Dear Church Family,
I know there is no need to remind us that our nation appears to be divided in dramatic ways. Our reminders comes from the news and social media and conversations with friends and family. Division is stressful for most of us. I've come to learn that stress is a contributing factor to disease. When we think about the word disease we are reminded of its simplicity - dis ease. A state of unease. When we operate our thoughts, feelings and actions in a state of unease, disease appears. Whenever I experience an ailment - I examine my thoughts, feeling and actions that support the root cause of the ailment. I ask, "Where in my life do I experience unease, (dis ease) and that would support this ailment?"
This examination is not done to produce blame, which would create more stress and more unease - but to bring awareness of how I am mentally, emotionally, actively contributing to the dis ease that is unfolding. From there I can refocus thoughts, feelings and actions toward healing, accepting love and peace, and taking constructive steps in my regeneration of wholeness.
I experience peace and wholeness when I experience being at ONE with God. Being at ONE with God takes thought, feeling and action, too - it is through the process of atonement or at-one-ment we move back into alignment with receiving God's Good. This process takes us from the momentary experience of separation we experience in our human journey into a realignment with our Source, God. We remember our true identity as a perfect and whole creation in mind of God.
The human experience is transformed when we are willing to allow God's Truth to work through our thoughts, feelings and actions. This is especially helpful when the stressors of life appear in many places and in multiple ways. My first inclination in any situation is to seek safety for my loved ones and myself. Safety is not something outside of our self - it is the inner journey - it is the inner resource - God working through us, in us, as us.
I share these thoughts as a reminder that when you feel stressed, upset, fear, overwhelmed, depressed, or confused - allow your thoughts, feelings and actions turn towards love - affirming love, peace and wholeness in all forms. Move towards health through your daily spiritual and self-care practices. Find beauty and good in the world and praise it. Move from dis ease into ease and grace.
Many blessings,
Pastor Robert
