Forbidden Fruit

Raising the awareness of people is a part of the purpose of Forgetting 2 Remember. 

Touching on the “forbidden fruit” of religion vs. spirituality has been a great awareness to many people in the past few days.  People have very strong views and ideas that support their beliefs.  Thank you for the conversation!  It is beautiful!  I want to share with you some of the feedback that I have received.

Last night on Facebook, Rusty Kennedy,  the  minister of Leavener Church, was online so I, interested in his thoughts, sent him the message, ”I was dis-owned today for saying I was spiritual but not religious.”  I wondered how he would perceive that thought and with slight nervousness on my side he responded,  “Beautiful, religion kills.”   Whee, thank God we are on the same page!

Lori Ballard sent a reply on 1 Corinthians 13 which is all about love.  Thank you Lori.

Catherine Smith shared her insights on how closed-minded religion can be for people.  She said, “First thought that came to my mind when I read your blog this morning was “closed-minded”. 

“I believe in God. I believe often times “man” has chosen to interpret God’s meanings for their own benefit.  Meaning, when you look at organized religion you will find a myriad of believes.  Yet, how can one be certain which is precisely accurate?”

Cathy goes on to say, ”My father used to say that there were more men killed in the name of God than any other.  Think about it.  “Man” uses the name of God to his benefit.   I believe that if more people focused on spirituality – their personal connection with God – the world would be a better place.  Yet then the masses of organized religion would lose their hold on the minds of “men” and their financial gains.” 

“I know of many “preachers” who will not walk into a bar – even just to get to the dining room on the other side – because their “religion” tells them they are not to go in “those places”.  Yet the bible clearly states that Jesus went to the sinners.  I’ve often questioned them on this and they have a very hard time answering it intelligently.  Again – Close Minded.” Thank Cathy for sharing your thoughts and spirit so elegantly.

 Slim Chandra-Shekar also had much to say about the subject, “I couldn’t agree more with your perspective on Spirituality. It is indeed a broader approach to understanding and connecting with the Divine on a very personal basis.”
He continued to say,”You live in a part of the country which can be considered conservative and where the Bible is an integral part of daily life. It is difficult for most people to conceive Spirituality without the Bible. The Abrahamic religions are all unique in that if you don’t believe and practice that particular faith, then you are a ‘non-believer’. I prefer a path where I can connect with the Divine on my own terms and with a depth that I don’t get from organized religions.” Thank you Slim! 

As I continued the search today for a new campground.  I once again was dismissed because we “dance in celebration.”  The Nazarene Church is opposed to dancing and they owned this particular campground.  I explained that we would not be “bumping and grinding” but somehow I don’t think that helped.

The presence of bliss

I was brought to tears many times today and cried in blissful joy of the beauty that surrounded me.  Being raised in the Midwest things around my home are rather flat and disturbed by commercialism.

I have the wonderful opportunity to be in the mountains of Denver Colorado for the next few days.  The incredible beauty of the untouched land, mountains and streams brought such bliss into my vision that I cried in total awe of the peace and stillness.  It was incredible to have that experience today after writing yesterdays blog about finding inner peace in your life.

There CAN NOT be anything painful, hurtful or fearful in the presence moment.  I know that I keep repeating it over and over again but it is such a level required to attaining that peace all the time.

Just before the amazing view I was involved in a conversation where the past had played a role in hitting a place of pain. Then by the divine Grace I was transported to the moment and everything was no longer affected by that suffering.  A direct hit by Spirit!  If awareness could always be so bold our self growth could be unmeasurable.  It is not always that easy, sometimes the awareness is subtle and forces us to look harder to remember the present.

The great news with awareness is that each step forward is towards the life of  your highest desire. 

 Two steps forward, one step back…..just keep dancing.

Did I say DANCE!

” Two steps forward, one step back.  Imagine, just for a moment, that our purpose isn’t just to get to heaven but to learn how to dance.”

Forgetting 2 remember, two steps forward, one step back, ebb and flow, up and down, how ever you say it it is all the same.  It is the DANCE!

How many of you are wall flowers, always watching and never participating?  Or waiting  until you are “relaxed” enough?  Or waiting until someone ask you?

What if our purpose is to dance and keep on dancing even when the step back throws your rhythm off-beat?   

My experience has been, if you just keep moving your feet you will find the beat again and in the mean time it sure makes life a lot more fun.  There is a lot to be said about “dancing to your own drummer.”

So given the chance to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance! – LeAnn Womack