Up to the age of 12 I was raised a Methodist, then Saved as a Baptist, and Saved By Evangelical Bill Grahm all before 1971. I was Enlightened in the Military when non-Denominational Services were provided for us.
I believe in One God, his divine Son Jesus Christ who Died for our Sins, and the Holy Spirit, together as One, The Holy Trinity. I do not criticize other beliefs and respect them, because so many marvel at God's creations, as do I. Around 1989 I took on the duties of Chairman of the Building Committee and of the Finance Committee in a local Calvary Methodist Church and found miss directed funds. My Children grew through the struggles, so I gave them the choice and they joined the youth group. I had announced my findings and by the response, it was best to withdraw our membership. From then on we all Worshiped in our own special way.
Each night at bedtime, we joined hands in "The Love Connection" and said the Lords Prayer. The Kids would not go to sleep without it. So Precious.
I also believe that our Faiths are interconnected and they should not be a factor in choosing Friends. We are in this life together and should never criticize the Faith of others. The word "unconditional" should help direct us through this maze of judgmental tendencies.
Of all the Cycles of Life, there is one I call "The Last Hatch". It's simplicity will draw your attention and your wonder, and that it has been over looked through out your life until now. This is the Story of The Butterfly.
Late October and November Butterflies are still seen. It is the Last Hatch. There will be no food for themselves or their young. They will live as beautiful as hatched and others will fall to the curbside mixing with fallen leaves. It is This Last Hatch, that serves only one purpose. The enjoyment given to us by Supreme Design, to further wonder us, if we notice.
So how can we cope with the loss of a loved one, knowing they have passed into the Heavenly existence and how does it relate to the Last Hatch of Butterflies? Simply put, we both have the same Supreme Creator and that in his design, he has gifted Us with Love for One Another and Faith that we are not "The Last Hatch".
Rev. Sir Patrick William Shinkle