I was raised as a Christian and attended a Baptist Church. During high school I stopped going to church regularly. Today I don’t practice Christianity or any particular religion. I do daily personal spiritual practice, which involves elements of many religions including Christianity.
I can see now that I was always searching. During the 1960’s I went to the Catholic Church. In the mid 1970’s I was a member of a New Age community. Sometime during the next two decades I attended a Spiritualist Church, became an Alliance of Divine Love (ADL) minister, and attended the Church of Religious Science. I also studied the Edgar Cayce teachings and those of the Ascended Masters, along with the teachings of other religions. I earned my Doctor of Divinity in 2007.
I consider myself to be both religious and spiritual. I can attend religious services and appreciate the energy of devotion while maintaining my own daily personal spiritual practice. My current practice includes prayer and meditation, the nature of which varies from time to time. I talk to the Divine quite often, always expressing gratitude. I read spiritual material daily and journal. I do inspirational writing as the Spirit moves me and try to be mindful of my inner voice and follow Its promptings.
I was four years old when I had my first mystical experience. Just before I went to sleep I saw three women dressed in what I know now were Dutch costumes. One was holding a rolling pin and another held a frying pan. They surrounded and blocked a huge bear that was trying to get into my room. The colors were vibrant and glowing, like nothing I’d ever seen. I cried out for my mother. She stayed with me until I stopped shaking and fell asleep.
Just two years later I was playing in the backyard and heard someone call my name. I didn’t recognize the voice. Since our only neighbors were away, I assumed it was my mother. When I called out to Mom she didn’t answer, and the voice spoke again. When I ran into the house Mom said she had not called me. My mother later told me that, with the innocence of a child, I just said "OK--it must have been God." The voice had an ethereal quality. I’ve heard that audible voice several times since.
I’ve had many mystical moments throughout my life. My mother was extremely intuitive and also had mystical experiences during her lifetime, which she shared with me. Throughout my adult life I saw metaphysical events as natural occurrences.
A few years ago I attended a silent contemplative weekend retreat at the Cenacle Spiritual Life Center. The focus of the program was the first 12 stanzas of the Spiritual Canticle by the Mystic, St. John of the Cross. It was a powerful weekend. On the last day while the teacher was speaking, a brilliant gold and white Light suddenly formed across the front of the room and surrounded the nun. It glowed like the sun, and I lost the sound of her voice as I watched her fade into the Light. For me, it was as if time stood still. When the light faded and her voice returned, it was several minutes before I became fully present to the class. As we prepared to leave and say our goodbyes, I shared the incident. Her response was one of complete joy.
I’ve written about many other mystical experiences in my books. They have changed me in ways that are difficult to describe. I’ve come to look at the world with a different eye. What I used to believe was so important for me to do or accomplish is not so pressing any more. Any plans that I make are with the knowledge that they may change. I feel that being open to what the Universe is calling me to is much more important than what I want. This path is certainly not an easy one to travel, but I accept it with gratitude.
I do want to make one thing clear. Having visions or hearing voices does not make one person more spiritual than another. All of us have that inner voice. It is unlimited, but if we are constantly thinking we miss the prompts. Spirit speaks to each of us in different ways, but not through a closed heart. By reducing the mind clutter with Daily Prayer and Meditation we open our hearts to receive. It is the greatest gift you can give to yourself and to your Source. I have never lost the awe of these experiences. Somehow I know I never will.
Written for you with Love,
Rev. Dr. Barbara Rasp
I come to you in the darkest night.
I light your way in the sunlight bright.
I hold you gently as you make your way.
I kiss your cheek in the winds of today.
I fill your heart with the greatest love.
I send you blessings on the wings of a dove.
I long for you to hear my voice.
Dear child of God, It is your choice.
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