Message from our Minister

April 2003

Dear One-

Consider this:

"For the past few months, many inquiries have been coming to Unity about the war situation. Many want to know Unity's attitude or reaction; some want prayers for the protection and guidance of a loved one; others want solace for themselves in their grief and loneliness. Many have been the letters wanting to know what people should do when they are forced to become members of the armed forces when they are much opposed to war and all that it involves. ...It would seem to us that it is up to each one of us to decide for ourselves just what we will do to help right the present world situation.

Each of us should ask ourselves whether our prayers or our physical cooperation in its defense offers the better protection to our nation. Certainly each of us has a great responsibility as an American and a Truth student, and it is not right to refuse to participate. If we do not build, then we must pray. It is not enough to be an objector; we must be a constructor. We must really use our spiritual powers to promote peace. We must give our time and energy to the spiritual defense of the nation just as a soldier in the army gives time and energy to its physical defense. We must think, talk, and practice peace, and nothing less.

Do your part in helping our government in every physical way possible, and you can do more when you draw upon the true, spiritual source of your power and strength. Continually submit your plans to God and fearlessly follow God's guidance, and your service to your country and those in uniform will become more valuable to them. God is able to manifest God's power in every contingency, provided there is at least one person of enough faith for God to act through. If you have someone in the service, you can help him or her best by keeping your own consciousness clear and poised. Do not be sad and discouraged; do not be jittery; do not talk negatively to anyone or even think unhappy thoughts. Work hard at your regular task with a song of praise in your heart. Every time you think of your loved ones, instead of permitting your thoughts to be fearful, instead of worrying about their welfare, their safety, their early return, send them a blessing."

July 7, 1942 by Charles Fillmore, Co-founder of Unity, in a Unity Radio address

Today, as in 1942, it is not enough for us to spout slogans for peace or carry a banner for 15 minutes. We must bring about peace through our prayers and our lives. When we sing, "Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me", let it be a reminder to us that peace will not come along of its own volition; we must be the spiritual midwives for its birth, growth, development, and success.

So, instead of judging and criticizing each other would you be willing to join in prayer, especially for our President and his advisors? President Bush (and all those who influence his decision making) to make all his decisions based on the highest good of all beings on earth. Let's begin by imagining him as a little boy, and use our energy to empower his heart. The boy is still within him, though it seems to me that he might be very afraid wanting to protect our country. He doesn't need to be attacked for what he is doing, but loved, not for his actions, but for the Truth within him. "Seeing as God Sees and Loving as God Loves."

Just as we do this for our world, I want to invite us to do this in all areas of our lives and our church ­ let us focus on what we do desire to experience, instead of what we don't. Then out of that intention, I invite you to take action, be willing to let others know what would help make life more wonderful. Truly, what kind of world would this be -- if everyone held peace as the Truth for the world and lived peace in their everyday lives? Talk about "shock and awe!"

"Understand the enemy and you can defeat him, understand yourself and there is no enemy."
- Ancient Chinese Proverb

In loving service
Reverend Marylou Palmer