Nov 16, 2009 |
by Annette Bridges. ©2009. All rights reserved.
An article on msnbc’s website, “Anonymity can turn nice people nasty,” claims that “one minute, they’re nice normal people. The next they’re frothing at the mouse.” Posted last October, the article suggests that today’s “faceless” communication encourages disrespect. It references a study published in the journal Psychological Reports (February 2008). For the study, the goal of which was to determine if anonymity resulted in antisocial behavior, 20 men and 50 women were randomly assigned to four experimental groups. It concluded that anonymity is more apt to result in rudeness, since only participants who did not identify themselves came across as blunt or rude.
Yet faceless communication can hardly be avoided today. People rely on e-mail, cellphones, Blackberrys, iPhones. Each allows us to be in touch with friends or strangers without ever having eye contact or observing body language. And social networking sites, such as MySpace and Facebook, have completely changed the landscape of our personal connections, allowing us to build community and reconnect with others with the click of a mouse.
While these advancements increase in fascination and usefulness, many agree they’ve fostered a lack of respect toward one another. The article contends that current forms of faceless communication, together with those that have existed for decades, contribute to an increase in abusive interactions. For example, customer service representatives tell of being treated rudely on a daily basis; online bloggers type insults without apparent care for their impact; and reports of online taunting and bullying continue to rise. David Pogue, New York Times technology columnist, wrote of those engaged in online name-calling: “It may be that anonymity removes whatever self-control they might have exhibited when confronting their subjects in person” (“Try to play nice, wicked wide web,” December 31, 2006).
I admit that the anonymity of my contacts with others has at times made it easy to say what I’d never say in person.
Such reactions are a direct call for the prayer that can move society toward more loving thoughts and actions, ones that encourage individual responsibility and progress while still valuing technological innovations. The Apostle Paul’s question is still apt in today’s world: “Men, you are brethren; why do you wrong one another?” (Acts 7:26, New King James Version). As the sons and daughters of one divine Parent, would we really want to communicate something through cyberspace or by phone that we wouldn’t say face to face?
I admit that the anonymity of my contacts with others, whether online, over the telephone, or even in my car, has at times made it easy to say what I’d never say in person. But mean-spirited and careless communication leads to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, even violence—and it’s important for people to be held accountable for their actions.
Jesus, the master communicator, looked to God, Love itself, to instruct him in all matters. His Sermon on the Mount is an incredible guide for personal interactions, whether texting, blogging, or talking face to face. The sermon emphasizes kindness, forgiveness, love—even loving those perceived to be enemies.
Prayer that goes to God with the conviction that He is the source of all communication elevates individual and collective thinking.
And Jesus’ life example showed how to live without holding grudges, insulting or scorning others, but with tolerance, patience, and respect. “Do to others as you would have them do to you,” he taught (Luke 6:31, New International Version). The Sentinel’s founder, Mary Baker Eddy, referred to this golden counsel as “a divine rule for human conduct” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 301). She also observed, “Our thoughts beget our actions; they make us what we are. . . . A deep sincerity is sure of success, for God takes care of it” (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 203).
Prayer that goes to God with the conviction that He is the source of all communication elevates individual and collective thinking. Such a starting point has a way of transforming misguided or reckless action into harmonious and gracious interchange. Having the means to communicate more fully and freely around the world is a gift, which has dissolved barriers of all kinds. Collective prayer that acknowledges divine Love as the grand Communicator will guard and guide interactions for both giver and receiver. And prayer, inspired by Jesus’ counsel, will help protect and elevate it.
Nov 16, 2009 |
by Annette Bridges. ©2009. All rights reserved.
Sharing our life lessons offers hope, encouragement and inspiration to others.
It’s comforting to have someone empathize with us. It may not be possible to walk in each other’s shoes, but it helps us and them when we try. Everyone has feelings and hopes — they don’t have to be the same as ours for us to relate to and support each other. Celebrating our similarities and differences helps build respect for one another and helps us clarify our own beliefs, values and goals, too.
There have been times when I was depressed and a friend would share a similar experience they had. Before this I felt alone and like the only person in the world who had to deal with whatever it was. Hearing how someone else has worked through a calamity is encouraging, even if their solution is different from what could work for you.
One friend said her “Aha!” was realizing she could retire early. She wrote, “Recent layoffs caused me concern so I checked my retirement benefits to see what would happen if I should be asked to leave now. I found that I could retire now, not collect until 2010, and there was virtually no difference in the amount I would receive in retirement benefits. We were able to pay off our home this year so my loss of income for 15 months won’t be an issue, and now I will have the time to travel to Denver more often to see my mom while she still has some quality time left. God has certainly lined everything up perfectly. WooooHoooo!!!!”
After getting her feelings hurt by someone in her Writer’s Group, this friend said a recent article I wrote resulted in an “Aha!” moment for her. She wrote, “I was reminded of a time as a child when I was asked to leave a group because I was too hyper and not “fitting in” with the rest of the girls. (It was a Brownie Scouts troop.) There have been times in my life when that event, along with others of the same nature, has led me to leave groups or people before being asked to leave. I read your article on letting go of grudges and realized I could let go of the hurt of that time long ago and that I had options on how to handle the present situation. The thoughts in your article led me to get past an old pattern of withdrawal when I had been angered or hurt.”
A friend shared, “I suppose my greatest “Aha” experience was when my daughter had to have surgery for scoliosis. I had just taught her how to do the back flip off the diving board at the lake. At the same time the school discovered the scoliosis through a routine screening at school, her teachers called me in for a parent teachers’ conference and from there I discovered she was having seizures. All this happened within a three week period. To make a long story short, none of her doctors could give me a definite answer as to whether, when they put her to sleep to do the surgery on her back, she would wake up or go into a coma because of the seizures.” This mother shared how her prayers resulted in the realization that God was the divine Parent of both herself and her daughter — the Father-Mother God who was ever caring for, protecting, and loving all of His children. She said, “The weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders.” The surgery went well.
Another mother wrote, “The moment when I knew my life would never be the same was when my son was born. Before I became a mother, I never thought about parenthood so deeply, but suddenly I realized that parenthood changes everything. Suddenly you’re living for the sake of another person, and you have to think about his/her needs at all times, often ignoring your own needs and desires. And the bond is eternal, because our spirits live eternally. Our children and our parents inevitably die, sooner or later, but the spirits live on forever, and therefore there is an eternal connection between a person and his/her parents. A person can have more than one husband or wife, but each of us has only one father and one mother. When I think about the influence my father and especially my mother had on me, it reminds me to be very careful how I speak to and act with my son.”
One friend shared about the “Ahas!” that come when she is learning something new. She describes herself as a slow learner. When her husband tries to teach her something new on the computer, for example, it may take a few times before an “Aha!” clicks and she gets it.
I’ve certainly had to repeat many life lessons before I truly understood their importance and value!
“Ahas!” — Life’s grand lessons — come in all shapes and sizes. Some may seem rather inconsequential while others result in dramatic changes in our life. But all “Ahas!” effect and influence our life in some way, making each one significant and important.
Once again, may you have many “Aha!” moments, my friends, and share these precious lessons with everyone you can!
Nov 16, 2009 |
by Annette Bridges. ©2009. All rights reserved.
Beginning in babyhood, we watch and learn from others. What doesn’t always continue throughout our lives is how we speak about what we’re learning with one another. And yet there is much we can learn from hearing about another’s experiences and perspectives.
Truly each of us has a unique path we will call our life. And there are probably no two paths exactly alike. Still, when we share the lessons we’ve learned with another, we may be giving that person the inspiration, encouragement, hope or wisdom they need at that moment in their own life.
A couple of weeks ago, I asked some friends to share one of their “Aha!” moments with me — such as an experience that changed the way they lived their life, something they read that altered the way they believed, life-transforming insight gleaned from a mistake or perhaps something realized from witnessing another person’s experience.
This week is going to feature those who shared lessons learned in their childhood or from a child. Next week will feature parental perceptions and other lessons learned as an adult.
One friend told about the death of friend in an automobile accident. They were both twelve years old and their mothers’ only children. She wrote, “At that moment I had an “Aha!” that would change my life forever. Life became a precious gift — something fleeting. I realized that even at the tender age of twelve, I could die and so could those I love. It is a lesson that I suppose we all learn at some point — the first time we feel our own mortality. “
Another wrote, “My “Aha!” moment came when I made a phone call about making brownies for the band bake sale.” She became acquainted with a family and a student who had been diagnosed with cancer. She shared, “I watched her during her struggles with chemo, surgery, radiation and anything else that was sent her way. She had more strength and wisdom than many adults have — me included. We complain because we’ve had a bad day or we never have enough hours in the day to accomplish what we want to do or something isn’t going our way. Then I look at Chalisa. What an amazing young lady.”
One friend told about an epiphany she experienced as a teenager during Sunday School. She explained, “We were talking about the Bible Lesson for that week, questions were flying, and ideas started percolating. Then came my “Aha!” moment which became pivotal to my life. Liz started talking about everything around us representing a spiritual idea; that the very substance of all stuff was spiritual, not the matter it seemed to be constructed of. For instance, a dog represents unconditional love and boundless joy, the chair we sat on represented structure and support, as God’s children we represented every divine quality attributable to God’s good nature — honesty, intelligence, tenderness, strength, loving-kindness, etc. And the light bulb went off. Oh my gosh. Suddenly, this statement by Mary Baker Eddy who authored the book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures had profound meaning to me: “Metaphysics resolves things into thoughts, and exchanges the objects of sense for the ideas of Soul.” Life suddenly had a new color and purpose and it became an adventure in spiritual discovery … that continues today.”
Another childhood “Aha!” came when this friend was about 10 years old. She wrote, “I was at a fair with my best friend and I was at one of those booths where you try to win a stuffed animal. I had one in mind that I wanted, and I kept putting quarters down and guessing a number that the game would land on and I kept guessing the wrong number. After the 20th time of guessing, I was ready to move on. The man suggested I let my friend guess. And of course my friend guessed the right number and she got the stuffed animal that I wanted. So “Aha!” — I learned that it doesn’t pay to gamble. I never gambled again. I learned that we can’t rely on chance for any aspect of our lives. I would much rather feel the safe, secure, presence of God’s love and guidance than let accidents, mishaps, superstition rule my day.”
I recall many “Ahas!” from my youth, such as: What goes around comes around. Lying is never a good idea. Sneak around enough and you will get caught. Mothers are not easily deceived. And also, if you want things to be different in your life, be the difference that makes the difference.
Every life lesson learned is pivotal to who we are and how we live our lives. May you have many “Aha!” moments, my friends, and may you share these precious lessons with everyone you can!
Nov 16, 2009 |
by Annette Bridges. ©2009. All rights reserved.
For many, spring brings change, new beginnings and growth. For some, the anticipation of spring means a spring break vacation and a bout of spring fever.
One dictionary defines “spring fever” as a feeling of restlessness, excitement or laziness brought on by the coming of spring. Symptoms often include a shovel, new plants and green thumbs or a compulsive desire to fish or anything else that gets them outdoors.
In years long past, with spring came the beginning of my marriage and a couple of years later, the beginning of our family. But this year, my feelings about springtime are somewhat ambivalent.
My strong cravings for a spring break are more about a desire to escape and avoid than about fun and adventure. This is probably because some foreseeable changes in the future are not ones I’m looking forward to or want.
For awhile now, I’ve been trying to break free from the dreary forecast for our country that feels like a constant dark cloud hovering overhead.
And I’ve become determined to exchange my fearful anticipation of a difficult future for a brighter outlook. Interestingly enough, I’ve gained some fresh and encouraging inspiration by considering some of the synonyms for “anticipate.” As with most words, “anticipate” has a few variations to its meaning. The group of words that caught my attention include: “nullify, prevent, preclude, forestall, intercept, beat to the draw and get the jump on.”
The idea that it may be possible to “get the jump on” worries or fears is truly reassuring and emboldening. To “get a jump on” means we do something before it happens in order to get an advantage. For me, this means I don’t have to sit around and wait or dread. I’m not at the mercy of an uncertain future. And I’m not helpless. There is something to be done that can prevent and nullify what I’ve been expecting and thinking of as inevitable. At the very least, I can be more prepared and ready to handle whatever comes my way.
In the days of the Old West, the cowboy who beat his opponent to the draw won the fight. I want to be like this cowboy! So how can I prevent or rise above what feels like an unavoidable sea of troubles?
Worry and fear for the future always prophesies disaster. But is disaster bound to happen — inescapable, ordained or destined? Not according to the promises God gives us.
The Bible is filled with God’s promises to His children, along with countless examples of people being saved from whatever obstacle or pending doom they faced. Daniel found safety in the lion’s den, young David was victorious over the giant Goliath, Joseph saved the lives of his brothers regardless of their jealousy and betrayal and Jesus saved his disciples from a storm at sea as well as healing multitudes of the sick. And consider these promises: “The Lord will take away from thee all sickness.” (Deut. 7:15) “The Lord will not forsake his people.” (Isa. 12:22) “The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.” (Psalms 29:11) “The Lord shall be thy confidence; and shall keep thy foot from being taken.” (Prov. 3:26) “The Lord is patient toward you. He does not want anyone to be destroyed.” (II Pet. 3:9)
God’s promises are giving me the divine impetus I need to resist uneasy speculations and calm my fears about the future. I’m learning to not accept any verdict that would have me believe God doesn’t love and care for His children. My faith is more confident of God’s ever-present help today and every day.
After all, tomorrow starts from today. Our prayers today surely have a transforming effect on tomorrow. Uplifted and reassured by God’s power, my dread this spring is being replaced with hope. I think it’s time to plant some flowers!
Nov 16, 2009 |
by Annette Bridges. ©2009. All rights reserved.
We’ve probably all experienced an “Aha!” moment at some point in our personal or professional lives.
I’m talking about one of those illuminating moments when someone suddenly turns the light on and you can see clearly for the first time in a long time. It’s one of those times when whatever was puzzling you, now makes perfect sense — when confusion vanishes and understanding takes its place. It’s when you realize you’ve just discovered something that is meaningful to you. An “Aha!” moment is a turning point — a landmark juncture — when you know your life is never going to be the same.
For Newton it was an apple falling on his head. For a young Albert Einstein, inspiration struck when he was handed a compass and realized that some unseen force in space was making it move. Have you heard the story of Archimedes? He discovered the principles of water displacement and buoyancy in the bathtub. His “Aha!” sent him leaping naked from the tub and running down the street shouting, “Eureka!” — the Greek word for “I found it.”
“Aha!” moments often grow out of hours of thought and due diligence. Many times defining moments arrive unexpectedly. Regardless of when or how they come, an “Aha!” brings us clarity, inspiration, motivation, and revelation.
Sometimes it just takes one “Aha!” moment to change you forever. Perhaps something you’ve experienced completely reverses the way you view life. Or something profound you’ve heard or read enlightens your consciousness and alters a long-held perspective.
O, the Oprah Magazine has been featuring a column on “Aha!” moments. Recently, Jill Scott, singer and star of “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” tells about one of her “Aha!” moments. Her aunt’s untimely passing taught her a lesson about living life to the fullest.
We all have “Aha!” moments — no doubt we all need them. But once we get these insights, we need to seize them and utilize the newly discovered wisdom in order to reap the benefits they promise to provide.
Is it possible to be too busy to have time for the “Aha!” moment that has the potential to change your life?
I think so. Or at least I know that I’ve had days (or years) when my life felt consumed by trivial pursuits. In these times, I’ve often believed that I was missing something important. I’ve felt that some epiphany was just around the corner — if only I could shorten the list that was monopolizing my time, energy and thought.
But perhaps this acknowledgement is a Eureka moment in and of itself. Or for me, it is as if I can’t help but make the necessary changes in my life — changes that make self-reflection and prayer a priority.
When an “Aha!” truly captures our attention, we know in our soul what we must do — there is no going back. The “Aha!” is the realization that we already have been changed. An “Aha!” never leaves us where it found us. We will be pushed onward and forward, empowered, encouraged, strengthened and determined to use our newfound knowledge.
I have no doubt that anyone who heard Jesus preach had “Aha!” moments that transformed their lives, and they were never the same again. Multitudes were healed of their broken spirits and bodies.
Again and again following a healing, Jesus confirmed “Thy faith hath made thee whole.” (Matthew 9:22) I think when our hopes rest upon faith and expectation that God will and can help and heal us, we ready our thought for the divine “Aha!” that brings healing.
The ability to change and be healed is within our grasp. We can understand what we need to know. That new, big idea is attainable. The needed turnaround is achievable.
“Aha!” moments are not for a chosen few. God gives all His children infinite ideas, and these spiritual ideas lead us Godward until we reach the earthshaking understanding that changes our human sense of things to the divine. Then as Paul says, “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye”…”we shall all be changed.” (I Corinthians 15:51-52)
And so we are.
