Why God Isn’t a Bad Word: A Love Note Reflection

When life brings pain and suffering, can we discover innocence beneath it all? In this episode, Rhonda reads Saint Catherine’s poem "No One Will Begrudge Me" and shares a tender reflection on free will, the journey through sorrow, and how choosing to see innocence in ourselves and others sets us free.

Today, I want to share a poem that’s been close to my heart: "No One Will Begrudge Me" by Saint Catherine, a woman who believed deeply in the inherent value of every soul. We explore her questioning of suffering, her honest wrestling with why pain exists if the Divine is so near, and the powerful answer she received: that free will is a gift, and learning comes from the paths we choose.

As I read her words and invite you as I did for myself to use whatever name resonates for Spirit or Universe or God, we sit together in the wonder and ache of being human. What would it be like to practice seeing only innocence today? What changes when we trust ourselves, embrace our power, and allow ourselves and others to be unconditionally worthy?

If you’re ready to lay down self-blame and pick up compassion, this poem and reflection are here for you.

What You’ll DiscoverHow to transform the “why” of suffering into compassion for yourself and othersWhy free will is at the heart of all growth and what it really means for your powerThe difference between seeing life through the “wheel of fear” and the “wheel of freedom”That pain and innocence can exist side by side, and ultimately, nothing that causes you pain is foreverPractices to shift from judgment to curiosity and embrace radical self-trust today

Key TakeawayYou have the power to choose from your freedom, not your fear and when you see with innocence, nothing that ever caused pain holds you back.

Key Quote"In the end, nothing that ever caused one pain will exist. No one will begrudge me."

— Saint Catherine, as read by Rhonda

AND

"You have so much power because you have something called free will."

— Rhonda

ResourcesJournal Prompts:What suffering or sorrow am I ready to see through the lens of innocence?When do I trust my voice within, and when do I let fear lead?More poetry, tools, and daily encouragement at https://fearlessliving.org