Passion Party #581 - Avinu Malkeinu Part 1

One of the prayers we say during the Jewish New Year is Avinu Malkeinu.  The literal translation is "Our Father, Our King."  It is often interpreted as "Almighty and Merciful."
The metaphor is saying that God is a judging, commanding and awe-inspiring Sovereign, and at the same time is a loving, compassionate parent.

She could wipe us all out with a look in the eye, but instead chooses to guide us through our foibles with mercy and compassion.

The first question that comes to mind is: Do I believe that an "Almighty and merciful God" exists?  Do I believe that there is some one, or some force, guiding the universe and acting in some way that directly relates to this speck of dust we call "earth" and its inhabitants? Do I believe that somehow the floods, hurricanes and earthquakes we are currently experiencing have some kind of Divine cause, and somehow in all this devastation there is mercy and compassion?

Logic tells me this does not make sense.

But my belief and faith says that, yes, there is a chance that in our inter-connected universe there may be an energy guiding our better human intentions.  Between the "I am That" and the "That I am" I am somehow connected to something greater than myself.

My Sea of Faith is almost gone, but I still have hope.