A couple of times while under great stress I've had 'religious' themed experiences.
While visiting a friend in the hospital (shortly before he died of AIDS and weighing all of 80 pounds) I instantaneously saw an angel outside the hospital window.
Had a 'ghost' in the back seat of my car while I was driving (and crying) many years ago. He was 'bemused' I was upset over his dying.
Never considered either experience to have been 'real', I was aware of what a rough go I was having at the time in regards to friends dying horribly from HIV, and I was still new to sobriety too. Probably a wonder I didn't unhinge entirely.
I have since realized another friend (ex boyfriend, actually) who subsequently joined a religious order most likely felt a 'calling' to it while in my presence. (if you're thinking Brian factors into this, you're correct) I understand 'Rs' interpretation of the event entirely, but even though we shared the experience, I in no way felt a 'calling' to become a brother in a catholic order, even if 'R' considers me a vehicle in getting that calling to him. I don't have a problem with 'R' having joined the order however. The order actually required their brothers to stay busy caring for the sick, and 'R' was quite good at that. (more so than me) When he became ill (not HIV), the order took care of him.
I only have an objection he was eventually buried out of state, but, that is a minor thing.
While visiting a friend in the hospital (shortly before he died of AIDS and weighing all of 80 pounds) I instantaneously saw an angel outside the hospital window.
Had a 'ghost' in the back seat of my car while I was driving (and crying) many years ago. He was 'bemused' I was upset over his dying.
Never considered either experience to have been 'real', I was aware of what a rough go I was having at the time in regards to friends dying horribly from HIV, and I was still new to sobriety too. Probably a wonder I didn't unhinge entirely.
I have since realized another friend (ex boyfriend, actually) who subsequently joined a religious order most likely felt a 'calling' to it while in my presence. (if you're thinking Brian factors into this, you're correct) I understand 'Rs' interpretation of the event entirely, but even though we shared the experience, I in no way felt a 'calling' to become a brother in a catholic order, even if 'R' considers me a vehicle in getting that calling to him. I don't have a problem with 'R' having joined the order however. The order actually required their brothers to stay busy caring for the sick, and 'R' was quite good at that. (more so than me) When he became ill (not HIV), the order took care of him.
I only have an objection he was eventually buried out of state, but, that is a minor thing.
