This intense feeling of peace came up over me. It was quite extraordinary. I then came to terms with my bereavement.
I was widowed very suddenly. I never lost my faith I had been confirmed for 50 years but you feel that youre being tested. It took me a while to go back to church. I joined a house group first and the leader suggested that I do the Alpha Course.
I knew the church ran Alpha Courses and I thought perhaps I could explore more fully. We had some very good discussions at the supper and as the course went on, it confirmed what I already believed.
I found the session on the Holy Spirit incredibly moving. I had a very profound experience.
We had the wooden cross there. You had to write on a Post-it something that was heavy on your heart and post it on the cross. This is what I did and I experienced an extraordinary feeling of peace. Ive never felt anything like it before.
The session comes in the middle of the course and as one progresses, so you grow. I had clearly been closed and, in order to receive, you have to be open.
The day after, I was driving in my car and this intense feeling of peace came up over me. It was quite extraordinary. I then came to terms with my bereavement.
I now feel so positive about life and faith.
/ About the author
Barbara has been a Christian 50 years and went on an Alpha course near Bristol.