Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
523728 tn?1264621521

Agnostic

Am struggling with health and mortality issues here and have been enlightened greatly by all of your insights and experiences.  Wondering if there is anybody else out there like me (see title?)  I welcome the motivation behind people telling me they are saying prayers for me and would never challenge their beliefs.  Hoping not to offend anyone, I just can't seem to get on board.
34 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
187666 tn?1331173345
SimplyStar
Helpful - 0
523728 tn?1264621521
who is marty?
Helpful - 0
415684 tn?1257329318
Also meant to say .. along with the "thank you" that the discussion made me focus on my beliefs and has validated all that I believe in.  Thanks, Marty, for your thoughts .. very uplifting for me.

JudyC
Helpful - 0
415684 tn?1257329318
I just need to say a big "thank-you" for this discussion.  I am a believer in God and belong to the Catholic Church.  When I say I will pray for them,  that's what I do.  I hope no one is ever put off by prayers, because they originate from a genuine concern for another.  I have had several mini-miracles since my disease began .. just danced my fool head off at my daughter's wedding (March).  I cannot imagine getting through all of this plus the other potholes in my life with my faith.  God Bless all of you.

Judy  Carson
Helpful - 0
295767 tn?1240188314
What a great discussion. First off, I completely believe in God and it gives me great comfort to think He listens to me. Also, I just had a massage a few days ago and the lady performing the massage told me a wonderful experience she had with two of her guy friends when they were 19. They were playing by the ocean, and when she looked up she could see hundreds of angels flying above her. She glued her eyes on them and then asked her friends if they could see what she could see. They both replied, 'You mean the angels?' She said it was magical.
I am not AT ALL afraid of dying. Not even in the least. I'm sad and depressed about what this may do to my family and Luke, but I'm not scared. I truly feel I will be welcomed by God - and what more could I ask for? My constant prayers are for my family and Luke, if it's my time to go, I ask God to please care and comfort my family/Luke because it will be so difficult for them.
I think Marty had a great post to this subject. :)  Love to you all, D
Helpful - 0
167426 tn?1254086235
As a nurse I have seen lots of deaths, from many different causes, I feel that the majority of them went peacefully into it. My own hubby, after 11 years of illness,  that was difficult for him,  having many crisis'es that brought him back to us each time, until the end. We were talking privatly and he asked me to "Let him go."  he went quietly to meet his God.  Several people in my family have had near death experiences, my MIL was in a gas explosion,  she told of seeing Jesus holding out His arms to her and telling her  "it is not your time", she was burned over 70% of her body, she lived for many more years. My son was in a car accident , that should have been fatal, he told of  leaving the car and looking down on his body , but here again those words, "it is not your time"  he said he did not want to leave where he was, but was forced back into the car. It changed his life so much, he is an Elder in a church that does out reach services and he feels that is what he was supposed to do.  Religion to me is a very personal thing, and I know for a fact, that some of my prayers have been answered, there is no other way that some of the things I prayed for could have happened so quickly. Those prayers were always for someone else, never myself. . My one prayer now is that Jesus hold Leslee in His arms and heal her.  It will not distroy my faith if that does not happen, as I know that all prayers are not answered. I for one could never not believe as then,  my life would have no purpose to it. I was told by a very wise minister one time, if you cannot believe in God, believe in yourself.
Helpful - 0
356929 tn?1246389756
And thank YOU for bringing up a subject that sometimes remains "hidden" .  I'm also  grateful that the subject was handled so well by everyone..

Thanks all for sharing,

Sandy
Helpful - 0
523728 tn?1264621521
So much food for thought here.  I'm hoping to get to ireneo's emotional place somehow.  It's the loved ones that tear me up every time.  My dear Mom will suffer every moment of this illness with me.  If I have to go, she won't be far behind I'm sure.   It's hard to even look at my husband and son right now...

Thanks to all for your willlingness to share on this very sensitive subject.
Helpful - 0
187666 tn?1331173345
My opinion is that most people reach a point where they're willing to let go of this world. Maybe because they're in pain and tired. Maybe because of their faith concerning a better place on the other side.

For me, I do happen to believe in a better place but I'm also very content with my life. I feel fulfilled, that I've done most everything I'd ever want to do. Sure, I'd like to visit Montana or see the Northern Lights but the big items in my life - love, family, travel, kids - I've done it all. When I went in for my first procedure on my heart I had to think about my life. That's when I realized I was truly happy. I didn't have any big missing pieces. Does that mean I want to leave? Of course not. There are things I still enjoy doing - fishing, quilting, reading, visiting with people. But overall I'm satisfied and am not afraid of leaving.

Again, each person reaches that time in their own time and way. Some are at the last minute, others sooner.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am a cancer survivor and I do not fear death.   When I was 11 my mother was in a near fatal car accident.  She had no vitals upon arrival at the ER.  As the doctors worked furiously trying to save her life, she said she rose up and was watching them work on her.  She said she heard her mother calling her, her mother had died when she was 14.  She also said that she felt a million times better than the happiest day of her life.  She didn't want to come back but she had two children to take care of.  She came back.  Fourteen years later she died of ovarian cancer.  I found great comfort in knowing that she was at a place that made her a million times happier and this time she didn't have to come back.  This was her reward and it was what I wanted for her. You'll find great strength and comfort by getting close to God.  All you have to do is talk to him.  He'll hear you and he'll come.  Now is a good time to try it.  My thoughts are with you.
Helpful - 0
176401 tn?1339369307
Having said all this, I'd like to take it a step forward and ask for everyone's input.  I often hear cancer survivors say they are not afraid of death or are at peace with dying.  I envy this but I am definitely not there.  I fear death and consider leaving my family  unthinkable.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I too struggle with the question. I have come to the conclusion that there must be more to this life than what we experience on the earth. We may be here sorting or cleansing- who knows? It is baffling. If we are part of the higher power as most of the books tell us, then, we should already be pure. Why are we here in this world to be tested when it seems we have not the slightest chance at ever becoming pure enough to join the higher power from where we came? It will always be a mystery and will require blind faith. On the other hand, the thought that there is nothing more to life after death is very disappointing and hopeless to say the very least. It would mean that everything we live for is basically meaningless. I prefer to think that we will live on in spirit.
Helpful - 0
187666 tn?1331173345
I must say I'm impressed and proud of the people on this board. Faith is a delicate issue and yet you were all willing to share your thoughts. That takes trust, knowing that you can be yourself and not get slammed for it. Well done.

Bohan54 - it's OK to be yourself and have doubts. Everyone has doubts and worries at times. As for Christian vs. agnostic - we don't have to focus on that. We can share what we do have in common - our frail human condition, our hopes, fears and love for one another. That's something that really counts in our day to day life. So if you ask about mortality and doubts, everyone can relate. Thank you for bringing this up.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Good thoughts! I was raised catholic and became a non catholic in high school. I went from being atheist to agnostic to buddhist to Jewish to Wiccan back to atheist and back to agnostic. I then met my husband who showed me what being a true Christian means, it means not judging anyone for their beliefs, and being open minded and loving. Today I am blessed to be a Christian. I do not think that makes me better or worse than anyone else, it's just a part of me just like my grey eyes ( inherited from my mom). I think we all make our own journeys in our own way, as long as we are good to each other, that's all that matters! Peace and Good Kharma to you!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Bohan54,
When I first read your post I wondered what you were asking.  Your first sentence sounded to me that you may be questioning your own beliefs.  That's just the way I read it and if it is incorrect, then I'm sorry to misinterpret it.  My dad told me that my grandpa was an agnostic and it puzzled me.  We grew up going to church and assumed my dad did, too.  Not too long ago I found a picture of me as a young child on my grandpa's lap and there was a Menorah in the background on a table.  I wondered what happened to make him change his beliefs.  When he died, at age 102, I really hoped that he had resolved whatever conflict he had with God and was, at least, at peace with choices.

I am a Christian and don't consider that to be a religion.  My faith in Jesus is a relationship with Him.  My belief that God created everything also gives me peace that there is nothing  handed to me that is more than I can handle, good or bad.  He handles it for me and I have faith that He will. That doesn't mean that I won't try to take over or worry.  My human nature takes over sometimes. Still, people say it must be difficult believing in something that cannot be seen but I see God all around me and have witnessed the power of prayer numerous times in my life.

Anyway, when I say I am thinking of someone or praying for them I am praying to my Lord, Jesus Christ for them.  When someone sends me good thoughts or well wishes, I trust that they are doing whatever they believe to do this.  We are all free to have a core of some kind of faith.  It is so true that this forum is a very diverse group and it is amazingly accepting of all faiths.  I am so happy for that.

Take care and thank you for all the answers and for your question!  ((hugs))
Helpful - 0
155056 tn?1333638688
Very interesting post.  I am not a believer and have often wondered if anyone ever noticed that I never offer prayers.  I stopped believing as a child when I watched my grandfather suffering from lung cancer, I felt if there was a g-d, he would never allow someone to go through so much pain and suffering...and for him, it was not only the lung cancer but, he was from Holland, and his entire family expect for he and a brother, and by entire family, I mean, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters and parents were all annihilated, many of them suffering for years in concentration camps.  They prayed and prayed, but, their prayers were unanswered.
Karl Marx wrote (no I am not a Marxist, but, it is very thought provoking) that people created god as a higher power to aspire to.  
I have a very high level of respect for those that do believe and if they ever do chose to pray for me, well that is welcome too, to me it equates to knowing that someone cares and is thinking about me.
I remember in college I took a philosphy class and the first day the professor asked about religion and god and I said I do not believe in either, he went off on me not having a purpose in life....dropped that class the next day.
Wishing you all the best.
Love,
Pam
Helpful - 0
441690 tn?1327078843
Well my mother is catholic and I was raised as such. However during my confirmation, my father became a buddhist, after almost 20 years of study.


That being said... I am not a member of any church (my mother is and has a very strong faith).... but I am indeed a believer in the teachings of Christ.  I don't subscribe to all of humankind's impression on Christs teaching, but do love the message and try to live my life as christ-like as I can.

That being said... when my grandmother was dying of cancer, it wasn't Christianity that brought me comfort and understanding of death, it was Buddhism.  I dont  begin to understand Buddhism beyond the basics and what Ive been exposed to at home with my father.... but I found if you face mortality (of course this was others and not mine) and consider for even a second that this life on earth is in fact, "it"... then perhaps you have the oppertunity to look at it more realisticlly.

The basic teachings of Buddhism are called "The Four Noble Truths"

The Four Noble Truths

1. Life means suffering.

2. The origin of suffering is attachment.

3. The cessation of suffering is attainable.

4. The path to the cessation of suffering.

consider reading this page for a better understanding. its not all doom and gloom....  :)

http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/fourtruths.html
Helpful - 0
523728 tn?1264621521
I brought up this issue to search for other non-Christians in the forum.  I am not questioning anyone's faith or good intentions when they say they are praying for me.  I actually envy people with strong religious convictions in circumstances like ours.  Everyone says that state of mind is key to dealing with this and other serious illnesses.  I'm searching for hope.

Peace and love to you all.    
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I guess it's 'horses for courses' and what suits one person in how they accept religion or not, may not suit another. I don't interfere with what people believe in, as long as they don't try and foist it onto me, as I'm happy with who I am, and for what I believe in. I am a Christian who has always been a believer, but must admit to my faith being shaken somewhat after the sudden and unexpected death of my beautiful 27 y.o. son to an asthma attack, and then my subsequent diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer.... but I still believe.
I just want to wish everyone well.... whatever their beliefs are... none of us deserve this wretched cancer.
Hoping you are all having good days... and nights, and the sun is shining wherever you are....hugs...Helen...
Helpful - 0
225036 tn?1294509400
To me religion is very near and dear to my heart.  I am a Christian and believe in God and Jesus.  When I say I am praying for someone, I mean it literally.  I do not do this to make someone uncomfortable, I just do this because I have seen the power of prayer.  I know some of you have different beliefs and that is ok.  I just want the best for everyone here.  You are all wonderful women and I will continue to pray for you.  I mean no offense to anyone,  but this is just how I am.  I send good thoughts to all of you.  

Hugs,
Kasie
Helpful - 0
447161 tn?1262923084
This religion and beliefs thing is a great discussion.  It does make you really think hard about your own beliefs and I always find this topic extremely interesting.  It does let you get to know people better and think everyone knows already how this can be a very touchy subject so I think everyone will be very diplomatic and careful not to push their own beliefs onto anyone else...hopefully.  
When I say that I am praying for someone I mean that I am thinking of them, willing them to feel and be better, thinking of their families and honestly taking the time out of the day to send positive vibes their way.  
If you are a good person, you are a good person and kindness can be given and taken, whatever you believe.

Love and Peace...Kim
Helpful - 0
356929 tn?1246389756
On a lighter note Judie... Add taxes to the above list (making it 4 things)

Sandy
Helpful - 0
408448 tn?1286883821
To me this question has allowed us to get to know more about each other.  Marie
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My Dad told me long ago there are 3 things we can always discuss but have no control over.  Death, weather and religion. The first two I'll give him, but for me I believe there is a Super Natural being who created us. I believe in the power of prayer.  My "God" is a Catholic one, He has a Master Plan.  I may not like or understand it, but I accept it.  We all deal with this in a different way, and I respect each one. Judie :)
Helpful - 0
2
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Ovarian Cancer Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn how to spot the warning signs of this “silent killer.”
Diet and digestion have more to do with cancer prevention than you may realize
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.