Disruption in understanding: A time for love
As I was about to send another column, protest and violence once again rages over our land — this time from coast to coast in cities large and medium size. Is this only the beginning of a new America just as many of us felt when the pandemic hit?
Or for once can everyone come together to find the solution not through political parties or competing organizations but through humankind realizing the only solution is love and showing it first through yourself and actions, then through a greater body?
In many ways COVID-19 has felt like a war but of a different type. This also is a new war. But this time it’s one human group against another. Hatred has been in this land since the 2016 election. Why? While I was not enthused with the new leader (nor wanted his opponent) I waited to see what would happen.
Some groups had pleasure while others continued to hate. The only time we came together on anything was money for unemployed workers. Would it be any better with a new leader elected in 2020? Of course not, because everyone is so divided — and now we are even more divided with the violence and destruction of struggling businesses making it worse.
A book I happen to be reading was written in 1985 — “A Creed for the Third Millennium”
by Colleen McCullough (author of The Thorn Birds).
While it takes place in this century she envisioned an Ice Age not a warming one.
A man comes along who talks of love of others and oneself, capturing the public. Ironically, it has many of the same themes as today, with people believing their government even if they are upset and not able to understand themselves and where they’re going.
We’ve come to a crossroads. It happened when the pandemic hit and we suddenly were obeying new words as businesses closed and jobs were lost. Then came a divide even more tragic than the one of 2016 — and in the midst of it we tried to see which side was correct. Spiritual groups — churches, synagogues, temples, mosques — first followed (most of words), then realized their beliefs were being questioned.
Those of us who believe strongly in the Holy Spirit continued to believe — and will continue to do so — that He is in control. But it’s rather difficult to relay that to others. Hence I’ve taken some quotes from my “Letters to a Scattered Brotherhood” written during World War II. The Greatest Generation is revered today. t was words like these that kept them going.
“Strange and surprising elements are in all of us, beyond our understanding and largely unknown to us — wisely so, for we can only bear the knowledge when revealed to us little by little. Therefore when you find yourselves storming and fretful, tempted to despair by an unexpected revelation, examine it cooly and then pray. Prayer and intelligence, intelligence and prayer ...
“. . . The questioning, self-examination, is not a fretful conscience nor a stricken, anxious tidying of the mind. It should be rather a simple question, ‘Have I this day realized who I am, where I am going, how much I walk alone, how much I walk not alone? How much have I listened? How much have I realized? ...
“Trusting is part of your role; trust in peace, merriment and confidence. Wear garments of joy without fearful anticipations. Look upon the quiet of the hills, early morning light, a candle untroubled by the wind and let them be to you reminders of your task. Keep in the very center, safe and a power for victory, healing and peace Keep aware of the eternal values as compared to relative values. Keep your naked intent and never forget your direction. By this one thing is meant, live in the awareness of the love of Christ for you, for by so doing you obey his word and give light and peace to the world through him.” (pages 102-103)
We may be only a small fraction of the whole but if we have peace within ourselves we can radiate it to others. As it radiates the Holy Spirit shines and slowly goes forward. Anyone who has seen the movie “Pay It Forward” remembers how love does go forward. As I often have seen, those of us who believe come together. It may be a next door neighbor or a clerk at the store, a person on a walking trail or someone who sends a note. But it can grow whatever your religion calls the Holy Spirt — that spirit changes our lives and this is the time for us to believe and extend it.
I extend my love to you in this troubled time.
Email: durlynnca@gmail.com or call 209-912-4053