Have You Been Struck by Spiritual Lightning?

First of all, what is spiritual lightning? I’m suggesting that spiritual lightning is most likely a call from God, and it hits us all to one degree or another and at different times. Jolts from God, so to speak, can arrive at various levels and from various sources. It could be as a victim of crime, experience a change in career – firing or promotion, break up with a girlfriend or boyfriend, or worse, a divorce. A family birth or death can be devastating. Catapulting our lives from our own achievements or God’s graces is another level of spiritual lightning.

This writer has experienced many a lightning bolt in his life, with me hardly learning a thing, I might add. But nothing matches the forces of spirit as they have unfolded over the past 6 years. For brevity purposes, let me concisely summarize. First, it was a mini-stroke [called a TIA] that brought on a broken leg after collapsing, all the while withstanding a 97% clogged carotid artery. The vascular surgeon at our local hospital was quite frank. Surgery tomorrow, or you will die, or at least be totally incapacitated from a more serious stroke within a few days. After an 8 month recovery and about a year of productivity, another mini-stroke [TIA] from another clogged area. This time, it was the aortic heart valve that needed immediate replacement. Research showed me I was in good company, as Arnold Schwarzeneggar and Mick Jagger also succumbed to this emergency. Bet you didn’t know that. That took a while for me to recuperate, as my blood pressure was no longer stable. So, into Wellington, FL Regional Hospital again as yet another TIA warned me of imminent danger. I needed a pacemaker, but not before I nearly found myself at the gates of heaven because of severely low blood pressure. It was brought on by an incompetent nurse who actually intravenously inserted something to lower my previously high blood pressure. This was the scary one, and it wasn’t nice. That being said, what I did during my months, if not years of recuperation, was what I learned, finally! 

When my wife and I moved into our new condo, I immediately said to her, “I  care for nothing but to get into heaven.” These three surgeries accelerated the march. First, while recuperating, I began to write; vociferously, I might add. I wrote five books, edited two, and became a contributing writer to a number of other edited books and magazines; this online journal being one of them. My career changed from college prof to entertainer to author/writer. Now, by the way, I am entering yet another career in public speaking since my health has improved. I answered His call. On a deeper level, I answered the call further into Catholicism.

I began receiving the Eucharist almost every day. I went to confession more often and prayed the rosary frequently. My further devotion to the Bible and church prayer groups surely brought my walk ever closer to Jesus. And I want to say, I could have been doing this all along. Because apparently, as I reflect, this new author/speaker was one of those nominal, then cafeteria, and now practicing Catholics. Had to do it my way. Betcha a practicing Catholic would have experienced more of a lifestyle that could have prevented the need for spiritual lightning. God speaks to us quietly; don’t let Him hit you over the head or allow yourself to be struck down to get your attention.  

Secondly, in the process of my new formation, I became more conscious of my sins and proclivities to fall into habits of selfishness, pride, lust, jealousy, laziness, hatred, slander, substance abuse, gluttony, and impure thoughts. However, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I made more of an effort to practice God’s virtues: faith, hope, charity, prudence, justice, courage, moderation, and temperance. Plus, my wife and I  added more frequent pilgrimages; that is, to Ave Maria, to Indiantown, to churches around Lake Okeechobee, all in Central Florida. We donate clothing, home goods, food, and school supplies to these migrant farmworker communities, besides attending Mass there.

It is something about prayer. Listening to God, reading His Word, and obeying His commandments all align the individual with God. In so doing, God’s grace enters into his life. That new transformation allows the individual to become a better version of himself and on the path toward better goals. How’s about entering heaven as that better goal? All of this is fostered through practicing our faith and relying on the anchors of Catholicism. Those anchors are rote prayers [Our Father, 23rd Psalm, Hail Mary, etc.], daily prayers, confession, the Rosary, reading spiritual books, visiting the Blessed Sacrament, and joining prayer groups. 

My most recent response to spiritual lightning was to develop a plan, mission, and purpose. Again, it seemed that in my previous life, I was drifting from one accomplishment to another without any real plan, mission, or purpose in mind. If one’s mission is to ultimately get into heaven, then here is one I recently wrote.

1.  Keep in physical, mental, and spiritual shape;
2.  Build upon my nonfiction literary efforts;
3.  Spread the word of God via speaking engagements;
4.  Contribute to the body of Christ through any opportunities that arise.
5.  All to know, love, serve God and secure my wife and children.

Where there is no vision, the people perish. 

Proverbs 29:18

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