I Believe in a Higher Power

I believe in a higher power. I don’t know what this mystical being’s name is: God, Jehovah, Buddha, Elohim, Allah or any of the attributes used to reference this power. I believe in Jesus, Muhammad and Elijah, the prophets sent to enlighten the people. I don’t think if you believe in one you will perish for not believing in the other.

I don’t believe for one to walk with head high among the righteous they must be able to quote the scriptures from any one of the Bible interpretations or from the Torah or Quran. I don’t think the goodness of a person is judged by the faith he can justify but by his behavior.

Yes, we all have our differences, we show concern for those we care for. That is easy, but can you show care for one you think of as your enemy, someone who doesn’t believe in the same God or  who doesn’t cover their head or eats the flesh of an animal you believe is unclean? Can you show concern and respect to one whose skin color is different from yours or who speaks a different language, which you might not understand?

Jesus, born a Jew in the Middle East, walked miles in the desert performing acts of kindness for the most unsavory kind. He wanted nothing in return. He didn’t pass a plate for tithes for His Father. He didn’t reject the thief, the prostitute or the lame. He fed the hungry and welcomed all into his fold. What a wonderful man. He was called a king, actually king of the Jews.

The governor, the king, the law-makers were unhappy, afraid of this self-proclaimed leader spreading love and kindness, feeding the hungry, and healing the lame. They felt he had to be stopped. So Jesus was beaten unmercifully, abused and tortured for loving fellow human beings. Then he was executed before his followers to incite fear.

For 2000 years this same tactic has been used from slavery and war and to justify police states. This vicious and brutal behavior is used against other human beings to promote fear above love and compassion.

Greed and inhumanity are the swords that keep the meek quietly accepting the teachings of a God who taught us about unconditional love. Some who are self-righteous in their piety are two-faced and use the name of God to justify abuse and murder.

I believe in loving my fellow human beings. I believe in appreciating what surrounds me: the sun rising, the birds singing, trees blooming, laughter, and the sun setting at the end of each day. Yes the shining moon, twinkling stars, rain, snow … all of that nature offers gives me hope.

I can’t quote the scriptures. I don’t attend a church, but every word I utter is a prayer for a world of harmony. My thoughts for healing, happiness and comfort are my prayers for my family and friends. My every action, my behavior, every act I perform is my scripture.

My temple, my church is in my heart. My fellowship is with each person with whom I communicate. I passionately speak out against injustice and those who are mischief makers.

I believe in spreading love, compassion and happiness but unlike an ostrich I refuse to keep my head stuck in the sand as the mayhem in the world explodes around me.

I try not to promote negativity but it exists. Hiding behind rainbows won’t make the rain stop. I face evil head on and reveal it so that those with goodness can see who the enemy is and stand with me to eliminate or at least decrease its hold on humanity.

© Kimberly Wilhelmina Floria 10/30/16