles. They ask me,” Where is my God? ” and ” Where is my Lord?” I respond by stating, “God can save your soul, but cannot save your ass.” Harsh ? Maybe. Truthful? I believe so. In Above His Shoulders, nature came to me, supported me, and opened up her arms to me. Was God working through nature? Possibly.
This is an age-old question that will not be answered in this lifetime. Where is God when the child dies of leukemia, or the sudden death in the car accident, or the child killed by the drunk driver?
All aspects of healing need to be considered. No alternative form of healing should be discounted or minimized. I would never tell a Christian not to pray or not to follow their belief, however, if one solely relies on one method of healing the chances of failure are high. God gave us intelligence, judgement, and the ability to feel. We must use these gifts to their fullest advantage to move past the trauma in life.
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The Psalmist writes that:
I wonder if God doesn’t sometimes use his creation (nature) to lead us toward healing and restoration and ultimately toward himself?
In the same passage of Scripture (Psalm 19) the songwriter also states:
The Psalmist seems to indicate that another way to experience God (joy, wisdom, light, revival) is through objective truths (laws) he has also revealed and given to us.
Both ways of knowing are valid and real. It is God who chooses how he will work with each one of us. Maybe our part is to recognize it is him drawing us to himself and offering the healing and restoration we deeply need and desire?
Randy,
Thank you for your reply. Your comment has inspired my latest blog topic,” God and Life Trauma” I will read your book and be glad to see if it will add to new insights. Always be open, to ALL, for God gave us the ability to be all accepting, should we chose to do so.