Support System Sunday

-->According to the Bible, it is our responsibility to console, support and protect others during hard times.

Gal. 6:2 tells us: Go on carrying the burdens of one another, and thus fulfill the law of the (Divine Light/) Christ. 

Each of us can contribute to the well-being and growth of those around us, and beyond.  How do we do accomplish this responsibility?  We do this by striving to be, at all times, a source of encouragement and spiritual refreshment to others.

So, then, let us pursue the things making for peace and the things that are upbuilding to one another. Rom. 14:19   Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.  Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.  In proportion as each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another as fine stewards of God’s undeserved kindness expressed in various ways.  1 Peter 4: 8-10

Let us always be ready and willing to assist others.  Let us share as much as we can, as circumstances allow.   Let us be cheerful givers.  

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 reminds us: But as to this, he that sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and he that sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 

It is up to each us to do the work to connect with others; no one can do it for us.  Sometimes this responsibility to our brothers and sisters can feel overwhelming, especially when fulfilling this responsibility interferes with our own wants and/or needs.  When this happens, let us remember that we are never really alone; the Creator/God, the Divine Light/Jesus and other Spirits are with us.  

Let us take our problems to the Creator/God.  Just as it is up to each us to do the work to connect with others, it is up to each of us to make the connection with the Creator/God.  Sometimes we allow ourselves to get so disconnected and frazzled that we can not reconnect.  The Creator/God knows this and recommends having a support system; it is vital to our success.   Success in most endeavors is a team effort, not a solo performance.      

Proverbs 15:22 states: There is a frustrating of plans where there is no confidential talk, but in the multitude of counselors there is accomplishment. 

A support system is a network of people who interact and remain in informal communication for mutual assistance; members of the network provide practical, emotional and/or spiritual support which sustains other members in their survival and growth, on an as needed basis. 

Successful support systems typically consist of a minimum of 3 people.   There are 2 main, beneficial, reasons for this:

1.     No one is available 24/7; the more people in our support system, the better chance we have of receiving the assistance we perceive we need. We will not always be there to shield others from life’s challenges. 

2.     When we stay focused on the goal of teaching another to stand on his/her own two feet, we are given the opportunity to help empower them.   

To help us stay focused on this goal, we can ask ourselves the following questions:

1.     What can the person asking for help reasonably do on their own? 

2.     Are there things we (the support system) are doing for this person, that they could do for themselves?   If yes, work with the person until sure that they can handle the responsibility on their own. 

3.     How much can each of us reasonably assist this person?

4.     What are our own personal boundaries?

5.     What are our support system group boundaries?

6.     What are the consequences to individual group members, the group at large and to the other person if the boundaries are not respected? Outline potential consequences of actions: good and bad.  In a very covert way, accepting the consequences of our actions helps us learn to rely on support only when necessary.  A good support person will not support a brother or sister in staying stuck.

For each one will carry his own load. Galatians 6:5

At times, we all need support. Let us never hesitate to accept help when struggling to cope.  Keep in mind, however, that if we do not trust a person, they really have no place in our support system.  People in our support system are the people, who, over time, get to know us; the real us.  In an effort to receive assistance, we often find ourselves sharing dis-harmonious/dis-eased thoughts and/or gut-wrenching emotions.  We must be able to trust those with whom we open up to and share our real “earthly” selves with. 

If a support person offers suggestions or options to assist us, we may choose to ignore them … If 2 support people tell us the same thing, it is usually in our best interest to listen … If 3 or more support people tell us the same thing, it is in our best interest to quit whining and take action by following or trying any suggestions or options given. 

Not all options or suggestions given, will work.  This does not mean that we should not do the footwork and try to implement them though.  When we shoot them down automatically, we disrespect and thereby abuse one or more members of our support system.   Let us be willing to do whatever it takes to move forward. 

Let us always accept any support we receive, with appreciation.  Let us never be demanding when asking others to help us handle our problems. Let us be reasonable in how much of their time and attention we expect them to give us.  Let us remember that our brothers and/or sisters may be unable to meet our needs.    

When this happens, let us continue to take our problems to the Creator/God and have faith that the Creator/God will sustain us in whatever trials we may face.

Whether we are giving or receiving help, let us do so in the right spirit.

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light/Jesus. Amen.

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Taking a Stand

There are dimensions and levels beyond the 3D world we live in now.  While we are still living in this consciousness, we need light/love to balance out the dark/fear.  The concept of dark/light ... earthly/heavenly... are part of the dualistic thinking which is prevalent in this current consciousness.  For us to evolve/ascend into the higher dimensions of light, we must let go of duality. 

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both Heaven and Earth.  Matthew 6:24

Ample opportunities are provided for each of us, on a daily basis, to choose whether we want to serve the Earthly Realm (dark, fear, hate, anger, lust, greed, sloth, resentment, pain, ignorance, jealousy, disdain, indifference,  etc.) or the Spiritual Realm (light, love, joy, compassion, gratitude, bliss, patience, empathy, humility, loyalty, honor, stewardship, courage, responsibility, etc.). 

We can not give our ALL to more than 1 thing at a time.  This is a law of human nature. While we may very capable of multi-tasking (switching back and forth between 2 of more things, thoughts, emotions, tasks, etc.), we can only give our “full attention” to one thing at a time.  The Spiritual Realm requires our whole body, mind and soul.   When forced to make a choice, we tend to serve that which we desire most.

Regardless of what drama/temptation/situation presents itself to us, we can not sit on the fence, with divided thought/opinions; we must take a stand one way or the other.  For when we adopt attitudes like: makes no difference to me … I can take it or leave it … we are being indifferent.  When we are indifferent, we unconsciously “choose” the Earthly Realm by default, as indifference is of the Earthly Realm.  

It is spiritually dangerous to switch back and forth between being of service to the Spiritual Realm, and being of service to the Earthly Realm.  Whenever we give ourselves to the physical world, which is of the earthly Realm, we separate ourselves from the Creator (God) and the Divine Light (Jesus), which are of the Spiritual Realm.  When we separate ourselves from the Creator (God) and the Divine Light (Jesus), we are unable to trust that the Spiritual Realm will provide for us.  If the Spiritual Realm is not the object of our supreme trust, the Earthly Realm will be, by default.   

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your physical life (Earthly Realm), inquiring what you will eat or what you are to drink; nor about your body, inquiring about what you will wear.  Is not your soul (Spiritual Realm) more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 25  Therefore do not ever be concerned or say, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear? 31 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Spiritual Father already knows all your needs. 32  But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you.  33 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. 34  Matthew 6:25, 31-34 

These three fears (and others,) control those who serve the Earthly Realm.  Thoughtfulness for our souls (Spiritual Realm) is the best cure of thoughtfulness for the world (Earthly Realm).  The Spiritual Realm, from wence our life originated, knows what our needs are.  If we live up to our spiritual duties and responsibilities, with full trust in the Spiritual Realm, we will not lack for any thing we truly need.  Seek first the Spiritual Realm; it is the way to be provided for, in both Realms.

No obstacle is able to stand before an unwavering faith in the Spiritual Realm.  The mustard-seed is a very tiny seed, yet it becomes the greatest of all herbs.  With just the smallest amount of genuine faith, we can do many, seemingly impossible, things.  As our faith expands, so does our ability to successfully navigate more difficult things.   With enough faith, nothing is impossible.

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"  Matthew 14:31  "You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Matthew 17:20 "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.  Mark 11:23

Therefore, let us not worry unduly, about our physical needs; instead, let us trust that the Spiritual Realm, which created our bodies and breathed the breath of life into us, will provide what is needed to sustain us.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Now this does not mean that we can sit around all day and do nothing but pray, asking the Spiritual Realm for this or that; that would be a form of sloth; it would also be irresponsible in both Realms.
 
Biblical Scripture, as well as common sense, dictate that we prudently spend time in reflective thought, forethought and discernment, to help maintain, support, and preserve our own lives.  We need to utilize the divine faculties and gifts we were born with, and do the footwork, so to speak, but we do not need to allow ourselves to engage in perplexing and/or distressing thoughts and cares, which lead to despair and leave us incapable of making responsible decisions or taking appropriate actions.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

As our consciousness continues to evolve/ascend, which is what we are here to do, the concept of 3D duality will vanish from our minds.  Until then, each of us must take a stand one way or the other.  

Like all of you, I am a Spiritual Being having a HUMAN Experience; therefore, I, also come face to face with human dramas/temptations/situations which present themselves, on a daily basis.  Depending on how I consciously, or unconsciously, “choose” to navigate these regularly occurring human experiences, I “allow” myself to either stay strong on my spiritual path, or I “allow” myself to be lured off it.   

Which side of the fence are you on?

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light. Amen