Faith and Spirit: Lessons from My Grandmothers
I had two wonderful grandmothers, each with a unique perspective on spirituality. One was deeply religious, a devout Roman Catholic, while the other always said, “I am spiritual, but not religious.” Their differing beliefs have profoundly shaped who I am today.
The Devout Roman Catholic Grandmother
My Roman Catholic grandmother was a pillar of faith and tradition. She attended Mass every Sunday, prayed the Rosary daily, and participated in church activities with unwavering devotion. Her home was filled with religious symbols – crucifixes, statues of saints, and candles. Her faith was a source of strength and comfort, guiding her through life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
I remember her telling me stories of the saints, sharing the significance of each prayer, and teaching me the values of love, compassion, and forgiveness. Her unwavering belief in God’s plan and her dedication to her faith left an indelible mark on my heart.
The Spiritual, But Not Religious Grandmother
In contrast, my other grandmother embraced a more fluid and open approach to spirituality. She saw God in every living thing, perhaps because she was a world traveler exposed to many different forms of religion. In the process, she took the best and left the rest, for lack of a better explanation. She believed in a higher power but didn’t subscribe to any organized religion. Her spirituality was deeply personal, rooted in nature, and a profound sense of interconnectedness with the universe.
She taught me to find beauty and meaning in the world around me – in the rustling of leaves, flowers, art, the flow of a river, and the twinkling of stars. Her approach was intuitive and heartfelt, encouraging me to explore my inner self and trust my instincts. She often said, “Spirituality is about feeling, not just believing.”
My Spiritual Journey
Growing up with these two contrasting influences, I learned to appreciate and integrate both perspectives, although they often conflicted with one another. My Catholic grandmother would say my spiritual grandmother would go to hell because she did not attend church regularly. Meanwhile, my spiritual grandmother would just shake her head and carry on and say nothing.
From my Catholic grandmother, I inherited a sense of structure, tradition, and the power of prayer. From my spiritual grandmother, I embraced the freedom to explore, the importance of intuition, and the beauty of a personal connection with the divine.
Balancing these influences wasn’t always easy. At times, I felt torn between the certainty of religious doctrine and the fluidity of spiritual exploration. However, this duality has enriched my mediumship practice. It allows me to draw on the strengths of both traditions – the ritual and reverence of religion and the openness and flexibility of spirituality.
Lessons Learned
From my grandmothers, I learned that spirituality is not one-size-fits-all. It is a deeply personal journey, unique to each individual. My Catholic grandmother taught me the value of faith, community, and the comfort of tradition. My spiritual grandmother showed me the importance of personal connection, intuition, and finding the divine in everyday moments.
These lessons have shaped my approach to mediumship. I strive to honor the traditions and rituals that bring comfort and structure while remaining open to the intuitive and personal aspects of spiritual connection. This balance helps me serve others with empathy, understanding, and authenticity.
Honoring diverse spiritual paths is essential. My grandmothers’ differing beliefs taught me that there is no single “right” way to connect with the divine. Each path offers its own wisdom and beauty. By embracing this diversity, we can enrich our spiritual journeys and find the unique balance that resonates with our souls.
I encourage you to explore your own spiritual journey. Embrace the lessons from different traditions, trust your intuition, and find your unique path. Remember, spirituality is a personal journey, and you are more than capable of discovering what works best for you.
