Lend a Helping Hand

If not for Facebook, I wouldn't know of the joys and sorrows acquaintances are experiencing. Many are facing unusual stress and anxiety in their lives. There is the woman whose daughter is in a special needs care facility. She has been beside herself not getting to have regular visits, but now she finds one of the children is ill and has tested positive. She's frightened. There is the man in his 80s, with a double amputation of his legs, whose wife has been admitted to the hospital with the virus. The emotionally-charged election of the past few days has added an unbelievable amount of extra anxiety to these and other people's lives. Let's pay attention and offer a helping hand to our friends who have particular needs -- no matter what they may be.  Record numbers of our fellow humans are experiencing depression and other emotional/mental problems during these times. Even if your friends and neighbors seem to be doing fine, you never know when you can make someone's day, so never be afraid to reach out -- no matter what their political affiliation!

"The miracle of grace is no miracle to Love. Jesus demonstrated the inability of corporeality, as well as the infinite ability of Spirit, thus helping erring human sense to flee from its own convictions and seek safety in divine Science." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 494:15

Show the World All the Love in Your Heart

photo credit: Aaron Springston

When I was in high school and the first year of college, I was in the marching band. It was probably because of this that I became a fan of the football team at those schools. I truly cared how they played the game, and if they lost a big game, I cried. As far as the Razorbacks were concerned, we only played against Texas teams in those days and so the rivalry became state versus state, with them making rude comments about our parentage and backwardness. I quit marching band the first year and also stopped caring who won those games. It seems to me that many people think of political races in the same way they think of sports games: it doesn't matter about individual performances, sportsmanship, or who is best at what they do; it's simply us versus them and we need to win no matter what. I've never been one to jump up and down and support my candidate with the same fervor I supported football teams as a child, but I really wanted Suzie Bell to be our representative in the state legislature. It is disheartening to see people elected to offices simply because they belong to a certain party, or because they're a man, or for reasons which have nothing to do with the future of America. Let's all wake up tomorrow and find some good in the world, and look for ways to make that grow. This Carole King song will help with that. Namaste...

https://youtu.be/R398YOIyqp8

Just Breathe

Aaron in Mongolia - unknown photographer

How many of you feel you've been holding your breath for the longest time? Don't breathe: there are viruses floating around waiting to be inhaled. Don't breathe: something awful is going to happen, but we're not sure what. Don't breathe: our election process seems to have been turned upside down. Don't breathe: social media is out to get you. Don't breathe: the lies will permeate your being and you'll never know what is true and what is not. The year of 2020 seems to have been one of loss and grief. Many of us are suffering the grief of losing loved ones, too many have lost jobs and homes, plus all of the little losses are weighing us down as they accumulate day by day. We grieve for the gatherings we have always enjoyed, which no longer happen: the book clubs, spiritual meetings, coffee shop chitchat, family happenings, plays, ball games, concerts -- too many events to count -- they have been put on hold indefinitely. That is, perhaps, what has affected us the most: the uncertainty of this way of life. Yes, it has been difficult. But something in the air feels expectant, hopeful, even joyous! I know I'm breathing easier with every passing minute. Life is good...

"When the destination is desirable, expectation speeds our progress. The struggle for Truth makes one strong instead of weak, resting instead of wearying one." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 426:8

Vote Sweet Vote

There is something particularly satisfying and joyful about actively campaigning with a candidate you believe can be the change you want to see. Suzie Bell is my hero! An acquaintance is supporting her opponent and when they were asked by a mutual friend why that was, they responded, "Oh, Suzie just wants to save the world." Well, yeah, she does! -- and I'm not sure why they think that's a bad thing. For years, people have been saying they wish there was someone they truly wanted to win (insert political race here); that they're just voting for the least awful choice and are tired of doing so. In this compassionate and intelligent candidate, I've found someone who reflects the values I hold dear. She is giving me a standard with which to compare other public officers, and I'll be watching out for potential leaders of this caliber in the coming years. I don't care who you vote for, just be sure to vote. Vote your heart, vote with your mind, vote from your conscience. Whomever you choose to stand with, be proud! 

"Being is holiness, harmony, immortality. It is already proved that a knowledge of this, even in small degree, will uplift the physical and moral standard of mortals, will increase longevity, will purify and elevate character." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health page 492:7

Human Craving for Something Better

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Thinking of ourselves as unlimited contradicts everything we've been taught. Many of our first memories are of being told to be careful or else something dire will happen. Quantum physics is helping us to understand form isn't as solid as we've been told. With that understanding, it becomes clear that many limitations we've placed upon ourselves are nothing more than beliefs in material laws. Limitations are discarded when an athlete breaks a record in the Olympics, or if someone performs a seemingly-impossible feat like lifting a car off of trapped loved ones. We've all heard people tell tales we think of as supernatural, such as falling great distances and feeling as though they've landed on a cushion, or so-called incurable diseases disappearing. Now, I'm not suggesting we exchange one human belief for yet another, but rather that we listen for divine Mind to tell us the truth of our being, then allow ourselves to be led in paths we wouldn't have considered otherwise. Thought is shifting so rapidly at this time, don't you think? Let's not be afraid to listen.

“A mortal, corporeal, or finite conception of God cannot embrace the glories of limitless, incorporeal Life and Love. Hence the unsatisfied human craving for something better, higher, holier, than is afforded by a material belief in a physical God and man.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 258: 1-6

Truth Knocks at the Portal of Humanity

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Are we finally ready for truth? I've heard it said that we, as a human race, can’t stand to hear the truth. This is said about everything from extraterrestrial life to religious doctrine, but I think we are ready to hear it! People say if truth were known about everything, society would break down. It seems to me this might be a good thing, because our current belief systems don't appear to be functioning too well! Yet perhaps everyone's dissatisfaction stems from feeling we’re being lied to on many levels. A few centuries ago, a total eclipse of the full moon would cause many fear-based reactions when the orb turned red, disappeared, then reappeared. As the truth has set us free from that irrational fear, so it may in other ways, allowing us to joyfully look up in happy expectation and welcome what this new understanding will bring!

“Truth, independent of doctrines and time-honored systems, knocks at the portal of humanity.” Science & Health Page vii:13-15

Going to the Dogs -- For Advice!

Scout, the Cat

I’ve been observing our dogs facilitate change and I’m sure there’s a lesson there for us all. Daffy the Doberman generally sleeps/lays wherever she wants. Jeter has his favorite places, but acquiesces to the Alpha dog. Recently we rearranged the furniture in the living room and, in the process, decided that Jeter would have to give up his couch, so we removed the cover and told him “no”. He seemed okay with this, but was at a loss as to what to do with himself when the love of his life, Kevin, was at work. In the bedroom, Daffy had her special bed which was closest to the door and she would growl if Jeter tried to walk by her to get to his nighttime bed against the far wall. So Jeter would lay in the hallway, occasionally trying to sneak past her if she was snoring. Then suddenly we noticed they had switched beds! Jeter is sleeping closest to the door and Da​phne​ has taken the far wall position. The lessons we can all take from this could be varied, but what I’m seeing is that change can happen with patience and, eventually, cooperation. Actually, we think that Scout the Cat was instrumental in this shift, so perhaps it simply takes a strong leader to help us move forward. Whatever the case, I trust we can all work together as well as our dogs!

​"Love giveth to the least spiritual idea might, immortality, and goodness, which shine through all as the blossom shines through the bud. All the varied expressions of God reflect health, holiness, immortality -- infinite Life, Truth, and Love." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 518:19