I *am* a child of God
Posted by Naiah Earhart on June 5th, 2007
“All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.” (The Family: A Proclamation to the World, paragraph 2)
The image of God…
A child of heavenly parents…
A divine nature and destiny…
Have you ever taken a moment to comprehend the magnitude of such a doctrine? Have you ever managed, even for a moment, to really see, to really feel yourself as such? What if we all could, and did?
This idea first occured to me in the context of considering the Relief Society Declaration’s statement that “we are beloved spirit daughters of God.” One day, for the briefest of moments, I got it. In that instant, the weight, the power, and the potential inherent in that statement was all made manifest to me. Just as I wrapped my head around it, though, it was as if I slipped back into myself.
I can remember it, but that full and beautiful understanding, that capacious moment of realization, that instant into which I could have wandered into comprehension itself and submerged myself in eternal truth has passed. The core lesson of that moment, though, the idea that if we could fully internalize those words, believe them in our very souls and selves, that it would remedy so much, has stayed with me, and I find its message here again in the Proclamation: “Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.”
What is depression, insecurity, or sadness in relation to such knowledge? I’ll tell you: nothing.
Growing up in the western world where marketers do their best to undercut our self-value in the name of selling it back to us in the form of various products, it is all too easy to abandon the hope inherent in such a message. Here it is, though, in black and white. I am, and you are, and everyone you know is a spirit child of heavenly parents with a divine nature and destiny.
Parents say to their youth as they head off into whatever situation they have to face that might lead them astray, “remember who you are.” What if each of us said it to ourselves everyday? Remember who you are.
Who am I? No, I’m not just a housewife, mother, home educator, blogette précieuse…
I am the beloved daughter of heavenly parents, and I have a divine nature and destiny.
It makes my heart soar just to think those words. I would encourage everyone to try it for themselves–not just once and halfheartedly, but really taking time to ponder, to let it sink in.
Catch the vision, and everything changes…
After posting it, a friend pointed out that not everyone would ‘get’ the graphic I chose for this post. It’s a painting that I love. I have a print of it, actually. I know, I know, it’s a touch pagany, but that’s not what I see in it. I see a symbolic representation of my own potential. In fact, I even look like the woman in the painting. For me, it just captures that soaring feeling that I mentioned, but still anchored to the earth where I am in the here and now…You see?
Comment # 1 left by Naiah Earhart on June 5th, 2007
What is depression, insecurity, or sadness in relation to such knowledge? I’ll tell you: nothing.
While I admire the peace that this has brought you, I am very weary of such seemingly absolute claims. My friend growing up found himself in the depths of depression and chose to take his life. As far as I could tell, he believed and understood himself as a child of God, yet his pains and struggles were still too much for him. He went home after Sacrament meeting one Sunday and took his own life in his garage with the exhaust of his car.
While I find your testimony touching… I second Norbert’ criticism of this *symposium* and ask… Give us something more than, ‘Do we see?’
Comment # 2 left by the narrator on June 5th, 2007
Narrator,
I’ll respond about yoru friend in a moment, but first I’d like to say something:
Could we maybe respond to the posts themselves and not to your (plural) expectations wrapped up in the word symposium? Just to make everyone happy, I’ll go remove it from the title of the intro post.
In our private emails planning it, we referred to it as a ‘theme,’ a term I feel to be more appropriate to blog posts. Symposium sounds like we plan to present academic papers or something.
I’m pretty enthusiastic for this theme. Please don’t use it as a hollow target for trolling.
Comment # 3 left by Naiah Earhart on June 5th, 2007
As for your friend, Narrator, I am sorry for your loss. I had a friend commit suicide myself just a couple years ago. I think it is the hardest way to lose someone.
I do not seek to minimize the impact or strength of depression. I have wrestled with the ‘black dog,’ as Winston Churchill called it, many times in my life, even to the point of fighting against myself for my own life. Please know that as brightly as I can see this realization, I have slogged through the equivalent shadow…I do not know your friend, but as someone who has struggled with deepest depression, and even been hospitalized for it, I can hazard the guess (and by doing so, I mean no disrespect to the deceased) that he did not, in fact, truly comprehend this doctrine. Few people do.
Sure we can all say that we *know* that we are children of heavenly parents, but what I’m getting at here is, have we truly internalized the concept, made it a part of our core identity? Do we really feel it, live it, comprehend it? I really do not think that many of us do. I did not until that day of realization. Sure, I knew about the Plan of Salvation and all, but until that moment, I didn’t get it.
What’s funny is that even now, after having gotten it so completely so briefly, I have to struggle every day to remember that realization. I still haven’t taken it in all the way, and anytime I get close, the world, if not the very adversary makes sure I lose it again. I know it’s there, though; I know it is true. I’ve been there, and I invite others to try and get there, too.
That’s all.
Comment # 4 left by Naiah Earhart on June 5th, 2007
It’s an interesting concept that such theophanies are often fleeting. I’ve had similar experiences myself, where for the briefest of moments I feel it internally, where it makes sense, and where in the slightest of ways, I comprehend the doctrine and its full ramifications. The other 99% of the time I try to remember and analyze those experiences in an effort not only to have them again, but to keep them fresh in my mind.
The greatest part about being children of God, in my opinion, is our divine nature and potential. As sons and daughters of God, we are given the ability and responsibility to return to Him. As Elder Holland has said in his talk “Of Souls, Symbols, and Sacraments”, God is concerned primarily with how we enter this life and how we exit it. Certainly those who take their own life or the life of another do not fully comprehend this doctrine, for if they did, they would not trifle so carelessly with God’s great gift of mortality.
Not having been through depression myself, I can’t speak with authority, yet it seems that in such moments of despair one is probably not pondering such simple doctrines as the one Naiah started her post with, which would do much in the way of bringing comfort and understanding.
Comment # 5 left by Connor on June 5th, 2007
As per the symposium remarks, a symposium is nothing more than a meeting or conference to discuss a certain subject. That many symposiums feature scholarly research delving into various profundities does not mean that all must do the same. As Naiah has said, we’re doing a series of posts based on a specific theme. Call it what you wish.
Comment # 6 left by Connor on June 5th, 2007
As many of you know, this is a topic close to my heart, and one that I take quite literally. I think it is one of the most important and profound ideas that there has ever been.
If any would like scholarly nit-picking that can functionally serve to reduce the Proclamation into something less than it is, you may be disappointed.
I am not disappointed in the least, and look forward to upcoming posts.
Comment # 7 left by Eric Nielson on June 6th, 2007
I don’t know what to say, other than “Thank you, Naiah.” This is beautiful. I wish with everything I am that I understood this doctrine.
Comment # 8 left by SilverRain on June 6th, 2007
This is a beautifully written post, Naiah. The realization that you are a child of God reveals your divine nature and establishes your relationship with God, but does it make you act differently? What are the implications for this revelation in your daily life?
Comment # 9 left by ECS on June 6th, 2007
ECS,
That’s a great question! The implications are manifold! When I can remain mindful of this doctrine, it affects me inwardly in that depression and darkness give way to light, hope, optimisim, and enthusiasm–which really changes how I view, and therefore, how I do simply everything. There’s also the aspect that everyone around me is heir to the same divine potential, and that, of course, colors my interactions with them. In addition to my adult interactions, this has also influenced my parenting a grat deal. So much so that it’s become kind of a central tennet of it; I’ve even discussed it with my kids. (My daughter just *loves* that I’m her mamma and her sister…)
To tangent a bit on the parenting thing, in life so often we think of them as “our children,” and in extreme cases that idea has been used as justification for abuse (ie. “They’re my kids and I’ll raise them up how I see fit!”). Really, though, they are not just our creations. Inside those mrotal bodies are our very brothers and sisters–whose well-being we have been given a stewardship over for a while, which stewardship carries eternal consequences. That just blew my mind when it first hit me, and it has, on occasion, made me a much better parent than I think I would have been in a moment otherwise.
As for adult interactions, keeping mindful of this doctrine both extends my patience when I feel mine running out as I eek toward some uncharitable behavior or other, and engenders a greater level of ‘benefit of the doubt’ respect for others with whom I interact.
This doctrine also inspires me to do my best with what I’ve been given (this life). When I stay mindful of it, in its fullness, and not just a charicaturization of it, I am not just inspired to be better or to try more, but that more is simply absorbed into my self. The doings, the beings, they all come more effortlessly.
Comment # 10 left by Naiah Earhart on June 6th, 2007
Great point, Naiah (re: #10). I think that when we consider ourselves stewards over our children (essentially that they are ours “on loan”), it totally changes the dynamics of parenthood.
It’s much the same as the doctrine of mortal bodies. People who tout that our bodies are our own are those who litter them with tattoos, piercings, and pollute them with all sorts of substances. Our bodies are not ours, just as our children are not ours. Interesting…
Comment # 11 left by Connor on June 6th, 2007
Naiah,
As one who has also suffered from depression, I heartily second everything you say. Depression, by its very nature, makes full comprehension of this doctrine within our spiritual core nearly impossible. I have had a very similar experience to yours that helped lift me out of jet black despair.
To the Narrator:
I do not hold that the fact of others have lost their lives to depression necessarily means there is no utility in this doctrine, particularly when revealed directly by the spirit. In the fullness of its implications it is truly profound.
That said, I also do not hold that your friend was somehow ignorant, hard headed, or that his problems are trivialized by Naiah’s statement. The purpose or seeming puposelessness of suffering is a difficult and perplexing question.
This much I do know. Depression can be completely characterized by what our inside voice is saying to us. This voice undercuts our worth. It triggers excessive guilt, worry, feelings of worthlessness. Eventually these thoughts become so loud and so automatic that they crowd out anything else. In this state, intervention is required. There is a place here for both medicine and spiritual prayer and study for those fortunate enough to have received either in spite of their comdition. For the others, I have to believe they are learning these same truths now freed of the chemical state that locked them out of comprehending it. I could be wrong, but it seems only rational from the perspective of loving Heavenly Parents.
Comment # 12 left by Doc on June 7th, 2007
The have been a couple of times when I have “gotten” it as well. One time I was walking home alone from a church meeting, not thinking about very much, just enjoying the evening, when a sudden stirring of wind rustled the top-most branches of a grouping of poplar trees. I was suddenly filled with (I can describe it no other way) JOY. There was no conscious thought process, no reasoning–it just was. I felt my relationship with my Father, His Son, His children as a deep visceral, tangible, solid thing. It was fleeting but the memory of it is not. I had another similar experience upon hearing the cry of a neighbor’s peacock. The memories of these feelings have strengthened and comforted me in good times and bad. I am greatful for them. For me atleast, I am convinced that the Lord gave me these experiences to gently remind me that he is there and I am his.
Comment # 13 left by Steph on June 7th, 2007
I appreciate what you have said. I have tried to live as if God really lives and that has made a difference in my life in soo many ways. I have tried to acknoledge that all that I have is not mine but God’s and so gets treated differently. It is an even more awesome thing to think that my children are my brothers and sisters and not really ‘mine’. You have given me alot to think about. Thank you Naiah and all of you at this blog.
Thinking and doing are not as easy for me but I am working on it and growing greatly from the attempt.
Comment # 14 left by Victor on June 7th, 2007
Doc:
I am not saying that there is no utility in maintaining this belief. I am just saying that it isn’t always enough.
Comment # 15 left by the narrator on June 7th, 2007
Thank you for the inspiring thoughts. I hope that you can hold onto that moment so tightly and strongly and really know in your heart who you are.
Comment # 16 left by Barb on June 7th, 2007
Narrator,
FWIW, I think everyone realizes that depression can be very complex. And not realizing that can be dangerous. But this doctrine is very, very powerful in many situations and has the potential to change a lot of things about our lives, our view of the gospel, of trials, of parenting, of relationships with others, of the Atonement — of sooo many things. Rather than focusing on what it may not solve on its own, why not focus on all it can help us do?
Comment # 17 left by Michelle on June 7th, 2007
So the question remains - How to instill this in others - How to internalize this for ourselves. I teach the Elders Quorum. The only thing I can do is bear my testimony when I feel impressed to do so and hope that some have the Spirit and feel it as well. More than this I guess is contrary to the Spirit. Any teaching techniques to teach this to others ?
(Side Query)Naiah also had surgury not too long ago - Are you ok ?
Comment # 18 left by Victor on June 8th, 2007
Victor, in response to your side query, my surgery is in about a week and a half, on wednesday June 20th. Yeah, I’m ok. Sweet of you to inquire.
Comment # 19 left by Naiah Earhart on June 8th, 2007
As to your main comment Victor (#18), and the question of how to instill this in others, I simply don’t know (other than to blog about it…). I’m still working on really instilling it in myself, to be honest. I mentioned taht I have a print of the painting I used as a graphic, and since writing this, I’ve decided to move it to a more visible location in my bedroom, kind of a reminder that I’ll see each time I go out of my room to meet the day. It can be hard to consciously internalize something, but I’m doing my best. if/when I figure more out, I’ll be sure to write about it again. That’s my number one way of sharing progress and ideas.
Michelle (#17), good call back to the positive. Thanks.
Barb (#16), you’re welcome, and thank-you for your kind words; I’m working on it!
Narrator (#15), Your comment here has clarified something for me. I don’t think you see that what I’m talking about goes beyond a mere understanding & acceptance in this doctrine (ie. a ‘belief’ as you called it); what I’m talking about here goes beyond that–taking time with the doctrine, really wrapping your head around it, and internalizing it. It’s only happened in the most fleeting moment for me so far, but I find great rewards as I spend more time trying to bring that kind of realization into my everyday self.
Victor again (#14), You are very welcome, and really and truly, sincere thanks for the kind feedback. It’s nice to hear that our efforts are appreciated.
Steph (#13), “It was fleeting but the memory of it is not.” That’s exactly how it was for me. the experience itself was the barest moment, but teh memory is indellible. Yours sound like wonderful experiences, too; thanks for sharing them.
Doc (#12), I think you bring up a good point, in that existing depression may preclude the ability to take this in fully, or really to feel anything close to it. I wonder if it’s a little like the difference between a vaccination and a treatment. This doctrine may not be an appropriate treatment for someone in an acutely depressive state, but taking it and making it a part of us when things are better, it certainly can effectively hold the black dog at bay.
Yeah, Connor (#11), it was a paradigm shift that about turned me on my ear. Lucky you to get to think about before you have kids!
Comment # 20 left by Naiah Earhart on June 8th, 2007
Might I suggest that this is a powerful example of how perhaps the doctrines in the Proclamation are more than just words, more that just repeating the same things we already know and hear, more about reacting to social or political or whatever other trends. It’s doctrine that can change our lives if we will study it, ponder it, read scriptures about it, teach it and talk about it — the more we accept what seems to be simple and repetitive, the more I believe we have the chance to have these aha moments that Naiah talked about. At least that is the case for me. Part of why I never tire of going to church and hearing “the Sunday School answers” is because I have found that the more I open my heart to what seems to be simple, the more of the depth of that simple doctrine distills on my soul and changes my life and has the potential to change ME.
Comment # 21 left by Michelle on June 8th, 2007