She's Seen the Light! (mystic, elder, church, experience, pray)

Pussyfoot Mouse · #1 03-27-2006, 09:45 AM

As some of you already know, my daughter has recently become a Christian.
Well this weekend she went away with her church. When she got home, she couldn't wait to tell me what a great time she had and that she actually felt the presence of the Lord during one of their circle of love things.
I'm not sure how to react to all this. I certainly don't want to discourage her, and I've been supportive of her decision to become a Christian, but.........
Has anyone else felt this presence, seriously? She said she actually fell down to her knees and cried, that's how powerful this was.
I'd appreciate anyone's views and opinions on this. And like I said, I have been supportive, but this one has me blown away!

standing_alone · #2 03-27-2006, 09:56 AM

What denomination of Christianity?

michel · #3 03-27-2006, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pussyfoot Mouse

As some of you already know, my daughter has recently become a Christian.
Well this weekend she went away with her church. When she got home, she couldn't wait to tell me what a great time she had and that she actually felt the presence of the Lord during one of their circle of love things.
I'm not sure how to react to all this. I certainly don't want to discourage her, and I've been supportive of her decision to become a Christian, but.........
Has anyone else felt this presence, seriously? She said she actually fell down to her knees and cried, that's how powerful this was.
I'd appreciate anyone's views and opinions on this. And like I said, I have been supportive, but this one has me blown away!

I would be worrued if she had gone to join one of the 'fringe' religions; the type that indoctrinates and brainwashes.............

As a Christian, I don't think you can hope for more from your daughter. Just accept it 'as is', and be happy for her. For all you know, maybe she really has felt God's presence........lucky girl.

Pussyfoot Mouse · #4 03-27-2006, 10:03 AM

That's the thing Michel, I don't know. I've never been fortunate enough to have felt that presence per say. I'm just concerned for her, but maybe you're right.
Thank you, your words are always so encouraging.

evearael · #5 03-27-2006, 10:13 AM

Children have less life experience to cloud their eyes and have an easier time connecting with God. Adults are much more closed because they've seen alot more and tend to be more jaded. That said, as long as she is actually with people of faith without any sinister motivation, I would be happy for her experience.

lilithu · #6 03-27-2006, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pussyfoot Mouse

As some of you already know, my daughter has recently become a Christian.
Well this weekend she went away with her church. When she got home, she couldn't wait to tell me what a great time she had and that she actually felt the presence of the Lord during one of their circle of love things.
I'm not sure how to react to all this. I certainly don't want to discourage her, and I've been supportive of her decision to become a Christian, but.........
Has anyone else felt this presence, seriously? She said she actually fell down to her knees and cried, that's how powerful this was.
I'd appreciate anyone's views and opinions on this. And like I said, I have been supportive, but this one has me blown away!

Catholicism as a whole focuses more on quiet reflection than emotion, so I can understand why this would be foreign to you, and alarming. But try reading some of the Catholic mystics.

Yes, I've felt that experience, and I know others who have. An elder member of my church particpated in a prayer vigil in Dr. King's house before a big march. The King family was being watched/protected by the FBI because of death threats. Tom was young and scared that at any moment the house would come under attack. But as they prayed he felt this presence, and his fears were lifted. The experience was so powerful that it kept him through the chaos of the next day. And it sustains him still decades later.

Such an experience can be a transformative, life-changing force for good, but it can also easily be misdirected. If I were you, I would focus more on whether her church teaches her love/hope or fear/hate. If the experience makes her more loving, compassionate, generous, then it can only be a good thing, even if you don't quite understand it.

jewscout · #7 03-27-2006, 10:19 AM

i have experienced it a few times in my life...most recently at Kol Nidre services back at Yom Kippur time

EnhancedSpirit · #8 03-27-2006, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pussyfoot Mouse

As some of you already know, my daughter has recently become a Christian.
Well this weekend she went away with her church. When she got home, she couldn't wait to tell me what a great time she had and that she actually felt the presence of the Lord during one of their circle of love things.
I'm not sure how to react to all this. I certainly don't want to discourage her, and I've been supportive of her decision to become a Christian, but.........
Has anyone else felt this presence, seriously? She said she actually fell down to her knees and cried, that's how powerful this was.
I'd appreciate anyone's views and opinions on this. And like I said, I have been supportive, but this one has me blown away!

Yes, I have felt the Holy Spirit wash over me. The first time I felt it is when I asked God for a four leaf clover. Andrew had spent several days looking for one in the yard, and had come to the conclusion that because he couldn't find one, they must not exist. So I asked God to please bring us one. Later that night a four leaf clover fell out of my bible and onto my lap. My whole body began to tingle. And I felt like I was hovering in my seat. I was over come with emotion laughing and crying at the same time. It was a euphoric feeling.

I have felt it other times since then. It was explained to me that this is 'enlightenment'. And while the feeling comes and goes, I am striving to 'be in that place' all the time.