Nov 17, 2010 |
by Annette Bridges. ©2010. All rights reserved.
I don’t presume to know the answer to this question in regard to the earthquake in Haiti as some people have claimed.
“Jesus never prayed to know if God were willing that a man should live” are words written by Mary Baker Eddy, which I heard read during this past Sunday’s Lesson Sermon. Every time disaster strikes, there will be those that conclude God’s will is at work. I can’t explain why tragedy falls prey to some and not others, but I could never believe that God’s will for His children is pain and suffering.
When multitudes gathered before Jesus, he didn’t know the history or plight of all who gathered. There was no discussion with his disciples about who was worthy or not worthy of being saved. He prayed for everyone. He loved everyone. And he healed everyone who came to him for healing.
Surely this was true because Jesus knew our Father-Mother God loves and cares for everyone impartially and unconditionally.
When sadly hearing the news about the horrific earthquake in Haiti, I couldn’t help but be reminded of a survivor’s story who experienced the tsunami in Sri Lanka. Her story is one I often think about and have shared with others many times. The question of whether or not it was God’s will that she be faced with a tsunami is not what came to her mind.
She was in Sri Lanka for the wedding of her niece, along with other family members and friends. They were having breakfast in their beach hotel when the monstrous wall-high waves hit. She spoke of not knowing how to swim and being crushed by furniture and other debris as she reached out for something to save her.
But the first thought that came to her as she tumbled in the water was the Psalmist’s words “I shall not die, but live.” (Psalms 118:17)
More thoughts came to her, some giving her direction such as “Cycle … paddle … use your legs.” She thought of Jesus calming a storm on the sea with those powerful three words, “Peace, be still.” (Mark 4:39) And also the words, “Know that God is here.” And again that declaration, “I shall not die, but live.”
I was comforted that in her extreme peril, she received what she described as “angel thoughts.” Mary Baker Eddy’s words, “These angels deliver us from the depths” suddenly seemed poignantly true.
Hearing about this survivor’s story taught me that perhaps it’s not necessary to try to explain why bad things happen, where evil comes from or whether or not it is God’s will. I thought if she could survive a tsunami of that proportion, what could I not survive, endure or overcome? So perhaps even against all odds, any of us could be victorious, saved or healed.
This tsunami survivor example has given me encouragement to meet disaster or catastrophe in life. Maybe you, too, will be encouraged to find answers for overcoming your own catastrophes.
Clearly, this dear woman believed she could turn to God to help in her time of crisis. She must have known God not as a destroyer but as Creator — as a protector and preserver of humanity and as a God of love. The book of I Kings says God is not in the wind, earthquake or fire. God is the “still small voice” that is present no matter how dire the situation. (I Kings 19:11-12)
Perhaps such knowledge and faith could help any of us when faced with a crisis. You and I may never encounter a tsunami or experience an earthquake, but how do we contend with whatever we may be facing — extreme debt, divorce, unemployment, injury, illness?
Do we give up? Do we believe there is no hope? Do we resolve to a life of chance, vulnerability and uncertainty? The inspiration I gained from one woman’s victory over a formidable foe has strengthened my confidence and trust in the mightiest power of all — the Divine.
While we all may face struggles and hardships that at times bring us to our knees, we can be assured that the “still small voice” will be with us, will lift us up and guide us onward and upward to a new day — to solutions, freedom, peace, comfort, healing.
May we too have the strength and faith to look at adversities and proclaim, “I shall not die, but live.” Surely this is God’s will for His beloved children!
Nov 17, 2009 |
by Annette Bridges. ©2009. All rights reserved.
Perhaps sometimes temptation gets a bad wrap. Certainly it’s wise to keep our wits about us so not to fall prey to seduction and allurements that would lead us down troublesome paths. But are there times when we’re tempted to act and don’t when perhaps we should have?
I asked my daughter if she has ever had such a moment and she said just this past week she was tempted to speak up in a college class and didn’t. Then she said the professor proceeded to answer his question in exactly the way she would have if she had acted upon her temptation.
I recall a time when I was tempted to introduce myself to a new neighbor but didn’t do so for months. When I finally did, we became great friends and I wished I had acted upon my temptation earlier.
In the same like I remember when I got my first apartment. I found the one that fit perfectly into my budget, but something didn’t feel right, and I was tempted to not sign the contract and keep looking. But because I was in a hurry and was afraid I might not find another in my budget, I moved into this apartment and soon afterward could not wait to move out.
There have been jobs that I took even though I was tempted not to — and it turned out I shouldn’t have. And there have been invitations that I was tempted to turn down, but didn’t — and should have. However, I’m not consumed with regrets, my friends, because hopefully I’ve learned to make wiser choices along the way.
In fact, in all of these instances, better decisions probably would have been made if only instinct had been trusted. Whether we call it a hunch, a vibe or a feeling in our bones, we all have an innate spiritual intuition that would point us in the right direction if only heeded.
So what is it that keeps us from listening to our better instincts and following those good temptations that would help us make better decisions, help us figure out when or what to trust, help us to do things that are right for us and others, and help us live our lives to the fullest?
Some might say a lack of confidence, self-doubt, insecurity, shyness, desperation and so on. Everything on our list would undoubtedly be rooted in fear — fear of rejection, of being wrong, of being embarrassed, of being humiliated, of making a mistake, or of not being successful or good enough. But listening to our instincts stops fear from clouding our reason.
Many of us like to weigh the pros and cons of everything. But my husband often says, “Study long, study wrong.” And I admit I’ve often been good at talking myself out of things. Indeed, there are studies popping up that support the idea of trusting our instincts.
One study I came across, reportedly published in the Journal of Consumer Research, concluded that people who deliberate about decisions reach less accurate conclusions than people who trust their instincts. And another study that was conducted by the University College London also found that people are more likely to perform well, if they do not think too hard and instead trust their instincts.
I love the story in the Bible that illustrates to me how Elijah learned to listen to his spiritual intuition. Elijah was very distraught and unsure what he would do next. He was standing on a mountain hoping for God to give him guidance. The Bible speaks of a strong wind, earthquake and fire that came, but God wasn’t in any of those. Then there was a “still small voice.” (I Kings 19:11-12)
That still, small voice is indicative of our God-given spiritual intuition. Our fears may seem like a strong wind, earthquake or fire, and these fears tend to confuse our better judgment. But nothing can silence God’s voice to us. We will hear His guidance as we learn to trust our instincts — our inner voice that will direct us to what is good.
You and I are intuitive thinkers. God made us this way. I have no doubt that you’ll find your instincts are correct whether they are telling you yes or no — to do or not to do. So trust them! And be sure to act upon those good temptations that will assure your life is satisfying and fulfilling.
Oct 13, 2006 |
by Annette Bridges. © 2006. All rights reserved.
In the past few weeks, newspapers and the airwaves have been filled with scenes and news of devastation and images of despair. Yet scattered among the procession of tragedies have been incredible tsunami survivor accounts. Stories that captivate the heart and fill the soul with hope. Stories that respond to the ages-old question – “How could God allow this to happen?” – with illustrations that protest, “He couldn’t. He wouldn’t. He didn’t.”
One survival story has changed my life. Before I read her story, I had been having bad dreams, almost daily, imagining myself being overcome by massive waves. I would wake up in a sweat of fear vowing there can’t be a situation where God’s helping hand can’t reach me and save me. But during my dreams my heart would again sink with doubts and little confidence.
Reading her survival account has given me encouragement to meet disaster or catastrophe in life. I thought if she can survive a tsunami of this proportion, what can I not survive, endure or overcome?
I found her story on the website, www.spirituality.com and my attention was first grabbed by its title, “From a tsunami survivor: ‘I will not die’.” It was the story of a woman from Singapore who was in Sri Lanka for the wedding of her niece, along with other family members and friends. They were, like many others I’ve read about, having breakfast in their beach hotel when the monstrous wall-high waves hit. I was immediately drawn into her experience – not knowing how to swim, being crushed by furniture and other debris as she reached out for something to save her.
It took my breathe away when she told the first thought that came to her as she tumbled in the water. Words from the Bible, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” But this promise was not at first enough to give her assurance. More thoughts came to her, some giving her direction such as “Cycle…paddle…use your legs.” Remember I said she didn’t know how to swim. She thought of Jesus calming a storm on the sea with those powerful three words, “Peace, be still.” And also the words, “…know that God is here.” And again that declaration, “I shall not die, but live…” She said that it really is true how your life flashes through your mind at such a moment of life and death.
I was comforted that in her extreme peril, she received what she described as “angel thoughts”. In her book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy defines angels as “God’s thoughts passing to man; spiritual intuitions…” As I read all the “angel thoughts” this woman heard or felt, Eddy’s words, “These angels deliver us from the depths” seemed poignantly true.
I’ve decided perhaps it’s not necessary to try and explain why bad things happen or where evil comes from. But the need is to learn how to conquer evil. How even against all odds, I could be victorious. I could be saved. I could be healed. And my survival is what destroys evil by proving it powerless over me.
I think to begin, I need to know that God is not a destroyer, but a Creator. A protector. A preserver of humanity. A God of love. As the book of Job says, God is not in the wind, earthquake or fire. But God is the “still small voice” that is present no matter how dire the situation and will direct me to safety. Then maybe my prayers based on this knowledge could help others, too.
Certainly, I may never be faced with a tsunami. But there are other faces of evil that cause me fear. The threat of tornados. Death of loved ones. Illness. Accident. Injury.
Do I give up? Do I believe there is no hope? Do I resolve to a life of chance, vulnerability, and uncertainty?
The inspiration I’ve gained from one woman’s victory over a formidable foe, has strengthened my confidence and trust in the mightiest power of all – the Divine. While I may face struggles and hardships that at times bring me to my knees, I can be assured that the “still small voice” will be with me, will lift me up and guide me onward and upward to a new day. To solutions. Freedom. Peace. Comfort. Healing.
May I have the strength and faith to look at my adversities and proclaim, “I shall not die, but live…”
Oct 13, 2006 |
by Annette Bridges. © 2006. All rights reserved.
I love to pray sitting by the seashore. I have sat for hours enraptured by the vastness and infinity of the broad view. It’s something about the wideness of the sea and the constancy of the rolling waves that makes my soul sigh in contentment and quiets my mind in peaceful reflection.
I’ve often thought, “How can I take this peaceful feeling home with me? How can I go back home and find freedom from the stress of life’s chores and responsibilities?”
I’ve learned to take Christ Jesus’ words, “Enter into thy closet,” to heart.
In giving helpful instruction on how to pray, Jesus said, “When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”
With each breath I take, I feel wrapped in God’s love.
The seashore is a bit like my “closet.” I shut my eyes, not thinking about any troubles, fears or concerns. With each breath I take, I feel wrapped in God’s love. I hear the thunderous roar of waves crashing, and at the same time I feel the order and rhythmic peaceful pattern of the waves rolling in.
- This reminds me of a stanza from a poem written by Mary Baker Eddy:
And o’er earth’s troubled, angry sea
I see Christ walk
And come to me, and tenderly
Divinely talk
I feel as if Christ Jesus has spoken to me and proclaimed peace. It’s as if a thought whispers to me, You are safe. You are not alone. You are whole. All is well. And when I open my eyes the problem, fear or concern that had been troubling me now seems very small, like a single grain of sand under my feet. There is clarity and there is calm.
But over the years, I’ve found the healing power of this prayer doesn’t require sitting by the sea. I can follow Christ Jesus’ prayer instructions wherever I am. And I have—whether I am working at my desk, sitting in a hospital waiting area, standing in line at the grocery store, or stuck in my car in a traffic jam. I enter into my closet, that quiet realm in thought where I know God’s presence and love is with me and is as constant as the rolling waves and as infinite as the inexhaustible waters of the sea. I talk with God and hear the healing words I need in that moment. Again and again, there is clarity, there is calm, there is peace.
I found I had the ideas I needed.
Sometimes I have hours to spend in my prayer closet. Other times I have only moments. I recall one time sitting at my desk working on an assignment deadline, feeling pressured and rattled about the deadline. In fact, the project slowed to a standstill the more I looked at the clock. I didn’t have hours, but I took a moment to enter into my prayer closet at that moment of frustration. The pressure completely disappeared and was replaced with calm inspiration. I found I had the ideas I needed to complete the project on schedule. These heartfelt, often momentary prayers are fail-proof.
Following Christ Jesus’ insightful prayer guidelines puts my troubles on pause. I’m reminded that Love, the Love that is God, is always with me—and not just by the seashore. With a calm thought, I’m able to find my peace again.
Feb 12, 2004 |
by Annette Bridges
Sometimes I feel like I’ve lived my life waiting for vacation to vacation. In between each anticipated excursion, I would be dreaming, planning and longing. My very favorite vacation has taken me seaside. Throughout my childhood, a trip to the ocean was often as much for curative reasons than for a holiday. Anytime we were struggling with some difficulty or had a major decision looming, my mom would suggest a trip to the ocean in search of peace or solution.
Many an artist has tried to capture the ocean’s essence. Many a poet has told its stories. Many a writer has found inspiration in its presence. Does this wonder of nature contain some mysterious healing power in itself or does it remind thought of an infinite, omnipotent divine source that can uplift and heal us wherever we are?
I have sat for hours by the seaside enraptured by the vastness and infinity of the broad view. It’s something about the wideness of the sea and the constancy of the rolling waves that would make my soul sigh in contentment and quiet my mind in peaceful reflection. I love the way I feel when I vacation by the ocean and have often thought, “How can I take this peaceful feeling home with me?” “How can I go back home and find freedom from the stress of life’s chores and responsibilities?”
Words from a beloved hymn compare the wideness of God’s mercy to the wideness of the sea. I know that wideness encompasses me where I am, each moment of my life. God is not limited to a location. God is certainly with me at home as much as He is with me when on vacation.
Christ Jesus gave us wonderful instruction on how to pray. He said, “When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” (Matthew 6:6)
I love to pray when sitting on the seashore. It’s like my closet. I shut my eyes to any troubles, fears or concerns. With each breath I take, I feel wrapped in God’s love. I hear the thunderous roar of waves crashing but at the same time I feel the order and rhythmic peaceful pattern of the waves rolling in. I think of a line from a poem written by author of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, where she states, “And o’er earth’s troubled, angry sea I see Christ walk, and come to me, and tenderly, divinely talk.” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896) I feel as if Christ Jesus has spoken to me and proclaimed, “Peace, be still.” It’s as if a thought whispers to me, “You are safe. You are not alone. You are whole. All is well. ” I open my eyes once again to the vastness of the scene before me. Whatever problem, fear or concern had been troubling me now seems very small, like a single grain of sand under my feet. There is clarity and there is calm.
The healing power of this prayer did not require sitting by the sea. I can follow Christ Jesus prayer instructions wherever I am. And I have. Whether I am working at my desk, sitting in a hospital waiting area, standing in line at the grocery store, or stuck in my car in a traffic jam. I enter into my closet, that quiet realm of my consciousness that knows God’s presence and love is with me and is as constant as the rolling waves and as infinite as the inexhaustible waters of the sea. I talk with God and hear the healing words needed in that moment. And again and again, there is clarity, there is calm, there is peace.
What were my questions? How can I take this peaceful feeling home with me? How can I go back home and find freedom from the stress of life’s chores and responsibilities?
Christ Jesus provided the answer. “Enter into thy closet.”
I know that Love, the Love that is God, is always with me as I travel my life journey. And I know this is true for my daughter and husband and for you, too. We can all feel the healing peace of God wherever we are and wherever we go.
Originally published in February 2004. ©Annette Bridges. All rights reserved.
