How to Talk About Spiritual Experiences Without Fear

What an interesting topic! I actually don’t believe I am very good at this. I’ve been having spiritual experiences for a long time, 37 years to be exact. I did not tell anyone about them, except for my mother and my two children, as they became older. I hid my spiritual experiences from my family and friends as I believed I would be judged as unwell, because these experiences were unbelievable and bazaar and I was afraid others would think I was crazy. Afterall, I worked as a mental health therapist for 44 years. Many people brought in problems that would be considered normal, by definition. I also had many people who were dealing with huge issues that prevented them from experiencing good mental health. In my profession, it is of concern when others hear voices or see things that are not there. However, that is exactly what happened to me.

I am not without fear. To this day, I measure what I am going to say about this topic. I don’t want others to think I know it all. These were my experiences, yes, but I’m not an expert on spiritual experiences, spirituality, or religion. I’ve never taken any coursework on these topics. I’ve never read the entire Bible, and I don’t have friends who have religion majors or are experts on this topic at a state or national level. I am a very ordinary woman, and, most of all, I don’t know why God would choose me to have these experiences. But I definitely felt led to write about them at the time I experienced them, and years later, I felt led to write a book about them, which I have now done. I do believe God speaks to His children; we must have spiritual eyes to see and spiritual ears to hear His wonders and mysteries. 

I do believe anyone who has studied God’s word (the Bible), or anyone who is faithful in church attendance, Bible Studies, Church Groups, Prayer Groups, where people have committed their time and talents to the study of God/Jesus/Holy Spirit, is more qualified than I. Instructors, teachers, priests, and pastors are considered more qualified than I am to speak about these topics. My knowledge of my experiences is all I’ve got! Perhaps it helps that I feel old enough now to share my truths, regardless of what anyone else thinks of me. I no longer feel the need to prove that I’m qualified to write these words. Living this life has become qualification enough. I do know this– Jesus desires for His children to seek Him. Let yourself search for Jesus, let yourself drink in the Word of God. He is for you and wants to speak to you. Ask for His help in reading and understanding what He teaches us in the Bible. Reach out to a Priest or Pastor to talk with about your questions, thoughts, hopes and your spiritual life.

I’m no expert, but I will no longer remain quiet. 

Blessings to you and may you have more courage than I had.

~Kristin