Power and Love and a Sound Mind

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." -- The Bible; 2 Timothy 1:7

"You who are dedicated to the incorruptible have been given, through your acceptance, the power to release from corruption." -- A Course in Miracles; Chapter 19, Section IV-C, 6:1

Wow, these are powerful passages. How can I read them and not be moved to move fearlessly in the world, to make a difference wherever I find myself? How can I read them and continue to indulge, even for a moment, in pandering to the alleged safety and security of a false, separate self?

A Course in Miracles reminds us that by accepting our true Origin and Source as Sons of God, we have the power to release from corruption... which is defined by Webster as a "departure from the original or from what is pure or correct." By remembering Who We Are, we remember the power and love and sound mind that are ours already, as emanations of the One Mind. God did not give the spirit of fear, and so it does not exist. What God did not create is simply not, and never was.

What does this mean for us in these turbulent times? So many are caught up in the currents of divisive election issues and economic fears. I have heard very well-meaning people say that none of it is real, so why bother to try and change any of it, or to actively participate? This is fear disguised with a not-so-effective defense mechanism of avoidance. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear..."

Gangaji, one of my mentors along the path, tells this story about her teacher, Papaji: "In 1947, India was in extreme crisis. Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs were killing each other. Enforced mass migration was causing anger, fear, and despair. The country was in chaos. At the same time, Papaji sat in bliss at Ramana Maharshi's feet, by the holy mountain of Arunachala. One day, after reading in the newspaper about the horrors, Ramana asked Papaji about his family and the dangers they were facing as they were forced to leave the Punjab and relocate to Hindu governed Lucknow. Papaji replied, "That is all just an empty dream. I am here, in the awareness of reality and the bliss of your grace." Ramana looked deeply into Papaji's eyes and said, "If it is all a dream, then what is the problem with going and taking care of your family? Go now and help them." Papaji left that very night for the Punjab, and was able to get all his family out in the nick of time. He got them on the last train allowed out."

Ramana peeled away the egoic defense mechanism of separation by avoidance. If you're avoiding something, you fear it, and you've made it something separate in your own deluded mind. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear..." We are called, each in our own way, to listen to what's going on in the world. We are called to listen to clients and friends and family, and we are always led in beautiful and surprising ways to act in the world with God's power, and love, and sound mind.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." -- The Bible; Philippians 4:13