by Julie Melville

Created on: March 02, 2008

To ask the question, "Is God an invention of man's mind or a true being?" is to ask the question, "Am I an invention of the mind or a true being?"

If I exist as a real being, and you exist as a real being, then who or what created this reality? The more we begin to recognize that all things exist as energy, and that everything that exists is made of the same substance of energy; we need to look seriously at the event of creation. One must look beyond the obvious family lineage, and consider the original creation of our world and of man.

Growing up I went weekly to Sunday school and church, in order to develop my sense of God and Community. Just being in the church gave me a sense of peace and safety. Today that same feeling is aroused any time I enter a church or sacred place. Is it because of my belief or is my belief created because of the existence of something greater, assuring me that all is well? I remember going for a walk one evening, at about age 13, desperately needing to understand why life needed to be so complicated. This evening stands out in my memory, only for the simple fact, that I know this was the moment I realized God's existence was very real. Without hearing any actual words, I felt the message that if I believed in God, there was nothing for me to fear. I made a commitment to turn to him first before I ever gave up on life.

Throughout my earlier adult years, I found myself debating this issue, internally. Questions such as "If God exists, why is life so hard?" "How could God let this happen?" "Was this message just my imagination wanting to feel secure in this world of pain and conflict?" I began to find the institutional part of the church, often left me feeling manipulated, full of guilt, and less than worthy of enjoying life. I left the church, but I somehow found I could not leave the essence of what I knew in my heart. I was not alone, no matter how lonely I felt.

Any time I would find myself sitting quietly, thinking about a situation or circumstance, there was a warm blanket wrapped around me, and an answer to my prayers. Whenever I was afraid, I felt supported. When I did not know the next step to take, opportunities showed up. Now, this is not to say that my life has not had its share of obstacles, challenges, pain and sorrow. I cannot say I live a life of utopia. If it is not God giving me strength, then where is it coming from?

Perhaps God is not the right name. There are many names for God, and many different beliefs and symbols

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