Have you had an experience with God?

[fantasticbeasts3]

stumbled upon this thread while procrastinating because i'm meant to be doing a legal essay, whoops. anyway here goes this is probably going to be long, sorry in advance.

like a few others, i was born and raised catholic. i went to a catholic primary school, and i'm still attending a catholic high school. you could say i'm a practicing catholic - i go to church every week, pray every night, etc. sometimes it does feel like i do that out of routine, but i've come to realise that's not really the case. i literally cannot sleep if i don't pray, unless i'm super tired and fall asleep straight away. so pretty much, religion is a part of my everyday life, and i can be quite dependent on it.

as for experiences with God, i'd like to say that i've had a few staggered across my life. i'm the type that if a catholic youth event popped up, i'd be the first to put my hand up and go to that meeting. through this, i was incredibly lucky to be given the chance to go to the australian catholic youth festival in adelaide in 2015. i had a pretty profound experience of God through adoration (it's very hard for me to explain so google will probably give you a better explanation) where i couldn't stop crying. now, that probably sounds terrible, but it really wasn't. i really felt like God was in that room with everyone, and i was just so overwhelmed with His presence that i couldn't stop crying. i'm on the verge of tears typing this now. there's no other word for it really but it left me pretty shook.

there have been other instances like the smallest things. i remember in year 10 i was absolutely dreading the 5.3 maths exam which was last period on a friday because i couldn't understand the content for the life of me despite studying so much for it. i prayed the night before, hoping for anything and when i walked out of the exam i couldn't stop crying because it was genuinely the hardest maths i had experienced to that date. it was the worst day, everything that could go wrong was going wrong. i thought i'd fail, and i ended up passing with flying colours. that can probably be taken as not a 'Godly experience,' but in my mind i really thought it was something.

other things such as going to mass - i kind of get hit with huge realisations when listening to homilies and what not but that doesn't happen too often because my mind tends to wander.

being a religious person doesn't mean you've got more of a chance of coming through with a Godly experience, it can happen to everyone. i reckon it comes on at any time, it really doesn't matter where what when all the 5 ws. however, when people judge catholics as a whole we need to remember that the Church as an organisation and going to church, or being a practicing catholic is very different. despite me being a practicing catholic there are a ton of things the Church says that i disagree with.

if you read that whole thing, congrats, that's probably longer than all my essays combined

[phebsh]

I was born and raised in an Egyptian, Coptic Orthodox family which tends to be super strict (and at times, suffocating!).
They say that when you restrict a child from doing things, they want to do them so much more and that's what I experienced for a period of my life. I wanted to rebel (sounds silly, I know) and do everything my parents told me not to do. I wanted to get away from my community and step away from my expectations.
I ended up with depression and felt totally hopeless. I had pushed everyone away from me in my process of rebelling against my family, my culture and my religion. It was hard for me to even realise that what I was feeling was not normal and that I needed help. I ended up opening up to my favourite teacher at school who connected me to a counsellor and I began sessions.
I absolutely hated it. Not to say that counsellors or psychologists are inadequate or boring or do not do a good job. When my mum found out, she forced me to speak to a priest at my church, which I also hated doing and I told mum that I didn't want to speak about it anymore.

Later that year, my family was taking a trip to Egypt to visit family and friends. I know it sounds so dumb and probably not believable but I felt an overwhelming peace there, maybe it was just because I was away from the toxic environment I was in before but I'm certain it was God giving me a new beginning and a fresh start to life. I truly don't remember much about my life before that trip and I don't wish to recall it.

Even now, sometimes I go through a tough time and fall back into this negative headspace but when I pray and read some of my favourite bible verses, I seem to feel so at peace, it's just indescribable. I also suffer from anxiety and the only thing that gives me relief is knowing that I have, not a superhero, but GOD by my side. It's just crazy to think that he cares about me being so small and so insignificant in comparison to the world and the universe! He cares so much about me and I see it in my everyday life! I believe he is everywhere, in bad and good. He teaches us and tests us but he loves us unconditionally, even when we stop believing and betray him by sinning. When bad things happen, it is not God's punishment but rather the result of us straying from God.

I'm forever grateful for my new life and try to be the best person I can be everyday.

[djpetrin15]

I used to believe, as I went to an Anglican school from Kindergarten, and was raised by a family who was one half catholic and one half orthodox, so the subdivision was unimportant. It fed into my general habits of becoming knowledgable in everything, so I have memorised certain parts of the Bible, or at least have the stories implanted in my head. Around Year 7, I started having doubts about everything, and since then have always been critical of my school's emphasis on everything Christian (on the inside, of course). I would describe myself as an agnostic, such that I would believe, but I have doubts and need proof. I'm basically waiting for a sign of God's existence, and I generally feel unsatisfied with where I am so that doesn't help.

[elysepopplewell]

This has been really fascinating to read. If anyone's reading this now but hasn't yet commented, I invite you to tell us about your experiences (or lack of) as well, I'm learning a lot from the diversity here!

[katie,rinos]

Hey,
So I'm a Christian but I haven't really had a specific amazing experience with God. It just hasn't happened yet-it would really help my faith if something great happened, but I don't know if it ever will.
I went to a public school from primary and then moved to a Christian school from year 7, although my family doesn't attend church. I guess I became more curious about God at around year 6, I became more interested and wanted to know more. However, I think I waited until about year 7-8 to make a decision to follow God.
If anything I believe in smaller miracles -like my sister broke her arm at the beginning of the year and then they discovered a huge cyst on the bone-this needed to be operated on in the holidays, but really luckily wasn't cancerous.
If any of you are Christians-I went to the Christian convention called KYCK during the easter holidays which was in Katoomba. It went over a weekend and had about 2000 high school kids (and youth leaders). It was an amazing experience to be able to sing/praise God with 2000 other people. If you are interested in Christian music-the band CityAlight played at KYCK and some of their songs were really good (would recommend Saved my soul and Home).
I'm definitely not a super fantastic Christian-I don't pray every single day and have second guessed the bible at times. However, I'm pretty convinced that a God must exist.

[beatroot]

Born and raised to both Catholic parents and have been to Catholic schools since Year 1. Back in primary school, I believed in God and believed that he was heavenly creator and that he was divine and holy etc. Always prayed before going to school and attended church every Sunday morning.

It wasn't until around Year 10, when I began questioning God. During my Catechist training, our teacher said the main reason he doesn't have any kids was because his wife couldn't have any and he refused to do IVF because it was against his Catholic beliefs. Also our Catechist teacher kept saying during training that if we didn't teach primary school children about Catholicism at a young age, that we will 'lose them'. I didn't really believed in that personally and ever since then, I've been questioning my faith in God.

Though something happened during my senior retreat back in October last year and after a session where we had to apologise to people in our year group, I suddenly felt closed to God. Because during this moment, he gave me encouragement to apologise to three people that I've always wanted to apologise to since Year 8. I felt some 'spiritual connection'. It was strange because I haven't felt this since Year 4. But then again, maybe it was because of the environment I was in (it was a Catholic retreat centre), that I felt ~spiritual~ all of a sudden.

Though nine months later, I'm still questioning my faith in God. I feel like the only time I try and connect with him, is when I need something. I feel so bad. Like for instance, I went to church on Saturday night and kept asking God for guidance for my trials this week. I should put in more effort into my Catholic faith. My parents keep thinking that I'm a Jehovah's witness now because I don't go to church that often anymore and question some of the teachings in the Bible.

I hope for another spiritual connection with God in the future, because I feel kinda good about myself when it happens.

[elysepopplewell]

It wasn't until around Year 10, when I began questioning God. During my Catechist training, our teacher said the main reason he doesn't have any kids was because his wife couldn't have any and he refused to do IVF because it was against his Catholic beliefs. Also our Catechist teacher kept saying during training that if we didn't teach primary school children about Catholicism at a young age, that we will 'lose them'. I didn't really believed in that personally and ever since then, I've been questioning my faith in God.

I really empathise with this. I think the thing that has driven me away most is the way Catholicism is treated by Church or Church members. I have had some wonderful experience with members of the Catholic Church that have inspired me in all kinds of ways, but particular interpretations, especially pertaining to ethics, make me think "this isn't something I want to be a part of - at all." I went through a similar stage of questioning, and despite now claiming atheism, I dabble in agnostic thoughts occasionally just to check in and see if anything is there. The reason I moved away, was because I was doubting. Nothing was there to pull me back in after that, there was no wonderful appeal, I hadn't had a close experience, and that was that - I just kept drifting. I'm always so keen to hear when people say they've had apparitions, or the experiences like what fantasticbeasts has talked about above. Because I think, "I wonder if that will happen to me one day?" So despite believing in no God - I'm still very open to the idea that one day I might be touched by something.

Hey,
However, I'm pretty convinced that a God must exist.

If you don't mind Katie, I'm keen to know: When you find yourself convinced that a God exists, is it in little happenings and small miracles only, or do you look at landscapes and your own experiences of life and then think that the beauty of it all must be attributed to something, a God?

[mixel]

I know its basic af but I'd say I'm spiritual or something. Idk. I used to be an atheist but at some point I accepted that if you reduce everything to the most basic logical principles there are just some things that can't be proven or falsified. Like multiverses and shit seem to fall into the scientific, rational side of cosmology but I think it eventually occurred to me that believing things like that is itself an act of faith, and so the existence of some deity or another would be just as plausible (and more pleasant). I guess I don't think about it much because I'm a bit of a 'here and now' kinda guy, but trawling through wikipedia articles on obscure religious beliefs is always fun 

Every once in a while something does make me think about existence and shit though. As wanky as it sounds, I'm not sure if I'd call it experiencing God as much as just experiencing life. Like those moments when you're just walking around or whatever and you become aware of your surroundings, and it just hits you how incredible everything is. You're suddenly aware of all the vibrant colours of leaves and foliage you normally take for granted, and all the bricks in buildings, and the way the sky hangs, and you feel for a moment that there has to be something that makes it all tick.

[MG5533]

Yes. I experience God every morning when I wake up and realise I have a whole new day to live and learn, to laugh and love. I experience God's love when I look at my fingers, my knees, my arms, my eyes, my face. Flowers, birds, the sky. I think of what an ingenious creator he is; unmatched. I used to look at events and circumstances in my life and think maybe they were just due to chance or luck or who knows... there's so much I don't know. But as I experience more and more, I have finally come to the conclusion that nothing is by chance. Everything that happens happens for a reason, even if I discover what that reason is 80 years later or never. The more I look at these circumstances actually, I ponder on their results and how I would be different by a slight change in events. As a child I used to think experiencing God would only be by some supernatural sighting or an obvious and immediate effect. Only recently have I realised that my life and family is a miracle, that I live in such a miraculous and beautiful world already.. crafted by a creator who resonated his love through nature, people, and if you ask, a highly personal experience that you may justify by rare 'coincidences' or Him.

[katie,rinos]

If you don't mind Katie, I'm keen to know: When you find yourself convinced that a God exists, is it in little happenings and small miracles only, or do you look at landscapes and your own experiences of life and then think that the beauty of it all must be attributed to something, a God?

I've actually had to really think about this question-it's something that I need to have an answer for though.

Theres actually a couple of reasons why I think that God exists:
Little happenings/Small miracles
I think that God has a plan for everything (if I remember rightly Jeremiah 29:11-If you haven't I would recommend watching Soul Surfer-really good movie about faith during tough times). I think little events can show God. I think with miracles it would be a lot easier if we were living in the time of Jesus (if I saw a man being brought back to life-it would be a huge deal). You don't see miracles of that magnitude being performed now-it's obviously a lot smaller although I still think that God uses miracles as a way to reveal himself to us.

Landscapes/Experiences
We went to Mt kosciuszko last year for Easter and once you got to the top, it was really cool and I would attribute that beauty/awe to God. I love sunsets and rainbows at their moment and would attribute that beauty to God. I have been camping and been able to see some really amazing places that I believe God has created. However, I think that I consciously think of God at some landscapes but not at others. For example, I don't actively look for his beauty in the area where my friends and I eat lunch at school, because I am already so familiar with this.

People
I am also convinced of his existence because of the way he works through other people. Some of the girls in my class are really passionate Christians and you can see this through everything that they do. They are the type of people who if I asked them a question about God  would spend ages researching it and helping me find an answer, and if I asked they would pray for me every day.  This helps to show me what type of Christian I should aspire to be, and how I should act-how I should be loving others, patient,kind,helpful-those kind of stuff.

Also something that I think needs to be on here is persecution. Throughout the biblical times and even today, many people have been actively persecuted for their religion, even to the point of death. I think that those people especially would be sure that god exists because they are putting their lives on the line for him.
Hope this makes sense-although I think some of it might just sound like I am rambling on.

[keltingmeith]

Oh man I can't believe this - civil conversation about religion and spirituality on the internet. O.o

So to share my story, I never really believed in a god, but went to a Catholic school, was baptised, confirmed, everything in-between. I kind of just went along with it all, never actually wanting to put a name to my beliefs (something I still struggle to do now, actually), but essentially I believed in what I could see. Then come year 9, and in year 9 I went through this massive phase where I wanted to do everything. No clue why, but in years 7 and 8 I was too scared to do anything because I didn't want to be judged. At the end of year 8, though, I got pushed by one of my teachers to join the school choir - and then I joined the debating team, and then I took a Japanese dancing class, and by the end of it the teachers were trying to get me to do less things. Come to the end of year 9, and the school offers to let me join a three year program known as Remar (lol if anyone knows what this is, you da real mvp).

Remar's a program which pushes youth to be the best person they can be, trying to teach key lessons in leadership/teamwork, community service, skills, and spirituality. It was run by a religious group, in a religious school, and undoubtedly had a religious backing - but I joined it because as much as I didn't believe it, I was obsessed with doing everything. Furthermore, at the time, everyone who was in the program talked about all of these great friends they made in it, and I was desperate for a real friendship, when all of my relationships at the time felt non-existent or superficial. (something something depressive episode something something bad times something something suicidal, I think you guys get the point?)

I know I have a tendancy to go on and on and on, but the backstory is super important for this next bit, I swear.

Come to the end of my first year of Remar, and I was up shit creek without a paddle - the few friends I thought I had wanted nothing to do with me, and they were in this program with me. Now, during the program, I had started to believe that maybe there was a God, but in doing so I had to put a face to that name. Not an image, per-say, but just figure out what God was like - if he had a personality, how he treated others and wanted others to treat each other, etc. What I came to conclude was that he was a loving God, but a teaching God. At the end of the day, we lived our lives, and he couldn't live them for us - all he could do was try and guide us on the right path.

So I'm on this camp for Remar, and I'm at the end of the one big prayer night we have. At this point, I wasn't sure I believed in God, so I did the one thing you shouldn't do - I told God to prove himself to me. Of course, absolutely nothing happened - but I begged. And begged. And then the teaching staff told me to go to bed, but to do this I had to walk outside and about a 5 minute walk to a dorm area. Then, as I walked outside, I looked up, and I saw two stars - which really freaked me out, because their positions were unambiguously different, with one perched over the exit of the school, and the other one perched right on top of the dorm area. It was as clear as day to me - if there is a God, he was telling me that he couldn't get me through this, all he could do was show my options. Either I pack my bags and leave, or I go back and continue the program.

So, I packed my bags and left. Some things happened, and I ended up repeating year 10. In repeating, I decided I wanted another shot, so I did the program again. Loved it, not what I wanted out of it, but I had some good friends this time, and made a few more. Then, year 11 came, and we hit the major camp for the year. Now, I'm not gonna lie, I didn't suddenly believe in God before this camp - yes, I believed I had a spiritual event a couple years before at the place above. But, I didn't assume this meant there was a God - I knew I had a moment of clarity, and the timing of it with that session helped me believe that maybe there was a God looking out for me. But then, this second camp happened.

And oh BOY did it happen. Big prayer night, we watched a re-enactment of the passion of the Christ. But it was different - for one, there was no spoken words, just background music and a projector displaying phrases shouted out by the crowd. Trying to describe this experience is actually impossible, but it was intense. I was on the verge of tears constantly - and to try and put it into perspective, since primary school, I can only remember ever crying three times in my life. One of those times actually followed the watching of the passion. I don't know why, but it all felt so real - as if I was in the crowd that day, and I was ignoring my God in need of help.

Now, normally after dramas like this, they always gave us the option to stay in silent prayer. Unlike other camps, though, this time they made us stay. For two hours. Now, they supplied a shit-ton of prayerful activities (made scriptures available, there was a priest on-hand we could speak to, we could light candles, relaxing spots to lie down, an arts and crafts section, the works).

Now, I didn't know what to do with myself. At all. I felt like crying, and so I rotated through a few of these stations - mostly just trying to get comfy and pray near a statue of Mary. Eventually, though, I gave in and had a massive cry. After the tears stopped, I looked up, and just saw Mary looking down on me. I didn't deserve to cry - what did I do other than sit in the crowd and deny my God? I still wanted to cry as I realised my uselessness, but I'd hit a point where I physically couldn't anymore. Eventually I moved on, and decided to light a candle. I don't even know why I did it, I think I just wanted to try distract myself. That's when the most spiritual moment in my life happened, the thing that drives me to believe in God.

I lit my candle and tried to put it in the sand-box they had set-up. Well, my hands were so shaky, and I was so upset, that I ended up putting the candle almost on top of another candle. The second candle burnt on the wax of mine, and it lost structural stability. It fell into the sand, and was extinguished. All of a sudden, I could see nothing around me. I could hear nothing around me. All that was left was me, my dead candle, the candle that killed mine, and the darkness. I watched in silent horror as the second candle continued to burn through the wax of mine. I couldn't move, even if I wanted to, and I was stuck watching my candle get smaller and smaller. The wax dripped into the sand as my candle died, until eventually, the wax was all gone and the wick was exposed.

That's when it happened - the second candle burnt the wick and lit my candle from the middle, creating one of the most illuminating blazes I'd ever seen in my life. Then, I was calm. I went from being so sad I'd literally cried away all the tears I had in my body, to being in a state of completely tranquillity. To me, this was the biggest experience I have ever had and ever could have with God, and completely affirms my belief in him.


I don't really do any sort of religious practice anymore. I used to attend a youth group, but got put off by all the "you're not religious enough"-shaming that goes on in them (maybe yours doesn't do it, but all of the ones I went to did). Now I kind of just limit it to taking a breath every now and again to remember the prayerful times I have had, and simply enjoy them.

[elysepopplewell]

I've actually had to really think about this question-it's something that I need to have an answer for though.

Theres actually a couple of reasons why I think that God exists:
Little happenings/Small miracles
I think that God has a plan for everything (if I remember rightly Jeremiah 29:11-If you haven't I would recommend watching Soul Surfer-really good movie about faith during tough times). I think little events can show God. I think with miracles it would be a lot easier if we were living in the time of Jesus (if I saw a man being brought back to life-it would be a huge deal). You don't see miracles of that magnitude being performed now-it's obviously a lot smaller although I still think that God uses miracles as a way to reveal himself to us.

Landscapes/Experiences
We went to Mt kosciuszko last year for Easter and once you got to the top, it was really cool and I would attribute that beauty/awe to God. I love sunsets and rainbows at their moment and would attribute that beauty to God. I have been camping and been able to see some really amazing places that I believe God has created. However, I think that I consciously think of God at some landscapes but not at others. For example, I don't actively look for his beauty in the area where my friends and I eat lunch at school, because I am already so familiar with this.

People
I am also convinced of his existence because of the way he works through other people. Some of the girls in my class are really passionate Christians and you can see this through everything that they do. They are the type of people who if I asked them a question about God  would spend ages researching it and helping me find an answer, and if I asked they would pray for me every day.  This helps to show me what type of Christian I should aspire to be, and how I should act-how I should be loving others, patient,kind,helpful-those kind of stuff.

Also something that I think needs to be on here is persecution. Throughout the biblical times and even today, many people have been actively persecuted for their religion, even to the point of death. I think that those people especially would be sure that god exists because they are putting their lives on the line for him.
Hope this makes sense-although I think some of it might just sound like I am rambling on.

Thanks for sharing Katie! The things that trigger me back into thinking "is there a God?" is always when I meet beautiful people or see beautiful landscapes and I think "Why is that person so nice? Why did I have the pleasure of meeting them? This is incredible!"

So, quick tiny example, the other day I was on the train, after my Opal Card balance was too low to tap on. So I topped it up online, and then I thought to myself "at the next station, I'll dash out, tap on, then run back on." So I said to the lady next to me, "do you mind if I leave my bag here on the seat while I run out at the next station and tap on?" and she was so kind and said that's fine.

So I ran out, to tap on, and as I did, the police stopped me to ask what I was doing! As I explained that I just needed to tap on again because it didn't the first time, they were confused about what I was saying...the doors to the train shut and the train left and it had my laptop, my coat, my handbag, my wallet, my keys... So I was absolutely "curse my existence" for a moment there. Luckily I had my phone, and the police officers helped because I was TRES DISTRESSED (first day of uni for the semester, what a disaster), and it turns out, the lady got off at the next stop to hold my items, she didn't trust the train station staff, so she held them and waited for me. I got on the next train, (mind you, the train frequency where I live is every half hour, so, lol), and I arrive at the next station and she's got this huge smile and gives me a hug and I'm blurting out a million thank yous and she explained that she saw the police stop me and realised I wasn't going to be able to get back on in time. So I explained what an idiot I am and she laughed and said "let's just take a seat"...so we did, and she pulled out a Bible, and I pulled out my laptop (to go on AN lol). And I thought, ghee whiz, what a nice lady. What an...angel! (She also had blonde hair so it was really quite angelic). And then as she left a few stops later, she said "God bless you" and kinda stroked my face (sounds weird but promise it wasn't) and I said "you too "

And then I spent the whole day thinking: If she wasn't a Christian, I wonder if she still would have been inspired to be an incredible person? And I just thought "I hope good karma comes her way" and then I realised karma is definitely not Christian. But I spent the whole day thinking what a kind lady she was - and how potentially her Christianity inspired her to be that way. And if that's the case - how wonderful.

But I also feel sometimes I look for a feeling, but don't get it. So I went to Verona this year and I went up the top of this huge bell tower and I could look over the entire city and it was...INCREDIBLE. At the top were a few people playing guitar and singing "Hallelujah" and we all sang along, me and my two brand new British friends, and these strangers. And I looked around and had a very spiritual moment, and in that moment I was actively looking for God, but I just didn't feel anything. I thought, this is absolute magic, and I want to attribute it to something...I'm just not sure what. I descended the tower, continued my day, looking at the most beautiful city - and I wanted to know WHY I was so privileged to see this. But being atheist, I didn't have much to attribute this "blessing" to. So, I too, am triggered by people and landscapes, I just can't quite put my finger on the experience.

[tashhhaaa]

This is an awesome thread, I've genuinely enjoyed reading all the responses

I was baptised Greek Orthodox because my mum is and my dad is a lapsed Catholic/atheist. My mum and her family are strong believers but somehow all the traditions and practises didn't translate to my upbringing (I've been to Greek Orthodox Church maybe 10 times that I can remember), so to compensate from my schooling was  Catholic. All this taught me is that I'm probably a 'general' Christian now since I don't know enough about my religion. My grandpa (son of a priest) as his dad have had true experiences with God that are more awesome than mine, so I'm not sure if I've had an actual experience but I do recall a few times in my life where I was feeling confused or I prayed, begging Him to show me the way and he did (I think).
This is a bit lame but one I can think of was the night before my Year 12 English exam -- I was mentally and physically exhausted & feeling hopeless about it so I decided to wing it. I can't remember if I prayed on this night or in the lead up but I had this extremely strong feeling, a voice in my head telling me to memorise one of my essays (lol). I thought it was a wacky caffeine and Berocca induced hallucination so I ignored it. As soon as I opened my exam I knew I'd made a mistake -- the context prompt was almost exactly the same as the one for that essay. I know they were all similar & you could bs through those but I knew I stuffed up. From then, I decided I'd never ignore a feeling or 'sign' again. Other times I've just prayed for some scenario to arise so that I could make a decision or seek guidance. A few times, what I prayed for happened in the following days & made me realise what I wanted to happen wouldn't be the best option

Another one is more recent -- my dog became incredibly sick in the past few weeks and I was at the vet with my mum a lot. I hadn't seen her for ages so I told her something was off and that her eyes were hazy. She was rushed to hospital that night and stayed there for a little actually due to a similar condition to my dog's. Coincidence or sign? O.O

I believe in God but I'm not sure what my understanding of my religion at this stage is. I think karma exists somewhat and I believe in evolution and consider the creation story and most of the Bible as metaphors. I feel that we created religion but God couldn't, so maybe there should only be one religion combining beliefs from every faith?

I feel most connected to God through the kindness of a good person, the beauty of a sunset, the warmth of my family's love for me, my luck in life to be healthy, the amazing functions of our bodies, the high alert feeling I get around dangerous places, and even my opportunity to learn at university. But then I wonder why God would allocate a better lot in life to some rather than others?
I remember hearing at school or something that Jesus speaks to you when you can empathise for someone else or you desire to help someone without return or for recognition. In the times that I experience this, I know that God is showing me the way.

Edit: made it a bit shorter but still a long post soz but it was nice to reflect

[geminii]

Wow, elyse, what a story! There's something I wanted to say about this specific part, though:

And then I spent the whole day thinking: If she wasn't a Christian, I wonder if she still would have been inspired to be an incredible person?

I think, definitely, she would have been inspired to be a good person, even if she wasn't religious. It's not religion that makes someone want to be kind. I think if someone wants to be kind, it'll come from their heart, not whether or not God might look more fondly upon them. Like for me, my reasons for being kind aren't because it'll give me better karma (karma is something I believe in), but rather because it's the right thing to do. A religious person doesn't need to use religion as an excuse to be kind just because they're religious! (just my 2 cents)

[elysepopplewell]

Wow, elyse, what a story! There's something I wanted to say about this specific part, though:

I think, definitely, she would have been inspired to be a good person, even if she wasn't religious. It's not religion that makes someone want to be kind. I think if someone wants to be kind, it'll come from their heart, not whether or not God might look more fondly upon them. Like for me, my reasons for being kind aren't because it'll give me better karma (karma is something I believe in), but rather because it's the right thing to do. A religious person doesn't need to use religion as an excuse to be kind just because they're religious! (just my 2 cents)

Totally see what you're saying! I suppose I think: the reasons for why someone wants to be a "good person" even if not because of ulterior motives, doesn't come from a vacuum. I mean, presumably she would have been a nice person, but I wonder what inspired her to go above and beyond like she did. I'm not religious and I still like to be a good person, but I certainly would not have gone to the extent she did to protect someone else's things...was this an act of discipleship?

Of course, I will never know. Religion is the reason some people want to be kind, though. I've heard many people in my Christian setting say "I realllly don't want to do this but Jesus would" and then go ahead and do something without making a hassle except that first comment to me.

So while I totally agree, and my increasing interest in humanism as an ideology is in support of the people being good because they are a good person, I wonder what inspired her specifically, to be good.

I said good a lot then, and I fear I didn't express anything well at all.