I have a story I want to share.

[Rainbowreflect]

I warn you that it is of a spiritual/religious nature.

Yesterday I went home early from work because I felt like crap. I was also very depressed. I have been so down lately about everything happening in the world and some stuff that has been happening in my personal life. So I went home curled up in bed and started crying & praying. I need to say that I consider my self more a spiritual person than a religious person. I believe in God, but my God is so very different than the fundies God.

In my praying yesterday I told God I was so sad and so tired. I just did not understand. I was feeling hopeless and alone. I asked for help, for a sign, for peace. I know that we can only overcome the hate, greed and selfishness that is destroying this country with love and compassion, but I was feeling I had none left.

I fell asleep for a little while and when I got up I ran to the bank to deposit my paycheck. I decided I really wanted to buy Clarke’s new book so I went to the bookstore. I grab Clarke’s book and was walking up to the counter to pay when I saw Desmond Tutu’s book “God has a Dream”. Without even thinking about it I picked it up. That might not seem like a big deal, but I never buy full price books without planning ahead.

Last night when I went to bed I took my 2 new books with me. I picked up Tutu’s book first and opened it. The first words I read were; “Dear child of God, I write these words because we all experience sadness, we all come at times to despair, and we all lose hope that the suffering in our lives and in our world will ever end. I want to share with you my faith and my understanding that this suffering can be transformed and redeemed. There is no such thing as a totally hopeless case.”

As I read that I started crying again. I felt that I had my sign. If someone who has seen all the suffering that Desmond Tutu has seen can still have hope and faith I certainly can. I felt less alone. I felt hope again.

I don’t want this to seem like I’m preaching or trying to convert anyone because that is not what I want. I just wanted to share that when I was feeling desperate I was given what I needed. I was reminded that we cannot change the world for the better with hate, only with love and compassion

I am so grateful to DU for all the support and information I have received and for helping me feel so much less alone. I want everyone to remember that if we all work together we can change anything and everything.

[GOPisEvil]

1. I have a similar story.

I was really sad and unhappy when I took a trip to the bookstore. I saw The Dalai Lama's The Art of Happiness. It was exactly what I needed at that time. In fact, I think I need to re-read it.

Sometimes, we really do get a sign.

Good luck!

[commander bunnypants]

2. Been there too,

my great spirit is always watching out for me. Very different from the fundie spirit

DDQM

[ewagner]

3. Cherish the moment

I don't know if it's a great spirit or something to do with quantum mechanics but I know moments like the one you described are few and precious.

Treasure it.

[OneBlueSky]

4. usually, the universe (God, creation, whatever) provides what you need . .

you just have to be open to it and recognize it when it appears . . .

sounds like you were and you did . . . :thumbsup:

[orwell]

5. Water

It's nice to get these little positive affirmations, especially when we are staring into the maw of depression. Sometimes it seems like we are all acting in some grand play, but are unaware of the stage or the script.

I too have been trying to eliminate some of the fear and loathing that rises within me. The worst thing that can happen to any of us is that we lose our humanity. Our hope can guide us, our love makes us stronger, our compassion becomes the doorway into the eternal.

Never stop seeing the miracles. They are the water for our souls.

O

[Rainbowreflect]

6. It is amazing how small things can turn us around if we let them.

[Th1onein]

7. This is an example of

Jung's concept of synchonicity. I always watch for these moments in my life, because they usually mean that you are traveling down the right road.

[LastKnight]

8. courtsey kick...

all im gonna really gonna say, because im kinda lost in myself in that area myself, so i think kicking it to the top is all i can really do.

-LK

[Az]

9. I am glad you were able to find comfort

There are numerous means that we gain access to council. We seek signs. We look for guidance. More often than not we find what we seek. There is nothing more lonely than not knowing your path. I am glad you found your way to yours.

As to the DU community, we are an extended family. We feel each others pain and joy. We will always be here for our fellow members. It is simply who and what we are.

[sam sarrha]

10. quit watching the NEWS so much you will feel better immediately

just watch it one day a week, 15 min of CNN,..no more. only read News Week after it is one month old ..only for perspective.

I went through simular things untill i started meditating.. they still happen but i stay more in the present... and worry less

[geniph]

11. I used to be severely suicidal,

and I can remember one occasion when I was driving home and trying to decide how to do the deed when I got there...and REM's Everybody Hurts came on the radio. It got to the "hang on" part, and I had to pull over to the side of the road because I couldn't see through the tears. I listened to the rest of the song, had myself a very cathartic fit of sobbing, and went home and went to bed instead of doing what I'd been planning.

Sometimes what you need comes along when you most need it.