Miracles News

Tweet

April-June, 2021

Conflicting Views

by Rev. Larry Glenz, Ordained Ministerial Counselor

I have found the political events of recent months to be disturbing. And I have been trained to ask for help.

“The horrors of the world we live in today arise from spiritual ignorance. Until we reach that place in ourselves where we identify with one another beyond our own differences, we will perpetuate the disharmony that results from spiritual immaturity.” (From Everyday Grace by Marianne Williamson)

When Marianne Williamson was running for P.O.T.U.S, I did not imagine her winning. I steadily supported her campaign because her vision for the U.S. and the world sounded like the direction I would love to see us take. I never considered it a waste of my money.

I was proud of her for hanging in there for a long time despite the odds. She has a message people need to hear. She believes all the people of the world are God’s equal children. And she believes the world is an illusion that we can positively affect by changing our thoughts about it. She may not have said those exact words during her campaign. But I know what she believes.

Is it possible, however, to follow a path of metaphysical awareness and still be the leader of our American democracy? I suppose it is not any more far-fetched than Donald Trump’s presidency seemed to be five years ago. Neither person had much political background.

I spent over half my life as a high school social studies teacher. I have studied and taught how American government works. I also studied and taught about each American presidency from Washington to Obama until my retirement in 2008.

And yet, my opinions on politics are still valueless.

“I do not perceive my own best interests. I do not know what anything is for.” (W-pI.24 and 25)

The world has always been in chaos. It always will be. It was made to be like this. Nevertheless, it is our classroom to learn forgiveness.

“The world was made as an attack on God. It symbolizes fear.” (W-pII.3.2:1-2)

I have many good friends and close family that don’t agree with my political views. They do not share my spiritual views either. These are good people that I love and always will.

It is sometimes hard for me to understand how they could see the world so differently. However, I have been taught to ask Spirit to help me see this differently.

“What then is the function of a Teacher of God in this concluding lesson? He need merely learn how to approach it; to be willing to go in its direction. He need merely trust that, if God’s Voice tells him it is a lesson he can learn, he can learn it.” (M-14.4:4-6)

This year I have seen lifelong, friendly, and loving relationships damaged by their conflicting world views. This is where I need to remember to let go and let God. Only forgiveness heals. This political landscape is part of my classroom, a lesson from which I can learn.

Although it is a challenge to navigate these political waters with people like my brother, Mike, and my oldest friends, I need only remember my Guide when I become engaged in the discussions. If I can feel His Hand on my shoulder, I will not become angry and frustrated. I can let go of taunts designed to draw me into the conflict.

I don’t always remember to turn to Spirit in the heat of the moment. I have, however, learned that my Guide is available. It is my function to turn to Him and follow. I have been trained to let go and let God. I have learned to trust this process.

During the past months with all the talk of a stolen election and the disturbing videos of the violence in the Capitol, I have experienced more willingness to see things through the Lens of Love. I still don’t acquiesce to views I don’t share. I state my beliefs without fear of criticism and then try to let go of the outcome.

“The world is false perception. It is born of error and it has not left its source.” (W-pII.3:1-2)

My worldly goal here is not to lose any friend because of our politics. Only love is real. Don’t take anything too seriously. Follow the Guide you have been given.

“There is nothing to fear.” (W-pI.48)

© 2021, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
You may freely share copies of this with your friends, provided this copyright notice and website address are included.

Tell a Friend

Printable Page

Back to main page of Miracles News.

Has this page been helpful to you?
Your contribution to support this site is greatly appreciated. To make a tax deductible contribution with a credit/debit card, click here.
Click here to donate from your PayPal account.
Or send a check to Pathways of Light, 12530 Lions Chase Court, Huntley, IL 60142.