Notes from Reverend Deidre

 

    No Exceptions

Ours is a community where all people are welcome and all people belong – remember our vision statement? “Centered in Spirit, we celebrate a world of love, peace, and abundance for all.”

Our vision is a bold one. The power of the statement is in the first three words and the last two. The first three words remind us of our oneness with God and all Creation. The last two words tell us that no one is left out.

I am reminded of the 2ndCommandment. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” It does not say, “except for _______” (you fill in the blank).

I’ve been asking myself, “How open and accepting am I of others?” I am attracted to some people more than others. Occasionally, I react to some people. I suspect you are no different. When I have an adverse reaction to someone, I am asking myself the question, “Why? What is it about them that ‘bugs’ me? Do I not have this same behavior, quirk, and idiosyncrasy? If I’m seeing it in them, I must have it in me otherwise how could I recognize it? Can I be more compassionate with myself, which then allows me to be more compassionate with others?”

It is important for each of us to heal our judgments of ourselves and others. As a matter of fact, once we heal our judgments of ourselves, our judgments of others will cease. Our judgments are what keep us separate and they bring us suffering. As we begin radiating good will from our inner wholeness rather than projecting ill will from our unhealed self, our outer conditions will manifest harmony, well-being and peace. This is a way to live in a world that works for everyone.

The next time you find yourself in church, in this spiritual community “bumping up against another” or “rubbing” up against another and having strong feelings of judgment, criticism and disdain either towards the other person or for yourself, I invite you to be willing to heal your projections  All you have to do is this. Say first to your self, “I’m sorry. I forgive you. I love you. Thank you.” Then in your mind, say it to the person you are judging. Say it every time you become aware of judging yourself and/or others. This is a powerful way to heal ourselves.

Won’t you join me in this transforming practice? Together we are creating heaven on earth. And by the way, in the spirit of oneness I’m sorry. I forgive you. I love you. Thank you.”

Blessings,

Deidre

 

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