God. There, I said it. I refer to my Higher Power all the time as to not offend anyone, but the fact is, my Higher Power is God. The granddaughter of a Presbyterian minister, I was raised going to church every Sunday. Bible study, Sunday School, confirmation – it was a must. I converted to Catholicism in 1997, shortly after my son was born.
My faith has always been central in my life however in the last few years it was re-awakened and has become my rock solid foundation. I had the desire this year to experience Lent and Easter differently, and different it was. What do onion rings and apple pie have to do with it? Read on…..
There were 3 things that I was reminded of during the past 40 days….
- You will be tested
- You will be tempted
- You are never alone.
Tested – my faith was tested, my spirit was tested, I was tested. And continue to be! I had numerous situations come up during the 40 days that tested whether I really knew myself, placing doubt in my mind about me. Was I good enough, smart enough, thin enough…enough enough!
YES TIP: Each time you begin down the rabbit hole, stop, get quiet and listen from within. When you can listen from your heart with unconditional love, you will know you are enough, exactly as you are meant to be.
Tempted – did I give something up for Lent? Yes. Was I tempted at times to use it anyway? Yes, though I didn’t. We are all tempted at times – from eating something we shouldn’t, like the onion rings and apple pie (more on that in a minute) to buying something we can’t afford, to comparing ourselves to others.
YES TIP: Temptation comes in many forms but by stepping back, considering how the yes or no coincides with your values, you can make a decision from a place of strength and power.
You are never alone. THAT is the saving grace. And that is where the onion rings and apple pie come in! Numerous times in recent years, when I have been at my lowest of low points, someone shows up. When my child left for sober living and I couldn’t pull myself out of bed, my girlfriends knocked at the door. When my divorce would see dark moments, a friend would call. When it looked like I would be alone for Mother’s Day, my daughter invited me to spend it with her. And when I was about to leave church on Easter night, while not in a dark place but rather full of light and wanting to celebrate, my friend invited me to grab a slice of pie which turned into onion rings as well. Coincidence? I believe not.
YES TIP: Allow others to lift you up and shine the light for you when necessary. We are not meant to face life’s challenges alone. He is always with me.
Do I fail and falter? You bet. Do I try my best. Yes I do. Do I expect life to be easy? Never. But the tests and temptations are lessons to be learned for the next step on this journey called life. And on those dark nights, we must remember we are never alone.
P.S. Apple pie is best with vanilla ice cream. Sometimes you just gotta go all in!