What is GOD?

Disclaimer. This is only an account of my personal findings.

Disclaimer also: I do not claim to know, or to have any real answers.

For many years, I was brought up to believe in a man up in the clouds who created everything around us and gave us rules to follow to avoid an eternity of pain and torture in hell.

In my limited understanding, I thought I was supposed to follow the rules of my church so that when I died, I could go to heaven. Along with these beliefs, I grew up and made mistakes and believed I was damned to an eternity in hell because of my wrongdoings and shortcomings. I was raised catholic, and No- I usually did not honor my father and mother. Yes – sometimes I would steal things. Yes – I was usually a liar. Therefore, there was very little hope for me, or so I thought.

My life went down a very dark path. I did things I never imagined I would do. I traveled to the edges of darkness, and tried to find comfort there in surrendering to my existence. These dark places can sometimes be described, but unless you have been there yourself, it is difficult for me to explain what it was truly like. Looking back now, I can almost relate it to an out of body experience because when you are there – you can hardly believe what you are living. Its like being forced to watch a horrific film, and not being able to turn it off.

Then one day, I found a way off the path I was on and walked into the light. It did not happen quickly, for me, it was a long and slow walk. I didn’t know where I was going, but I knew anywhere was better than where I was at. Little by little I made progress. Today, my walk has taken me lightyears away from the place I was once stuck.

My walk became a spiritual journey. First, in discovering my belief in God. Second, in learning about who my God is. This journey has given me much to live for. Most importantly, it has given me much to search for. In searching, I continue to live, and in living, I continue to search.

So who is God?  I use the word “HE” simply because it helps my mind personify this indescribable power I have discovered. He is everywhere and He is within me. I believe He is within each and every one of us. I find myself again, at a loss for words to describe what knowing God really is like.

God is the source of everything that is love. The trees are love. The ocean is love. Animals are love. To me, this is God. When we laugh, when we hug, when we feel at peace, this is God.  When the sun rises, this is God. When our heart feels abundant , this is God. When the stars come out at night, this is God. God is the feeling inside when you know there is a purpose for our existence. The purpose is to love.

There is a lot of buzz talk these days surrounding our life’s purpose and how we must find it and execute promptly. My search was weighing heavily on me. I thought I was missing out on God’s plan for my life. Now I know, I was mistaken, and I had not missed out on anything.

When we ask, we must listen as closely as possible. The funny thing is, God speaks to us in unexpected ways. He finally spoke to me through a famous woman who shares many thoughtful stories. God told me, my purpose. He told me our purpose. God said our purpose is to Love. Plain and simple, clear and concise: Love.

When I think of the moments where I am most in peace, I am loving. Loving those around me, without judgement and without agenda. Loving those who need forgiveness, loving those who need tolerance.  The truth is I wanted to have a greater purpose. A purpose that was shiny, and exciting, and sophisticated. The truth is, there is no greater purpose than to Love.

At first, it may sound silly and hippy-like, and lack meaning. But if you think hard of when you are happiest, I think you will also see your happiest moments are in being a person of love. As I mentioned, I feel love by the ocean, I feel love with my pets, I feel love when I am being genuine and forgiving. I do not feel love when I am judging myself or judging others. I do not feel love when I set harsh expectations. I do not feel love when I am feeling lost or misguided. I feel Love when I am in faith that God has my heart.

God is the trust we can choose to believe in for goodness and abundance. If you are reading this, God has carried you through and far. God has provided and exceeded all your needs. God has given you gifts and capabilities to execute your life. God has set a design for living that has never failed us.

I write this only to share my walk in spirituality. I share this only to express the light that is freely available to all who wish to follow. I share this because it saved my life. And just maybe, it is saving yours too. God is Love, and Love is within you. The more you share it, the more your life will progress and help others to progress as well. Together we can continue on this path of God, of Love, and of light. Thank you for giving me your time. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for sharing your love.