We’re attending a memorial service today for my mother-in-law’s best friend’s husband. Makes one take stock, especially as we get older, or move into the more reflective than active part of our lives.
Gladys is one of my absolute favorite people ever. She’s also a devout Catholic. She’s outlived her husband of 50+ years and survived a 17 year old daughter (Sue’s sister). My grandmother, who lost two children (more including miscarriages) was perhaps the most devout person I’ve ever known. Like Gladys, not in an “in your face” kinda way; rather it was reflected in their actions more than their words.
I’ve never been religious. I hated going to church as a kid. I never believed in walking on water, or God in the Western, Judeo-Christian manner. Until not too long ago, if I couldn’t literally witness or at least comprehend something – ’cause, yeah, this body/mind is blessed that way – I deemed it crap, especially if it had no practical purpose, and made no bones about it. And then along came Sue……[wish I knew how to insert a heart emoji!]
Obviously, my personal beliefs have morphed. I am convinced in the existence of “God” though beyond that I have no strongly held opinions other than good > bad, and all living things have consciousness – individual PROOF of the existence of God.
Jesus? Buddha? Joan of Arc? Countless others? These are/ were people so deeply devout that they literally sacrificed their lives (this one anyway) in homage to their faith. What could be more worthy of our love and respect than that?
Allan
