God is not "testing him". Do you even think before you post? Why would God need to test him, he is God. No, his wife is toxic and he lost his job... it happens, and he needs to dig himself out of it.
I don't really have much to say Manny, but I just hope you hang in there. I've gone through something similar recently and I kicked Christianity to the curb and I been a much happier person.
Manny, if you would like to meet, email me. I wouldn't try to convince you of anything, just meeting would be great. Any way I can encourage you I would try. Alot of people here care about you. You are a valuable part of this website. It's a community of people, very diverse, but very caring. We're on your side.
Honestly, losing religious faith is just about the best thing that can happen to someone. I'm happy for you.
Imagine there's no Heaven It's easy if you try No hell below us Above us only sky Imagine all the people Living for today
Manny very sorry to hear about that things are still very rough for you and you find you are doubting your faith. Others more knowledgeable about Christianity can talk to you about it than I can but if it helps I will tell you something about my faith that helps me. I don't believe in a personified god or one that acts as a Sky Father and takes care of me. Personally I think that is a belief that is bound to lead to such questioning as what you are going through. What I do believe in is that the world, existence whatever you want to call it is greater than myself. I exist and whatever problems I have are really just part of the whole nature of existence. As such I find strength in the knowledge that there is more to life than just me and my own pain. The first Noble Truth of Buddhism is the knowing that existence is full of pain and suffering. We could be rich, young, have a beautiful S.O. but we all will grow old and eventually die whether we are a street beggar or Bill Gates. While this on the surface is very depressing it is also liberating to know that what you are going through isn't some unique hardship but is the nature of mortal existence. With that knowledge we can learn to come to terms with our existence. What that means is you can decide whether you are going to live life where your primary concern is about pain, whether thinking about it or trying to get away from it, or whether you accept that your pain is part of existence and existence is greater than just you. Know that you are here, you exist and your life has meaning. Whether that meaning is given to you by God or from something else what matters is that you have meaning. I don't know if any of this makes sense to you but also remember that we are a community here on Clutchfans. Like rhester said feel free to email me through the board if want to talk more.
I was talking to my dad early today about life and one of the things we talked about is where we are in life and if things ended now how would you feel about your life. I can understand the feeling that you find yourself at 38 and you feel that life is harder than ever and that you are a failure. Take time though to consider the totality of your life and you might find that your life isn't the miserable failure it might seem now. For example even though your marriage has gone down you have a son to show for it and you are a loving father to your son. Right there is an accomplishment that not everyone can say. Don't just dwell on the current problems you are facing but think long about everything that you have done and you might find that your life is more successful than you might think right now.
Well said. Through whatever troubles you go through, despite all the pain and moments of sadness you have to realize that we are all the same no matter how rich or poor or famous or whatever. Everyone's life causes a ripple in the universe. Find the joy in life, live your life. Let go of what you can't control. The vehicle by which you practice this isn't important, be it Buddhism or Christianity or Islam, it's just important that you practice it.
When adversity comes, it’s easy to think, “Why is this happening to me?” The answer is because the enemy knows what’s on the inside of you. He’s going to do everything he can to keep that seed from taking root. But, he will only be successful if you let him. He can’t stop you unless you quit.
You sound like you're a paranoid schizophrenic. You should probably get professional help instead of leaning on religion. Look Manny, there are winners and there are losers in this world. You can blame "God" for your issues, or be a nerd like Donnymost and totally discount his existence, but the important thing is that you become self sufficient. There is a higher power out there, what it is, most humans don't know. But I do. I've seen him, I've touched him, and I've talked with him in my quest for excellence. And you know how I do it baby, I do it big. Million dollar yachts, caviar, curvy women, skinny women, I do it all. So keep on keeping on. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, because it is only after the darkest part of the night that dawn emerges. And with it, a sliver of sunlight peers into your window and onto your life. I am that sunlight, and I am watching over you.
I sincerely hope that you find what it is that you are seeking. Good luck to you on your journey my brother.
You might want to seek mental treatment. What the hell is wrong with you. There is no "he enemy", it happened to Manny because that is life, we all eventually face adversity. It has nothing to do with your "we are all winners!" watered down christianity pop BS... IT IS LIFE!
Though i'm not sure whats out there I believe 'God' is a spirit of goodness within each of us to better the world around us. If a woman doesn't stand by you in bad times, you shouldn't stand by her in good times. Manny, Describe your work skills and what you're looking for and i'm sure someone here can refer you to an interview or pass your resume on. If 'God' is that good part of human spirit then lets see what we can do.
I just don't understand why it is necessary to crap on one's religion this way. If you don't believe... Fine. But this type of negativity has no place in the universe. Regardless of what you do or don't believe. Good luck to you, Nook, on your journey as well.
I think everyone here would agree that they'd rather see someone turn to religion than suicide. Not that you're in that boat, Manny, but the severe depression worries me. I like all the advice about focusing on bettering yourself, mentally and physically. Learn something new, workout, travel, start writing about music and your other passions. Embrace all that life has to offer. Learn from the past but don't dwell on it. Focus on yourself for once.
Can't be said enough. Had a lot of BBSers lately dealing with tough issues stemming from a loss of their family unit. Also, not going to name names, but I've dealt with another member here contemplating suicide even after Landlord Landry's passing. Don't want to see anything like that happen again here.
would it surprise you to know that your story brings comfort to others who have felt the same way? many have left organized religion behind because they experience similar circumstances. sometimes people just need to know they're not alone. thanks for sharing.
