Charles, I agree with you that wisdom rarely comes in a flash. And yes, the answers that soothe MY soul will more than likely be totally inadequate or unsatisfactory for someone else.

I grew up in an actively participating Catholic family. I was an altar boy for several years from about age 8-12. At that young and impressionable age, I had a TON of ‘WHY’ questions, most of which were answered with, “You have to take it on faith!” I expected the priests to have much better answers than that.

When I was 21 and finally living on my own, I stopped going to church. Instead, I began reading and researching on my own, seeking answers to the many questions that burned my being to the core. I just HAD to KNOW! Thus began a 15-year odyssey where I can truly say that I have found peace and meaning for myself.

Yes, tragedy still happens and going through personal hard times still sucks. Yet, deep within me now is an understanding of the bigger picture – I really believe that everything happens for the best. In my 56 years, this has played out and proven itself to me time and time again. My own experiences validate all the research I’ve done. I have found my own truth.

Materials that have worked for me include:

Neale Donald Walsch – Conversations With God series
Mike Dooley – Infinite Possibilities
Esther and Jerry (Abraham) Hicks – Ask and It Is Given
Eckhart Tolle – The Power of Now

I realize there are some people who will look at my short list and declare them as ‘works of the devil’. My belief is “All roads lead to Rome”. In those and similar works, I find peace – my personal state of paradise which Jesus promised we could all enjoy today, RIGHT NOW when he said, “Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:41

You may need to find a different road. So be it.

When I tell people that I don’t feel anger, frustration or any negative emotion for the people of Haiti, I know many of them will deem me as either an insensitive creep or some kind of twisted monster. Again, I see the bigger picture. Yes, it all looks very horrible right now – that I will admit… it truly sucks beyond all reason. But I believe in all my heart that EVEN THIS will turn out for the best for everyone involved!

When you have answered your own WHY, everything else falls into place. As Charles said, you won’t know that for sure until you’ve had your own personal experience.

As Peter suggests, keep asking WHY – seek and you SHALL find.

All the best from Toronto,
Russ

Words from personal experience. If anyone has ever gained a direct knowledge of his own vast resources, Russ, it’s you. Thank you.