religion

Winding the Roads to Sacred Ground

Posted by Barbara Techel
Winding Roads to Sacred Grond
Holy Hill

The trees lining the winding roads in their glorious fall colors of brilliants – brilliant orange, brilliant red and brilliant yellow, were our guides as my best friend, Victoria and I drove to sacred ground in Washington county yesterday.

Adding to the sacredness of being in nature the soundtrack from On Golden Pond played in the background in the car lulling us into this connection of our souls that no words can even touch.

At one point of the soundtrack, the crescendo of melody, the trees ablaze in their spectacular color, I knew I was with my soul sister when we were both brought to tears from the glory of this beautiful world the creator made for us to enjoy.

I don’t consider myself particularly drawn to one religion, but I do believe in God. I also appreciate the many different symbols, narratives and sacred histories that work to help explain the meaning of life. I’m open to learning from each of them.

Our destination for our fall excursion is a destination many flock to in our area, and for visitors from far away too – Holy Hill – Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary.

I’ve never believed that one has to go to a church to believe in God or to have a relationship with the Divine.

But I must say that sitting in that Basilica yesterday in silence, with my best friend beside me, and the sky high ceilings, surrounded by exquisite, take-my-breath away stained glass windows, well, it was palpable.

After a few moments we walked quietly in contemplation to enter the prayer chapel with candles lit up and down either side of the outside aisles. Many were sitting in chairs with eyes closed, or gazing straight ahead at Mother Mary and child.

It was again deeply palpable. I wanted to weep, but didn’t. But what I understood was that no matter our religion or beliefs we all want the same thing. To deeply understand we are a part of something bigger, that we matter and that we are loved.

Walking the grounds, taking photos, and being in silence often with my dear friend was truly a meditation. One that made me appreciate even more this life that I have, the world that is before us, and the hope that we can all find peace within our hearts.

I posted photos of our day at Holy Hill in an album on Facebook. Come see.

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Faith, Religion, and Standing Tall

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

Daily Word is a subscription I subscribe to. It it is my time with God. I believe in what is my God, which I believe is also the Universe, which we are all a part of. I am often struck at how each day’s lesson speaks to me. It helps balance me and keeps me moving forward. Today’s Faith lesson resonated deeply on many levels.

Much of my growing stronger and standing tall in who I am has also come from a 10-inch tall wiener dog who rolls around in a doggie wheelchair named Frankie. Some of you may have heard of her. <wink>

I’m working on a book right now about what I’ve learned from Frankie. One section in my book talks about my faith. I was raised a Lutheran, going to church most Sunday’s as a little girl. But then my parents divorced and going to church was not something I did with my mom and siblings.

For a while in my life, I struggled with not having been confirmed. But as I’ve grown older I realize I am of no particular religion. Feeling not good about being confirmed, for me, was because I felt I got caught up in what society felt was right. I’m not saying being confirmed and going to church, or being a certain religion is not a good thing. If it works for others and helps them- then I think that is great.

But for me personally, I don’t find a religion that 100% agrees with who I am. I feel more of a spiritual person, not attached to a religion. For many years I felt shame if someone asked me if I went to church or not. Like it was bad if I didn’t.

Recently I did a school visit with Frankie for a small catholic school. When I was done with my presentation and the kids were walking by petting Frankie, a parent approached me and said, “Are you catholic?” I felt that same fear rise up in me- like if I wasn’t would that make me not good enough? It caught me off guard that she asked me this question. But I kindly said, “No I am not.”

She said, “Oh, I see. The reason I ask is my husband writes for a catholic newspaper. When he heard about you and Frankie he wanted to write a story about you. But he couldn’t think of an angle.”

Thinking thoughtfully and speaking from my I AM, I said, “Well, I do believe in God and I do believe that His mission for me at this time in my life was to teach what I am teaching with Frankie as my example.” She smiled, nodding her head.

I continued and said, “And you know, I believe animals are God’s creatures He created. What a beautiful opportunity your husband would have to share one of God’s creatures, Frankie, with his readers, helping them understand that pets with special needs are no different than other animals and deserve a chance.”

She seemed to listen to what I said intently, nodding, and then said thank you.

As I drove home, I wondered if her husband would call and do a story. I haven’t heard from him yet. I may not. But I also realized how proud I was to feel comfortable in what I said and what I believed. I also feel Frankie and my story is not about a religion, but so much more.

Standing tall is not always easy in world of many views, but until we do, our soul can’t continue forward. I’m learning that with each step I take and that the only way to truly live is from your own heart.