Here  is Part 2 – the continuation of life lessons and spiritual insights I’m grateful for. God is always graciously teaching us and showing us the Way!  🙂

 

One of the lessons I learned in school was not to gossip (I only wish I knew this from the get-go – it would have made things a lot easier!). It can be so tempting to join in the criticism or “fun” in a conversation with friends – comparing people to others and labeling their actions in some way.

 

The Bible shows us that God directs our way and actions, and human opinions and beliefs mean nothing to Him (for instance, in a job search or in the path we choose in life).  He shows us that He doesn’t care what popular opinions say in such stories as Moses and the children of Israel, Daniel and the lion’s den, Nehemiah building the wall and countless other examples.  In fact, the Bible is really a compilation of the Spirit of God lifting us out popular beliefs and saying in a way, “I don’t care what’s going on humanly…this is what is really going on and is really going to happen”.

 

We can have the same Spirit today, even if we’re dealing with a physical illness.  Maybe there has been a prediction about our state of being or our future.  God shows us that it doesn’t matter what is going on humanly.  Only what He says and knows counts.  God never created sickness or any debilitating illness for us to be subject to.  Nor can we be harmed from criticism or gossip by another.

 

If we think kindly towards others, any criticism or unkind thought shot toward us falls right off.  “The mental arrow shot from another’s bow is practically harmless, unless our own thought barbs it.”

 

“…We should go forth into life with the smallest expectations, but with the largest patience; with a keen relish for and appreciation of everything beautiful, great, and good, but with a temper so genial that the friction of the world shall not wear upon our sensibilities; with an equanimity so settled that no passing breath nor accidental disturbance shall agitate or ruffle it…” (Taking Offense, Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896, Eddy)

 

I love this article called “Taking Offense” by Mary Baker Eddy (a spiritual leader, healer and teacher in 1821-1910).  It is such a wonderful reminder that we don’t have to get caught up in the swing of things – all the gossip that is presented, whether it be in our family, neighbor or even in cultures and government  around the world.  We never have to think an unkind or unloving thought toward anyone nor can any reach us – what a freedom this is (keeping our mental atmosphere pure, uplifted and free)!