Life can make you crazy...seriously!
We think we can plan and control things, but in the end...
So...on that note, I’d like to announce...(drumroll please...) that my family is once again moving.
Yes it's true.
I have always wanted to move to Florida. Only, not in the way that it all went down. Which is a story I may or may not tell, at some time far off in the future. The point being, as I often like to say, be careful what you wish for because you just might get it...sometimes in ways that even the most imaginative could have never dreamed, and for sure would have never wished for.
I have always wanted to move to Florida. Only, not in the way that it all went down. Which is a story I may or may not tell, at some time far off in the future. The point being, as I often like to say, be careful what you wish for because you just might get it...sometimes in ways that even the most imaginative could have never dreamed, and for sure would have never wished for.
But, hey, it's all good, and I'm not special. Life is full of surprises for everyone. Life can sometimes be like a terrifying roller coaster! So how do we deal with it all?
Well, for a while I dealt with stuff through righteous indignation, anger, sadness, and a lot of naps. But I don't really think that’s the answer, and it definitely isn’t the way to, as I like to tout, “live your best life.”
So instead of being angry at G-d, I decided to go a different route and work on my relationship with Him. Because ultimately, that’s why He gives us challenges in the first place. And anyway, the other way just doesn’t make your life better.
Then one day, I was talking to my daughter Aleeza, and I shared with her that I was having some major issues with emunah, and she said, "Why don't you talk to our rabbi, Rabbi Marcus?" So I did. And he told me that the reason we cover our eyes when we say Shemah is because, even though it often feels like Hashem is not with us, and that He's hidden and lost from our view, He is, in fact, always right there next to us, with us, and within us.
Now isn’t that better than going crazy all alone, and feeling like we’re losing our minds from the circumstances of life we cannot control?
I always knew the prayer of Shemah was the most important prayer for a Jew. But I never really felt it until recently. And then, on this past Shavuos night, Rabbi Marcus once again spoke about a Jew’s first and last prayer: Shemah. And this time the message was all about LOVE. And you guys know I’m all about that!
A little more than a month ago, I received a beautiful gift from a woman who sells Mezuzah covers created artfully out of various marbles and stones. And at the time, I did not yet know how I would share this gift on my blog. But then it all came together. The Mezuzah is an encasement that holds a piece of parchment inscribed with the precious, perfect words of Shemah, and is placed on every doorway in a Jewish home for protection.
Order this Mezuzah Cover HERE
Only, in the Jewish religion we don’t believe in omens, or that objects hold any power. We believe, as it says in Shemah, that G-d is one, and only He holds all the power. So how in the world does a mezuzah have protective powers?
And now I get it, I really do. Every time we walk past our doorways, and we kiss the mezuzah, maybe we'll remember that G-d is right there, always and forever, even if we don’t feel or see Him, giving us love and encouragement at every moment. Maybe we'll feel a little less crazy, a little more loving, and lot more at ease because we'll understand our challenges come from a place of pure LOVE. And that, my friends...that feeling of security, closeness, and endearment that we take in, and then in turn give out to our family and friends, is what will protect us and bring blessings into our homes...no matter where our homes may be.
With loads of love and faith,
Sharon
PS Florida people...hit me up! I'd love to hear from you <3 Email me at ask.fashionisha@gmail.com
PS Florida people...hit me up! I'd love to hear from you <3 Email me at ask.fashionisha@gmail.com
2 comments
Love this post. I am not Jewish Sharon (I am Catholic), but do you think I would still get a lot from reading the book you recommend, or do you have to fully understand the Jewish faith? Would love to know what you think.
ReplyDeleteAlso, can't believe you are off to the other side of your country. It seems that just a few months ago you were in NY? All exciting stuff!!
Thank you for sharing! Just what I needed to read today!
ReplyDelete- a fan living down under