Strength Through Forgiveness

photo from Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #192

“I have a function God would have me fill.”

Forgiveness is the function I am to fill. How often have you heard it said that we must remember some horrendous event, that we must never forget? Throughout the ages, we've heard these words (or something similar) so often that we think there is a mandate telling us that this is the way to handle our hurt. From the Holocaust to 9/11, these words resound over and over in memory. By releasing this type of fear and hatred and disgust, we clear the way for something else to appear: the reality of our Being, the wholeness of this Life, the beauty of Love. This is not a weakness, but the ultimate strength. Today I want to build on this until it overtakes me. I want to know Truth until illusion is pushed away. In mercy I find freedom.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Not to avenge one's self upon one's enemies is the command of almighty wisdom; and we take this to be a safer guide than the promptings of human nature. To know that a deception dark as it is base has been practiced upon thee, and yet not to avenge thyself, is to do good to thyself; is to take a new standpoint whence to look upward; is to be calm amid excitement, just amid lawlessness, and pure amid corruption."

Miscellaneous Writings Page 228

March 3, 2015 - Letting Go of Illusion is My Function

"Downtown Eureka Springs"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #62:

"Forgiveness is my function as the light of the world."

I am so glad to see this reminder of forgiveness as my function! The last two years I have been on the board of an organization in our tourist-oriented town. Even though I am no longer affiliated with this great group of people, I have the utmost respect and admiration for them. Recently the Director has come under attack for taking what is being interpreted as a biased position against gay people. He has been fired and a number of his associates have resigned for various reasons — some in support of him and others because they don’t want anything to do with a prejudiced organization. It would be easy to take sides in this situation. I could easily fall into discussions on chat boards which are buzzing with these happenings. I have always made an effort to refrain from strong opinions, as having them precludes seeing things without prejudice. In today’s topic, I am happy to see the reminder to hold thought to the purity of non-judgment, thereby allowing my mind to be guided by Mind when responding to conflict. Thinking of forgiveness as letting go of illusions helps me to see everyone with the vision of divine Love, freeing me from apportioning blame and feeling guilt. Namastè ~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "Imperfect mortals grasp the ultimate of spiritual perfection slowly; but to begin aright and to continue the strife of demonstrating the great problem of being, is doing much."

Science & Health Page 254:12-15

Julyl 11, 2014 - Forgiveness is the Avenger

ACIM Workbook Lesson #192

“I have a function God would have me fill.”

This function I am to fill is forgiveness. How often have you heard it said that we must remember some horrendous event, that we must never forget? Throughout the ages, we've heard these words (or something similar) so often that we think there is a mandate telling us that this is the way to handle our hurt. From the Holocaust to 9/11, these words resound over and over in memory. By releasing this type of fear and hatred and disgust, we clear the way for something else to appear: the reality of our Being, the wholeness of this Life, the beauty of Love. This is not a weakness, but the ultimate strength. Today I want to build on this until it overtakes me. I want to know Truth until illusion is pushed away. In mercy I find freedom. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Not to avenge one's self upon one's enemies is the command of almighty wisdom; and we take this to be a safer guide than the promptings of human nature. To know that a deception dark as it is base has been practiced upon thee, and yet not to avenge thyself, is to do good to thyself; is to take a new standpoint whence to look upward; is to be calm amid excitement, just amid lawlessness, and pure amid corruption."

Miscellaneous Writings Page 228

March 3, 2013 - My Function as Light

"Zion National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #62:

"Forgiveness is my function as the light of the world."

Seeing illusions for what they are and letting them go is my function as the light of the world. Through this sight we are enabled to live a life of peace and joy. In the realization that none of these so-called threats are reality, something happens to us which we never thought possible: We experience true bliss. Not just a momentary high, but a lasting peace. I'm sure we all know people who seem to go from one disaster to another. And they delight in telling everyone the gory details! If nothing horrible is happening to them at that moment, they are anticipating what will befall them next. I know such a woman who lives in a constant state of panic. She will tell me what diseases are coming our way, how the government (both small and huge) is plotting to do us in, the weather is either too hot or cold (or it's going to be awful soon) -- You've met her, haven't you? Of course she wants sympathy and feels slighted if you won't give it to her. At a time when the electricity in our neighborhood was out for a few hours, she came over wringing her hands, telling me there was going to be a storm in the evening and asking me what we would do if the lights weren't back on when this happened. I suggested that the lightning would be delightful in our darkened homes and asked if she wanted to watch the show with me. Every possible horror she came up with was easily seen through as illusion, leaving nothing but peace passing between us. This forgiveness, this lifting of the veil of materialism, is not only possible, it is inevitable when seeing with the eyes of Love. I look forward to the time when everyone looks to solutions rather than problems!

Mary Baker Eddy has a spiritual interpretation for the Lord's prayer. Her correlation for the line, "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" is this: "For Love is reflected in love."

Science & Health Page 17:7