Finding strength, compassion and hope

From where do you draw your strength, compassion and your hope? I asked that question to a group I was recently speaking to and the answers might surprise you. Some said that their families, especially their mothers, were examples of all three attributes. A few offered that it was their faith that they drew from. But most quietly whispered that they didn't know and hadn't given the question much thought. They also admitted that they wished they had something to hold onto during dark moments. This made me a bit sad.

As an Interfaith Minister and a Chaplain, my hope, my prayer, is that all peoples have a firm Source of strength and compassion that leads them into a space of hope and fends off despair. These are not easy days for so many of us and without that Source to tap into, the days often appear much darker, in spite of our recent time change.

It occurs to me that when we are in a space that we clearly know is not working, we must do something different if we want a positive change. That something different might be either taking a deeper dive into the faith tradition that we were born into or exploring a variety of traditions if we are without one. Either of these choices allows us to see the common ground among traditions and the many paths available to the same Spirit.

In a meaningful and intentional spiritual journey of discovery, the treasure just might be a deeper and richer connection to strength, compassion and, yes, hope. It may also deepen your faith in your own tradition. If you celebrate the Christian tradition of Easter, does resurrection still delight your soul and fill your heart, or has the repetition dulled your spiritual senses?

One of my favorite spiritual spaces is the Hindu Temple in Robbinsville, NJ. It is a towering structure of spiritual intimacy and I make a mini pilgrimage there several times a year. I sit while prayers are chanted, ceremonies are held and all are welcomed into this space which is run, lovingly and 100% by volunteers. I listen deeply to the words and the silence. With each visit, I gain insight into meditation and the welcoming spirit of compassion in action.

My readings often take me into the prophets and psalms of the Old Testament where, in the Jewish tradition, I find solace, mercy and healing through the plaintive voices of ancient times. These strains offer hope in a hurting world and confirm for me that redemption is always possible when strength, compassion and hope find their way within our souls.

The verses of the Sufi poets and mystics fill my heart with deep meanings for a richer contemplative life and my time with Native American spirituality reconnects me to the earth where strength, compassion and hope can always be found.

The Buddhists have taught me so very much, especially in the areas of presence and detachment and the Sikhs open so many hearts when they open theirs with their gift of Langar.

All of these traditions make the spiritual journey more engaging and more unitive, and fuel the day to day with strength, compassion and, yes, hope. They do not seek to change or convert, merely to expand. Perhaps they offer answers but, more importantly, they present us with bigger questions. Questions that challenge and refresh us. Questions that add meaning and make space for us to gain a greater understanding. Questions that eliminate “the other” and that illuminate our shared values, concerns and hopes.

Spring is a time of many spiritual and religious holy days. If you are suffering under the weight of fear or hopelessness, perhaps this is a good time for an exploration into a new perspective of the spiritual. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say. Sitting in hopelessness with our filters on might not be the best choice right now. Perhaps a new perspective is just what we need. I wish you strength, compassion and hope that will live within you and guide your days for all time.

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington provides Inspirational Speaking and the celebration of sacred ceremonies for people of multiple beliefs and traditions. She can be reached at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com for these and other spiritual services.