Oct 13, 2006 |
by Annette Bridges. © 2006. All rights reserved.
Change comes in countless forms. Some life-altering. Some predictable. Some we choose. Some are imposed on us. Like those that are so sudden they uproot our secure and stable routine, and send us swirling into unwanted transition.
I was heading off to college for my freshman year with great anticipation – all good. And not just any college, but the college of my dreams.
Then mid-year, something I never thought about or imagined could happen – happened. Academic suspension for one year. The result of my poor study skills and more time spent in social activities than in classes.
Devastated. Depressed. I was faced with what seemed like a hurricane of destruction to all I held dear. Forced to leave new friends and a new boyfriend. Forced to leave my new home and return to my parents’ home. Not knowing what to do with my life.
Shortly after I got the unexpected news (that I should have expected), I received an encouraging letter from my college advisor. She explained that suspend also meant to “uphold by invisible support”. I could know I was also being supported by their hopes and expectation of my return.
I searched my favorite magazines for advice on coping with change. But one suggestion I found, to hang on and ride out the storm, was not what I wanted to hear.
The idea that we must simply cope with and endure storms sent me to the Biblical account when Christ Jesus and his disciples faced a “great storm.” I read how Christ Jesus “rebuked the wind and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” (Immediately, I might add.)
Whirlwinds of self-pitying emotions were keeping me from accepting responsibility for my actions and seeing that there were solutions at hand.
These words from author Mary Baker Eddy, in a short piece entitled, Angels, helped bring me calm and clarity. “God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies. Never ask for tomorrow: it is enough that divine Love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment…..This sweet assurance is the ‘Peace, be still’ to all human fears, to suffering of every sort.”
I started affirming the peace of God as present and powerful in my life. I felt assured of a God of love who is ever-directing and guiding me to whatever I need in each moment. The storm, with self-pitying winds, was stilled. I left my past mistakes behind me and focused on present possibilities.
As my point of view changed from dread and uncertainty to confident hope and resolve, a job opportunity presented itself. One that taught me much about unselfish care for others’ needs. I enrolled in a community college where I took several remedial classes and workshops to improve my reading and writing skills.
A few months later, I returned to the college of my dreams. And before my one year suspension date. Three years later, I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree with the senior class award for “progress.”
Life-changing lessons were learned in my freshman year. Just coping with change can keep us treading water and never moving forward. But using change as a means to grow wiser and stronger, leads to progress.
Oct 13, 2006 |
by Annette Bridges. © 2006. All rights reserved.
July has been given the distinction of National Purposeful Parenting Month. Purposeful. That’s practical and sensible. Something most parents aspire to be.
Recently, Boy Scout Brennan Hawkins’s story gave me pause to reflect on my parenting method in street proofing my daughter from stranger danger.
Brennan’s mother stated that her son told her his biggest fear was that someone would steal him. She added Brennan took their advice about avoiding strangers too literally.
This hit home with me. I’ve often wondered if I’ve emphasized more of danger and warnings to my daughter than solutions in the face of those dangers.
My heart ached to think this little boy could have been rescued sooner if not for his extreme fear of strangers. Or that his fear could have cost him his life.
Martha McArthur of the safety program, Block Parents, says “it’s important to make your children aware how to interact with strangers. ‘Never talk to strangers’ just isn’t practical because we do find children who get lost and are then afraid to ask for help from a stranger.” Such was apparently the case with Brennan.
Clearly, all parents want to alert their children to hazards in the world without overly frightening them. Certainly there are practical and necessary life skills to teach regarding stranger interaction.
We’ve heard again and again that balance is important in all aspects of life and at all ages. What happens when fear outweighs faith and hope? Cases like Brennan’s show how invasive fear can be. How fear can cripple right reasoning with a paralyzing effect on judgment. Brennan told how he hid from search parties. His ordeal illustrates how actions guided by fear can lead to harmful outcomes.
As a parent, I’m heartened by this message of promise from the author of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy: “. . . God is our Shepherd. He guards, guides, feeds, and folds the sheep of His pasture; and their ears are attuned to His call.” (Part of my daily prayer for my daughter!) And also, “Step by step will those who trust Him find that ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble’ (Psalms 46:1).” And finally her instruction “Let neither fear nor doubt overshadow your clear sense and calm trust. . . ”
Brennan’s potentially tragic story encourages me to also emphasize to my daughter that she can pray and listen for God’s directing when facing her greatest fears. That she and all children can have faith that prayer will lead them to intuitively make good decisions even in bad situations. That they can be confident with these intuitions. Trust them. And follow them.
Yes, I think developing a child’s ability to problem-solve with prayer-inspired reasoning is surely an important part of purposeful parenting!
Oct 13, 2006 |
by Annette Bridges. © 2006. All rights reserved.
It was a day that would not be forgotten. One of those unsuspecting defining moments that touched my life. I saw movies most every weekend, but Star Wars would be unlike any movie I had ever seen before.
In 1977, I was a freshman in college. My interests were boys and having fun. That was pretty much it. At that point in time, I can’t say education or career were high priorities. Nor were things spiritual. I probably went to see Star Wars swept up by the anticipation hype of the day with my friends. All I know is I saw it not once, not twice. But dozens of times.
In Bill Moyer’s interview of George Lucas, Lucas said he hoped the Force would “awaken a certain kind of spirituality in young people.” One that was more about a “belief in God than a belief in any particular religious system.” One that would simply make young people think, question and consider. Well, his hope proved true for me.
Some have asked if the prequels have attracted the same audiences as the original Trilogy. If you count me, I suppose the answer would be, “Yes!” And I admit I’ve been among those trying to be first in line. Along with my daughter, I might add.
It was interesting that Lucas gave us the middle and end of the story before going back to the beginning of the saga. After recently watching Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (My daughter and I were first in line), I’ve decided I’m glad I knew the rest of the story. It would have been too depressing to watch Anakin Skywalker seduced by evil, by the dark side, and not be assured of his later redemption.
And now the long awaited answer to the decades old question has been provided. How Anakin Skywalker transformed into Darth Vader.
Perhaps Anakin’s greatest flaw was fear. He became intoxicated by fear. Thus he was led to believe and do that which he should not, would not. As he succumbed to his fear, his doom was sealed.
But in witnessing Anakin’s “fall,” I was immediately relieved and heartened by knowing he would be redeemed. His “fall” would not be the final chapter of his life. I find great hope in Anakin’s example. The hope that promises no one is beyond help, that it’s never too late to change. The same kind of promise felt in the prodigal son parable told by Christ Jesus.
I can honestly say in 1977, it was the first Star Wars episode that prompted me to think more spiritually and broadened my perceptions to consider how one action begets another. That reminded me of the Higher Power that unifies all creation. That all of creation has a purpose. And that included me!
As a result, I became more studious of things spiritual and interested in reading books by spiritual thinkers. This included spiritual thinker and author, Mary Baker Eddy. She was speaking of Galileo, but Eddy’s words ring true of Anakin’s fall: “This awful price: the temporary loss of his self-respect. His fear overcame his loyalty; the courage of his convictions fell before it.” She elsewhere states, “A man’s fear, unconquered, conquers him, in whatever direction.”
If fear is one answer to the question – What makes man evil? – perhaps love is the answer to the question of redemption. Love was certainly central to Anakin’s redemption.
So for me, Star Wars is much more than a mere tale of science fiction. It appears that through his films, Lucas’ own spiritual vision has had a profound effect on two generations of spiritual seekers. Of which I am one.
Oct 13, 2006 |
by Annette Bridges. © 2006. All rights reserved.
Newspaper headlines tell the story. “When Dogma Meets Drama on Television.” “It’s the End of the World – on NBC.”
NBC’s mini-series of religion-flavored drama, Revelations, is being scoffed at by Biblical scholars while drawing in millions of viewers.
Last year, no one predicted the extraordinary box-office success of The Passion of the Christ. Nor the public and media frenzy that surrounded it.
Bestseller The Da Vinci Code has created a stir of discussions and debate among the general public, media, and churches, authors and scholars, which will not end. Soon The Da Vinci Code will make its movie debut.
The trend in exploring all things spiritual is not a new one. Is this hunger growing? Or does this desire now crave more specificity?
Regardless of one’s opinions, viewpoint or interpretation of Scripture, surely spiritual exploration is good. And perhaps it’s not so surprising that in the search to understand spirituality, the need has grown to want more definitive answers. Not surprising if one acknowledges the inherent nature of humankind as a spiritual one with the same divine Creator.
The urgency ignited by the 9/11 attacks and the war on terrorism has fueled the fear of “humanity at the brink.” Many believe this fear is also feeding the surge of religious-themed entertainment.
Certainly, Hollywood wants to cash in by accommodating public interest. And Hollywood’s goals are more about entertainment than presenting fact. But I think even in fictitious religious dramas, nuggets of truth can be found worthy of contemplation.
NBC’s Revelations features the unusual partnership of skeptic and believer, Science and Christianity – Dr. Massey and Sister Josepha. Their dialogue in the first episode sets up the ensuing conflict.
“Believe whatever you want to,” said Dr. Massey.
“Deny whatever you want to,” replied Sister Josepha.
But it was something Sister Josepha said in the second episode that has given me pause. Dr. Massey asked, “…even if this child is Christ, how can this child save the world?” And Sister Josepha responded, “Christ is hope…Perhaps hope can save the world.”
Now there’s a thought worthy of reflection. How can hope save the world? What kind of hope would it take? What message of hope comes from Christ?
Few would deny the effect of depressed hope. The history of civilization provides its chronicle. Unending cycles of poverty. Stalled progress. Limited vision. Ignorance. Anguish. Envy. Misunderstanding. Fear. Hatred. And so on. History has shown that depressed hope unchecked leads down paths toward doom and death.
So what of hope?
For centuries, many have thought of the Christ-child as a symbol of hope. The life and lessons of Christ Jesus teach of the infinitude and inclusiveness of God’s love and of the infinite possibilities of God’s help. History has also shown that faith in Christ Jesus and his teachings restore hope and lead up paths toward healing and life.
So maybe hope can play a part in the world’s salvation. Maybe humankind can change its destiny, as the character of Sister Josepha asserts. Biblical scholar and author of her own book on spirituality and healing, Mary Baker Eddy, describes the ministry of Christ Jesus. “Panoplied in the strength of an exalted hope, faith, and understanding, he sought to conquer the three-in-one of error: the world, the flesh, and the devil.”
Perhaps we must put on the same armor – exalted hope, faith and understanding – in order to win our own battle for salvation. Christ Jesus’ example affirms our hope that victory over evil will be the outcome. Such a victory was his.
In the meantime, the warfare between good and evil will probably continue in the creation of more shows like NBC’s Revelations. Ultimately, I believe the heart of humanity forever cherishes hope and no fear of Armageddon can destroy it. Hope will enable humankind to endure, overcome and win the day.
Oct 13, 2006 |
by Annette Bridges. © 2006. All rights reserved.
There’s something about Easter.
Maybe it’s a time for ending? A time to let go of long-harbored anger and hurt.
Perhaps a time for beginning? A time to make new friends, exchange marriage vows or explore new opportunities, new career goals, follow new dreams.
Or maybe it’s a time for renewing? A time to resurrect relationships fallen by the wayside.
One Easter long ago became a time for me to learn about forgiveness and love. The kind of love so beautifully exemplified by Christ Jesus life example. A love that is powerful enough to heal and transform lives. He showed that love is stronger than hate, violence, apathy and fear. Jesus made forgiveness look natural and easy. I have not always found it so. Yet Christ Jesus instructed, “If ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? For sinners also love those that love them.”
Others have given insightful instruction on love and forgiveness. Mother Theresa advised, “If we really want to love, we must learn to forgive.” Alexander Pope declared, “To err is human; to forgive, Divine.” And Mary Baker Eddy wrote, “Love your enemies, or you will not lose them; and if you love them, you will help to reform them.”
So what about forgiveness? How can it be natural and easy to forgive someone who has caused hurt, pain, disappointment? And why should I forgive, especially when I am the innocent one and justified in my anger, hatred, and resentment?
A neighbor spoke to me in such a way that I thought was unforgivable. The entire event revolved around what appeared to be an on-going irreconcilable situation. The only obvious solution was to move. Something I really did not want to do. Thus, my dilemma. It was the Saturday before Easter Sunday.
Have you ever attended a church service and felt like the sermon was directed right at you?
I sat there listening to readings about Christ Jesus, his enemies crucifying him, his friends deserting him and yet…he forgave them all, he never stopped loving – friend or foe. I longed to love in such a way. I thought perhaps it was his love that enabled him to conquer death and the grave and all the evil that had been directed at him and inflicted upon him. I can only say there came a moment during that Easter service when I felt nothing but compassion and yes, love for the one who had wronged me.
Mary Baker Eddy in her book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, describes the “universal solvent of love” as what’s needed to dissolve self-justification. I had certainly swallowed a big dose of that! I had been focused on being justified in my reactions and in being “right”. Consequently, love was nowhere to be found in my heart or in my reasoning.
And here’s the thing. As I forgave, I felt free from the effects of another’s evil intent. Forgiving wasn’t erasing history or exonerating. But forgiving was relinquishing the destructive power of anger that would have continued to imprison me and determine my actions, thoughts and words. I wasn’t putting the heavy baggage of another’s evil behavior on my back. Forgiveness dared me to imagine a better future. One that was based on the blessed possibility that my hurt would not be the final word on the matter.
I returned from that Easter church service transformed and later that day received an apology from my neighbor. We made a mutual commitment to make things more harmonious. And so they have been. Never again were harsh words spoken. We’ve been neighbors for over twenty years now. I have continued to learn more about love. The kind of unconditional love that God gives to all his children. And what Christ Jesus referred to as the second great commandment, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
I am now convinced that forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself. And furthermore, that forgiveness may be the most powerful step that people, and even nations, can take to bring about transformation, progress and growth. So most definitely….Easter is a time for forgiveness. A time for love.
