To gain the most from A Course in Miracles Lesson Insights, we recommend
that you read the corresponding lesson in the Workbook of the Second or
Third Edition of A Course in Miracles published by the Foundation for Inner Peace.
“I will accept Atonement for myself.”
This lesson is telling us that this world was made as a place for self-doubters to come in the mad idea that we could change ourselves from what God created us to be. It is the result of rejecting ourselves as we were created. It’s no wonder the world is filled with people who doubt their worth, have low self-esteem and spend their lives trying to make up for what they believe is lacking. All of us do this in some way. Countless workshops have been offered to help people improve their self esteem and realize their worth.
What I appreciate about this lesson is that it goes to the core of the problem. It does not tell us that we were wounded as a child by critical parents or that if we just affirm often enough that we are worthy of whatever it is that we think we are missing, we will feel okay. This lesson simply reminds us that we remain as God created us and that our denial of Reality has not changed reality. Our denial of our Self has not changed What we are.
God created us worthy because He created us like Himself and of Himself. By accepting Atonement for ourselves, we accept ourselves as we were created. With that acceptance, whatever occurs in form does not matter, for we remember we remain perfect as God created us.
I need simply to change my mind about who I think I am. I am not a split off image, separate and alone. I am not a body. I am the holy creation of God Himself. That is my reality and the reality of everyone, unchangeable, absolutely certain. Every time I feel uncertainty, it is an indication that I have forgotten What I am. It is an indication that it’s time to remind myself that I remain as God created me and accept Atonement for myself.
Thirty years ago a spiritual teacher told me that I was playing dumb. I now know that “playing dumb” means not accepting myself as I was created by God. Playing dumb means thinking I am weak and vulnerable, isolated and alone. Playing dumb is a denial of the truth. Atonement means letting go of playing dumb and accepting my true Self instead of the weak and vulnerable image I have made.
In Reality, there is only one Mind, the Mind of God. If I identify with anything else as what I am, I am playing dumb, I am denying my Self. It has become a habit to think in limited, false ways. Atonement is letting these false ideas, these cobwebs be cleared, so that the Light of my true Identity can shine through. It has always been there. It never left. I just tried to cover It up. Now is the time to let the cover up be over. It is not a fun game. Limitation and lack, weakness and uncertainty need not be. It really never was, just in dreams.
I will accept Atonement for myself. I will let go of playing dumb for I remain as God created me. Nothing else is true. All minds are one in Love. This is certainty.
“Playing dumb”... That is such a useful way of seeing what seems to be happening when it seems that things aren’t working out. We started out “playing dumb” and “forgot to laugh.” In fact we forgot that we were playing at all and feel powerless against the circumstances which seem to overwhelm us and are totally out of our control. When, in reality, all we must do is remember that we are only playing and there is nothing beyond the control of the child of God.
© 2003, Pathways of Light • www.pathwaysoflight.org • Toll-free: 1-800-323-7284
You may freely share copies of this with your friends, provided this notice is included.
Has this page been helpful to you?
Your contribution in support of this site is greatly appreciated. To make a tax deductible contribution or become a member online, go to http://www.pathwaysoflight.org/polshop/home.php?cat=254.
Or send a check or money order to Pathways of Light, 6 Oak Court, Ormond Beach, FL 32174-2623 (USD only, please) Thank you for your support.