Be the light and the hope
by Shirley Irwin*
Spiritual truth is a journey we can each have access to if one wants to uncover it. We have the freedom to choose from many spiritual paths, religions or practices to take steps in recognizing our own divine heritage. We get help along the way in the form of spiritual wake-up calls. Here is one example of such a call. This true story begins at a time when I am struggling with feeling alone and overwhelmed with life. I look up at the night sky, staring at the stars and taking in the vastness of the universe. I wonder, “Who am I in all this? Is this all there is?” Just then, a bright star shoots across the night sky. It feels like time stops for me to see it! It is the biggest shooting star I have ever seen and certainly did not feel random that it and I were in alignment at that moment. I had my answer. There is something out there that knows I am here! I am not alone! It is at that moment I become the seeker and open to learning more about who I truly am and my connection to well ... everything! Since that time, I have come to learn that I have divine heritage as soul, a child of God and spiritual being. For me, the spiritual path of Eckankar became a road map to understanding my own divinity and that I did not earn my divinity — I am a part of it!
In my humble experience, a spiritual truth is that we are all part of this divine heritage. The many religions, spiritual paths and practices are here for us to uncover that in being a part of divine heritage, we are automatically loved by God! Being part of this great love, one eventually cannot help but give that love out to the world in special ways that open the heart center to more love. Light and hope can radiate outward as a result. What are ways you are already sharing your divine gifts of light and hope? In a recent talk, the spiritual leader of Eckankar, Sri Doug Kunin shared, “A key to serving everyone around you in this time is to realize that you are the light and hope.”
How does one keep up this higher viewpoint and spiritual attitude? A simple and true way is to be consistent with your spiritual prayers, meditations and contemplations. This keeps the connection to the divine maker and helps the spiritual heart to stay open to more love. Another spiritual truth is there is more than enough love for everyone, and it infinitely grows when we give and receive this love. The ancient song of HU is my spiritual prayer and connection to divine love. It is an undirected prayer, knowing and trusting that God sees better than I do what is highest and best spiritually. I sing HU for about 20 minutes a day in the morning and when I need a little connection boost during the day. There is no need to change one's religion or path to sing HU. It simply can enhance what you are already doing in connection to God. If you wish to listen or sing along to the HU, song you can go to hearhu.org
*Shirley Irwin lives in Corvallis with her husband Gary. She is a retired teacher, grateful mother and grandma. Shirley and Gary are both members of the Eckankar Clergy. Along with serving life in the many beautiful ways that is possible, Shirley enjoys biking, hiking, kayaking and travel.
ABOUT INTERFAITH VOICES
The weekly "Interfaith Voices" column includes a regular rotation of writers representing the broad spectrum of spiritual voices throughout the mid-valley. The column is coordinated by the Reverend Barbara Nixon, who can be emailed at revbabs2000@gmail.com.
