But it needs to be said. We as humans crave our identities. 

We identify with a sports team. We identify with a gender. We identify as a failure or a success or some other label. 

Some people identify as religious, others as atheists. 

Some people who claim to love God and have a deep connection with Him still end up doing horrible things to others, while some people who have no religious teachings to guide them on what is right or wrong are still compassionate, helpful and caring human beings.

Some people look at it as spiritual warfare - you’re either with us or against us. 

This is true for both sides. Some will kill for their beliefs and others aren't willing to even opening their minds to all possibilities, because they’ve seen those who believe kill. 

Heady stuff, I know, but sometimes we have to hit reality head on if we don’t want to be run over by it. 

The word "God" has become emotionally-charged. 

When most people hear this word, they have a knee jerk reaction to it, and an automatic process that makes them instantly feel a certain way upon hearing this word. 

But what are words? They try to, as best as possible, represent ideas and concepts. Words are inexact. They’re fuzzy. They change in meaning from region to region. Sometimes words become opposites of themselves. ("Literally" is currently most used figuratively. Go figure!) 

A higher power is an interesting alternative phrase to consider. 

It attempts to sidestep the ideological and political load that the word God represents for some people. When it was a novel phrase, it may have worked.

 Currently, it brings its own load into a conversation. 

I bring this up because I’ve recently been asked to consider the word connection instead to try on and see how it makes me feel.

Do you feel connected? Connected to yourself? Connected to others? Connected to nature? Connected to the world at large? Connected to something greater than yourself? 

I’ve seen well-intentioned church folks pray every Sunday and still feel disconnected. And I’ve seen sinners become saint-like when they became more connected. Is connection spiritual energy?

It’s hard to say. But if you are seeking deeper connections, I think you should try this:

Join the Challenge

First, it’s zero dollars. No trials, no upsells upon sign up, just value. It’s called the UNITE Challenge, and unlike a book or a video, this is interactive and built upon the premise that a community coming together is more powerful than a collection of disjointed individuals ever could be. 

Second, we deep dive into other highly-charged areas of life… like "money." 

We attempt to lead and examine without judgement for true insight that can make you better. Part of the Unite Challenge is the better you feel about yourself, the better you can help others feel better. 

Third, the timing is perfect for this. 

The world is uniquely disconnected to an unprecedented extent. There are a lot of tragedies underway, but there are also a lot of heroes in the making. 

I have no idea how or what this can do in your particular case, but I feel like there is something that will make it all worthwhile.

Join the Challenge

The downside is that, since it’s live and interactive, once the challenge gets underway, you may be left behind. I hope to see you inside.

Jim Green