In last Sunday’s lesson, Rev. Kitty Benson began by sharing a cartoon featuring two little creatures conversing about the upcoming year.
She first asks, “Aren’t you terrified of what 2022 could be like? Everything is so messed up…”
The other says, “I think it will bring flowers.”
The first blurts incredulously, “YES??? WHY?”
The other replies simply, “Because I’m planting flowers.”
Rev Kitty labeled these little characters “Fearful” and “Faithful,” as they clearly illustrate the dialogue (both internally and with others) which most of us have experienced as we turn the corner and enter yet another year of great uncertainty. The current challenges of our world are truly provocative, making it quite easy to slide into fear and the “ain’t-it-awful.”
Yet, the cartoon’s “Faithful” character exemplifies the higher road of consciousness upon which our Unity teachings are based. Unity is one branch of the theology known as New Thought/Ancient Wisdom, which is as relevant today as it has been down through antiquity. In fact, the master teacher Jesus often taught New Thought concepts parabolically using the same analogy of sowing and reaping to help conceptualize the relationship of seed (Ideas), soil (Law), and plant (the world of effect), illustrating the profoundly simple premise that life is “done unto us as we believe.”
An aspect of our teaching which I greatly value is the ability to practically apply principles in our daily lives. Sunday’s lesson is a guide for setting an intention of wellbeing in this new year, and for moving from fear to faith through consciousness. Included were Rev. Kitty’s own prayer and this January 2022 Consciousness Experiment from the Self-Love Academy founder, Jerome Braggs:
“Just as an experiment….for all of January, pretend that Life itself deeply loves you, and that it’s working EVERYTHING out in your favor. And take note of what happens for you by the end of the month.”
I hope you’ll join me in this experiment! Let’s start with today’s affirmation: “I let go and let God manage the details of my life.”
From my heart to yours,
Mary Beth
