Author

Most about me pages inform the reader of educational experiences, careers and accomplishments. This is all important, but prior to telling you those things about my life, I'm willing to tell you the real story--the story about me.

I had my first peak experience when I was three years old. I landed in a Catholic orphanage with six of my ten biological sisters. It was Christmas time. There was a small chapel down the hall on the first floor. It was full of fragrances: pine from the live Christmas trees and incense burning. It was full of song: the angelic nuns singing praises to the newborn baby--the Christ. It was full of energy as if angels were hovering above, wings spread, comforting and protecting us. At that moment, I couldn't feel any separation between myself, my surroundings nor my newborn brother, the Christ Child. 

I was an adult before I had my next peak experience, that feeling of being at one with all of creation. Who can explain the comfort and joy such an encounter brings with it? I certainly can't. But, I know it all exists, the realm of God: angels, saints and holy encounters. 

Still, I struggled with my faith. I was raised Catholic but unfortunately grew up in an abusive Catholic foster family. Some of my sisters were abused by the priests that visited the Catholic orphanage. I felt angry and I abandoned all of it. I kept asking myself the same question that many have asked themselves. How could God let such things happen to the little children?  

It's taken a lifetime for me to come to terms with that question, and while I can't give you an answer, I can share with you the blessings I now know I have received from growing up in such a manner. I can tell you about the intuitive gifts I have received because of my past and the compassion I have gained for those who suffer and seek comfort.

Isn't that what it's all about? 

Throughout my struggles I was blessed to have wonderful therapists and cohorts enter my life and aid my healing. During it all, I came face-to-face with the reality of God and miracles, triggering within me a thirst and hunger to reconnect with my spirituality. 

Though delayed, I entered college as an adult, and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Human Behavior and Social Sciences. After that, I pursued a Masters in Family Psychology with a focus on child abuse. Following that, I studied to obtain my ordination and became a Ministerial Counselor.  

I spent the next 20 plus years counseling families and working with abused children. I served all religions, creeds and cultures and can honestly say that I never worked with a client that didn't teach me something spectacular--that didn't expand my understanding and connection with God.

Now, I am enjoying my journey with God, in spite of the havoc we are experiencing in the world. But we are not to take this journey alone. There is strength in numbers, strength in prayer and strength in faith.

 
I have spent the better part of 15 years writing a memoir about my life and that of my ten sisters. If you would like to learn more about my upcoming book, please visit my memoir page.

If you have read this far, I thank you and I humbly invite you to join me on my constant journey toward growth and healing.  I hope you find comfort, joy and inspiration in a way that encourages you to ignite your life, maintain hope and keep the faith!

Trust the process. Everything you experience can be used for good.

Barbara Lane