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"There is nothing in all the universe for me to fear, for the Christ that I Am is greater than that which is in the world." Emilie Cady. Lessons in Truth (slightly updated language)
There used to be a show on tv called "Too Fat for Fifteen". It was a reality-TV program following the journey of several severely overweight teenagers as they work to conquer this problem. As many of you know, this is a journey with which I am intimately familiar.
The counselors and health workers charged with helping these kids are certainly doing so with the best of intentions. The parents involved obviously love their children. While profit motives are surely present, probably the creators of the show have a genuine desire to educate and help others. And yet...
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As I observe my own emotions surrounding the program I feel a kinship of hopelessness evoked by watching their struggles. I feel anger at the counselor who seems determined to convince one young woman that her optimism is completely unfounded. There is sadness at watching the face of a homesick girl, only a very few pounds from her numeric goal weight, as she is told by her parents that no, she can't claim victory and stay home with her family and friends: she must leave again, not to return until the scale has confirmed her success. I feel frustration with the mom who wants only the best for her son but seems helpless to do anything except further enable his dysfunction. I turn off the television and go to bed feeling agitated and troubled.
What lesson can I take from this? What universal good can be claimed? Not just for me, or for those participating in the show, or even for those who struggle with this particular issue, but by all of us? I teach regularly that we can always choose to claim good, no matter what the circumstances. I also teach regularly that if something is really True, it must be true for everyone, everywhere, all the time. As someone trying to walk my spiritual talk, what is the Truth behind all of this? There must be some lesson, some good, to be claimed by anyone who struggles with anything- lack, limitation, health challenges, addiction, loneliness, etc.
The Law of Attraction is a concept that has received a great deal of attention recently. We hear a great deal about using this spiritual law to manifest: a parking space, a better job, a new car, etc. We are also using this law when we focus intently on what we DON'T want.When we worry, we are, in effect, designating something as the Big Thing That Must Be Overcome. We give it power. We try to figure out how to fight it. We create strategies to win. In our moments of awareness, we claim "There is One Power, One Presence, God - Good- Omnipotence active in my life now", and then, in our moments of forgetfulness, we devote endless energy to fighting against that Big Thing That Must Be Overcome. Which is it that you believe? That there is One Power, One Presence, God - Good-Without-Opposite or that you need to fight something ("resist evil") with all your might?
In "Lessons In Truth", Emilie Cady writes:
"If you keep your thoughts turned toward the external of yourself or others, you will see only the things that are not real... and that pass away. All the faults, failures, or lacks in people or circumstances will seem very real to you, and you will be unhappy and sick.
"If you turn your thoughts away from the external toward the spiritual and let them dwell on the good in yourself and others, all the apparent evil will first drop out of your thoughts and then out of your life. Paul understood this when he wrote to the Philippians: 'Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.'
"We can each learn how to turn our conscious mind toward the Universal Mind, or the Spirit within us."
This is the lesson I choose to take. Rather than fight and struggle, I choose to live in awareness of the Truth that I know: There is only One Power, One Presence active in my life. I choose to listen to the Wisdom that is part of me and take the steps necessary to live the most joyful life possible. I choose to make wise choices in accordance with that intention, and I also choose to forgive myself when I don't. I invite you to join me in this choice as we travel this path together.
Blessings and namaskar (the Divine within me blesses and honors the Divine within you)
 
(if this message seemed a bit familiar, you've got a great memory! I posted the original version back in 2010!)
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Wear Red, White and Blue tomorrow, April 10th...
Our outreach director, Susan Smith, works for TUSD, and received the following information, and wanted to pass it along:
"Support your local Tucson military families: Wear red, white and blue on April 10 to show your support for the children of Borman Elementary School and all our Tucson military families on Davis Monthan Air Force Base duringone of the biggest deployments in the base's history.Share your photos at pics@tusd1.org or post with #RWB4Borman!"
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 A New Meditation Opportunity: Loving-Kindness Meditation
Looking for a mid-week lift? Rev. Nita will facilitate a meditation focusing on traditional Unity and loving-kindness meditation. We can cultivate an attitude of increased compassion, which benefits us and those with whom we are in relationship, as well as everyone else! 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, thru June 3rd (4/15,5/6, 5/20, 6/3). 5:15- 6:00pm.
Continuing Classes
All classes are offered on a love offering basis, and EVERYONE is welcome to attend as you are able. Come get to know your fellow travelers along the spiritual journey! All of these classes will be facilitated by Rev. Nita. Hit the reply button if you've got questions.
CLICK HERE for our full class schedule.
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Ben's Bells Group Experience
(date to be announced- the good news is that so many folks are interested in helping cultivate kindness in Tucson that we were not speedy enough to get the original date we announced! A new date is being determined) Free of charge; sign up either at our Information table, or you can reply to this email to let us know you want to join us!
Ben's Bells are beautiful, ceramic wind chimes, handmade by the community. By the time one Ben's Bell is complete, at least 10 people have been involved in its creation. Ben's Bells are hung randomly throughout the community, in public spaces, for people to find and take home as a reminder to practice intentional kindness. The mission of Ben's Bells is to inspire, educate, and motivate each other to realize the impact of intentional kindness and to empower individuals to act according to that awareness, thereby strengthening ourselves, our relationships and our communities. Visit their website
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CHILDCARE IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE DURING SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE
Our Sunday School teachers look forward to sharing Unity principles with your children aged 4-12. Our nursery is available for the very young ones, as well. We provide professionally trained and screened childcare for those ages 0-3, so that you may enjoy attending service while knowing that your little ones are well cared-for.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There are many things which need to get done here in our center, and Susan Smith is working to make it easier for you to become involved. Please check at the information table to see what might be fun for you to do.
INTERFAITH COMMUNITY SERVICES (ICS) RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
To volunteer through our affiliation with Interfaith Community Services, you can contact, their Volunteer Coordinator, Tori Carlson, either by phone at 520-297-6049 ext. 217 or visit their website
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