Miracles News

May-August, 2026

Choosing Love Not Fear

by Rev. Joanne Goodrich, Ordained Ministerial Counselor

Three years ago, my first grandson was born. His arrival brought profound joy and hastened my decision to retire. When I retired, my primary goal was to devote myself to studying A Course In Miracles, believing that the right next steps would follow, including spending time with my family.

When my own children were born, I was, at first, still working in the financial world. It was very hectic and intense. By the time my second child was born, my husband and I had decided that I would stay home with the children. I did stay home; then, my husband and I split up. Suddenly, I was a single mother entrusted with the sole custody of my small children.

I managed to stay home with them for five years, exhausting my savings. It was an emotionally challenging time, but I loved being a full-time mom. It was during this time that I came across A Course In Miracles. I studied as though my life depended on it. The Holy Spirit gently guided me through dark times. Light is obvious when it is so dark!

Several decades have passed. Jesus held my hand and the Holy Spirit provided for my little family by gently awakening my mind to my true reality. As I retired, I felt the tug of regret that I hadn’t been able to be more relaxed with my children.

I had been impatient, short-tempered and filled with fear. Ego things, for sure, but my awareness of my mistakes made it possible for me to take them to the Holy Spirit for healing.

My sons have grown into adults, and the impact of their childhood experience is something I cannot change. Our relationship has been a powerful classroom. Turning everything over to the Holy Spirit for correction as I become aware of it and following His guidance, not substituting my own plan for His, is what I am committed to doing. In this context, my grandson’s arrival has been a beautiful gift. I have been able to observe when little ones start to exhibit shame, guilt, anger (frustration, really), joy, and trust. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide my relationship with him — and with his newly arrived baby brother.

Recently, my grandson, now three, stayed with me for several nights. I live on my own with a ferocious cat. I was a little concerned about my ability to manage his rambunctious energy so that he would be safe. On the second night, in getting ready for bed, he wanted to jump on my bed and from there to his own bed on the floor. This was not going to be safe.

A gentle request for him to stop jumping didn’t work. I had to raise my voice. He heard me and burst into tears saying, “Gigi is angry with me.”

I was heart sick. I asked the Holy Spirit for guidance. He gave me these words: “I am never angry with you. I can never be angry with you. It is impossible. I love you. When Gigi raises her voice, she is afraid that you will hurt yourself.” I heard the conclusion: I was not angry; I was afraid. I can choose love. I chose love. My grandson, still crying, looked at me. There seemed to be no barrier between us. I said, “I love you. I can never be angry with you. I will tell you when I am afraid and we will figure out what to do next.”

I felt him snuggle into me. Then, I felt us being enveloped by a Love so vast and beautiful that it stretched outward and inward beyond all boundaries. The oneness that we are with All was palpable. As the soft, gentle light wrapped around us, my grandson fell deeply asleep. I was so very grateful for the experience.

I imagine that there will be many more times when I must correct my grandson firmly. I imagine that he will feel shame and sorrow as a result, but I must remember that when I see ‘shame’ and ‘guilt’ in him, I must choose differently.

I must choose to see the shining presence of Love in his mind, shared with mine. This doesn’t mean that I won’t teach him about how to navigate the dream world of safety, boundaries, nutrition etc. I will. But the only lesson that I am here to teach him is to be in my right mind — an example of how to choose peace, to choose Love. In my right mind, I see him as he is — in his right mind with me even as a little child.

I learned another lesson that night: I can take everything to the Holy Spirit and He will, in the quiet of my mind, give me the words to say and show me what actions to take. The result is the profound peace of Love. My beautiful grandson is healed as I am healed. We are healed together. What a gorgeous lesson in forgiveness!

Rev. Joanne Goodrich, OMC, is a Pathways of Light Spiritual Relationship Counselor living in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Email:
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