Why do we allow denial to cushion our pain? Many of us, when we first suspect someone has betrayed or abandoned us, someone important in our life, we try and deny our suspicions. "This could not be so. He/She loves me." The pain will fester. We will be faking our emotions when with this person. The pain of abandonment is too much to bare. We do this with God. I hear people make excuses for why things are bad, but God did not cause it. They protect God or their need to feel safe and good in relationship with God. Why not pray as you feel? Plenty of people do it in the bible. Jesus did it on the cross and he is supposed to be God or at least especially loved by God. "God, you abandoned me. I am angry and don't like you." Lightening won't strike. Honesty is very uplifting emotionally. Pray as you feel. God seems to prefer honesty, rather than your manipulation.
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Thank you so much. This is exactly what I needed to hear today.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you Fr. Terry!
I don't understand. How does God prefer honesty? What do you mean by that?
ReplyDeleteGod prefers we express our true feelings, or so I believe. Sometimes that means we are angry/disappointed with God.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your response. I guess it's that when I'm afraid or diassapointed, I don't believe it's God's fault. I usually blame myself and I can't hold God accountable for my own failings. That's where the real pain comes in. I realize that faith by definition can't be rational, but what can we legitimately blame God for? These are real spiritual struggles of mine and I value your perspective.
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