CEBU, Philippines - If you have the chance to talk to God, what would you say?
Would you be bombarding him with requests, asking for things that you need and want? Or would you rather listen to what He has to say, longing for His company?
In his most recent book, In God's Heart, Anthony Strano explored his relationship with God, written in the style of the Book of Job. Although with Job, the conversation was not directly with God but with his friends as they discussed the tragedies that befell Job.
Written as a didactic poem in prose form, In God's Heart is a conversation between a seeker and God, as the seeker tries to understand his role in the elaborate play authored by the Divine.
This unique style takes the readers on a journey towards self-discovery, encouraging them to explore their personal relationship with God as they go through each chapter. Each passage inspires reflection, and allows readers to come up with realizations that would surely deepen their relationship with God.
The book explores eighteen different topics, each topic introduced by an account from God, as He tries to explain the mysteries that surround His existence, His relationship with His children, and His plans in establishing a new garden.
The seeker then responds, reflecting on the words of the Divine, trying to reconcile the conflicts that raged within him. Conflicts fueled by his biases and his disappointments. The seeker knows deep in his heart that what God is telling him is the truth yet, his fears fuel his doubts. In the end, his realizations allow him to accept the truth.
One of my favorite passages was when God revealed to the seeker that He is the eternal healer, saying:
"The whole world is diseased.
I am the One who liberates you
from all types of sorrow and illness.
I am the Doctor who never becomes sick.
One medicine is given,
just one:
Remember Me.
Do you know how to be healed?
Do you Remember Me?"
Such a statement, wherein God asks if we remember Him, came so powerfully on me as I was reminded of how I take my relationship with God for granted, remembering Him only in times of sorrow and despair, in times of sickness, and forgetting Him in times of happiness and good health.
The seeker responds:
"I am practicing this remembrance as best I can,
as I think you know.
When I manage to be in the heart of remembrance,
I am absorbed in Your being,
and I feel a current of loving Light.
It resurrects me out of a deep amnesia.
There is light in me,
and I can see.
I see and feel clearly
a state of original completeness:
no needs, no fears, no wants.
I feel healed."
A truly powerful book, In God's Heart reveals secrets that when meditated upon would bring light to many questions hanging over every spiritual seeker's head.
Coupled with Sigrun Olsen's powerful illustrations, In God's Heart makes for a very beautiful reflection book that would guide every seeker on their journey towards enlightenment and self-discovery.
The beautiful layout and illustrations together with the simple words used, makes the book a light read, fit for seekers aged 9 to 90.
The book is published by OM ehf together with Lotus House, the Brahma Kumaris Center in Iceland. Although available globally, in the Philippines the book can only be purchased through the Brahma Kumaris or by emailing its publishers at om@lotushus.is.
The author, Anthony Strano, will be in Cebu on April 25 to engage Cebuanos in a fun and reflective conversation. Although the event is free, the limitations of the venue only allow a certain number of guests. For this reason, those who are interested to attend the event can give Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center Cebu a visit or a call (Phone: 035-254-5975) for invites. Inquiries can also be made through the center's Facebook page (facebook.com/bkcebu). (FREEMAN)