I am away for the weekend – sitting in a beautiful location, in fabulous weather (shocking!), and watching the sun sparkle on the water of the lake I see below. From childhood, the gleam of the sun on the water has been one of my most favorite scenes. It’s what I imagine whenever in a meditative state, if I’m told to visualize a place of rest, comfort, or beauty. And today, here I am, not in imagination – but in an oasis of reality.
This morning I was reading out of a book called Love Poems from God by Daniel Ladinsky. He’s taken twelve sacred voices from both Eastern and Western traditions and created poetry. This one, based on the words of Meister Eckhart (1260-1328), one of history’s greatest mystics, rivals my real and oft’ imagined oasis:
IT IS A LIE
It is a lie—any talk of God
that does not
comfort
you.
I am so aware, in my own life and in the lives of so many I have conversations with, that we have much talk of God (or have been talked to/at of God) that does anything but bring comfort. At its best it brings acceptance, hope, and love; most often it brings confusion; too frequently it’s laden with guilt, shame, disappointment, judgment, and the threat of eternal punishment.
That makes me angry. As hot as the desert.
Thus far, as I’ve been writing and reflecting during Lent, it has had much to do with the desert – the beauty of acknowledging such, naming such, staying. But there are deserts that are outright lies, harmful, unnecessarily desolate, brutal and violent. Any interpretation of God other than Ladinsky’s, catapults us there.
Today, still in the desert, but all about an oasis of truth – as beautiful as water that sparkles in the sun.
It is a lie—any talk of God that does not comfort you.
Rest.
Relief.
Comfort.
Truth.
Oasis.
For your reflection:
- What are the predominant words that come to mind when you think about “talk of God?”
- What are your most frequent or memorable experiences of “talk of God?”
- Can you imagine all talk of God to be nothing more – or less – than comfort? What has to shift in your imagery and understanding?
- What if it’s true – that it’s a lie : any talk of God that does not comfort you?
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow. 40 years of American church culture makes this hard to swallow. “To whom much is given, much is required.” Growing Kids GOD’S Way. Corporal punishment by mothers’ hands because the Bible commands it. On and on the examples come to mind. Toxic! But to let go all the way and trust only in what brings his comfort…hmmm…I’m closer than ever before, but I see many of my peers fighting to hang onto their punitive and righteous God with heady theological arguments and lifestyle choices at such high cost. Why are they so convinced and committed? Just thoughts as I continue to grapple with these peeks into these new (to me) conversations. And stay away from the Sunday morning meeting.
jewellspring´s last blog ..jewellspring: I wrote 764 words in 32 minutes with Write or Die! http://writeordie.drwicked.com
I know, right? Wow! It’s tough to swallow when we try to gulp down everything we’ve been force-fed over the years. But when I think about it as good, good wine (even at a sacramental level) then I can sip slowly, enjoy its heat and warmth, and rest. Comfort. Home.
(And just so you know: it’s Sunday morning as I write this response. I am NOT at the Sunday morning meeting.)
Thanks, Jen.
I like that, sipping vs. gulping. Yes, staying home is one of the most tangible steps I’ve taken, with my husband and kids to see if the house of cards falls…no lightening bolt yet
.
jewellspring´s last blog ..jewellspring: I wrote 764 words in 32 minutes with Write or Die! http://writeordie.drwicked.com
I’m guessing the house and the fam are safe from your scandalous, shocking behavior!
This is a thought that I’ve always wanted to believe in. This is what “it” should be. I believe that this is what He wants for us – comfort, peace, TRUTH. All the good that happens is because of those that lets this TRUTH be. These words, so simple, so perfect.
Thanks for the perfect way to end the day – thankful, blessed and at peace! Good night!
Shawna Cevraini´s last blog ..Proudest Mom Ever
I’ve learned that one’s relationship (or lack of) with God is deeply personal and differs from person to person. “Talk of God” makes me want to run – if only I could. The reason being is that since the day I became paralyzed people have been drawn to preach to me – imposing their beliefs and their judgments upon me. I have often wondered if my wheelchair has some magical sign (invisible to me) that says please “save” me with your religion. But, I am grateful for my personal and spiritual growth.
Yes, I believe that “talk of God” should make one feel good. That comfort we find in God is often the crutch we need to face life’s challenges. God’s grace and blessings have kept me soaring!
Thank you for sharing.
Tracy Todd´s last blog ..Just Feel
I can only begin to imagine, Tracy; all that you’ve experienced and heard. It makes me want to scream. Of, in my softer, more reflective moments – weep. For now, let me apologize on behalf of those who wouldn’t think to. Further, let me say that my understanding of this phrase (talk of God that brings comfort) is deepened significantly when I think of you, your challenges, your ongoing hope. Thanks, Tracy. I’m grateful.
Thank you for such a wonderful Monday morning lift…to be reminded that God is only love.
Ahhh!
Monique´s last blog ..“Resist Your Genius,” Says the Lizard Brain
Having been raised with a religious faith that fears God’s wrath so much that use of musical instruments in worship is unacceptable, where do I even begin? Most “Christians” don’t even know who Nadab and Abihu are. I do. They introduced unauthorized fire before God and were snuffed instantly. This was (and still is for many) the battlecry for following precisely “the pattern”. Ugh…..makes my chest hurt reflecting back there.
I can recall sermons I heard growing up that would equate the “It is a lie—any talk of God that does not comfort you…” with the “If it feels good, do it” mantra and the horrible destiny that awaits those who follow that path. I’ve gone to church most all my life out of guilt rather than desire. Four years post “that church” and eight months completely church free and I’m still battling guilt, but loving freedom from meeting the expectations of those who force God to fit their paradigm. “If it feels good, do it” has a whole new meaning for me now.
Conversations with God was a huge turning point in my view of God. The notion of a divine father who would create beings with a free will, then insist that they do things exactly his way or face the eternal torture of a place many of us know as hell, lacks ANY common sense, as the author noted. That realization released me in so many ways. I am still struggling to feel completely free, but the way things have played out, it has been comforting to know each step into freedom has been divinely directed, regardless of whether others who know me believe that to be true or not. I would love to be surrounded by others who have come to similar conclusions about God. This blog let’s me know I am not alone and I am not crazy. Just wish I had daily “proximity” contact with people like this.
The beauty of the virtual world, Angie: surrounded by others who remind us we’re not crazy! And of course, the physical proximity is amazing and great when it happens. I’ll hope for MANY such relationships in the days and weeks ahead for you! Thanks for putting so much of yourself out here in this space. I SO appreciate your vulnerability and candidness. It’s reflective of yet more aspects of “comfort,” don’t you think?
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