Something I’ve been contemplating a lot. I accepted God and the Quran just over a year and a half ago shortly before turning 40. I’d lived my entire adult life devoted to what you term ‘progressive libtardism’ up to that point, with the last 4-5 years slowly undergoing a spiritual awakening.
Along with everyone who knew me, I would have laughed in your face ten years ago if you would have said I’d believe in God let alone accept the Quran. Yet God does what He wants and my 180 degree about-turn has allowed me to truly trust God.
Now, irrespective of how challenging my life is, I simply accept God knows what is best for me. I have settled on not asking for anything specific in my life. I simply pray for guidance, courage, steadfastness and other spiritual qualities despite having certain things I had started to hope God would grant me or burdens I hoped He would remove.
Admittedly, this new chapter is young and if God gives me normal life expectancy then undoubtedly I will have many challenging times ahead with my faith being severely tested.
We are all on different paths but to God we will all return. May He keep us all on the Straight Path.
I'm no scholar on the subject, but I believe the "tradition" to which you refer has been termed in times past as that of "lamentation." I believe it to be essential, and yes, its sincerity is paramount. And indeed it seems to work precisely as you describe: it is not a "fix" per se, but as you so beautifully put it, an infusing with a new fragrance.
Navid Kermani wrote a wonderful examination of this topic, titled The Terror of God: Attar, Job and the Metaphysical Revolt. If you happen upon a copy, I think you will enjoy the read, if enjoy is the right verb here.
Sam, your work touches me in a way I have trouble expressing. May God reward you for it.
Something I’ve been contemplating a lot. I accepted God and the Quran just over a year and a half ago shortly before turning 40. I’d lived my entire adult life devoted to what you term ‘progressive libtardism’ up to that point, with the last 4-5 years slowly undergoing a spiritual awakening.
Along with everyone who knew me, I would have laughed in your face ten years ago if you would have said I’d believe in God let alone accept the Quran. Yet God does what He wants and my 180 degree about-turn has allowed me to truly trust God.
Now, irrespective of how challenging my life is, I simply accept God knows what is best for me. I have settled on not asking for anything specific in my life. I simply pray for guidance, courage, steadfastness and other spiritual qualities despite having certain things I had started to hope God would grant me or burdens I hoped He would remove.
Admittedly, this new chapter is young and if God gives me normal life expectancy then undoubtedly I will have many challenging times ahead with my faith being severely tested.
We are all on different paths but to God we will all return. May He keep us all on the Straight Path.
I'm no scholar on the subject, but I believe the "tradition" to which you refer has been termed in times past as that of "lamentation." I believe it to be essential, and yes, its sincerity is paramount. And indeed it seems to work precisely as you describe: it is not a "fix" per se, but as you so beautifully put it, an infusing with a new fragrance.
Navid Kermani wrote a wonderful examination of this topic, titled The Terror of God: Attar, Job and the Metaphysical Revolt. If you happen upon a copy, I think you will enjoy the read, if enjoy is the right verb here.
Sam, your work touches me in a way I have trouble expressing. May God reward you for it.