Paola and Graham, your conversation about fear in relation to God was so insightful and inspiring, thanks for sharing the replay. In answer to your question about a time of unlearning beliefs, there have been a few different times on my life’s journey where I’ve learned the beliefs I was holding onto were false. I was raised with the idea that the “path to heaven” was through strict behaviors and beliefs. As a teen it was a challenge for me, I started to question those beliefs as I realized I still didn’t feel worthy, I was searching for acceptance by trying to be like everyone else. As my life progressed I came to understand that God’s love is unconditional, I am worthy just as I am. There are still “ stories” I tell myself about self worth that I continue to work on, reframing them, but those beliefs from my teen years are no longer directing my path. My faith carries me, knowing God has a plan for me, I just need to be open to listening and receiving guidance from my inner guide. Blessings,
When I became a follower of Christ over 55 years ago, I relied on the church and its leaders to teach me about God and guide my faith. I believed God resided in the “church” and communicated only through leaders or other people. However, as I developed a personal relationship with God, I discovered His love, promises, provisions, and guidance. I realized that I didn't have to depend solely on what others told me; I could hear from God directly through His Word, the Bible. I learned to follow Jesus rather than man's interpretation of the truth. By searching for the truth on my own, I found it. This understanding freed me from religious constraints and man-made interpretations, leading me into a personal spiritual walk with God and Jesus.
I did get to see the live of this, but this replay was so great to listen to for the second time because I picked up more and learned more in the process. Among the comments in the live, somebody had mentioned that they went to catholic school and we're always taught to fear.God. I also went to Catholic school for 8 years,and I don't ever remember being taught to fear God. I was taken back a little bit by that. I am a practicing Catholic and I go to church every Sunday, but I don't believe you have to go to church, to be a good Christian or good Catholic, whatever. I have never feared God. I have always been grateful and thankful to God for all the good things in my life.Amen. I love this conversation.You two are so beautiful together.❤️❤️
Kathleen, I went all through Catholic School and yes we were taught to fear God. Looking back, I think it was more to keep us following the commandments It wasn’t until I became a young adult that I heard that God was an all loving God. He loves us unconditionally even when we sin against him. He still loves us just not the sin. My whole prayer life changed. I still practice Catholicism and go to church, however my adult children and their families have found another form of weekly worship and have still put God first in their lives. I agree one does not have to be Catholic or go to church as long as they live a Christian life and follow his commandments. It is always good to hear young people voice their thoughts and love for God.
Thanks kathy for your response. I have 3 adult daughters, and one of them goes to a different church. And she did that a long time ago. My husband was so upset. She is not catholic anymore, but she is a good christian woman, and she goes to church and does a lot of activities for and with her church people. The other 2 girls, they're educated. They're smart, but they just don't go to church. There is nothing I could do about that. They're adults, and their life is their own. Thanks again Kathy I appreciated your thoughts!!!!
Kathleen we were upset also when our oldest son chose to leave the Catholic Church. After much discussion, we decided it was better to love him and his wife where they were in their life than be upset about something we could not change or lose them over a difference in religion. They still go to church and God is a priority. When our other two left our church, it was much easier knowing they were all still worshiping our one true God. Like you said they were adults. Thank you for sharing. It’s good to know there are other families that experience the same things.
Thank you for this enriching conversation. It has been a beautiful reminder that God's love is unconditional. As for limiting beliefs, the challenge is to transform them into positive affirmations.
Beautiful conversation Graham and Paola. I love your curiosity and sincerity with which you approach your faith journey. Much of what you expressed resonates for me. I too, understand the notion of fear of the Lord as coming in humility from a place first and foremost founded on infinite love. I do find the parental metaphor helps me comprehend that as best I can as a creation of God. He is God and I am not.
Providentially, your Live took place the Sunday after the Gospel message on the 4th Sunday of Easter for Catholic and several traditional Protestant churches, was Christ's new commandment "Love one another as I have loved you." Christ's call to love is so much more than a nice feeling or Kumbya moment. It's a radical call to love ... even your enemies who do you and precious people in your life harm. And Jesus witnesses perfectly that this requires radical mercy and forgiveness.
I do think how we come to understand and live this truth depends a lot on where we are in the maturity of our spiritual journey. Years ago I took a Masters level course on the psychology of children's fairytales. Why are children drawn to these stories. I learned about psychological aspects of children's experience when they go from total dependence on their their parents to coming into their own. It's traumatic when they realize that parents have to transition from taking care of children's every need to having to set boundaries for children's well being. Hence the stories of monsters, wicked witches, and big bad wolves, are a way of expressing the confusion and hurt at being told no. We go through similar spiritual paths when we go from a starting point of obeying God because its for my own good, to being in a loving relationship with God, trying the best I can to follow His desires for me as my loving Creator.
A beautiful motet by Thomas Tallis expresses the loving call to keep God's commandments. Simple words to meditate on as our journey seeking truth continues.
On a more practical note, Christian Science is indeed a religion. For me that's not a bad word, as my context of understanding the Divine is faith AND reason, religion AND science. Christian Science is of late 19th C origins and has some core tenants that are not my personal beliefs. My recommendation to folks curious about other spiritualities, faiths and religions, is to start by looking at their own sources of teachings and practices. One can also look for other sources for critiques and criticisms to dig more deeply. If I want to know what Christian Scientists believe I start with their sources.
If I want to know what Catholics believe I go to Catholic sources. In your Instagram live I think it was, Graham, you expressed a disconnect with that Catholic pratice of having the corpus of Jesus on some crosses. Seeking out what other churches say about that teaching will not lead to a better understanding of a Catholic perspective and understanding. And it's so much easier in this digital age to hear it straight from the horse's mouth, as the saying goes. Obviously that takes some care to insure the validity and perspectives are authentic. I did a simple search "why do Catholics have body on the cross". One example that came up I think explains it well.
I'm not surprised that you encountered a community sincerely seeking truth when you went in to the Christian Science Church. In my late teens and early 20s I spent 6 years "church hopping" while seeking a faith community I felt God was calling me to. Without exception I found many positive, loving aspects in each community, and I found flawed human beings including myself living out those beliefs imperfectly. When I did find what I was seeking, I knew within 15 minutes that my search was over ... I was home. At first it was a feeling of affirmation from God and grew from there to be my spiritual home where I encounter God most intimately and fruitfully.
Thank you both for your sincere and thought provoking conversation. Prayers and blessings as your journey together continues.
Thank you both for sharing this. I believe that both of you and I have a true personal relationship with God. For me the God I know is a loving God. As for unlearning beliefs I have done that, however as I was going through the process, I realized that the belief I was worried about was not actually from God, but from man. I do not pray in the normal sense of the word, I have conversations with Jesus. It is during these that I feel the love and when I need it the guidance that will keep me moving forward in my spiritual relationship with Him. I pray that, for both of you, that your relationship with God and each other continues to grow.
I was born and raised a Catholic, but my heart was never fear of God. He’s been there for me for every trauma and he’s always had his hand on my right shoulder when I know it was his spirit to get me through what I had to get through And that’s all I can do is praise the Lord for being there for me.
When I am dying I will see along side me my spirit lifting waiting for the end.
You have a child you will see the difference heart love for your child which is beyond words, and you will see your love for the spirit of God which is greatness.
I have never feared God. Maybe a little doubtful at times. I can’t ever remember not following God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit. It has always been part of my life since I can remember. Our church has a youth minister that has about 75–80 youth from area churches. I have prayed for years that my grandkids would attend. My 16 year old attends almost Sunday night. My 20 year old attends church with me when home from college and regularly at college. My 17 year granddaughter attends when she can. This is a big deal to me because my daughter and son neither attend church so my grands have to get fed at church because they aren’t at home. Both of my children grew up in church🥲🥲
Please pray they will be adult believers. I want to meet them in Heaven some day.
They all five are great responsible kids so no worries there. I just keep praying 🙏❤️🌈
My love of God and God’s love for me is the anchor that steadies me in my life. It is eternal, forgiving and guiding. As far as disbeliefs unlearned, my life has been a beautiful life lesson, not so much of unlearning but rather growing in the manifestation of my relationship with God and Jesus. I was raised in a church and environment of loving God in a more inward private manner of respect and reverence. I honor and feel that still today and forever. I married a man who lives his religion inward and outward. I saw an outpouring of that love that I held private in my heart. I learned. I see that today in the outreach of individuals and churches in giving, clothing, feeding, rebuilding etc., always helping others, showing the love, shining the light of God’s love. No fear just love! Love that lives! Thank you, Paola and Graham, for opening this discussion.
Such a great topic. The way you see 'god' is exactly how I feel it. It resonates with me 100%. Love is the creator! Thank for doing these chats. They stimulate us to be aware and connect more with our inner self in stead of believing what religions want us to believe...💖🙏🌈
Thank you so much for this latest podcast. It was simply beautiful. You two are beautiful souls inside and out. Graham I could see that years ago as you played Ty on Heartland. I saw through the screen what a special young man you were.
I do pray daily and you are always included in my prayers.
It is so nice to see you looking so happy and content with your life. You both deserve it and the messages you give are beautiful.
I don't think I could have made it this far in my life without my relationship with God. I had a wonderful marriage with a really good man and I was lost when he passed fourteen years ago. It was my faith that got me through the loss. I talk with one of my sisters and we agree we don't know how anyone gets through something like that without God's help.
Keep doing what you do. You are serving a great need and I'm sure God is very pleased with you both
Thank you, Graham and Paola, both for sharing this topic. I was raised to believe that God is the way and the life. I believe that God already knows our life path before we do. I believe, God puts people and events in our lives to help us where we are struggling and help us to reach that point in our lives where we might need just a listening ear, or maybe help unexpectedly. God is a father who listens without judgment. I believe that is where the unconditional love is shown from God to us in our daily walk with him.
In Romans 8, it talks about how we are more than conquerors who strengthen us. In times of fear, drawing upon this scripture lets us know that through God's love, all of our fears that we have is strengthened by God's love in my daily walk. I know, not everyone believes this, but I hope this insight helps some of you. Have a great day.
Thanks for posting the video. I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts on fear as it relates to God. I don’t remember ever fearing God. His Spirit is always with me and always has been as long as I can remember. I attended Catholic school 1st through 12th grade and remember being taught that God was forgiving and that His Spirit lives in each of us. We have to recognize and feel His presence within us. I love the analogy about comparing God’s love to that of a parent. That is so very true. The love I feel for my boys is so deep it’s hard to explain. Those who do not have children can think about the love their parents have for them. I so enjoy watching your chats. Your thought processes are so “in sync” with one another it makes it delightful to watch. Your conversations are always so heartfelt! May God continue to bless you both and keep you safe on your journey! 🙏
Paola and Graham, your conversation about fear in relation to God was so insightful and inspiring, thanks for sharing the replay. In answer to your question about a time of unlearning beliefs, there have been a few different times on my life’s journey where I’ve learned the beliefs I was holding onto were false. I was raised with the idea that the “path to heaven” was through strict behaviors and beliefs. As a teen it was a challenge for me, I started to question those beliefs as I realized I still didn’t feel worthy, I was searching for acceptance by trying to be like everyone else. As my life progressed I came to understand that God’s love is unconditional, I am worthy just as I am. There are still “ stories” I tell myself about self worth that I continue to work on, reframing them, but those beliefs from my teen years are no longer directing my path. My faith carries me, knowing God has a plan for me, I just need to be open to listening and receiving guidance from my inner guide. Blessings,
Love this, too, Linda!
When I became a follower of Christ over 55 years ago, I relied on the church and its leaders to teach me about God and guide my faith. I believed God resided in the “church” and communicated only through leaders or other people. However, as I developed a personal relationship with God, I discovered His love, promises, provisions, and guidance. I realized that I didn't have to depend solely on what others told me; I could hear from God directly through His Word, the Bible. I learned to follow Jesus rather than man's interpretation of the truth. By searching for the truth on my own, I found it. This understanding freed me from religious constraints and man-made interpretations, leading me into a personal spiritual walk with God and Jesus.
Beautifully said, Deloris.
I did get to see the live of this, but this replay was so great to listen to for the second time because I picked up more and learned more in the process. Among the comments in the live, somebody had mentioned that they went to catholic school and we're always taught to fear.God. I also went to Catholic school for 8 years,and I don't ever remember being taught to fear God. I was taken back a little bit by that. I am a practicing Catholic and I go to church every Sunday, but I don't believe you have to go to church, to be a good Christian or good Catholic, whatever. I have never feared God. I have always been grateful and thankful to God for all the good things in my life.Amen. I love this conversation.You two are so beautiful together.❤️❤️
Kathleen, I went all through Catholic School and yes we were taught to fear God. Looking back, I think it was more to keep us following the commandments It wasn’t until I became a young adult that I heard that God was an all loving God. He loves us unconditionally even when we sin against him. He still loves us just not the sin. My whole prayer life changed. I still practice Catholicism and go to church, however my adult children and their families have found another form of weekly worship and have still put God first in their lives. I agree one does not have to be Catholic or go to church as long as they live a Christian life and follow his commandments. It is always good to hear young people voice their thoughts and love for God.
Thanks kathy for your response. I have 3 adult daughters, and one of them goes to a different church. And she did that a long time ago. My husband was so upset. She is not catholic anymore, but she is a good christian woman, and she goes to church and does a lot of activities for and with her church people. The other 2 girls, they're educated. They're smart, but they just don't go to church. There is nothing I could do about that. They're adults, and their life is their own. Thanks again Kathy I appreciated your thoughts!!!!
Kathleen we were upset also when our oldest son chose to leave the Catholic Church. After much discussion, we decided it was better to love him and his wife where they were in their life than be upset about something we could not change or lose them over a difference in religion. They still go to church and God is a priority. When our other two left our church, it was much easier knowing they were all still worshiping our one true God. Like you said they were adults. Thank you for sharing. It’s good to know there are other families that experience the same things.
Thank you for this enriching conversation. It has been a beautiful reminder that God's love is unconditional. As for limiting beliefs, the challenge is to transform them into positive affirmations.
Beautiful conversation Graham and Paola. I love your curiosity and sincerity with which you approach your faith journey. Much of what you expressed resonates for me. I too, understand the notion of fear of the Lord as coming in humility from a place first and foremost founded on infinite love. I do find the parental metaphor helps me comprehend that as best I can as a creation of God. He is God and I am not.
Providentially, your Live took place the Sunday after the Gospel message on the 4th Sunday of Easter for Catholic and several traditional Protestant churches, was Christ's new commandment "Love one another as I have loved you." Christ's call to love is so much more than a nice feeling or Kumbya moment. It's a radical call to love ... even your enemies who do you and precious people in your life harm. And Jesus witnesses perfectly that this requires radical mercy and forgiveness.
I do think how we come to understand and live this truth depends a lot on where we are in the maturity of our spiritual journey. Years ago I took a Masters level course on the psychology of children's fairytales. Why are children drawn to these stories. I learned about psychological aspects of children's experience when they go from total dependence on their their parents to coming into their own. It's traumatic when they realize that parents have to transition from taking care of children's every need to having to set boundaries for children's well being. Hence the stories of monsters, wicked witches, and big bad wolves, are a way of expressing the confusion and hurt at being told no. We go through similar spiritual paths when we go from a starting point of obeying God because its for my own good, to being in a loving relationship with God, trying the best I can to follow His desires for me as my loving Creator.
A beautiful motet by Thomas Tallis expresses the loving call to keep God's commandments. Simple words to meditate on as our journey seeking truth continues.
On a more practical note, Christian Science is indeed a religion. For me that's not a bad word, as my context of understanding the Divine is faith AND reason, religion AND science. Christian Science is of late 19th C origins and has some core tenants that are not my personal beliefs. My recommendation to folks curious about other spiritualities, faiths and religions, is to start by looking at their own sources of teachings and practices. One can also look for other sources for critiques and criticisms to dig more deeply. If I want to know what Christian Scientists believe I start with their sources.
If I want to know what Catholics believe I go to Catholic sources. In your Instagram live I think it was, Graham, you expressed a disconnect with that Catholic pratice of having the corpus of Jesus on some crosses. Seeking out what other churches say about that teaching will not lead to a better understanding of a Catholic perspective and understanding. And it's so much easier in this digital age to hear it straight from the horse's mouth, as the saying goes. Obviously that takes some care to insure the validity and perspectives are authentic. I did a simple search "why do Catholics have body on the cross". One example that came up I think explains it well.
I'm not surprised that you encountered a community sincerely seeking truth when you went in to the Christian Science Church. In my late teens and early 20s I spent 6 years "church hopping" while seeking a faith community I felt God was calling me to. Without exception I found many positive, loving aspects in each community, and I found flawed human beings including myself living out those beliefs imperfectly. When I did find what I was seeking, I knew within 15 minutes that my search was over ... I was home. At first it was a feeling of affirmation from God and grew from there to be my spiritual home where I encounter God most intimately and fruitfully.
Thank you both for your sincere and thought provoking conversation. Prayers and blessings as your journey together continues.
Thomas Tallis-- If Ye Love Me
https://youtu.be/Y1WwNSfCom8?si=AROPkqffzwp1Dpnt
Why Do Catholics Have Body of Christ on Cross ...
https://www.tiktok.com/@catholic.jacks/video/7198599284877659438#:~:text=And%20so%20the%20crucifix%20has%20everything%20to,to%20his%20disciples%2C%20this%20is%20my%20body%2C
Thank you for all this information!
Thank you both for sharing this. I believe that both of you and I have a true personal relationship with God. For me the God I know is a loving God. As for unlearning beliefs I have done that, however as I was going through the process, I realized that the belief I was worried about was not actually from God, but from man. I do not pray in the normal sense of the word, I have conversations with Jesus. It is during these that I feel the love and when I need it the guidance that will keep me moving forward in my spiritual relationship with Him. I pray that, for both of you, that your relationship with God and each other continues to grow.
I was born and raised a Catholic, but my heart was never fear of God. He’s been there for me for every trauma and he’s always had his hand on my right shoulder when I know it was his spirit to get me through what I had to get through And that’s all I can do is praise the Lord for being there for me.
Nice Lorraine... your little words are beautiful and you speak the truth ❤️
I do not believe my heart is God.
When I am dying I will see along side me my spirit lifting waiting for the end.
You have a child you will see the difference heart love for your child which is beyond words, and you will see your love for the spirit of God which is greatness.
I have never feared God. Maybe a little doubtful at times. I can’t ever remember not following God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit. It has always been part of my life since I can remember. Our church has a youth minister that has about 75–80 youth from area churches. I have prayed for years that my grandkids would attend. My 16 year old attends almost Sunday night. My 20 year old attends church with me when home from college and regularly at college. My 17 year granddaughter attends when she can. This is a big deal to me because my daughter and son neither attend church so my grands have to get fed at church because they aren’t at home. Both of my children grew up in church🥲🥲
Please pray they will be adult believers. I want to meet them in Heaven some day.
They all five are great responsible kids so no worries there. I just keep praying 🙏❤️🌈
Nice words Mary..👍
My love of God and God’s love for me is the anchor that steadies me in my life. It is eternal, forgiving and guiding. As far as disbeliefs unlearned, my life has been a beautiful life lesson, not so much of unlearning but rather growing in the manifestation of my relationship with God and Jesus. I was raised in a church and environment of loving God in a more inward private manner of respect and reverence. I honor and feel that still today and forever. I married a man who lives his religion inward and outward. I saw an outpouring of that love that I held private in my heart. I learned. I see that today in the outreach of individuals and churches in giving, clothing, feeding, rebuilding etc., always helping others, showing the love, shining the light of God’s love. No fear just love! Love that lives! Thank you, Paola and Graham, for opening this discussion.
Linda Jane, I love the way you always express your feelings so beautifully!
Thank you very much, Kathleen, for your kind words!
Such a great topic. The way you see 'god' is exactly how I feel it. It resonates with me 100%. Love is the creator! Thank for doing these chats. They stimulate us to be aware and connect more with our inner self in stead of believing what religions want us to believe...💖🙏🌈
Dear Graham and Paola
Thank you so much for this latest podcast. It was simply beautiful. You two are beautiful souls inside and out. Graham I could see that years ago as you played Ty on Heartland. I saw through the screen what a special young man you were.
I do pray daily and you are always included in my prayers.
It is so nice to see you looking so happy and content with your life. You both deserve it and the messages you give are beautiful.
I don't think I could have made it this far in my life without my relationship with God. I had a wonderful marriage with a really good man and I was lost when he passed fourteen years ago. It was my faith that got me through the loss. I talk with one of my sisters and we agree we don't know how anyone gets through something like that without God's help.
Keep doing what you do. You are serving a great need and I'm sure God is very pleased with you both
Thank you, Graham and Paola, both for sharing this topic. I was raised to believe that God is the way and the life. I believe that God already knows our life path before we do. I believe, God puts people and events in our lives to help us where we are struggling and help us to reach that point in our lives where we might need just a listening ear, or maybe help unexpectedly. God is a father who listens without judgment. I believe that is where the unconditional love is shown from God to us in our daily walk with him.
In Romans 8, it talks about how we are more than conquerors who strengthen us. In times of fear, drawing upon this scripture lets us know that through God's love, all of our fears that we have is strengthened by God's love in my daily walk. I know, not everyone believes this, but I hope this insight helps some of you. Have a great day.
Thank you for this mini podcast, this is a topic that resonates deeply with me. I believe I was guided to hear it. 🙏🏻
Thanks for posting the video. I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts on fear as it relates to God. I don’t remember ever fearing God. His Spirit is always with me and always has been as long as I can remember. I attended Catholic school 1st through 12th grade and remember being taught that God was forgiving and that His Spirit lives in each of us. We have to recognize and feel His presence within us. I love the analogy about comparing God’s love to that of a parent. That is so very true. The love I feel for my boys is so deep it’s hard to explain. Those who do not have children can think about the love their parents have for them. I so enjoy watching your chats. Your thought processes are so “in sync” with one another it makes it delightful to watch. Your conversations are always so heartfelt! May God continue to bless you both and keep you safe on your journey! 🙏
I missed the live; thanks for sharing the replay.
The subject is interesting. I especially like that each of you two, proposes answer.
Fear of God!this is not part of my belief.