Something New: My INTA Experience

by Michael Diaz

(Rev. Michael Diaz attended his first International New Thought Alliance Congress in 2009. He had such a positive experience, he wrote about it for Sharing the Light (Autumn 2009). As 2010's INTA Congress is coming to Fort Lauderdale in July, we are sharing once again Rev. Diaz's reflection.)

Do you earnestly believe in the notion that God lives in us and works through us and as us? Do you truly believe that we are more than normal and ordinary people? Do you actually look upon our world and all humanity as reflecting the omnipresence of Absolute Good? In August 2009, I had the opportunity to meet people who daily choose to answer yes to these three questions. The International New Thought Alliance (INTA) Congress, a weeklong event in Bloomingdale, Illinois, attracted hundreds who make it their business to express God and Good in the world.

Members of the INTA, attendees of the annual Congress, and a New Thought perspective take seriously the truth that we and God are one. The apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans said, "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ..." (Rom 8.38-39). A New Thought perspective not only understands the apostle Paul to be correct about our infinite connectedness with the Eternal, but makes this thought new by putting it to use on a daily basis. Most spiritual people believe that we're made in the image and likeness of God, but for too many of us, this truth remains on the periphery of our spiritual vision instead of at the center.

The 2009 INTA Congress not only invigorated me to trust the Divine from within, but it also challenged me think anew about issues of poverty, racism, and homophobia. How does our society treat the "least of these" (Matt 25.40) in light of the truth that we are eternally one with God? How is it that fear permeates our consciousness to the point that discrimination becomes so commonplace? Why do we as members of oppressed communities treasure our wounds and memorialize our victimization at the expense of living out our calling to spread good news and usher in the kin-dom of God?

More than anything, the INTA Congress encouraged me to experience a new thought. For me, a new thought is a means to let go of those old, outdated and oppressive theological ideas that continually try to limit us. Experiencing a new thought means exploring spiritual freedom: freedom from everything except the abundant and loving presence of God.

Congress Theme:

   Responding to the Soul's Longing

 For more information, write or call:

International New Thought Alliance

5003 East Broadway Road

Mesa, AZ  85206  USA

Telephone:  480.830.2461

Or send an email 

 

  Watch these video presentations discussing INTA & the Congress.

Make plans NOW to attend "Responding to the Soul's Longing":

The INTA 95th Congress in Fort Lauderdale

 

 On-site and online registration and registration by mail available.

 

This will be a week you'll remember for a long time to come. Recharge your spiritual batteries, have fun, renew old friendships and/or make new ones, all at the 95th INTA Congress held this year in Ft Lauderdale, FL. To learn more, visit www.newthoughtalliance.org  

 

 

 Volunteer Opportunities

Do you feel rejuvenated by New Thought spirituality?  Do you enjoy being in the presence of others who make it a point to listen to and spread good news? Imagine being a part of a conference which emphasizes our oneness with God in every session and every hour. The 95^th annual International New Thought Alliance Congress will take place from July 12 - 16 at the Hyatt Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale. We are looking for volunteers to help with registration, the conference bookstore, ballroom sessions (greeters, ushers, etc.), and more. One does not have to commit to the entire week; you can also volunteer for a day if you'd like. If you'd like to become a volunteer at this year's INTA Congress, please contact Rev. Michael Diaz at mdiaz@sunshinecathedral.org. For more info about the Congress itself, visit www.newthoughtalliance.org.

 

Prayer Partners Wanted

Another great volunteer opportunity is helping us staff the prayer chapel at the Congress. If you are a licensed Teacher/Practitioner, a Teacher/Practitioner student/intern, a licensed or ordained minister, or student of the spiritual teachings of Emma Curtis Hopkins, Malinda Cramer, Nona Brooks, Paramahansa Yogananda, Ernest Holmes, Charles & Myrtle Fillmore, Albert Grier, Annie Rix Militz, Joel Goldsmith, or other New Thought pioneers, and you enjoy spending time each day holding others in the Light, then you can be part of the INTA prayer ministry at the Congress. We want to staff the chapel from 9 am until 7 pm Tuesday - Thursday of the Congress so that a continuous consciousness of Good is maintained throughout the Congress. If you are willing to give 30 minutes or an hour during any day of the Congress, contact Rev. Michael Diaz at mdiaz@sunshinecathedral.org who will schedule you to spend some time in the INTA Congress prayer chapel. During the Congress, people also fill out prayer request cards, and you can bless those people during your ministry of treatment/prayer/meditation as well. Your loving spirit will add so much to this year's Congress. Thank you for sharing your ministry of prayer with INTA this summer.