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Newsletter #5
Inspirational Ideas
The basic flaws of
Forgive and Forget
We have arrived safely at the time of year when Jews and Christians commemorate
great events in their respective histories. The Jews celebrate the miraculous
escape of the Israelites from the tyranny of Egypt some 4000 years ago;
Christians recall the crucifixion of Jesus 2000 years ago, and celebrate
his rising from the dead.
Consider what would happen if these two religions practised “forget”:
No more Easter eggs, bunny rabbits, matzoh balls, kneidlach; no more Easter
holidays, church processions, Passover synagogue services, and special sermons
by the holy men of both religions…
Consider what would happen if people the world over practised “forgive”.
In the first place, how would Pope Innocent , Torquemada, Hitler, Saddam
Hussein, Pol Pot, Mugabe have instituted their regimes if forgiveness was
the general rule? Secondly, after the atrocities they unleashed, who should
forgive them? Those of their followers who went to prison or were executed?
Or the survivors of their mass-murders? …
What if your beloved forgot the anniversary of your marriage – or,
worse still, if you forgot your child’s birthday?
Never mind the fantasy. Let’s focus on this time, this place and ourselves.
For you to forgive someone indicates that you are superior to that person.
At least, you are better in the particular area, and you can chide or wag
your finger at that person . But nobody is superior, regardless of their
health, wealth or station in life. We were all created equal – not
only equal to every human being but to every creature on earth. (And, let’s
face it, a lot of other creatures behave better than humans.)
Through my studies in metaphysics I learned that I am responsible for whatever
happens to me, be it good or ill. Through A Course in Miracles I progressed
a step further: I learned that the only person I ever have to forgive is
myself. This sequence makes good sense. If I freely involved myself in a
situation, then that is my responsibility. If I was forced into such a situation,
then I was responsible for being in a position to be forced, If I followed
a person’s wrong advice, then I am to blame for my part in the consequences.
Once I genuinely forgive myself I will see everyone and every event concerned
in a different light. Then, too, I will not need to forget the person or
the event that inured me. All the sting will have been removed by my self-forgiveness,
and I can then recall the situation and learn whatever lesson it held for
me.
Coming Shortly
Two more books will be available shortly, both on the Internet and in
printed form. These are Banishing Fear – the parasite that destroys
miracles ( from 20th May), and Money Dynamics – the Laws that govern
the flow of money.
This Month’s Affirmation
Affirm this statement twice daily, and more often if you wish. Before long, you will develop an attitude and experiences in accord with it.
““That which created all life created me in Its image and likeness. Thus I am a right-thinking person, with the power to create my own circumstances. I take full responsibility for everything that has happened, is happening and will happen in my life, and I forgive myself for any errors, knowing these are learning opportunities.”
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