When a Spiritual Consult Turns Out Differently Than Expected

Thank you for coming to me with your concerns and seeking guidance. It is a testament to your sincerity and desire to make things right. I understand that the tools and remedies I offered you may not have met your expectations. I want you to know that it is entirely your right to feel that way. Your feelings and opinions are valid, and I respect them.

The tools I offered are not sacred in themselves, but they can be used in sacred ways. In many instances, they have brought about miraculous results—sometimes, they may not. Each person’s journey is unique, and what resonates deeply with one may not do so for another.

I can assure you that we are all doing the best we can with the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding we have. I, too, am on this journey, striving to offer the best of what I can offer. But I recognize that sometimes what I offer may not be what you need, and that’s okay.

Here, in this space, there is no judgment. There is only love and forgiveness, for that is what God has given to us, and in turn, we offer the same to each other. Judgment is not mine to give; it belongs to the Lord alone. My role is to offer you support, to walk alongside you in your time of need, and to provide the tools that I believe may help.

If what I have offered does not resonate with you, I encourage you to explore other paths that may. There are many ways to find healing, peace, and guidance, and I believe the right path will reveal itself to you in time.

If you feel that you have sinned against someone, you may choose to engage in acts of contrition, pay penance, or make reparation. These actions can indeed be beneficial—they help heal relationships, demonstrate your commitment to doing good, and reflect the love and justice that many believe our Creator desires for us. However, it is essential to remember that you are under no obligation to undertake these actions. They are personal choices that you may make based on your own understanding and conviction.

You have been blessed with free will—the remarkable gift to believe, do, and say as you choose. This freedom is fundamental to our experience as human beings, and with it comes a great responsibility. Each of us is accountable for how we use this gift. This is not to say that our actions are without consequences; indeed, there is a reaction to every action. This is the nature of our existence.

In His infinite wisdom, God has granted us free will and the capacity to shape our world through our choices. It is essential to recognize that God is not to blame for the outcomes of our free will. We are each responsible for the results of our actions, whether they lead to positive or negative consequences. The conflicts and challenges we face in the world are not the fault of God but are the result of how we, as individuals, exercise our freedom.

Free will is both a blessing and a challenge. It allows us to build, love, and create, but it can also lead to harm if wielded thoughtlessly. Each choice we make—whether to curse or bless, to tear down or build up, to hate or love—carries an energetic charge that affects ourselves and others. Thoughts, words, and actions are not inherently good or bad; their value comes from how we use them and their impact.

In this way, we understand a person by the fruits of their actions—by observing how their thoughts and choices manifest in the world. Every material and immaterial thing is neutral until it is engaged by our will and intention. It is up to each of us to use our free will in the best possible way, striving to contribute positively and rectify any harm we may cause along the way.

Remember that you have the power to shape your path. You can choose to act with kindness, to mend relationships, and to contribute to the well-being of others. This is your responsibility; through these choices, you express your values and intentions. God’s role is not to condone or condemn specific uses of free will but to offer us the freedom to choose and the capacity to learn and grow from our experiences.

As we reflect on the nature of our existence and our place within it, it’s helpful to remember that our planet functions as a closed system. Life continues, with or without our direct involvement, and the natural world, in its intricate ways, constantly forms combinations of elements that lead to various outcomes. Whether or not we participate, this process exemplifies the concept of natural consequence.

The universe operates based on natural laws and consequences. Just as nature continuously evolves and impacts the world without our interference, our actions also create ripples that influence the environment and the people around us. Through our engagement, we have the potential to intervene and possibly alter these natural consequences. However, the outcomes of these interventions are ultimately our responsibility.

With the gift of free will, you hold a unique position in your own life’s universe. This freedom allows you to think, speak, and act in ways that shape your experiences and those of others. It’s essential to recognize that while you have the power to influence your own universe, you also significantly impact the universes of others. Each person’s universe is as valid as your own, and interacting with another’s universe carries a profound responsibility.

Our collective existence can be viewed as a multiverse, a vast and interconnected matrix of individual universes. The harmony and survival of this multiverse are crucial, yet often, due to the exercise of free will, we see instances where this interconnectedness is disregarded or neglected, leading to widespread consequences. In recognizing this, it becomes evident that our primary charge is to navigate our free will with respect for the collective.

As you continue your journey, I pray that you seek and discover the things you are searching for while minimizing the suffering of others. You are endowed with a remarkable mind and body, capable of incredible feats and choices. I hope that you use these gifts with mindfulness and consideration.

Please remember that if you ever need assistance or guidance, my door is always open to you. I am here to support you however I can, provided we mutually respect one another’s resources and intentions. Your approach to seeking help should reflect the same respect and consideration you wish to receive.

May you find wisdom and grace as you navigate your path, and may your choices contribute positively to both your universe and the multiverse we all share.

 

Beyond Religion: Embracing the Fullness of Counseling Others

I feel incredibly fortunate to have access to sensitive information from many people, each with unique life experiences that range from the every day to the extraordinary. This journey began many years ago when I started my work in counseling and consulting within the Christian ministry. In that role, I was bound by the privilege of penitent confidentiality, which protected those I counseled from having their shared stories exposed, even if I were asked to do so by a court.

In my younger days, I prioritized meeting people at their level without judgment, understanding that the human condition is vast and varied. Even though my memory wasn’t perfect, this didn’t affect my ability to serve. Some of the stories I heard were so unusual and intriguing that they stayed with me, even if I didn’t fully understand them at the time. These memories have remained as vivid snapshots of experiences I couldn’t yet comprehend.

When I encountered something in a story that seemed strange or unfamiliar, I didn’t let it hinder the counseling process. Instead, I stayed supportive, walking alongside the individual and accepting their experience without trying to fit it into my own framework. This approach allowed me to build trust and understanding with those I counseled, even when their perspectives differed from the norm.

As the years passed, I continued to gather stories and insights from a wide range of people. Over time, I noticed how these pieces of information started to connect, much like puzzle pieces fitting together to create a clearer picture. This growing tapestry of knowledge helped me understand things that had once seemed mysterious and out of reach.

Today, my interactions with clients with unique and sometimes unconventional experiences are more interesting than ever. With a lifetime of understanding these strange and unusual stories, I’ve moved beyond the confines of traditional religion, embracing a broader perspective of God and all of existence. This shift has made my work much more enjoyable and fulfilling.

In the past, I had to be careful not to discuss ideas or experiences that fell outside of religious beliefs. Now, I can converse openly with clients about various topics, including those some might label as “conspiracies” or “paranormal.” It’s fascinating to think that some activities and ideas within Christianity and other religions could also be considered conspiratorial or paranormal by those unfamiliar with them.

From my current perspective, I believe all things are possible, whether they are explainable or believable. My journeys into the unknown with clients are brief but illuminating. I always take care to return to my core ministerial beliefs, ensuring that my work aligns with my life’s calling and purpose.

The foundation of my ministry is the “love of Jesus.” This love means more than most Christians realize, but I love them just as they are, just like Jesus loves me just as I am, and I am forever grateful for that.

Since high school, Jesus has been my hero. Before that, my hero was Superman. I still look up to both of them because they have much in common. One is a comic book hero who helped me admire Jesus, and the other is the real hero of the New Testament.

Both heroes continue to inspire me. Through my life experiences, I’ve also stayed connected to important people in my life who have passed away. This connection is a fantastic part of my journey; many more people inspire me, some in the physical, some not so much.

Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed and experienced things firsthand that I can’t share due to confidentiality and my commitment to my personal ministry. These experiences have deepened my understanding and strengthened my resolve to help others in their unique journeys. But let me tell you this: dismissing someone because their experience differs from what you know can be a significant disservice. You might be surprised by what you discover when you listen and support someone who possesses knowledge outside your experience.

Embracing this mindset has led me on an exciting journey filled with learning, growth, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human experiences. Each story I hear adds another layer to my understanding of the world, reminding me there is always more to learn and explore.