Oct 24, 2007 |
by Annette Bridges. © 2007. All rights reserved.
We need only watch or read news headlines to get a depiction of humankind that is not very desirable. One that says the nature of man is dishonest, murderous, corruptible, angry, abusive and presents mankind as victimized — homeless, unemployed, suffering, sick.
So how could Mary Baker Eddy write, “. . . the majesty of Christian Science teaches the majesty of man”? Man, generically speaking — referring to both men and women — hardly appears to be very majestic, princely or noble, at least according to news reports.
To understand her meaning, I’ve had to first reacquaint myself with her explanation of the two words – “Christian Science.” Eddy wrote, “In the year 1866, I discovered the Christ Science or divine laws of Life, Truth, and Love, and named my discovery Christian Science.” And she explained, “The term Science, properly understood, refers only to the laws of God and to His government of the universe, inclusive of man.”
I certainly consider the laws of God to be majestic. The laws of God are surely more exalted and magnificent than any human opinion, fear or viewpoint. Laws of God are spiritual mandates that govern His creation. And what do these laws tell us about His creation?
Well to begin with, I believe they tell us that His creation — which includes you and me — is spiritual in nature. Christ Jesus, who referred to God as Spirit, must have meant this, too, when he said, “The kingdom of God is within you.”
And what is this spiritual nature, this kingdom of God like?
Surely it cannot be unlike God — divine Spirit, the Creator — and would include such qualities as unselfishness, goodness, mercy, justice, health, holiness and love. How could God give us anything less?
So if God has given each of us a majestic, spiritual nature, perhaps it’s up to us to believe this, to understand this, to prove this by “letting” the kingdom of God reign within us.
Eddy gives a useful analogy that I believe helps us understand how to do just that. She describes each of us as a sculptor that is molding and chiseling thought. She says as sculptors, we turn from our marble to our model so we can perfect our conception. But she asks us to consider what model we are looking at.
Do we look at the model that news reports speak of? Or rather, do we look at the model that God sees as His perfect and good creation?
Eddy says if we want to see and experience the majesty of the man God created, we must turn our gaze toward this perfect model and look at this model continually. This, she says, is how we carve out a grand and noble life.
I learned a bit about this process some years back. I used to be told often, “You have your daddy’s temper.” And I must admit I did lose my temper at times. This would lead to slamming doors, throwing whatever was within my reach and screaming hurtful words that I later regretted.
After getting married and having a child, I wanted to change this pattern of behavior. I think I had accepted temper as a response in which I had no choice. It seemed so uncontrollable.
It was Eddy’s analogy of the sculptor that helped me understand that I did have a choice in my thoughts and actions. And she helped me see how my thoughts were determining my actions. I realized that I had accepted a model of abusive and uncontrollable temper for myself, and I was reproducing it again and again in my life.
So, according to Eddy’s sculptor analogy, I learned I needed to choose a new model — the woman God created. One who is poised, full of grace, patient, composed, just, gentle and loving. And as I have successfully focused on this better model, I’ve been able to control my temper.
I’m not saying I never ever get angry about anything. In those times, I find it helpful to try very hard to take a prayer pause before I act and examine my thoughts and actions. Asking God for direction on thoughts and actions doesn’t require a lot of time. In fact, the answer comes as quickly as I pause. And I realize a temper fit is not the appropriate response for a woman of God’s creating. I can’t remember the last time I lost my temper in an uncontrollable rage.
Even though news reports suggest otherwise, I don’t believe God leaves us at the mercy of evil to confuse and misguide us in our behavior and actions. God is surely always with us at every moment to guide us up the right path. Up the path that leads us to the majesty of man.
I think it’s up to us to choose this path!
Oct 24, 2007 |
by Annette Bridges. © 2007. All rights reserved.
Have you ever considered yourself to be like Leonardo? You know — the famous Italian Renaissance artist and inventor, Leonardo Da Vinci. Being like Leonardo means you’re on a lifelong quest to find answers to all your questions.
Do you believe dreams can be turned into realities? Do you, like Leonardo, believe anything is possible? At any age, I might add.
In other words, are you a possibility thinker?
Recently, I’ve been trying to convince my husband that he needs to become a possibility thinker. In his case, he’s been ranching and raising coastal hay for many years. With two severe droughts back to back, it now seems we may need to explore other avenues for income. This feels difficult since it requires branching out from what is familiar. But there are surely other possibilities if we can just move ourselves into the mode of possibility thinking.
Perhaps we need to ask ourselves, “Where’s our childlike spirit with that unstoppable and boundless curiosity?” I don’t think it’s lost. I think it’s just been covered up with the rigidity, and perhaps comfort, of routine.
I think fear of failure often holds us back from trying something new. Or other fears grip us, such as fear of change or fear of the unknown. I can think of many times when fear of failure paralyzed my actions.
In elementary school, when softball was the sport of the day, I kept sneaking to the end of the line to avoid going to bat. In high school, I never auditioned for parts in school musical productions. In college, I wouldn’t raise my hand and tried to avoid eye contact with professors during class discussions. Since college, I haven’t applied or submitted my resume for some of the job opportunities that have come my way.
I’ve wondered how often fear of failure held me back and made me avoid new situations and experiences. Or how often fear of failure kept me from reaching my full potential and stopped me from even trying to accomplish my dreams.
I’m reminded of an old saying, “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re probably right.”
If you’ve been reading my columns, you know that I’m a Star Wars movie fan. An incident in the 1980 Star Wars episode, “The Empire Strikes Back,” illustrates the idea of possibility thinking.
When asked to raise his sunken star fighter from the Dagobah swamps, Luke Skywalker responded he would try. “No,” scolded Yoda. “Do or do not. There is no try.” But Luke was not certain the Force could lift such a massive object. And indeed, he failed.
Yet Yoda, using the Force, did lift the x-wing fighter and place it on dry land. Luke exclaimed, “I don’t believe it.” And Yoda said, “That is why you fail.” Or as Mary Baker Eddy might explain it, “It is insincerity and a half-persuaded faith that fail to succeed and fall to the earth.”
Christ Jesus taught us much about the need for faith. One time his disciples failed to heal a child and brought the boy to Jesus who then healed him. The disciples asked Jesus why they couldn’t heal him. And Jesus told them because of their “unbelief.”
Jesus said we could “move mountains” if only we had faith. And that we only needed faith as big as a “grain of mustard seed.” He assured us that nothing would be impossible if only we had a little bit of faith.
The power in possibility thinking is becoming clearer. A possibility thinker is one who has faith that anything truly is possible. Who doesn’t let fear of failure stop them from taking action or from trying something new and different from anything they have done before.
A possibility thinker dares to imagine. He doesn’t let perceived limitations, such as age — or even drought — stand in his way. He doesn’t allow past failures to halt present actions. He doesn’t view failures as mistakes but rather lessons learned. So, he continues moving forward on his life journey. He never gets stuck in idle and overcome with regrets.
A possibility thinker is persistent, confident, determined and optimistic. She doesn’t let discouragement take hold. She enjoys new challenges. She has faith that there is a solution — and that she need only be committed to its pursuit.
Leonardo Da Vinci was clearly a possibility thinker. He imagined the possibility of flying machines, armored tanks, shoes that could walk on water and plastic — centuries before these possibilities became realities. He never gave up his search for solutions, and he never stopped trying to make his dreams into realities. His desire to learn was tireless and endless. Failures merely told him to take a new approach.
My husband and I are not yet sure what we’ll be doing in the future. But I think we’re ready to put fears of uncertainty and age behind us to consider the infinite possibilities — and be like Leonardo!
Oct 24, 2007 |
by Annette Bridges. © 2007. All rights reserved.
The American dream tells citizens and immigrants it’s possible to be whatever you imagine, to achieve whatever you aspire to and to attain whatever you strive for. Yes, anything is possible in the land of freedom and opportunity.
And the American dream defines the way success is gained — through hard work, determination, self-sacrifice and perseverance.
Still for many, the “pot of gold” remains at the end of the rainbow — just out of reach. Why? Perhaps because too many think the American dream measures success by material wealth.
What if the American dream is not about a destination defined by fame and fortune? But rather the American dream is about the journey — a journey of vision and hope that encourages creative initiative and inspires goal-making and the search for one’s life purpose. And success is actually defined by a job well done and the good effort made.
Could it be that a wrong definition of the American dream has led to destructive obsessions as well as a lack of satisfaction and happiness with one’s life?
Ask yourself — Do I ever agree with the old adage, “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence?” If you answered yes, keep reading.
It seems for too many the American dream has become merely the quest for money. We never think we have enough. But, how much is enough? Our obsession with money has become the impossible-never-to-be-reached dream telling us we need more, we don’t have enough, we may never have enough, and we may run out. Consequently, our needs, fears and desires are constantly changing and increasing.
No wonder we’re stressed out. According to a recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, money was reported as the number one source of stress for 73 percent of Americans.
Most of us have probably heard the often misquoted Biblical statement of the apostle Paul, “For the love of money is the root of all evil.” I say often misquoted because I’ve seen it written many times as — “money is the root of all evil.” But I don’t think money in and of itself is the problem. Paul’s words indicate it’s more about our feelings about money that can lead to problems.
And I suspect it is our viewpoint about money that impacts how we answer the question — How much is enough?
My husband and I have been married over 25 years now. I remember in our newlywed years when we set a monetary goal we hoped to reach before our retirement. My hubby has always dreamed of retiring as early in life as possible.
The only problem with his plan was that as soon as we reached our savings goal, he increased the goal. We didn’t have enough eggs in our basket. Or so he said. In fact, I’ve lost count of how many times our goal has been increased through the years.
I’m not so sure that economy and inflation have been the main reasons to continually increase our nest egg. Lately, I’ve told my husband that I don’t think we will ever have “enough.” Or at least, I’m not sure he will ever think so.
Paul had it right. I think that a distorted perception of money is the root of many a problem and stress — and the cause of misinterpretations of the American dream. And for my husband and me, this perception has translated into worries about not having “enough” money for the rest of our lives. Not to be pessimistic, but who knows how long the rest of our lives will be?
Well, I don’t want to worry about money anymore. I think we’ve given so much attention to our future that we’ve kept ourselves from living more of life today.
To change this unsatisfying pattern, perhaps we begin by recognizing what we have. Being grateful for what we have. Enjoying what we have. And I’m not just talking about money.
We need to start focusing more on the “now” moments of our life. Stop looking to the future to provide the answers, the opportunities, the fulfilling of dreams. Improve today’s moments, making the most of them. Consider present possibilities — right now. No longer put off for tomorrow what could be done today, said today or experienced today.
I think these words from Paul are good advice for all areas of our lives: “Behold, now is the accepted time.”
Christ Jesus encouraged us to relax about our needs, to not worry so much. He said, “Don’t be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.” And he added, “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.” He promised us that God would help us meet our daily needs.
I’m reminded of the travels of the children of Israel those forty years in the wilderness. Moses had promised bread would be provided each morning if they would trust in the Lord’s providing. He instructed them to pick up only what they needed each day — and not to store any away. And sure enough, those who were uncertain about trusting in the Lord for their daily supply did try to save some bread. But that bread spoiled before the next day.
This story is teaching me to trust more in God in all times and ways, day to day. It assures me that if I trust in God’s help to meet my needs each day, there will be no cause to fear an uncertain tomorrow. I can rest securely and confidently in my trust in God to supply, direct and guide my needs.
I think the American dream becomes the impossible dream only when we define success monetarily or materially. I’ve concluded that having enough is not about having everything we want. Perhaps we have enough as we appreciate and value what we have.
Oct 24, 2007 |
by Annette Bridges. © 2007. All rights reserved.
My mamma always taught her children, “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything at all.” What is it about the words we say that can have such an arousing impact on the recipients?
Consider how you feel when you hear. . . “I love you” or “I’m sorry” or even “I hate you.” Such words evoke strong emotions — of love or pain or fear. Words have the potential to leave indelible marks on hearts and lives. So perhaps we all need to be more mindful of what we say or write.
From the day each of us was born, we were hungry for words. We wanted to understand our world and interact in it. Even those of us who cannot communicate through speech, communicate words through sign language, symbols or Braille. Words allowed us to shape our identity and our ideals and became the basis for expressing our passions to others.
Imagine the songwriter who spends days looking for the perfect word or phrase. Or the minister who spends hours penning her sermon. Or the young couple belaboring over what will be their marriage vows. Words are carefully and purposefully chosen, and the results are powerful.
Think about the resonating words that are remembered from generation to generation. Such words as those from Martin Luther King — “I have a dream” — or from John F. Kennedy — “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” Neil Armstrong thought carefully about what words to say when he took that first step on the moon — “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” These guys knew the potency of words.
And what about the timeless words of yet another man — Christ Jesus. Even though his words, when first spoken, were often not understood, appreciated or wanted, they have endured through centuries. Powerful words such as — “Judge not that ye be not judged”. . . “Peace, be still”. . . “Fear not, believe only”. . . “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free”. . . “Wilt thou be made whole”. . . “Go and do likewise.”
These words, whether speaking to multitudes or individuals seeking healing or students eager to understand his teachings, instructed and transformed many lives and continue to do so today.
Yes, clearly words can inspire, motivate, encourage and heal. But words can also dishearten, hurt, discourage and destroy. So, the old adage, “Think before you speak (or write)” should be seriously pondered. In my marriage of 25 years, too many times I have forgotten to think before I voiced words that I later regretted. While I know it’s true we forgive those we love for things they say and don’t really mean, I know hurtful words can leave haunting marks on a heart. This makes me want to try very hard to remember to think and listen before I speak.
Knowing the right words to say as a parent can be difficult sometimes. But raising my daughter helped me learn how important it is to really listen to what our children are saying to us before we answer them. Listening became a prerequisite to understanding. And words that came out of understanding seemed to be the most insightful, effective, and instructive and led to the best and most desired results.
The “power of the press” takes on added meaning when you consider how much our lives are shaped and guided by the words that surround us. What happens when lies get mistaken as truth or important details are left out or slanted or distorted?
In every language, words communicate wants and needs, likes and dislikes, purpose and intent as well as threats and warnings. Words are the universal vehicle used to teach children, establish governments, inspire faith and beliefs and justify actions, behavior and wars.
For good or for bad, words are the driving force in our world. Given the power and use of words in our world, perhaps taking steps to better listen and understand words that people and nations use is a first step toward changing and improving our world. We must consider more carefully the words that are used to communicate, educate and inform. And if they are not good, then maybe they should not be said.
Oct 24, 2007 |
by Annette Bridges. © 2007. All rights reserved.
Mistaken impressions, rash judgments, believing the worst — we’ve all been there. Maybe we’ve had an impression of someone or something based on a stereotype, prejudice or presumption.
The old adage, “You can’t judge a book by its cover,” is good advice. This means before we can judge, we need to take a deeper, closer look. This means that value and potential are not always obvious from what we see on the surface.
I learned such a lesson in the course of remodeling our house. We replaced several pieces of furniture that were pretty much worn out. I had planned for our dining table to be one of these items. But my husband wanted to refinish the table surface and have the chairs reupholstered. As I said, this was not my plan, but I compromised.
He worked hard and diligently on the table, and when he had completed his work, my first impression was not good. In fact, my initial reaction was honest, “I hate it.” But I resolved that I was stuck with it — at least for a while.
Then something unexpected and interesting happened. Various friends and family members saw our refinished dining table, and they all loved it. I couldn’t believe it! Not one saw my point of view. Eventually, I began to wonder if I had unfairly judged. As I began to give the table another look, my opinion shifted from dislike to love. Yes, I reached a point where I truly loved the refinished results.
How could this have happened? Had the table’s appearance changed? Hardly! So, what was different?
I can now see how my disappointment in not purchasing a new dining table created the unconscious presumption that I would NOT like the refinished table. I didn’t want to like it. My mind had been made up before the refinishing even began. I had been fooled by the view.
Our impressions influence our judgments. What if our impression of the human scene is a difficult and frightening picture of a loved one in a hospital bed? We can become convinced that the evidence before our eyes tells the true, whole story and believe the worst.
I’m remembering several years ago when my step-dad was in the hospital. He was in a medically induced coma for several weeks. It was alarming and disheartening to see him this way. At times we thought he was dead and was just being kept alive by the various machines he was hooked up to. And indeed, his physicians were concerned and uncertain of his recovery.
One of our prayers became not to be fooled by the view. Before entering his room, we would fill our thoughts with what God, who is Spirit, sees — his beloved son, spiritual, perfect, whole, full of vitality and strength.
Weeks later, after much progress, the induced coma was discontinued and he awoke with a smile and as his good-humored, natural self. More progress would be needed, but he did achieve an ultimate recovery. And the one-time view of near death was indeed proven false.
I’ve thought about this experience many times when faced with illness myself. I protest the view of me that includes a picture of disease and its symptoms, pain and so forth. I turn my thought to what I’m certain God’s view is of me as His child, created in His image and likeness. I’ve found reassurance, expectation and healing from this approach.
I’ve learned that anything that would rob me of my hope must be warded off. I must not allow any view to tempt me into believing that the human picture of problems and struggles is the end of the story.
And I’ve learned that a good beginning is to not be fooled by the view.
