Per wikipedia the modern version of the dictionary, the word “healing” is defined as the process of the restoration of health to an unbalanced, diseased or damaged organism. The healing may be psychological or physiological and not without mutual reception of these two dimensions of human health. The thesaurus also provides descriptive synonyms such as: curative, therapeutic, medicinal, remedial and corrective. All of which are well meaning definitions for the word. But, as I read through the long list of distinct elements of speech, there is one word which appears to be missing in this list and that is spiritual.
In my mind, the art of healing can not be completed unless the spirit is enlightened or restored. This restoration can come in many forms. For some, it is the power of prayer and asking God for His divine intervention. For others, it may be yoga, jogging, weight training or some other form of athletics. Yet others, find the peaceful repose of meditation and in chanting their mantras of choice. Each of us is unique in design and the way in which we express ourselves binds us to that very enrichment of our beings. For me, the healing of body, mind and soul has been slow in coming. These past years have brought me to call upon all too many doctors and reaching for all too many medications and supplements to heal my aching body and weary mind. Yet, with all of the physicians and all of the medicines and integrative therapies I have used, the complete healing has been remiss.
However, some healing came in these past few days and in a most unexpected manner. After the Associated Press ran an article about my book, “In The Shadow Of A Badge / A Spiritual Memoir”, I began to receive innumerable messages from folks across this great country and from afar. In a period of three days time, I was presented with over 1,200 messages. These notes came from individuals who had read or heard about my story of an angelic visitation at the Flight 93 crash site on 9/11.
As I opened the first of the many e-mails received, I began to feel a heavy burden lift from my shoulders. My being seemed to feel a bit lighter and I found myself smiling at the words written. With each note read, the sentiment of the words were felt. My emotions took hold and I found myself smiling, laughing and crying at times as well. The stories shared were heart-warming and spoke to the core of my spirit. The tales of illness and healing, of near death experiences and seeing the light, the sharing of angelic visits or of hearing the voice of God all touched me in a way I had not thought possible. With each, I began to see a pattern emerge from the text of the message composed. The kind words and well-wishes sent by the wonderful individuals who took the time to write overwhelmed me and my emotions were overcome with great joy. Their willingness to share their own tales of woe and victory lifted my burden and reconnected me to my humanity. And I realized, I was not alone in my plight or in my triumph.
When I first set out to write this book, I did so to promote healing. Initially, it was at the suggestion of my doctor and a process to help heal myself through journaling. But over time, I realized the story of God’s presence and His angels sent would bring a solace upon all of those in need. It might help those who lost their loved ones, those who responded, those suffering from the affects of PTSD and those who were left scarred by all which transpired in the buildings and on a landfill lost among the rural landscape of a desolate field. Yet, I didn’t realize at the time, many of us were impacted by horrific events of that September day and by the every day events in our lives. Just like the parables of the Bible or of the great books read and shared, I’d hoped my tiny contribution to the written word would inspire and provide an outlet of healing as well. Not only for me, but for all of those in need of restoring themselves to a healthy balance.
Yet in the onset of the funneling of all of the messages received, I realized a healing had indeed come. It came in the form of an understanding by those who believe. It came in the form of the prayers and good intentions for health to be restored. It came in the sharing of the stories of loss and love. And, in the tales of celestial beings who arrived in a time of need and to carry loved ones home to their place of rest. In the sharing of these countless stories a healing came to pass, not so much in the conventional context, but more importantly in the spiritual sense. This awakening brought about the knowledge that I was not alone. For there are the many who too are aware, who trust and who believe.
A special note of “thanks” to all of the wonderful individuals who took the time to send me a message, their stories and their healing words. The old adage regarding the kindness of strangers does truly apply. For through the caring manner of many I do not know, came the powerful words of healing which has allowed for my spirit to once again soar.
“Healing Visitation of Earth’s Inner Spirit”
Artist: Jacquelyn Gordon
