Losing My Religion...

re·li·gion (r-ljn)

n.

1.

a. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.

b. A personal or institutionalised system grounded in such belief and worship.

2. The life or condition of a person in a religious order.

3. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.

4. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

Not many people would admit that they are religious. Despite what the definition above says, most people associate religion with greed, intolerance, war and legalism (stressing the letter of the law rather than the spirit of it). 

The truth is that I have been in a passionate love affair with religion for most of my adult life. I like the routine, the clarity and the sense of belonging that it brings. That was, until my love 'betrayed' me and suddenly I was on the outside, lost and confused. I looked around and saw so many people like me, some lost, some angry, some rejected some unconcerned. I'll never forget a gay friend of mine asked me with tears in his eyes "Why does God hate me? I wouldn't chose this life, I feel so abandoned because He doesn't accept me." It broke my heart.

This last year has been a real time of inward and upward reflection. A time of going back to basics and once again asking those difficult questions. I don't have all (or many) of the answers but there are some things that I know to be true;

- There is a God, He is alive, He is love, in Him we live and He lives in us.

- To love is the duty and calling of all men.

- God wants us to be our true and best selves and live our best lives.

Am I losing my religion? I don't think so, I would more say I am gaining a better awareness of my true self. What are your thoughts?

Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life ~ Buddha

Peace & Love

xx

ps.The pictures are of chocolate dipped honeycomb from a recipe in 'Gifts from the Kitchen' by Annie Rigg. Click here for a link to the recipe.

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Chocolate Dipped Honeycomb

This recipe comes from one of my favourite books, 'Gifts from the Kitchen' by Annie Rigg.

Honeycomb Makes about 20 pieces 300g caster sugar 150g golden syrup pinch of cream of tartar 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar 1 1/2teaspoons bicarbonate of soda (150g) dark or milk chocolate Line a 8in. square baking pan with lightly oiled foil. Half fill the sink with cold water and have ready a whisk and the bicarbonate of soda. Place the sugar, syrup, cream of tartar, and vinegar into a medium-size, solid-based saucepan. Add 5 tablespoons water and set the saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then bring the mixture to a boil. Continue to cook until the mixture turns amber-coloured and reaches 'hard crack' stage, or 300°F (154°C) on a sugar thermometer. As soon as the caramel reaches the right temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat and plunge into the sink of cold water to speed up the cooling process. Working quickly, pour the bicarbonate of soda into the caramel and whisk to combine evenly; the mixture will foam up quite a bit. Pour into the prepared baking tin in an even layer and let cool. Melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water or in the microwave and stir until smooth. (Click this link for tips on how to melt chocolate correctly). Remove from the heat and cool slightly. Turn the honeycomb out of the pan, peel off the foil, and break into chunks. Half dip each piece into the melted chocolate. Let harden before packaging. Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for 2-3 days.

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