Dear Spiritual Family,
We humbly dedicate this Sunday’s message to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who is celebrating his 90th birthday this Sunday, July 6.
And Happy July 4th Weekend as America turns 249 years old. Alan Cohen in his Daily Dose of Sanity, titles the “dose” for July 4th “Really Free.” In it, he reminds us of the deep spirituality of our Founding Fathers and their intention to reflect God’s grace in our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution.
Today’s message is entitled “Faith, Favor and Freedom” – Faith in God’s guidance and abiding love, especially in the face of adversity. The “favor” we find when we seek to walk the spiritual high ground. And a willingness to embrace, as Cohen writes, “a deep understanding of spiritual freedom and bring the light of higher wisdom to our daily lives.”
As Thomas Paine, often called the Father of the American Revolution, wrote – “I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.”
As we read the biography of Dr. David Hawkins, The Man Who Mapped Consciousness, by Susan Hawkins, we were struck by the plethora of challenges that he moved through in his lifetime and how they invariably propelled him to greater empathy, understanding, and the ability to convey great wisdom through his work.
His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, took birth on July 6, 1935 – 90 years ago. He has lived in Dharamshala, India in exile from his native Tibet since 1959 when he was forced to leave Tibet.
I, Rev. Steve shared a portion of the news that he released to the public on July 2, 2025, entitled: Statement Affirming the Continuation of the Institution of Dalai Lama. You can access the full statement at his website, www.dalailama.com
In it, he explains that he will once again reincarnate as the next Dalai Lama. Here we have a quantum example of one of this world’s most highly illumined beings, continuing his love and compassion for all through human form. Here is more evidence of our Father’s unending love and compassion for each of us. So too, as with other great teachers and masters. So too, with our Wayshower, Jesus, though not in human form, but every bit present with us and to us.
As we deepen in our faith in God and truly feel the favor of “Divine Providence,” then we will discover anew the spiritual freedom that brings us the peace that is our inheritance.
We see and honor the blessing that you are, and we love you dearly,
Rev. Steve and Mary