So we all have our own unique views and opinions when it comes to the Big Guy upstairs (or Big Girl if you found that to be sexist… doesn’t really have the same ring to it though 😕). Some people believe that God’s a myth, a fantasy, not scientifically proven to have ever existed and so He’s considered by some to be about as real as Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. But there are also those who believe that God does exist. That He’s everywhere and in everything, always watching over us.
I fall into the latter group; I do believe in God.
Now that’s not to say that I’m profoundly religious or anything. I rarely go to the Gurdwara (sorry mum!) and would probably classify myself as a novice when it comes to Sikhism. I also believe in science. I believe in Darwin’s theory of natural selection and evolution, the Big Bang theory etc, etc. I’d say that I’m generally quite sceptical about anything that can’t be backed up by cold hard facts, except of course when it comes God- I guess that’s the guileless optimist inside me offering her two cents!
But I don’t have any proof to back up my belief. I never once asked for a sign from God moments before a booming voice echoed down from the skies declaring, “YES SHARAN, I AM REAL!” although how amazing would it be if that actually happened?!
I believe in God for one simple reason: it provides me with a sense of comfort. Whenever I put my hands together and bow my head to let Him know what’s on my mind, it’s like talking to a friend, someone who I can trust to hear me out, keep my secrets and not judge me in the slightest way. And when I’m done talking, somehow through His silence and somewhat serene lack of physical presence, I feel reassured. A wave of calm sweeps over me and I feel much better than I did before.
I also have this crazy idea that my grandparents are up there with Him too. All of them sitting together; a bunch of old fogeys on a white glowing bench in the clouds, watching me on a giant screen with a bowl of never-ending popcorn (and Bombay Mix) like my life is a much-loved HBO series that they just can’t ever seem to get enough of! I don’t expect any of them to intervene at any point, I just want them to watch, because like I said it’s comforting and it means that I never truly feel alone. Although that being said, every so often when I experience one of those bizarre moments that could in no way be explained as a mere ‘coincidence’, I’m pretty sure that it’s one of them intervening. You know what I’m talking about, those moments when you think WOW that absolutely, positively happened for a reason, someone is definitely looking out for me somewhere…and I know that they are. 😊
But I know what you’re thinking, how can I advocate that God is such a comforting confidant when there’s so much pain and injustice in the world?
Well to put it simply the God that I know has nothing to do with suffering or strife. I blame life for everything bad that happens. For me God is a positive, all powerful, familiar spectator who always has my back and to be honest that’s enough for me…that’s my God. He’s not of a particular race or religion either He’s just a force that I can feel, with no fixed form. And I don’t think that my belief, or anyone else’s for that matter, should ever be subject to interrogation. I believe in God, end of story. You don’t believe in God? Cool, that’s your personal opinion and I respect that, I’m sure that you have your reasons just like I have mine. 😊
Just A Small Town Girl... 
Beautifully put, Sharan. I agree with you 100%. My beliefs are much different, but I do believe there are forces at work that are nothing but good, kind, and guiding. As far as prayer, I think that if one DOESN’T talk to one’s deit(ies)y, then how can they know how you are feeling or what you need? Great post, and thank you for posting!
I’m so glad that you enjoyed it 🙂 thanks for stopping by!
Respect ur perspective Sharan in this well-detailed post. I am an agnostic but believe ‘God’ and ‘kindness’ reside in our heart. Appreciate and respect your genuine feeling:)
Thanks Vishal, I respect your views too 🙂
Pretty much have the same outlook – I believe I have a post where I touch upon my religious views can’t remember. I noticed one thing about both you and I though – we still capitalized God and Him when referring to “Him” look how engrained what we have been taught is in us eh! – http://www.amritaliterature.com
Lol it’s a force of habit, I didn’t even realise that I’d done it! Thanks for stopping by Amrita and keep up the great writing 😀
Ask a child to draw a picture of God and you may get a beautiful flower, the sunrise, lush green grass or even a picture of their parents. It starts with a belief and small steps towards self realisation. I am a Sikh and it doesn’t state how many times you need to visit the Gurdwara. However, what we are guided is that without “Sangat” (congregation) and “Pangat” (Community Service) one cannot get close to the Supreme Being. So where can we find both these opportunities? At the Gurdwara. Sikhism teaches us to respect all beliefs, if someone doesn’t believe then that’s fine. Our Guru’s advised that whatever you practice, practice with all your heart.
We are always learning.
Thanks for your comment, I guess I’ve been instinctively following some practices of Sikhism (such as open-mindedness and respect) without even knowing it! And you’re right we are always learning 🙂
Enjoyed checking out your site. It’s refreshingly honest and enlightening. You have a wonderful variation of interests. Very nice ! 🙂
Thank you so much, I really appreciate your comment and make sure you stop by often! 🙂
Very honestly written.. I liked your strong faith in God.
Thank you Tanveer 😀
I love this! I was raised Catholic, and somewhere along the way I began to have my doubts. But I do still believe in God, or at least, I want to. My faith, or lack thereof, often creates a problem in my life because no one seems to get that religion is merely a belief, and everyone is entitled to believe whatever they want. I love your ending paragraph– if only the world were filled people as open-minded as you, it would be such a happier place!
We definitely seem to be on the same page! I’m glad that you could relate so much to the post 🙂
After re-reading your post and the comments here, it seems that there a lot of people on their own different paths, but all seem to be headed in the same direction. Given the opportunity, I think that most people have the potential to be good, kind, helpful beings…, and most are, but, as the old adage says, “…in every barrel there’s always a couple of rotten apples…” that make all the rest look bad. The rotten ones get the attention…, the good/quiet ones are never noticed. Maybe I’m just too much an optimist. 🙂
I completely agree with everything that you’ve said and there’s no such thing as being too much of an optimist! 🙂
As a Christian, I love the Lord because He first loved me. I believe He cares for humans so much that Jesus came to save us from our sin. I don’t mean to preach, but that’s the kind of God I love, serve, and adore. I love my personal relationship with Him, and I would not trade it for anything.
In regards to the question, “How can a good God let evil and suffering happen in the world?”, my answer is the Lord gave humans the gift of free will. We are free to choose how we want to act. We’re not robots; we get to choose whether we believe in the Lord, how we want to act toward others, etc. The Lord didn’t create us programmed to believe in Him and follow His perfect statutes – we have have choice. A beautiful gift (who wants to be a robot and not be able to make their own choices?), but certainly the one we abuse the most.
Thank you for reading my kinda long comment. 🙂