Saturday, April 10, 2010

What Do You Call "God"?

Thus says God Yahweh, he who created the heavens and stretched them out, he who spread out the earth and that which comes out of it, he who gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk in it. “I, Yahweh, have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand, and will keep you, and make you a covenant for the people, as a light for the nations; to open the blind eyes, to bring the prisoners out of the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness out of the prison. I am Yahweh. That is my name. I will not give my glory to another, nor my praise to engraved images.

-Isaiah 42:5-8

I am constantly learning and growing as I explore my faith.  As people often do, I fell into a pattern of posting based on my current beliefs rather than asking questions and seeking answers.  I lost my focus.

Tumultuous experiences in my life since last June lead me back to questioning life and faith.  I lost several loved ones and continue to face my own health and financial issues.  I realize I have many more questions than answers.

My first question was simple and yet complex.  I wanted to know what do you call God?

My husband and I were both raised Roman Catholic and are raising our children that way.   But is it based on tradition or truth?

We both admitted it was based on tradition.  Not exactly the best way to go upon reflection.  My husband had turned to the Jehovah's Witnesses after his divorce.  I went to the Lutheran church.  Our children have been exposed to both as well as Catholicism.

We are all seeking the truth now as my son faces confirmation.  Despite his strong beliefs, he is not sure he wants to confirm as a Catholic.  I remember feeling the same way at his age and being told it was a requirement (with shocked expressions from clergy and family).

I don't want my son to feel that way.  His faith is his own personal journey and we let him know we feel that way.  In exploring faith through a child's eyes, I am seeking the truth over tradition myself.

My first prayerful question to Him was, "What do you want me to call you?"

Over the years, I have realized we can directly communicate with Him if we listen.  He sends us what we need if we keep our eyes and hearts open.

My husband assured me His name was Jehovah but now I know that is actually the Anglican version of His real name...Yahweh.

I received my answer loud and clear within a day.  The family was taking a ride for groceries.  A red racing car sped up next to us and hovered.  We all turned to admire it and realized the car was named "Yahweh."
All over the car was the word "Yahweh."  How could I miss that very obvious message?

We now call Him by His proper name in prayer, Yahweh, from the original Hebrew texts.

Now that I know His name, should I refer to the Trinity?  How should I observe my faith?  Should I be praying to saints and statues?  What holidays should I really be celebrating?  I will be exploring these topics in my future posts and welcome insight from all faiths.  I am a student, not a teacher, seeking for us to all learn truth over tradition together.  If not now, then when?

Have a beautiful, blessed day!