A couple of decades ago my husband and I visited a Spiritualist Church  from time to time. Several members of the congregation were in our  weekly meditation and healing group, so we always felt comfortable  there.

The day of our first visit I was feeling pretty blue. I was neck deep in  therapy, recovering from long term childhood sexual abuse and torture.  It's the sort of healing work that gets worse before it gets better;  like lancing a boil, all that 'stuff' has to come out for the healing to  happen. It was very trying, I was exhausted and discouraged. It seemed  like I was only getting worse and I was ready to quit.

The evening before the visit, I was looking at some family albums with a  friend. She commented about the family portraits from my youth, that  our mouths were smiling but our eyes were sad. I responded, "We don't  have any happy family pictures."

The next day during our first visit to the church, at the end of  services, the minister, a gifted psychic, went around the congregation  bringing messages to those for whom she had received them, as was her  usual custom. She and I had not met at this point, so she asked my  permission to come to me. Of course I welcomed any message.

The minister said what she saw around me was unusual, (as compared to  the dead relatives she usually saw?). I thought, "Great, it figures I  get the freaky relatives!" What she told me was that I was surrounded by  family from ancient ancestors to contemporary deceased relatives to,  (this was the most unusual part), family yet to be born.

They had only one message for me:
"Don't give up, there will be many happy family pictures to come."

Of course that was the encouragement I needed to go on. I'm pleased to  say I stopped the family sickness and it's repercussions from touching  another generation.


Fast forward to my son's wedding this past summer. We all had a ball! We  laughed and played together like children throughout the family photos.  When we got them back from the photographer the brides family looked so  dignified, but our family was all over the place, laughing and cutting  up. Fortunately we calmed down for a few pictures, but even in those  we're smiling like we're holding back laughter.

A couple of days ago I was showing the pictures to a friend, and  commenting on what a bunch of nuts we look like. She answered........wait  for it.........
"You have a lot of happy family pictures!"

Thank you so very much Stardove.

It seems that the most important and profound parts of life are proven to oneself beyond a shadow of a doubt, in a moment, but cannot be proven to another. It's as though it is by design.


I logged in today with the intention of deleting myself/my information, and leaving Beliefnet. I've found more criticism than support for my spiritual journey here. The exact words in my mind as I read yours were, "no one here 'sees' me; no one connects with my spirit."

Thank you for delivering the very words I needed in the moment I needed them.

Peace
Echo

Stardove
Thank you
I'm staying here. When I get a message from the Spirit realm, I pay attention!
I've applied to the Sister's group. I hope they accept me, we'll see. It sounds like a kind and gentle group; I would like that.
I'm making better choices about forums, and having a better experience. It's starting to be an uplifting experience. Thank you for the part you have played in that.
Already, I'm learning and growing, guess you're never too old ;-)
Peace
Echo

It's taken 2 or 3 days of avoiding negative areas to get out of the line of fire; eventually sights were set on new targets. Oh well, people will be people. Truly, it has taken a lot of bumbling navigating to find my way to better places for myself. I'll keep at it when I have time, and build an experience of value here.

At my age one would think I wouldn't be shocked by people anymore! I like to believe that it's in remaining open and trusting that I remain vulnerable. I'm fond of a line from one of Jewel's songs: "...be careful with me, I'm sensitive and I want to stay this way." Haha, that's me!

Peace Stardove
Echo