Lifting the Veil of Material Belief

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Lesson #117

Review of: #103 "God, being Love, is also happiness." #104 "I seek but what belongs to me in truth."

At a gathering of women, talk centered around how stereotypes of people have changed over the years, what keeps these generalizations alive, and what we really, truly think about such things. While the conversation was stimulating and fun for all involved, we were looking at this from an entirely matter-based standpoint. No mention or thought was given to the reality of our Being and the fact that there truly is no difference in any of us. Our race, nationality, teachings, are said to combine to make us who we are. We supposedly have differences which are sometimes irreconcilable with others of our species. In our study of metaphysical realities, we are eager to let go of these beliefs which keep us shackled to thought which is stagnant. Living every moment in Love precludes thinking of others as different. Although it seems impossible that we could all live in this way, doing no harm to anyone or anything, always expressing our perfection as a reflection of God, it is not. This possibility is an actuality in the reality of our Being, which we're seeing more clearly every day. Love and happiness are our realities, and this Truth is seen clearly when the veil of material belief is lifted.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“...God is Love, and without Love, God, immortality cannot appear. Mortals try to believe without understanding Truth; yet God is Truth.”

Science & Health Page 312:16-19

Rectifying the Past

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #116 Review of: #101 "God's Will for me is perfect happiness."

#102 "I share God's Will for happiness for me."

Yesterday I related a situation which was happening with my neighbor, in which I felt attacked by his words. I decided to listen for understanding rather than simply responding in the way I was tempted to do. After numerous emails, we have ended the day with a relatively calm truce in which I believe we both understand each other better. We all want happiness, safety, health, and good friends. We would all like to have our opinions respected. Many of us have many regrets from the past, and we feel trapped by the magnitude of some memories. Although we cannot change our past, I’m pretty sure what we do in the present rectifies the past and changed the future. Let’s all live in the moment, doing our very best in every situation, right here and now, and see what happens next!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Upon this stage of existence goes on the dance of mortal mind. Mortal thoughts chase one another like snowflakes, and drift to the ground. Science reveals Life as not being at the mercy of death, nor will Science admit that happiness is ever the sport of circumstance." Science & Health Page 250:28-1

Listening For Understanding

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #115 Review of:  #99 "Salvation is my only function here." #100 "My part is essential to God's plan for salvation."

It’s very easy for me to say that I am going to see the innocence in my fellow beings, that I shall not condemn actions or words which bombard me, that I will recognize my essential part in this universe. But then, I find myself in a situation where I’m insistent on being right about something, and all my good intentions are laid aside in the pursuit of this goal. I’ve written numerous times in the past about the continuing saga of my neighbor and his vendetta against the turkey vultures which live in our woods. The issue has been raised once again, in a way I deem to be even more bizarre than ever before. It would be easy to dismiss his words as nonsensical ravings, but I truly want to look at the feelings behind them. My quest for listening to others with the intent of understanding rather than responding will not allow me to dismiss him so easily. Following the guidance of divine Mind, I will endeavor this day to listen, not just to others, but to the still, small voice inside, allowing my heart to lead my actions.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Society is a foolish juror, listening only to one side of the case. Justice often comes too late to secure a verdict. People with mental work before them have no time for gossip about false law or testimony. To reconstruct timid justice and place the fact above the falsehood, is the work of time.”

Science & Health Page 238:25-30

Cheers to Us!

photo credit: Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #114

Review of:  #97 "I am spirit." #98 "I will accept my part in God's plan for salvation."

Knowing that we are Spirit, and understanding what that means, allows us to live by divine law rather than material belief.  It's difficult to accept that we are so much more than we ever thought! We tend to continue behaviors which are comfortable, rather than opening up to a whole new paradigm of thought and action. Today I’d like to salute all people who have stood up to material laws and worked to end inhumane practices, from Joan of Arc to Elkhart Tolle. Also today I want to salute each and every one of you who aren’t afraid to express divine Love in all action and thought. Accepting our part as an emanation of Spirit brings a freedom to activity before unknown. The willingness to leave the old ways and embrace Oneness in every moment opens us to the grand adventure of Life. Cheers to us! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Question. — What are the demands of the Science of Soul?

Answer. — The first demand of this Science is, ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ This me is Spirit. Thou shalt have no intelligence, no life, no substance, no truth, no love, but that which is spiritual.”

Science & Health Page 467:1-7

Uplifting Dialogues

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #113

Review of: #95 "I am one Self, united with my Creator." #96 "Salvation comes from my one Self."

Do you ever feel a kinship with others which is so perfect that you know you are one Self, united in Creation? Perfect unity precludes conflict, and we feel this perfection with people whom we love no matter whether they agree with our every idea or not. It seems difficult, if not impossible, to feel this wholeness with everyone, especially those who diametrically oppose our beliefs.  Today I will practice enjoying the middle road of conversations. If someone wants to talk about things I think are wrong, or foolish, or simply counter to my thought, I will listen with the purpose of understanding, not responding. I will find ways to encourage deep thinking without jumping up on my high horse and insisting that my way is the only way. It really doesn’t matter what the topic of conversation is, there is a middle ground to be found and an uplifting dialogue to be had. I want that. I want that a lot.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Atonement is the exemplification of man's unity with God, whereby man reflects divine Truth, Life, and Love. Jesus of Nazareth taught and demonstrated man's oneness with the Father, and for this we owe him endless homage.” Science & Health Page 18:1-5

Namastè - No Matter What!

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #112: Review of: #93 "Light and joy and peace abide in me" #94 "I am as God created me."

In the movie, “Gandhi”, a Hindu man comes to the Mahatma and tells him that he is going to hell because he has killed a little boy. He is asked, Why did you do this? He replies, Because the Muslims killed my little boy. Gandhi tells him there is a way out of this hell, and that is to find a little Muslim boy whose parents have been killed and raise this child as his own — as a Muslim. Forgiving ourselves is often the hardest thing to do. It helps to know that we are the image of Love, the idea of God, the expression of Spirit. It’s easy to see that Love would not condemn and has no need to forgive. Namastè.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Think of this, dear reader, for it will lift the sackcloth from your eyes, and you will behold the soft-winged dove descending upon you. The very circumstance, which your suffering sense deems wrathful and afflictive, Love can make an angel entertained unawares.” Science & Health Page 574:25-30

Love is Reflected in Love

photo credit: Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #111 Review of:  #91 “Miracles are seen in light." #92 "Miracles are seen in light, and light and strength are one.”

Every day we are made aware of situations which seem to have no solution. The practice of killing people for crimes they have committed is one of those. The proponents and opponents are often very vocal on this issue, and sometimes it seems they both have valid points. Ultimately, I know I wouldn’t feel better about a loved one’s death because someone else had died to “pay” for it. The eye-for-an-eye dogma of Moses was replaced by Jesus’ message of peace, facilitated by forgiveness. Is there a happy medium to be reached between these two ways of thought? There must be a better way than what we’ve settled for up to now. Our ACIM review for today speaks of miracles being seen in light. We are told that ligh and strength are one. The strength we feel from seeing past an age-old belief is, indeed, a miracle!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And Love is reflected in love…” Science & Health Page 17:6-7