There for a Reason

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There for a Reason

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Published: December 31, 2011

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Visitor Comments: 22

(19) suzy baim, February 16, 2012 6:55 AM

It's fascinating sometimes when we find out what the reason is why you are in a certain place, and look back in amazement how things come together

(18) Anonymous, January 30, 2012 11:43 AM

God's reason my bipolar disorder

I have had bipolar disorder for 26 years. The main symptom is severe depression. I have treatment resistance disease for which I take several medications plus undergo Electroconvulsive Treatment (ECT). I was engaged to a wonderful woman, but my bipolar disorder kept me from holding up end of the relationship. I've also been in a relationship with a woman who also was bipolar. Everything was fine until she stopped taking her meds, and committed suicide. What is His purpose in my being bipolar? I can't believe it is just to be sick for the rest of my life or to give some medical personnel a job. Is it possible that it is so people, especially my family and friends, can develop their concern and love? To show others with a mental illness that their lives can be almost normal? My life is in His hands, now and forever. Bless the LORD our God.

Mark, March 14, 2012 1:57 AM

We expect to know who we have affected

Hello, friend. It is a human condition for us to want to know who we have helped through our sufferings; it gives us shallow, narcissistic meaning and depth to our own life. But what if you knew everyone you directly and indirectly affected - not just personally, but in general? Would you expect there to be an end to the ripple effect for which you have caused (good or bad)? Would you truly want to know your reason for being here? Would you be able to fulfill such a weighty role if you did know? Sometimes, what we feel would be good to know, can indeed be devastating to others. Imagine you did know why you are here, and you made conscious decisions to alter your reason for being, or held back your reason for being from someone you felt didn't deserve it...you would then be consciously deciding whether or not you should be helping others or not with such gifts. You would then be God-like, toying with God's Plan. By waking each day, and interacting with the world around you, just as you were born - problems and all, is precisely where you should be. Just be you. Right here. Right now. There is rarely an end to one's affect upon the others and the world as a whole, so enjoy being you, enjoy the affects from OTHER people's ripples that have an effect on YOUR life, and know that being you is exactly the best you can do for others. God has you where God wants you, and God's love for you will never cease, just as you should never withhold your love for God and humanity. God has a Plan. What's yours? -- Mark

(17) Anonymous, January 29, 2012 5:22 PM

Lori,

Lori, thank you so much for making these videos! They are all so inspiring! I grew up in a not-so-religious household, and I am really only starting to explore my judaism background, and what can I say, you're videos are incredible. Thank you!

(16) Anonymous, January 8, 2012 4:32 AM

Thank you!

I have felt frustrated often lately, and as though I am wasting my time. I was told to reexamine my attitude. Your message is perfect and timely. You're right; I'm not wasting my time. I am where I am supposed to be, as G-d wants it to be. Thank you.

(15) Michael Deverett, January 6, 2012 7:47 PM

Thank you for sharing

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences on a weekly basis. May HASHEM bless you and all others with the best that life has to offer.

(14) nancy, January 5, 2012 9:34 PM

Inspiring thought!

A very inspiring thought...the next time I start to kvetch about some perceived "road block", I will remember your words of wisdom.

(13) Anonymous, January 4, 2012 12:28 AM

one of the most amazing things I've ever heard!

Thanks sooo much for the inspiration!!!!! Keep it up!

(12) Anonymous, January 3, 2012 9:09 PM

I AGREE TOTALLY!

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL STORY!!!! I GOT THE CHILLS WHEN SHE SAID THEY WERE GETTING ENGAGED!! There was a famous story about a girl whose flight was cancelled and desperately needed to find a place to stay for Shabbat. She was in an unfamiliar city, and got in touch with Dr. Rabbi Abraham Twersky, whose books are world famous , who happened to be living in the very city she was in, and whose book she happened to have with her. She could not imagine that her future husband would be sitting at the very same Shabbat table!! We could even take this a step further. If something stops you from doing what you want, like you are about the leave the house and the phone rings, or you have a flat tire, NEVER BLAME PEOPLE for these things. 1) you will avoid fights which are worthless, because it is g-d who is doing it 2) tell yourself immediately "what could be the reason I am delayed?" many times the answer presents itself spectacularly!

(11) D.Katz, January 3, 2012 7:38 PM

Thank you for your encouragement

I love what you have to say and appreciate you taking the time to say it, despite not knowing how many you might be reaching. I was greatly encouraged today. Thank you for sharing. I also was struck by the fact that others didn't understand all the 'dating'. Understandably, after waiting all that time to find the right one, I am sure they wanted to be absolutely confident they were making the right choice. To me, this was obviously the reason they had waited all those years to begin with. God bless you and encourage you to keep up the good work. I have also wondered why I am here many times. So thanks for the insight.

(10) Miriam, January 3, 2012 2:51 PM

Love it!

Thank you!

(9) Buba, January 3, 2012 1:47 PM

So true!

Thank you for your message. I was just lamenting, as president of the local chapter of the largest women's zionist organization, that we have fantastic programming that hardly anyone attends. Why bother? Your insight helped me realize that we never know who will be touched, helped, saved, educated by our meetings, so we must continue to make them as meaningful as possible. And rather than complain about poor turnout, be thankful for those who came. Keep up the good work, you're the reason I subscribe to Aish!

(8) Anonymous, January 3, 2012 1:32 PM

Lovely

I am so happy for you that you were able to make this shidduch, Baruch Hashem. However, I was a little taken aback by your description of the progress of the Shidduch. "Dating and dating and dating" is not appropriate for a couple who are meeting for marriage. I live in Israel and short courtships and engagements are very much encouraged here. May Hashem continue to send many more opportunities to do Mitzvot.

Melissa, January 3, 2012 11:46 PM

thanks for your candid discussion of how a trusting courtship should go. The community plays an important role in this - but what is a great system in Israel isn't so easy in the diaspora. The issues never change, just the faces & the places: good community is vital & so it a true heart!!

(7) Keren, January 2, 2012 11:17 PM

Left me smiling!

LOVED this. Lori, you were simply sparkling; you're a true shadchan. Seriously, an encouraging message.

(6) lisa, January 2, 2012 2:16 AM

Why did you think you were in a "situation?"

The Jewish nation started with just 12 tribes.....12 is not such a big number....but its the quality, not the quantity!! And making a sidduch only takes one other person.....good for you for not letting the 17 people down who came to hear you...if you would come to my city 17 would be considered a crowd!! Yasher Koach on the match you made!! Ken Yirbu!!

Anonymous, January 3, 2012 7:40 PM

God started with ONE

The Jewish nation did not begin with 12, it began with one who was willing to be used by God, Abraham, who had the audacity to believe God for a son from a barren, past the time of life, wife. To me, ONE was the miracle, not 12!

(5) L.S., January 2, 2012 1:44 AM

Thank you!

Lori--thank you so, so much for posting this! I really needed to hear this as just recently, I was having an existential crisis about "why am I here? Am I just wasting time and space?" and this video just gave me strength and renewed energy. This is a wonderful message for all to hear! Oh--and mazal tov to the couple who is getting married!! May you merit much mazal for making this shidduch!!

(4) Dafna, January 1, 2012 6:48 PM

Beautiful! Wish the couple a Mazel tov! As far as calling her a "woman" or "girl," I go out with "the girls" all the time.....and they are all old enough to have children of their own.

(3) ellen, January 1, 2012 5:43 PM

17 p eople?

Your gift of brevity, of being concise, is amazing you give over such wonderful lessons, give such great chizuk that when I want to grab somethng important and and i can say that at least I got a little learning done for the day just in case I don't get to learn later, you fit the bill beautifully. I attend a YI that has a very small congregation. We have had many speakers and we always hold our breath because we don't know what the crowd size will be. It usually turns out to be 20 give or take and that 's with inviting a local YI. We feel like we're in galus to begin with and are always honored and grateful that some prominent people have accepted our invitation to speak. I would have thought that being in kiruv you would see 17 people as someplace else's 100 people. I am saying this to you with the utmost respect so please accept it as such. Thank you. Be well.

(2) Anonymous, January 1, 2012 4:24 PM

Thanks for sharing that!

(1) Anonymous, January 1, 2012 1:30 PM

A woman, not a *girl*

Lori, I always enjoy your videos - you do a great job. My comment regarding this one is that a female is no longer a *girl* after a certain age. You certainly would not have called the man/guy you met at your talk a *boy*. It would have been more acceptable to call your female friend in New York a *woman*.

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About the Author

Mrs. Lori Palatnik

Lori Palatnik is an author and Jewish educator who has appeared on television and radio and has lectured on five continents, illuminating traditional practices and life-styles for our contemporary world. She and her husband, Rabbi Yaakov Palatnik, live in Washington, DC, where she is Executive Director of the Jewish Women's Renaissance Project. Lori is the author of "Friday Night and Beyond—The Shabbat Experience Step-by-Step"; "Remember My Soul", which explains the Jewish concepts of soul and the afterlife and a guide to anyone who has ever lost a loved one; and "Gossip—Ten Pathways to Eliminate It From Your Life and Transform Your Soul", featured on "Dr. Laura" and FoxNews.com.