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Sept.-Dec., 2024

The Illusion of Separation: Finding Unity in a Divided World

by Rev. Maureen L. Yarbrough, Ordained Ministerial Counselor

“Let the Holy Spirit show him to you, and teach you both his love and his call for love. Neither his mind nor yours holds more than these two orders of thought.” (T-14.X.11:5-6)

I typically try to avoid negativity, including all news channels. However, while visiting a sick friend, I was exposed to a strong, contrasting viewpoint which I judged as hostile. This experience sparked a profound question: How can we learn to think differently if we only see one perspective? And how can we condemn others for their belief system, understanding that this is true?

This experience highlighted ACIM’s principle of open-mindedness. We have a responsibility to educate ourselves beyond our comfort zones. This doesn’t mean blind acceptance but approaching opposing viewpoints with love and understanding. Remembering that we are observing through a tiny needle head of “our life” and that doesn’t make it true…this knowledge enables us to become heartful and loving conduits, no matter what.

I have encountered people with opposing beliefs who I initially perceived as antagonistic. However, ACIM teaches that we all cling to belief systems, creating a story of “us” versus “them.” This perception makes it easy to demonize those who differ.

”Forgiveness is the healing of the perception of separation.” (T-3.V.9:1)

Everyone’s perception is shaped by their personal narrative, a story we tell ourselves, quite often one “handed down” from our parents and their parents, and so on. This is the nature of the world — division and separation based on perception. However, as ACIM emphasizes, Love bridges these divides and unites us.

Beginning at birth we start to absorb beliefs that shape our perception of the “our” world. These paradigms, however, are not absolute truths but filters through which we experience and judge life. These judgements reinforce the illusion of separation, a core concept of the ego.

Imagine a world where everyone fiercely defends their ego-driven beliefs. Ha. This could very well be your world today. In such a scenario, what purpose does judgment serve? Standing on a soapbox, proclaiming “right” and “wrong,” only fuels division. As ACIM demonstrates, forgiveness is acceptance. It’s not condoning actions, but recognizing that beneath our many ego masks, we are all one. True freedom comes from the power of peace and love. Knowing this, how can we not hold compassion for others, and ourselves as well, releasing all feelings of hostility or self-righteousness?

“The ego as a judge gives anything but an impartial judgment.” (T-8.VIII.4:8)

My upbringing, with frequent moves and changing schools, offered valuable insight. It taught me a core truth — fundamentally, we all yearn for love and acceptance. Even those we might label “evil” operate from their own experiences, pain, or sickness, and deep down, only desire the same.

In my early 30’s I had a powerful epiphany. It wasn’t a specific event, but a dawning realization: Only love matters. Judgment, division, negativity — all fall away in the face of Love.

“Every loving thought that the Son of God ever had is eternal. The loving thoughts his mind perceives in this world are the world’s only reality. They are still perceptions, because he still believes that he is separate. Yet they are eternal because they are loving.” (T-11.VII.2:1-4)

ACIM beautifully illustrates the power of Love. Love begets Love, while hate fosters more hate.

By recognizing the limitations of our paradigms and embracing forgiveness, we can cultivate peace and Love. Engaging with opposing views with an open mind allows the Holy Spirit, as described in ACIM, to guide us. This fosters a world built on understanding and connection, a world where Love truly unites us.

Mother Teresa’s words resonate deeply: “Peace begins with a smile. Smile five times a day at someone you don’t really want to smile at; do it for peace. Let us radiate the peace of God and so light His light and extinguish in the world and in the hearts of all men all hatred and love for power.”

Let’s light up this world with our smiles radiating forth!

Rev. Maureen Yarbrough is a Pathways of Light minister living in Yulee, FL. Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

© 2024, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
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Sept.-Dec., 2024

Created to Create

by Rev. Ashley Rose Legrand, Ordained Ministerial Counselor

The Course tells us, we were literally created TO create. To extend love. “Unless you create you are unfulfilled, but God does not know unfulfillment and therefore you must create.” (T-7.IX.3:6) Because we are one with God, our souls will long to seek fulfillment. When we don’t pursue our ministry, in whatever form that might be, we feel unfulfilled. Something is missing and not quite right. We can sense that something is just a little off. Our capabilities are lying dormant and our capacity for extension is not being fully utilized.

When we lean into spirit, get still and listen to the voice for God and what He is asking us to do and put out into the world, we feel a sense of restoration. Satisfied in a way beyond what the temporary pleasures of the world can provide. God is asking us to be His eyes, His ears, His hands, His feet and tongue. To bring into creation and into the world of form the unseen promises of His word. To make what seems to be hidden known and to help others see it too. He’s asking us to help our companions believe. To encourage them to feel and to know. Simply by our example. To remember His grace and to follow Him in confidence and in certainty.

“For this alone I need; that you will hear the words I speak, and give them to the world. You are my voice, my eyes, my feet, my hands through which I save the world.” (W-rV.in.9:2-3)

Let us walk in the light and leave behind a trail. A star for those alongside us to walk with us in loving unison. To help them remember the way to truth. The softer, gentler way that leads to peace and joy. “Our shining footprints point the way to truth, for God is our Companion as we walk the world a little while. And those who come to follow us will recognize the way because the light we carry stays behind, yet still remains with us as we walk on.” (W-124.2:4-5)

In your divinely appointed role you will perform many good works inspired by the love of your creator. You are an elegant muse. An extension of His love. You are the very handwriting of God Himself. Allow Him to awaken you. Excite you. Delight you. In whatever medium of expression He bestows unto you. Your heart will dance, sing and glow, to unforced rhythms of grace — the natural result of stepping into alignment with your assignment.

Your life is your ministry and by extension your work of art, You hold the pen and the paintbrush. It’s all in your hands. Bringing that creative vision into form is your gift to the world. And what gift could be more beautiful than writing the story of your heart, given to you by God, on the canvas that is your life’s work, for all the world to see?

Rev. Ashley Rose Legrand, O.M.C., is a Pathways of Light minister living in Metuchen, New Jersey. Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

© 2024, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
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Sept.-Dec., 2024

God’s Peace and Joy Really Are Mine!

by Shelly Woods, ACIM Practitioner Student

I have been an ACIM student for 6 years and have been a member of a 12- step Recovery program for almost 24 years. In my first few years in recovery, one of my counselors was a student of the Course. I really liked her calming presence and her patient attitude.

One day, while sitting in her waiting room, I noticed a thick blue book on the shelf. I picked it up, and within five minutes, I put it back. I was not ready. I remember saying to myself, huh? As I read the first Lesson: “Nothing I see in this room [on this street, from this window, in this place] means anything.” (W-1)

Fast forward 18 years and a strong desire was building within me. I was studying several spiritual paths, which helped me tremendously, but there was something missing. It did not quench that deep desire. Reverend Myron entered my life, and at the same time, I also had an experience while doing a past life transgression session. During this process, I met Jesus, and this intense burning Love overcame me. It was too much to comprehend or take in, but I knew in that moment that my desire would be quenched if I followed him.

And know this: I was in no way a follower of Jesus Christ. I had been raised in a religion that I eventually turned away from with huge resentment because the Church instilled so much shame and guilt. Even so, after the experience of meeting Jesus, I took the leap and jumped into this deal, and what a journey! 

So far, my experiences with ACIM teachings have been varied. I literally felt like I was going to die (actually, it was the ego fighting back very hard, so basically, the death of the ego). I hung in, though, and then I would, and still do, experience this deep peace and contentment that came from making that firm decision to choose Jesus as my teacher and let him heal my mind.

I am currently completing the Pathways of Light Course 908: Abundance Awareness with my ACIM teacher and dear friend, Reverend Myron Jones. We also finished the Pathways of Light Course 902: Remembering to Choose Peace. Reverend Myron has truly been a beacon of Light and Love for me. I have healed so much, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

As part of our assignment in 908: Abundance Awareness, Reverend Myron and I were sharing our thoughts on Workbook Lesson 105, God’s peace and joy are mine.

After reading my share on this, Rev. Myron suggested I submit this to Pathways of Light.

From everything I have learned or am learning in ACIM and this course, I have become very aware of the law of God — giving and receiving are one. In the past, I would give and experience that feeling of loss and lack, especially when it comes to monetary giving.

One example, for instance, is when my money is low, I get anxious and limit my donations. Ego tells me, “You won’t have enough left for yourself, and you will have to do without!” Now that I understand the law of giving is receiving, even when that thought comes up, I donate anyway and ask that my mind be healed, and it works!

Another thing I have come to understand is that I used to give out to alleviate guilt – and I now know that never works. Here is something I read that reinforced what I was learning from course 908.

In this passage on Lesson 105 from a book written by Thomas Wakechild titled – “Understanding a Course in Miracles Workbook lessons” – on page 228, he says: “In this world of form, when giving something to another, you lose that item. Form cannot be shared. The receiver is the benefactor, and the giver loses what has been given. This egoic mindset that surrounds the act of giving reinforces both parties’ belief in lack, limitation, fear and separation. One party is perceived as being in need of something outside of itself to make them happy or reduce their suffering. The other is asked to sacrifice the little they have to reduce their guilt about having too much.”

The author also writes “Ideas can be shared. It is the intent behind the giving, not the form of the gift that determines what is truly given. Are you giving due to your belief about abundance or reducing your own guilt for having too much?  Are you giving hope or confirming your belief in dependency? Are you giving because you are guided to do so or because you will gain some reward? You must look at why you give and not what you give.  When you give to another is your gift really a trojan horse with some self-serving hidden agenda?”

Wow! These are great questions to ask myself. Since becoming a student of this ACIM, I have become very aware of when I give to get. I am also seeing that when I give, I receive — that giving and receiving are one — not separate.

When I got sober, I was always hearing this saying – “We give it away so we can keep it.” This meant that by sharing my experience, strength and hope with another person in recovery would help keep me sober — it would get me out of this self-centered thinking, and it would expand the Love I had inside. It was free, and it was fun. I now see that even this implies lack — that if I did not do this — I would perish in a sea of alcoholism. But this did start me on the road of giving and receiving.

As an only child, my friends would come over to play, and I would give each of them one of my toys, especially the new toys. But then, as they would leave, my mom would take the toys away, leaving my friends very upset. Everyone thought it was so sweet that, at a young age, I was so unselfish. But I mainly did this because I wanted to be liked and accepted.

I have given away a lot throughout my life to avoid being abandoned or rejected. If I gave you my love and attention and my entire self, you would be put on my mental scorecard. I would expect certain things from you, like more attention, more money, more time… more everything.

I wanted to be special in your life. Sometimes, I would get those things, and then I would raise the bar. It was never enough to fill that big hole inside of me. So, of course, my anger, resentment, and jealousy would fester and grow. I would see myself as a victim.

Today, I give the Holy Spirit these beliefs in lack, loss, and guilt and ask that they be undone and healed. I then try my best to let go and allow the healing to take place.

He always answers — all I have to do is accept this gift. So, today, I try to stay aware of these transactional deals I put upon my relationships. If I do this or that, then I will get this or that in return. It is shocking how much I do this.

But it is reassuring to know that I have Jesus and the Holy Spirit as my healing teachers. It doesn’t get any better than that, right?

I see this scarcity and guilt thinking that comes from a firmly held belief of this deep sense of loss. That is ego — that is how we made ego! So, I remain vigilant in letting go of these blocks to God’s peace and joy, which is my inheritance.

In the Text of ACIM, Chapter 16, Section V, Jesus tells us,

“Most curious of all is the concept of the self which the ego fosters in the special relationship. This “self” seeks the relationship to make itself complete. Yet when it finds the special relationship in which it thinks it can accomplish this it gives itself away, and tries to “trade” itself for the self of another. This is not union, for there is no increase and no extension. Each partner tries to sacrifice the self he does not want for one he thinks he would prefer. And he feels guilty for the “sin” of taking, and of giving nothing of value in return. How much value can he place upon a self that he would give away to get a “better” one?

The “better” self the ego seeks is always one that is more special. And whoever seems to possess a special self is “loved” for what can be taken from him.” (T-16.V. 7:1-8,8:1-2)

This was another wow moment! I have this written in one of my prayer journals and I read it when I see that I am attempting to sabotage my relationships with myself and others. It reminds me to turn from ego and turn to Jesus. It is always my choice…my decision.

Shelly Woods is a Pathways of Light ACIM Practioner student living in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Phone: 337-515-4810

© 2024, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
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Sept.-Dec., 2024

So Many Opportunities!

by Rev. Barbara Adams, Ordained Ministerial Counselor

While I was studying my Pathways of Light lessons with my mentor, Rev. Maria Felipe,  I expressed my concern about how I could best serve. “What would I do after I was ordained?” 

Rev. Maria kept assuring me that the right opportunity would show up at the right time. Once again, my mentor was right!

Initially, I started my own brand, which I called Peace and Harmony Ministry. With the help of my talented son-in-law, we created a logo; next a website, https://peaceandharmonyministry.org.

It’s still live, although it’s in great need of updating. Through P&H, I offered spiritual services at a local women’s shelter. I provided in-person and online spiritual counseling. Additionally, I presented homilies at our local LGBTQ+ Catholic/Episcopalian’s group services, and was a guest speaker at my former Catholic church.

I also developed and delivered workshops. One of the most successful was Healing Inner Child, from Pathways of Light. This was all fulfilling, but I felt there was a void, which I couldn’t identify.

Spirit whispers in our ears just when we are ready for our next “assignment.” I didn’t hear the message so much as I felt the inspiration.

I felt compelled to attend a service at our local Unity church. As I listened to the speakers, I was taken in with the messages and amazed at how similar the teachings are to A Course in Miracles.

Once one of the Unity members found out that I had been ordained, she encouraged a board member to speak with me. And, yes, I was invited to offer lessons. (Unity doesn’t use the term sermon or homily. This is an active teaching and learning faith practice. The minister teaches spiritual lessons.)

That was in 2018. Currently, I am the minister and spiritual director of Unity Rochester Spiritual Center. It is one of the most fulfilling callings that I’ve ever had. As a former educator, teaching lessons is right up my alley.

As a former performer, singing, playing piano, guitar, and conga drums, my passion for music is fully integrated into the services.

Yes, I’ve had to do a lot of studying. I’m currently enrolled in Unity’s Special Dispensation Program, which requires me to take courses, communicate regularly with my Unity mentor and of course, my Board of Trustees. But again, Unity and ACIM are so similar that the transition is essentially effortless.

Why am I writing this? To encourage students and current ministers to think outside the box and not to feel limited in how you express your calling to ministry.

Listen to that faint whisper in your ear as Holy Spirit guides you to fully express your True Self.

Rev. Barbara Adams is a Pathways of Light minister at Unity Rochester Spiritual Center, 55 Prince Street, Rochester NY 14607. Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) https://unityrochester.org

© 2024, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
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