Virginia Harris, C.S.B

Lessons from the Parable of the Loving Father

Sat, 19 Jun 2021 09:37:44 -0400

Last year this was posted in celebration of Father’s Day in the United States. We have traveled many “mental miles” of challenges and changes in a year. Still and forever, regardless of the human condition, our Father-Mother’s constant care and healing love is abundant, steadfast, and ever-present. For all humanity, for all time.

“Our Father…”

So begins this prayer from Christ Jesus to his followers for all time, for any situation. A prayer that describes and affirms the universal, impartial, and unconditional love of God for all His children. This is a prayer that heals every harmful condition that the pray-er encounters. That’s not all - the prayer demands that the pray-er include, right from the start, all humanity in the affirmation of unchanging healing love. Inclusive…for all time.

The familiar parable of The Prodigal Son describes the effectiveness of this prayer, in the reforming and redeeming power of turning away from material greed and selfishness to the enriching fulfillment of abiding by God’s grace and guidance.

What is also powerful and deeply meaningful is to view the parable from the father’s perspective. In fact, this story is often called “The Parable of the Loving Father.”

While the son wanders far from home and loses everything he thinks is of value, the father remains at home base, steadfast, patient, loving, trusting, no matter what. When the son returns, hoping for a place to work and just be in the vicinity of his former home of comfort, his father - Our Father! - runs to embrace his precious son and restores him to a place of honor in his never ever lost home. This is immediate - there is no delay, no trial period or doubt, no judgment, no blame. Only forgiving, healing love.

This is such an important lesson from the father for each of us. When the older son could not understand how the father could ignore all the mistakes of the younger son, the father turns to him with the same unconditional, steadfast, patient, enduring love:

“…Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.”

What grace, what assurance, what abundance from the father! This promise and blessing is freely given from our Father to all of humanity. Rejoice!

It’s a new day to express mother-love!

Thu, 06 May 2021 18:27:56 -0400

Can you feel a bit of hope and happiness in your community these days? It’s a kind of joyful buzz around reconnecting in person with family, friends and coworkers after a year of staying physically apart. Many folks have described how that separation actually impelled them to reach out to distanced family - and unfamiliar neighbors - to make sure they knew someone cared and could be of help. We slowed down and listened to hear those hearts needing to feel loved, and we discovered new ways to express the comfort of the divine Mother Love in practical ways.

Can we stop doing that today? Oh no, just the opposite is the demand! Now we continue to creatively expand and discover more ways to listen and respond to unspoken calls for help. A few years ago I wrote the following post about the importance of being alert and reaching into our unlimited spiritual resources to meet any need. The individuals you help in your own world will be comforted - and that mother-love will contribute to a wider world of hope and joy.

A wonderful children’s book that has delighted young children for a couple of generations is “Are You My Mother?” by P.D. Eastman. Adult readers are charmed too when they read it out loud to their rapt audience. My very young boys loved hearing it, and I never tired of reading it, over and over and over again!

It’s the story of a tiny hatchling bird who breaks open his shell while his mother is off to find food. He pops his head out of the shell and asks, “Where is my mother?” He decides to go looking for her. But since he can’t fly, he walks…and on his search encounters a kitten, a hen, a dog, a cow, all of whom he asks, “Are you my mother?”

Kids laugh because it’s obvious, right? A kitten or a cow can’t possibly be the mother of a bird! But then again, the bird doesn’t know what the appearance of his mom looks like because he hasn’t seen her yet!

During my many readings of the book, I have often thought that maybe the little guy is actually recognizing the kind, good-hearted, and caring spirit within these different animals…and maybe he really wants to know, “Would you be my mother?…I am very afraid and unhappy, could you help me feel safe and take me home?”

The mothering qualities of comfort, unconditional love, gentle nurturing and careful guiding are all within each of us to express and share with whomever needs support. They are placed and protected in our very being by the Mother Love of all earth’s creatures, big and little. Most important to know, too, is that these ever-present animated qualities are poised in our hearts, prepared to respond unhesitatingly to a cry, “Would you be my mother?”

The tiny bird meets no response until he comes to a big steam shovel. “You can’t be my mother!” he cries as the big shovel snorts from its exhaust.

Ah, but here again the appearance isn’t telling the whole truth. The big shovel carefully picks up the tired and scared hatchling, drives him to his tree, and gently lifts him up and plops him down into his nest. Mom returns with snacks and oh-so-much-love…HOME!

In your world surely there are individuals yearning to feel the embrace of mothering comfort from your willing heart. Be alert to their unspoken, “Would you help me?” You are able to simply lift them up and return them to the safety of their nest-home prepared by our Mother Love…to remind them they have never ever left home!

Love Wins

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 17:18:30 -0400

A dear friend of mine, Mack McCarter, is a present-day model of the Good Samaritan. Many years ago, Mack cherished a mission that inspired a practical way to restore safe neighborhoods, decrease crime and build city-wide embraces of citizen support. Mack planted his early idea, called Community Renewal International, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Now, with the positive proof of good heart and committed action, Community Renewal has been replicated in several cities in the US and internationally. As you can imagine, going to battle to defeat “…whatever is wrong in social, civil, criminal, political, and religious codes…” (Mary Baker Eddy, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures”), the mission of Community Renewal requires constant vigilance and defense of the spiritual focus. Recently, Mack’s Shreveport community was shaken by the death of one of their cherished family members. The message below communicates how Mack helped the Community Renewal family focus on the reality and spiritual power of Love to heal.

We cannot expect to avoid the trials in this life experience that serve to plant our feet more firmly and certainly in the truth of real being. The simplicity and clarity of Mack’s message is a beautiful reminder that, no matter what is the mortal picture, the spiritual power of good - and the effective Samaritan’s work - is being done and will be victorious!

A message from Mack McCarter, Founder of Community Renewal International:

A Shreveport Police report, describing a tragic scene, does not tell the inspiring life story of resilience of the young woman, Hannah Sheffield. It is her life, not the circumstances of her death, that must be acknowledged and honored.

“Somewhere in or around 8:30pm on Saturday, April 10th, one Hannah Sheffield, upon turning into the Barksdale Annex Neighborhood from McElroy Street onto Evans Street was shot by a single round piercing the automobile’s driver door and entering into the victim’s upper left torso piercing her heart. Miss Sheffield, age 29, expiring, crashed her car into the bedroom of a neighbor’s house.”

Later information quickly came that would confirm a tragic case of mistaken identity in a revenge shooting where the unknown assailant knew that his intended target drove a white car matching Hannah’s. So he shot at the car - and it was a direct hit to the soul of Community Renewal.

That shot makes us ask anew the two fundamental questions that simultaneously anchor us and inspire us in the living of these days:

Does Love really work? Does Love really win? Really!?

What in the world are we up against? We are living in a sand storm and a blizzard combined with a tornado inside of a hurricane, and we have run out of alphabetical letters to name it. Do we just shrug and call it, “Today’s World,” really?

Imagine that one bullet was a .45 caliber round. That one bullet cost a total of 80 cents. Eighty cents. “Today’s World.” That seems to be the reality in which we live. But it is not the solo story of Reality Itself. There is something incontrovertibly more. And to enter through the door to that Reality we must remember.

I remember nineteen years ago, when Lonzo and Tina Sheffield, led by our brother Russell Minor, our Haven House Director, walked into our lives. They were Russell’s neighbors and he knew they were powerful personalities who so embodied the love of God that they could light up the dark side of “Today’s World.” Tina was just out from the Air Force and Lonzo was still active. Both sergeants. And both magnificent servant-leaders. They joined us on the spot to be Friendship House Leaders. And with our other Friendship House leader, the incomparable Manuela Standard and her husband James, they covenanted together to move into the Barksdale Annex neighborhood. (I had asked the Mayor of Bossier City, “Where do you want us, Mayor Dement? Because we are coming to serve!” His answer, “I want Community Renewal in Barksdale Annex. It is our most dangerous neighborhood.”)

I remember eighteen years ago, when Tina was standing in our newly constructed Friendship House’s “Community Room.” She was in a lake of shattered glass from shot out windows with TV cameras blazing away, being asked a simple question by a flummoxed reporter. “Why are you coming here? It is the most dangerous place in Bossier City! And last night a gang shot out all of your windows! It is not safe!!! (”Today’s World!”)

I remember that I was standing behind all of the cameras’ piercing stare, wondering, “What will Tina answer?” And Tina, without even a hitch in her speech, launched Light within lightning: “Not safe? Well, THAT is why we are coming! If it was safe, they wouldn’t NEED us!!” Even the cameras themselves blinked. Lest I ever forget, that is the New Tomorrow lighting a new Reality of God’s Love in the “Today’s World.” It is brought by human beings like you and me who are committed to Love because God first loved us!

I remember when Hannah first moved in to live in the Friendship House with Lonzo and Tina. Her biological mother tried to convince them that this pre-teen was essentially a cipher. I remember meeting her then. Downcast gaze, no smile, and so beat down she could only just breathe much less exclaim. The forecast for her future life was a wall with no windows or doors. She will never roller skate. She will never play basketball. She will never read. She will never be a cheerleader. She will never graduate. She will never be the Queen of anything. “Today’s World” with periods punctuating it.

And I remember 400 years before Jesus, God breathing the Word into the words of Isaiah the God-Speaker. Go read them right now in Isaiah 61:1-6. Because Lonzo and Tina and all of Community Renewal and her teachers and neighbors and new friends began to give her the “Crown of Beauty” instead of ashes, and the “Oil of Gladness” instead of mourning, and the “Garment of Praise” instead of despair. And she became an “Oak of Righteousness.”

Hannah blossomed in Love and flowered into the fruit of life, giving Love for all. She not only graduated, she went on to college, then post college. She became a consummate musician having to memorize the chords thus making her own life a musical. Her smile was like an LED flashed in every tooth.

In “Today’s World,” it looks like we are “sheep to be slaughtered.” But I remember that there is another Reality that is a Light coming into the darkness, and the darkness has never understood it! It is the Light of God’s Love in All of You. And that is the Hope of Glory.

And finally, I remember what John the Revelator showed us when he pulled back the curtain to reveal the ending of this great play of life. And we see a Lamb bleeding because of “Today’s World.” Yes, bleeding…but Seated On A Throne!!

Love DOES work!! And Love WILL Win! And that is why we are going forth. If “Today’s World” was safe, it wouldn’t need us! Right Tina? Right Lonzo? Right Hannah? And they answer with each of you, “RIGHT!!”

God bless you all!

This Easter, we rise!

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 13:50:01 -0400

This post was shared a few years ago when there seemed to be so much division and rancor in our communities. The demand to eliminate division, bigotry and hatred is especially insistent today. As I wrote below, “Can we Christians stand apart, mentally mute - and passively ‘walk by on the other side’ in the face of hatred and discrimination?” Not possible, as we are enabled and empowered by the great heart of Christ to unite in one Love for all sisters, brothers and children. This Easter, we rise!

In a Christian calendar filled with celebrations, memorials and historical events, this one day and its glorious lesson shines brightest of all.

Easter is the day that represents something momentous for all humanity to know and understand: The Resurrection of Jesus proved that his life is spiritual and not affected by a fatally-wounded material body. He overcame the violence and cruelty of religious and political hatred to demonstrate that his life is inseparable from eternal Life and wholly safe. Therefore, it is untouched by material conditions, despite what the crucifixion temporarily appeared to show.

Christians honor this day because it is a vital reminder of present spiritual power. The Christ-spirit that protected and lifted Jesus out of anguish and death is a gift from God, Spirit, to all of us, throughout all time. This Christ power is present and active, for everyone and every life. “He is risen!” for all humanity today.

Prayer and devotion by followers who are focused and centered unwaveringly on the life-affirming message of the Resurrection can have a powerful effect. The love and practice of the one Christ-spirit - true Christianity - is to eliminate any hint of separation from God and His sons and daughters, therefore there can be no division between them either. No Muslim, Jew, Hindu or Buddhist separated from Christian. It should be obvious, then, there are no nationalistic or regional divisions as well.

Let’s consider every area of distressing conflict, whether it is on a faraway border or in our own community. Can we Christians stand apart, mentally mute - and passively “walk by on the other side” in the face of hatred and discrimination? No…the demand is to prayerfully and defiantly rise in the conscious strength of one Christ, one Love for all our sisters, brothers and children. It is to know there is no power - no cruel violence - that can separate His children from the unconditional love of Christ and preserve all life. Let us pray that spiritual power inspires and guides practical wisdom wherever it is needed.

This Easter, more than ever, we must stand united, inseparable, and rise in our spiritual strength. In honor and celebration of the Resurrection let us commit our focus and devotion to the divine message, our love and practice of the divine nature, and our joyous expectation of the divine demonstration of universal life in Spirit.

Do good: Defeat hatred!

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 17:13:07 -0400

“Oh no, not again…” came to me twice in one week, for Atlanta then Boulder. And again and again, I protested, “The weapons of anger, hatred and prejudice must be defeated and eliminated by the supremacy of Truth and Love. God is All and more powerful in every community, in every heart. All in all, victorious over anything opposed to Truth and Love.” Friends, we must say “No!” again and again until hatred is defeated. This is our moment to stand firm on the rock of all that is good and true.

“Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in.” Galatians 6:9

The Season that Yields Renewal

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 20:07:54 -0500

Springtime is renewal, a season of planting to yield fresh growth - of hope, optimism and expectation. This year especially, it seems to me there is a deep yearning to see a season of new beginnings that will give evidence of the uninterrupted cycle of good, of sustaining life. Many thoughtful voices are sharing their insightful reflections in online communities about how to discover the promise of a future that is waiting to be explored! Here is one of those inspired posts, by Gareth Henderson, a journalist from Woodstock, Vermont.

Look to the Horizon

Gareth Henderson/OmniReporter.com

What captures our attention? It’s a question we may not often ask, but the answer is pivotal to our lives.

What we choose to focus on is the rudder of our day, and how we start our day informs that focus and sets it on a certain course. However, we are still the captain of our own ship. We determine where that course ends up. A few years ago, I went sailing for the first time. It was important to know where the rocks were in relation to getting to the channel. One of the first rules I learned was to look to the horizon and pick a point to sail to, all while avoiding the rocks in the shallow water to get to the open channel. I could have focused on the rocks and never made it to open water, but instead, I made it to the channel and had a wonderful little sail around the bay.

Over the past year, our individual channels of attention encountered multiple figurative rocks as the world changed. Many of us looked out on the world with a different perspective, one that thought of our neighbors more than ever before. Our attention had shifted. The world, our communities, our neighborhoods seemed closer, because of our new, shared experience.

The question is, where do we invest our attention now? This is an individual answer, and as such, answers will vary. However, the best and most productive focus is to emphasize the good every day in the present. Even on our toughest days, the act of moving forward, rising above negative influences, and finding a way to accomplish our goals adds to the collective good. Each individual triumph uplifts the whole. Every neighbor helped, every hurdle crossed, every new insight glimpsed is a light on the horizon we all can share, because we are not separated from each other.

We live in our world together, and every day is an opportunity to see that fact further demonstrated. Plenty is out there to try and divide us further. But we each have a path illuminated with progress, even on the darkest and most impossible days. It begins with turning our attention toward the horizon, the light, the good, and never giving up on that effort. Let’s seize every morning as a new opportunity to look forward and see the great possibilities before us.

Truth in 2021

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 15:23:50 -0500

Mary Baker Eddy defined the complete truth of being - the truth of God, of man, of man’s relationship with God - in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. This year, the 200th anniversary of Mary Baker Eddy’s birth, let’s strive to better understand truth, speak truth and live truth. It’s who we really are!

Image used by permission from www.InspiredToGive.org

Expect a new year of new views.

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 13:36:21 -0500

The Science of the Christmas Stars

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 09:52:34 -0500

A rare event can be witnessed in the heavens this month! It is the great conjunction of the two largest planets, Jupiter and Saturn, aligning so very closely that they appear to overlap…and create a bright Christmas Star. This hasn’t been observed on earth for 800 years. Several years ago, scientific research identified the extremely rare super-awesome conjunction of three planets during the time of Jesus’ birth…creating the Star of Bethlehem. As the scientists have foretold the event today, so the ancient scientists knew that the planets would uniquely align - and bear a message for humanity. What might be the scientific message of the Christmas Star for humanity today? (This is a re-sharing of the original post.)

The Gospel of Matthew is the only gospel in the New Testament to share the account of the Three Wise Men, the Magi, who travelled from faraway lands in the east to Bethlehem, to see the baby Jesus. A bright star, the Gospel tells us, led them to “the child who has been born king of the Jews.”

There must have been something very meaningful about this star and its brightness to impel these men - learned priests and astrologers - to travel the long distance to see a baby. Of course, as religious scholars, they had to be familiar with the Old Testament prophecies foretelling a new ruler coming from Israel:

“A Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel…”

Ah, but as well-regarded scientists of the stars, the Magi were also knowledgeable about the movement of the planets and constellations in the heavens and their meaning, discovered and proven over centuries.

What, then, did they know as religious scholars and scientists?

A year ago, Grant Mathews, professor of theoretical astrophysics and cosmology at the University of Notre Dame, revealed astonishing results from a decade-long research: The Star of Bethlehem wasn’t a star, but an amazing coincidence of stars and planets that illuminated the heaven!

“Studying historical, astronomical and biblical records, Mathews believes the event that led the Magi - Zoroastrian priests of ancient Babylon and Mesopotamia - was an extremely rare planetary alignment occurring in 6 B.C., and the likes of which may never be seen again.”

The ancient astronomers calculated this remarkable heavenly movement and knew what would happen. They expected it! And they also knew what it meant from the tools they had at the time, that prophecy was fulfilled of “The One to be Ruler in Israel…” The Messiah had come!

So of course these scientists were compelled to travel to Bethlehem - they had to confirm, to prove, their discovery! Isn’t this what every scientist must do? And once confirmed, the knowledge must be shared far and wide. What good is science if it isn’t known and applied?

The Magi of old couldn’t predict the far-reaching impact of their discovery. That remained to be proven by the complete life of Christ Jesus in his scientific demonstrations of God’s law to heal the sick, the blind, the lame, the hungry, the dead - every affliction that faced mankind. Wherever he went in his “laboratory of life” Christ Jesus consistently applied and proved the two most important laws of life for healing results:

“…’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Christ Jesus’ disciples carried forth the scientific application of these laws to heal physical infirmities as well as social injustices. And the Christianly scientific healers of today share their demonstrations so that all may know that the spiritual laws of life practiced by Jesus continue to operate for good, unchanged and undiminished in force and effectiveness.

“Jesus of Nazareth was the most scientific man that ever trod the globe.” (Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.)

The promise of the Christmas scientists is fulfilled.

Gratitude - A Force for Progress!!

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 21:56:05 -0500

Gratitude is timeless. The Bible frequently urges, “Give thanks.” There is such strength in those two simple words. The Old Testament reminds us to give thanks simply because our God has so blessed us. The Psalmist wrote, “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

Gratitude heals and energizes. It enables us to see situations differently, from a fresh perspective - often from a healing and regenerative perspective, a perspective that brings creativity, ingenuity, insight, and solutions to circumstances that appear hard and unyielding.

Today, many feel that the circumstances surrounding us seem unyielding. Economic uncertainty, social upheaval, the pandemic, pollution and climate concerns - all these oppressive circumstances still try to hold humanity hostage and retard progress.

But there is hope! There is a powerful force of gratitude being expressed in large and small tangible ways in these beginning years of the 21st century and new millennium. Individuals and communities are creatively responding to a neighbor or resident’s needs. Many are calling a friend to lift their spirits or volunteering to help those with greater needs. And when we look, we can see clear evidence of fresh and transformative thinking that is coming forth.

There is a wonderful propensity among people to give without expecting thanks in return. Unconditional giving is natural. It is based on unselfed love and care for what we know others need, and can have. Many people probably don’t even know their actions are an expression of love and genuine thanksgiving.

These acts of gratitude often exist outside the walls of traditional institutions and thinking, but they’re breaking down walls - divisions between races and socioeconomic groups. They’re melting bitterness and the walls of tyranny. Such thankfulness, lived and practiced, is the very essence of spirituality.

What is really at the heart of this giving, and the reason it is a force for good in the world, is that it enables each of us to reach out beyond the frailty and limitations of our own perceptions of ourselves and our abilities, to connect with a greater, higher power.

This power is God, the Supreme Being - a power made very real and near by the goodness in each one of us. Good does reside as a primary ingredient in each individual. As we see it in ourselves and others, we’ll see it in the world. The ability to witness this good, to cultivate and cherish it, enables us to resolve conflicts - wars within and without ourselves, at home and abroad.

Mary Baker Eddy, an early-20th-century American who discovered Christian Science, understood the relationship between gratitude and practical action. She offered these words about gratitude and action in her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures:

“Are we really grateful for the good already received?…Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech.”

Spirituality is action. It’s a resource that will never be depleted and that will benefit our world and our future more than any other force. It has within itself the capacity to kindle hearts to find new ways to address the crying demands of our world.

A time of enlightenment is at hand. As we move through this new century and millennium, gratitude does two things: first, it gives the wisdom and foresight to know what is required of us. And second, thanksgiving is the very strength that takes down the barriers that would halt the spiritual awakening coming in this 21st century.

Demand of the Times

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 18:46:34 -0500

Hearts, Minds and Voices Rising

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 12:31:16 -0500

A candle - even a small flame - shines brightest in a dark room, right? Truly, this is the most compelling thing to see…the light overpowers the darkness. With that in mind, I have been seeking out bright flames of spiritual insight: individuals who are posting substantive ideas in communities of thought online that embrace everyone and encourage positive, uplifting action. These thoughtful, compassionate and hopeful voices touch me deeply, so from time to time I would like to share some of these inspiring posts with you. The following post is by Gareth Henderson, a journalist from Woodstock, Vermont.

Choosing Peace

Gareth Henderson / OmniReporter.com

As we edge closer to November 3, there is an understandable and palpable concern across the country about what will happen after Election Day. But we don’t have to let this creeping fear or division overtake us.

Even in this bitterly contentious election, there is still room for Americans to take the calmer path and embrace the way of peace as the week goes on. This involves expressing love for our fellow neighbors and standing up for the greater good when an important need requires it. This path means interacting compassionately with others, regardless of political viewpoint.

As we move further into the week, it’s a good time to remember the words of the late civil rights leader and U.S. Rep. John Lewis. In his final op-ed published posthumously in the New York Times, he spoke to the new generation of protesters that gave him so much hope this year:

“When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war. So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.”

That path of peace is the one we must remain on as a people, and it starts with each one of us deciding that’s the only way forward. Peaceful progress must be our goal, with an underpinning of love and compassion. It is time to chart that course, and be resolved to follow it together, though it will be difficult at times. If we peacefully move ahead and build key partnerships that promote unity, we will be doing our part to shape our collective future compassionately. We will reject division and make progress with our best virtues leading us forward.

Press on!

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 11:44:04 -0400

Renewal, not routine, impels progress!

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 12:05:56 -0400

There was a September, almost 20 years ago, when the routines of end-of-summer, new school year, year-end business push and holiday planning had launched, per usual, in a typical burst of energy.

And then, on the morning of September 11, everything changed. All the plans, meetings, goals, expectations, everything was pushed aside for a greater consuming demand: steadfast prayers to the divine Parent - the loving Father-Mother God - to comfort, guide, and heal a hurting world.

Steadfast, unrelenting prayers had tangible effect: In the midst of terrible destruction, there was evidence of awe-inspiring selfless courage, strength, kindness, goodness, generosity, compassion, hope. From the smoke and rubble of devastation, there was a renewal of spirit, the real substance of humanity.

Every September, I pause to offer my prayers for those who gave their lives, and my gratitude for all who dedicated their lives to restore the well-being of their communities. With each prayer, I am reminded that renewal of spirit is a persistent demand.

And so it is this September, 2020. We may be familiar with the breakup of old routines by now, after six months of adjusting school, work and community demands due to the pandemic. But even more importantly, we should be familiar with and relying on the demand for steadfast prayers to God - to comfort, guide and heal - and expect to see the effect of our prayers. We should expect to experience renewal.

One month after the attack at the World Trade Center, a severely-damaged pear tree was discovered among the rubble. It was carefully removed with the hope that it could be saved. The next year, there was growth plus new leaves…and a bird’s nest snug in the tree branches. It was named “The Survivor Tree” and in 2010 it was returned to the 9/11 Memorial garden. This symbol stands and grows as a living witness to the inherent power of rebirth and renewal.

The Survivor Tree, The National September 11 Memorial

Free to do what is right and good. For all.

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 13:56:46 -0400

This post was originally written two years ago, recalling an important July 4th address in 1897 given by Mary Baker Eddy that deepened and expanded the meaning of Independence Day. In this year 2020, the timeless demand to understand and live the spiritual lesson called forth feels even more pressing.

On a July 4th, over 120 years ago, Mary Baker Eddy marked Independence Day in the United States with a very public address about the liberty and inalienable right to be and do good. This is remarkable in its focus, not on the historical event, but on a spiritual motivation and determination.

Standing on the balcony of her home in the New Hampshire countryside, she was introduced to 2500 people, the members of her church and community, by the mayor of Concord. She would be followed by a US Congressman and other speakers, so Eddy took the occasion to remind the audience that there is something much greater, much grander to celebrate than independence from foreign rule, or civil and religious rights and freedoms. That is not enough - it is the inherent freedom to be good that matters most in the chain of human events. It is the natural, powerful response to do good that must be acknowledged and obeyed.

This natural ability, Eddy proclaimed, is our divine right, right now, and is universal for everyone. It is not man-made, limited, conditional or a future aspiration; it is divinely and inalienably provided and sustained at this current moment in time, for all individuals, for all time. Here is an excerpt from the address:

“…’the kingdom of God is within you,’ - within the present possibilities of mankind. Think of this inheritance! Heaven right here, where angels are as men, …and men as angels who, burdened for an hour, spring into liberty, and the good they would do, that they do, and the evil they would not do, that they do not.”

Isn’t this a wonderful description of our spiritually-derived humanity, the compassionate desire and ability to do what is right, even and especially in the midst of hardship? Doesn’t it also indicate to your own heart a motivation for how to think and act…for whom to act…and for what cause to act? Determine to be and do good, regardless of the situation.

With the passage of decades and even centuries, it is easy to diminish the intense opposing ideologies in our country that exploded into the War of Independence and, less than 100 years later, the Civil War. Every era has events and causes that generate upheavals.

And every era has the demand to respond to events-causes-upheavals compassionately, to live individually one’s humanity, for all humanity. The progress of civilization bears witness to this movement spiritually upward.

“Right thoughts are reality and power; wrong thoughts are unreality and powerless, possessing the nature of dreams. Good thoughts are potent; evil thoughts are impotent, and they should appear thus.” - Mary Baker Eddy

Live your humanity. The progress of all humanity depends on it.

Lessons from the Parable of the Loving Father

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 13:27:25 -0400

“Our Father…”

What is also powerful and deeply meaningful is to view the parable from the father’s perspective. In fact, this story is often called “The Parable of the Loving Father.”

“…Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.”

What grace, what assurance, what abundance from the father! This promise and blessing is freely given from our Father to all of humanity. Rejoice!

The Seen and the Unseen

Sun, 31 May 2020 15:56:07 -0400

Mother-Love

Fri, 08 May 2020 17:25:32 -0400

The bird sings before the dawn.

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 10:04:39 -0400

International Women’s Day - for all mankind!

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 11:28:59 -0500

Friends - International Women’s Day is March 8 this year, a day to acknowledge and celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women throughout the world. Now it may appear in some regions that the spiritual fact of equality, fairness and justice for all is not yet realized. All the more reason to claim the inalienable and unconditional standard of right, regardless of what we see, because it is based on divine law. Women’s rights means rights for all. When any achievement for women is put on record, then all humanity is lifted up. That is worth celebrating!