Approximately six years ago I experienced my last psychotic relapse which inspired this poem, reflecting the state of my mind as I went through this living hell as portrayed in the first stanza. Ultimately, however, I found great hope for my recovery in the words of sacred scripture which have been a source of abundant strength for me in my struggle with a serious mental disorder. Today, I continue to be inspired by the hope I have found in my higher power as reflected in my closing. Thank you for letting me share.Continue reading Reflection: A Living Hell
A Poem
A reflection on my spiritual journey from the living hell of a psychotic break to a state of higher awareness.Continue reading A Poem
Reflections: The Strength and Courage of a Vulnerable Human Being
“…all individuals who strive for the actualization of love, a universal human need, possess the inner resources of similar strength.”Continue reading Reflections: The Strength and Courage of a Vulnerable Human Being
A Father Who Led Me to Community
Community is such a very precious thing. My earthly Father, though he was not perfect, taught me what a loving father is like. Continue reading A Father Who Led Me to Community
Reflection: Finding Happiness in Wisdom
I asked my wife, “What do you see in front of you?” She responded by pointing out the beautiful neatly trimmed grass and flowers along with a gorgeous landscape of boulders decorating a riverbed and a huge healthy maple tree. My perception, however, was much different. I saw the work put into keeping the lawn trimmed and the effort put forth by the tractors to place the boulders by the riverbed.Continue reading Reflection: Finding Happiness in Wisdom
Reflection: The Reception of Wisdom
As we travel deeper into the depths of the human heart and ultimately the love of humanity, we have the unique gift of acquiring wisdom through our suffering. This piece reflects on this idea using my personal experience of struggling with a serious mental illness.Continue reading Reflection: The Reception of Wisdom
Reflection: Finding Faith in Crisis
From personal experience, I know how hard it may be to find faith in the depths of a psychotic break or in the turmoil of a major relapse; however, I strongly encourage anyone who is in this situation and/or has any questions about their spirituality to seek and/or continue any professional help for your situation and consult a spiritual leader of your choice especially if you have never given much thought to your spiritual journey.Continue reading Reflection: Finding Faith in Crisis
Finding Hope in Love
In all my articles to date, I have presented my interpretation of some very abstract virtues such as hope and love; however, I would like for you to consider the fact that these virtues can be developed in very specific and concrete ways such as self-care, personal responsibility, and reading the testimonies of others who have experienced circumstances you may or may not have found yourself in.Continue reading Finding Hope in Love
Suffering and thankfulness? It’s how we’re all connected
Why do bad things happen to good people? It is one of the most written about problems in religious writing. I can’t answer for you, I can only answer for me. But I can tell you how I answer this question for myself.Continue reading Suffering and thankfulness? It’s how we’re all connected