Speaking Your Truth

The word God can be triggering to some growing up with traditional religion. In this inspiring talk, Lou shares his thoughts on the G word and helps you take a peek into the places you hide your truth.

Transcript

Hello,

My name is Lou Redmond and I so appreciate you allowing me to share with you here.

Recently on Insight Timer,

I did something unusual.

I used the word God without caveating or whatever word works for you,

Great spirit,

Source,

Universe,

Higher self,

Etc.

I usually give these options because I know many are triggered by that word,

Often from growing up with the image of a wrathful God that looks like an old white man with a beard sitting on a throne judging.

That is far from what I mean by God.

The irony is we're trying to talk about something that has no words.

As St.

Augustine said,

If you can comprehend it,

It's not God.

Not naming God is what makes the Buddha's teachings so brilliant.

Instead,

He shows us a path,

Teaches us a practice,

And says,

Come experience for yourself.

The omission of God is why Buddhism tends to attract people who are fed up with Western religion or are more secular in their beliefs.

The Buddha was wise knowing that not giving people a deity to find out there would lead them to look inside where the real treasure lies.

While it doesn't really matter what we call the infinite energy of all that is,

For me,

God resonates.

As I grow in my spirituality,

I feel drawn closer to my Catholic roots and have been digging more into Christian and Western mystics.

With my interest and background,

It hit me.

Why do I always feel the need to explain myself?

I use God,

I feel God,

Why don't I just own it?

What am I scared of?

I'm embarrassed to say that I'm afraid of losing you as a listener.

I'm afraid you'll judge me as some religious zealot talking about the God that you came to meditation to get away from.

And this is ironic coming from the guy who has a course on here called Learn to Stop Caring What Others Think.

When you look back at your life,

Would you rather be someone who spoke their truth or ensured everyone liked them?

Often we can't have both.

So last week I decided to speak it how I feel it.

I used God and I did caveat.

I prepared to get a backlash from people,

But to my pleasant surprise,

It was received well.

I learned that it's okay to trust speaking my truth.

If people don't like it,

That's their issue.

We have to step bravely towards what's right for us,

What's calling us,

And understand that it's okay if not everyone gets it.

And when this happens,

When we stand in our truth,

The ones who do get it will appreciate us even more.

Is there anything in your life that you're tiptoeing around what you want to say?

What will happen if you unapologetically speak your truth?

Try it out and I'd love to hear how it goes.

Let me know how you experience God.

I'd love to hear your shares in the comments.

So feel free to share and would love to also get a chance to connect with you in the future,

Whether that's on another meditation or whether that's on my circle.

You can just search Lou's Circle.

I wish you much love and support for your journey.

Hope to connect again soon.

Namaste.

Reviews

I like to say, “I don’t believe in the same G0d you don’t believe in.” For me there is no contradiction between G0d and Science. Daring to speak my truth is what I needed to hear today.

Thank you for the reminder to clearly "name the child". It is time for me to stop tiptoeing around certain issues and trust the process. 💝🙏

I can’t tell you how much what you said resonates with me…I am an almost 63 year old cradle Catholic who has struggled with aspects of the Catholic religion since my teenage years. Richard Rohr has been such a gift to my faith, and if I’m not mistaken, I think he has influenced you as well…it shows through in your sharing. Thanks so much for sharing your truth, and for the quote by St Augustine. I may gently share it with my siblings, both very dedicated Catholics, who worry and pray for the souls of people who are not Catholic and whose understanding of God goes beyond the image of God that you describe who I grew up with 😊. BTW, I am still Catholic, but always exploring and trying to learn about different ways that God has manifested him/her/their/itself to all kinds of people, and that has only increased my faith.

Wow. Thank you, Lou. This message resonates with me. I hold myself back from "God talk" with most friends and family as I fear having to explain/defend myself. I am recently looking at how I hold back from fully experiencing God for myself as I need reliance on Higher Power for my 12 Step recovery. Blessings for your journey and sharing. 💝🙏

God is truth. And we are abundantly blessed with his light, love and divinity.
Thank you for standing in your truth.

Thank you, I’ve again, Lou. Brought up with that “old man judging God”, I have realized through my work that God is love. I prefer God and thank you for using this name, which resonates with me as well. For others, other words, I realize mean much more, but appreciate this little explanation. Peace.

I love you told your truth. I personally am not offended. I use different words but mainly God to describe the thing that is bigger than me. I loves this talk! Thank you 🙏🏼🌸

This resonates!! Thanks for sharing this so authentically 🙏

Beautiful simple true, thank you for being so brave and sharing, nameste 🙏💕🧘‍♀️

You be your true self. I'll be mine. We'll meet somewhere in the middle and find a friend.

Short and sweet. In the AA Big Book it says, we never apologize for God, instead we let Cj Him demonstrate through us what He can do. 🖤💛🖤💛🖤

This was such a refreshing talk Lou. Thank you so much for your genuine and open reflection Lou. It took so much courage. Your words about “walking towards your truth” have inspired me to have the courage to stop “tiptoeing” around an issue that’s been bothering me and that I need to talk about with my partner. I give thanks to God that I crossed paths with your practice today! Peace and blessings to you 💐☮️

Thank you, Lou. You are such a treasure. What I love, love, love about you is how raw, open, honest and personal you are in your teachings. Just what I need. Someone who don't shy away from also talking about own faults and possible shortcomings. It draws one in to you.

$1 TRILLION Mormon Cult Always taught to believe in God. Good w/ that. It’s other BS deceitful cult conartists taught that is triggering.

Lou, thank you so very much for this short, but sweet talk! I so needed to hear this, and I look forward to sharing this with my recovery meditation group! Namaste!

Thank you so much for this message. I needed to hear it today. It totally struck a positive cord.

Appreciate this perspective. We do get caught up in titles. I am also seeing this journey bring me back to my Christian roots with fresh eyes!

Couldn’t agree more, Lou! Thank you for this. 🙏

🙏🏻💛

I really want to express my deep respect for your honesty. Only makes your great work even more profound.