Dear Spiritual Family,
In the video message for Sunday, May 29, we discuss a very difficult subject – the loss of life and in particular, the tragedy that took place in Uvalde, Texas – those nineteen children and their two teachers who made their transitions from this physical world so quickly and so violently.
How do we process such a loss? How do we best honor them and those left behind to deal with the present and the future? We were struck by the words of a newsperson who, on the eve of the shootings, said essentially, we are so divided in this country, we must love one another. And we would add, love one another with renewed determination, back to a place of peace and wholeness, respect and kindness.
In her comments, Mary reflected on the inspiration she received in Chapter 26 of A Course in Miracles as she sought to find peace in the midst of these events. There she was reminded that there are only two directions that we can take – one leads to Heaven and the other to nowhere. She shared, “Choosing the way to Heaven, knowing I will be guided and helped each step of the way is clearly what I want to choose.”
I (Rev. Steve) found solace this week in ACIM’s Manual for Teachers in the section, “What Is Death?” I was reminded there that God created life – only life – and that death has no power over us.
These precious sisters and brothers who passed, know this now. Only life. And we can choose to know it too as we seek to earnestly pray for their families and friends, for this community, and for everyone, wherever they are, who are dealing with loss in their lives.
We are asked to stand firmly in our Christ Nature and answer the calls to love that will bring us together, that will hasten the awareness of the Heaven that God is as we abandon the road that leads to nowhere.
We love you precious Beings,
Rev. Steve and Mary
Going Deeper
If you would like to take this message deeper, here are two questions you can work with. Use these in your own self-reflection or in discussion with others.
- What motivated Nicodemus in John 3 to approach Jesus and ask the question that he did? What does it mean to you to be “born again?”
- Mary referred to those who lost their physical lives in Uvalde as “angels.” What do you think these angels would want to say to you in this moment?
We would love to read your thoughts in the comments below.
Join with others in Going Deeper on Zoom!
Wednesday, June 1 – 6 to 7:15 pm CT
Facilitated by Glenn and Mary McIntosh
Email Mary for more details and Zoom Link
I had just assumed that Jesus’ conversations with Nicodemas was The First Follower Principal where Jesus was speaking to a spiritual leader whom he treated as a peer. Nicodemas later made sure had a king’s burial. Being born again to me is daily conscious connection to spiritual principles.
For me, The Holy Spirit is the level of Mother – remember that Jesus performed his first miracle at wedding despite his advising his mother no. She persisted and had certainty that he would answer her request. So, the Holy Spirit or motherhood level is moving mountains level. I’m certain that the murdered childrens’ mothers will affect much social change in the days to come.