Pray. It doesn't matter when, or how. Just pray, and pray often.

Don't worry. Everything is going to be just fine! This is all meant to be. And if your faith is not enough, don't worry, because mine is enough for two. Or three. Or six billion.

"Truth cannot be said because of this: it cannot be divided into polar opposites, and language is meaningful only with polar opposites. Without the contrary, language loses meaning." - Lao Tzu

Truth

"The misinterpretation of Truth creates division."


Truth is...
that once you find it, you never lose it. Never.

- to follow one's own path, and respect the path of others.

- to love everyone unconditionally, no matter who they are, their relation to you, their age, race, or creed. To understand; not to judge.

- to know the commonalities in all beliefs, and generously understand their differences, the source of those differences, the consequences of them, and their transience.

-to experience joy in stillness and silence.

- to know the connection in all things.

- to ask, to receive, and to relinquish control.

- to love, until kindness is your only creed, and beauty shines in every face.

- to feel the suffering of the less fortunate, to have sympathy for the ignorant, and to know that all who are separated from truth are less fortunate, ignorant, and already forgiven.

- to experience a physical, body-and-mind shift to a higher awareness.

- to not have one's faith confirmed by religious practice, but by spiritual knowing; the receiving of messages, the answering of prayers, the occurrence of miracles, and the healing of others by pure intention.


and most importantly....

That truth is attainable on any path, in any religion, by any means as long as it is kind and guided by love.

"The wise are not learned. The learned are not wise."
- Lao-tse

My lesson for this year: that I need God every single day! No, not every seventh day, not every fifth day, not even every other day -- every single day.

When all action is in the name of Love, and when we admit our faults and ask for forgiveness, it is then that we reach a union with God. I do not know why it is this way, but it is. Some religions say it is because we are born into sin; some say it is because of the negative karma that has stayed with us through numerous past lives. There are countless explanations. All that I can promise is that it is a true experience that undeniably changes a person in ways that are more than permanent. Once one reaches that awareness of God, one never loses it.

Prayer and Righteous Action

Be kind and generous, and do not be afraid to be generous. Giving things away, even when we are in need of them, is what makes us free. In the end, the only thing you need is God, and that can never be taken away. God will always provide for you. Just trust, and be honest in your words and actions, and what you give will eventually be returned to you.

When you pray, pray through your heart, and trust that your prayers will be answered. Keep your eyes open. Watch. You will find that every prayer comes true if you are patient. God does not work on human terms. God sees all and knows all. God does more than just answer our prayers -- God recognizes that we are creatures of change, and anticipates our future needs.

The voice of God is powerful, far more than our own small voices. When God speaks to you, you will hear it through your body; do not ignore it or turn away. When we speak the Word and God speaks through us, we feel God's spirit pressing in our throats, and we realize how weak our own voices are. Never be afraid to speak God's Word, no matter what religion you hail from, as long as you speak out of kindness and sincerity. Never speak God's Word in judgment, and only speak in anger if you are protecting the weak. This is called righteous anger; you will recognize it by the pure outrage you feel on the behalf of others. One who is truly spiritual will never be angry over a personal attack or betrayal, and will realize the necessity of keeping one's mouth shut, for what comes out of us in anger can defile us if it is for impure and selfish reasons. The effect that our words have on others cannot be taken back, and must be forgiven, both by ourselves and by the ones we hurt. However, if we speak angrily on the behalf of others, to protect them and shelter them from unfair treatment, then our anger is immediately forgiven and deemed righteous and pure.

We are meant to shield each other from the cruelties of the ignorant, but always remember -- they are ignorant. They know not what they do. If they knew God, they would not act in such a way. Forgive them.