Storyrider Posted April 26, 2007 Share Posted April 26, 2007 In the car on the way home today, my eight yr old said, "Mom, today while we were rehearsing the play, I suddenly got this really happy feeling. It really felt like God was giving me a hug." She went on to say that she sometimes feels this at night, while falling asleep, but that this was out of the blue and stronger. She said, "Mom, it is the best feeling I have ever felt. I wish I could feel that way all the time." I told her maybe God is close by b/c she is having her First Communion in two weeks. (An event I have mixed feelings about as a Jew raising my kids Catholic.) But I must say I am so happy she felt this and associated it with God. I never had a "spiritual" moment like this as a child, as I wasn't raised to view God as a real factor in my life. I hope she remembers this feeling the first time she struggles with teenage/adult despair and loneliness, and can draw strength from it. And I hope she feels it again. I am sure some posters would think this is delusional and that I'm setting her up for disappointment, but to me it is great news that she had this experience. What do you think? Link to post Share on other sites
Member3 Posted April 26, 2007 Share Posted April 26, 2007 I didn't touch her, I swear. Link to post Share on other sites
pricillia Posted April 27, 2007 Share Posted April 27, 2007 I didn't touch her, I swear. Not even funny... Link to post Share on other sites
Author Storyrider Posted April 27, 2007 Author Share Posted April 27, 2007 I didn't touch her, I swear. Pull your mind out of the gutter, Jesus! --- Also, forgot to ask, has anyone else had this experience of suddenly feeling God's presence? Link to post Share on other sites
pricillia Posted April 27, 2007 Share Posted April 27, 2007 Pull your mind out of the gutter, Jesus! --- Also, forgot to ask, has anyone else had this experience of suddenly feeling God's presence? Not sure SR... but when my father died and my BF left around the same time I was truly depressed and I recall several times I would just lay on the couch and fall asleep there and it felt like someone was rubbing my back... Sounds weird but... Link to post Share on other sites
boshemia Posted April 27, 2007 Share Posted April 27, 2007 My grandmother tells me a story of how my Great Grandmother came to Christ. There was a horrible accident in the early 50's, My Grandmothers older sister was killed along with her husband and daughter. There was only one survivor and that was their young son, who was crushed. He spent two years in a children't hospital with casts from his ankles to his waist trying to rest the shattered bones. My Great-grandmother was tough Irish stock, she set her jaw and just went on. The bitterness and anger digging in deeper and deeper. Finally one day, my Great Grandmother just lost it. She sat on her bed and sobbed, then she says she felt two hands on her shoulders. She stopped crying instantly, and a total peace flooded her body. The pain finally lifted that day and she was ready to go on. I've had those moments too, where I felt God's presence, and had a peace come over me. God is there for those who seek him, and sometimes he makes his presence known. Don't tell Moai I said that... Link to post Share on other sites
Author Storyrider Posted April 27, 2007 Author Share Posted April 27, 2007 Thanks P. and B. Subjective experiences for sure. There is no way to prove any of this. But if humans have a soul, I think that we might have way of sensing God's presence. Link to post Share on other sites
Geishawhelk Posted April 27, 2007 Share Posted April 27, 2007 " A little respect, a little reverence, for the things we cannot see." Sounds 'bout right.... I am delighted for you both that your daughter experienced such a joyous feeling. Link to post Share on other sites
Tangerina Posted April 27, 2007 Share Posted April 27, 2007 I'm not a religious person but I have had this feeling before. Because of my background I didn't associate it with any spiritual phenomenon, but I love those moments where you just feel intensely happy or peaceful or right with the world for no reason. Link to post Share on other sites
quankanne Posted April 27, 2007 Share Posted April 27, 2007 I'm not sure how something that has such a positive effect on your child can be bad, especially when it helps her to understand that she's not alone. I've believed in God all my life, and have never doubted his love for me ... pretty much it's been a spiritually secure existance for me, even when DH and I were going through a rough patch and I told God off for giving me more than I felt I could handle But I never felt that he left my side, you know? when my mother died, that was the hardest thing for me to deal with and I remember kneeling in front of her coffin the morning we were going to bury her, looking up at the crucifix above the coffin and wondering who would ever love me like that again in my life. And then I felt it: A strong, reassuring bearhug that everything would be okay. mostly, I'm practical-minded, because as much as I believe in God, I tend to need proof before believing something ... so this was something unusual. But I have no doubt that it was Christ coming off the cross to give comfort as only he can. I probably will never encounter anything like this again while I live, but that's okay, because the feeling of assurance and peace and love have been strong enough to sustain me even now. I think maybe your daughter is experiencing a special grace, something for her to keep inside her heart for the times she needs it most. So no matter what anyone tells her to discourage her, remind her that it's a special gift from God that can never, ever be taken away. Link to post Share on other sites
blind_otter Posted April 27, 2007 Share Posted April 27, 2007 I've had a handful of experiences where I felt divinity directly working on me or through me. I had many more of these experiences as a young child. Link to post Share on other sites
Enema Posted April 27, 2007 Share Posted April 27, 2007 Exhaust leak in the cabin of your car? Link to post Share on other sites
burning 4 revenge Posted April 27, 2007 Share Posted April 27, 2007 You shouldn't encourage her hopeless delusions I'm just saying Link to post Share on other sites
quankanne Posted April 27, 2007 Share Posted April 27, 2007 hopeless implies that she's not received anything out of this experience. From what her mama describes, that's not so ... besides, she has all the time in the world to grow jaded! Link to post Share on other sites
Trialbyfire Posted April 27, 2007 Share Posted April 27, 2007 I honestly don't think there's anything wrong with allowing a child to attribute her spiritual moments by personifying them in terms that she can understand. Link to post Share on other sites
pureinheart Posted April 28, 2007 Share Posted April 28, 2007 Hey Storyrider.....your story is extremely touching, and is very close to home in my case....I was adopted, my biological mother insisted I be raised Catholic, so my Father and Mother did just that.... I was younger than your daughter, about 4, but felt and experienced what your daughter is.... Storyrider, your daughter is very special to sense Gods touch and hand in such a way....to be so sensitive to the Spirit....oh man, it just brings chills! I know you have concerns with raising her Catholic, but it will be ok as God has her and that is the most important thing... she will grow and make her own decisions as I did.....now I am not affiliated with any denomination, I just simply love the Lord my God with all of my heart and soul.... Link to post Share on other sites
Author Storyrider Posted April 28, 2007 Author Share Posted April 28, 2007 Thanks to all for your thoughtful responses and stories. Pureinheart, I do think some people are gifted in the area of spiritual matters, just as we can be gifted in music or math or other things. Her father is like this, and while I'm not sure this is something that can be inherited, I hope so. Quankanne, I always appreciate your perspective as a practicing Catholic, for obvious reasons. I find that as her first communion approaches (in a week) I am feeling calm and happy for her, which is a relief as I was worried I would feel upset. I was asking another mom what to do for the afterparty, as being a Jew, I have no idea, and my husband is just socially clueless (being a man, haha). She was telling me her plans include a cake with a big cross on it (yikes!) and somehow I don't think I could bring myself to order such a thing!! It is funny how the trappings get to me more than the substantive things. Luckily, I don't think such a giant cross on the cake is required. Maybe I could get some doves put on it or something. TrialbyFire, thanks. I know you're not a believer so your support is nice to hear. B4R, ha ha ha. Glad to see you. Where have you been? Link to post Share on other sites
burning 4 revenge Posted April 28, 2007 Share Posted April 28, 2007 i fell asleep with my laptop actually on my lap and i must of rolled over, so it's broken now. im using my sisters while she sleeps...you musnt tell her... Link to post Share on other sites
Author Storyrider Posted April 28, 2007 Author Share Posted April 28, 2007 i fell asleep with my laptop actually on my lap and i must of rolled over, so it's broken now. im using my sisters while she sleeps...you musnt tell her... Aw. Sad for you. I almost broke mine spilling wine and nearly had a heart attack. But not nearly so sinister as our other speculations. We thought you'd ditched us all and run off with a woman from another forum. Link to post Share on other sites
Green Posted April 28, 2007 Share Posted April 28, 2007 I saw god when I was younger Link to post Share on other sites
pureinheart Posted April 28, 2007 Share Posted April 28, 2007 I saw god when I was younger Wow....that is too cool! I bet you remember every detail also.....one does not experience such a thing without it leaving a lasting impression. Link to post Share on other sites
pureinheart Posted April 28, 2007 Share Posted April 28, 2007 Aw. Sad for you. I almost broke mine spilling wine and nearly had a heart attack. But not nearly so sinister as our other speculations. We thought you'd ditched us all and run off with a woman from another forum. LOL....Burning is too loyal for that, right Burning.... Link to post Share on other sites
quankanne Posted April 28, 2007 Share Posted April 28, 2007 I was asking another mom what to do for the afterparty, as being a Jew, I have no idea, and my husband is just socially clueless (being a man, haha). She was telling me her plans include a cake with a big cross on it (yikes!) and somehow I don't think I could bring myself to order such a thing!! ooh, I'd have problems with a cross on a cake, too ... seems kind of sacreligious knowing you're going to destroy that cross just to get to the cake. Maybe something with flowers and her name on it, the date and the words "First Communion"? If you need a cross, get on that you can plop on the cake, like you do with candles. That way it can also be a keepsake for her. as for the party, something short and sweet, like a cake and punch reception, ought to cover all bases, unless you plan on a barbecue or full meal. Can't remember what my sisters did for their kids, but it must have been something simple otherwise it would have stood out in my memory. on a sidenote, I'm glad to hear that you don't feel as conflicted about her receiving First Communion, though I imagine that must be a really, really strange thing to have to reconcile with your own faith. If it helps any, know that the Catholic Church is based in Jewish beliefs, and that she considers Judaism a big brother of sorts ... Link to post Share on other sites
Mary Magdalene Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 I didn't touch her, I swear. Better not have. Best we avoid any additional rumors, Jesus. (Even if true.) Link to post Share on other sites
This_Too_Shall_Pass Posted May 3, 2007 Share Posted May 3, 2007 Better not have. Best we avoid any additional rumors, Jesus. (Even if true.) This is going to be a riot. Jesus and Mary Magdalene on the forums. Sort of like Peter and Lois in "Family guy". Link to post Share on other sites
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