This week: The Better Angels of our Nature Edited by: SophyBells  
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Hi, I'm SophyBells ~ your editor for this edition of the Spiritual Newsletter.
The Rev. Scotty McLennan, author of the book Finding Your Religion, compares humanity's innate need for spiritual searching to climbing a mountaain. In his view, we are all endeavoring to climb the same figurative mountain in our search for the divine, we just may take different ways to get there. In other words, there is one "God," but many paths. I honor whatever path or paths you have chosen to climb that mountain in your quest for the Sacred.  |
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The Better Angels of our Nature
“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.” Abraham Lincoln
President Lincoln’s words are more compelling than ever, especially as we come to the end of another contentious election cycle here in the US. Around the world, the increasingly violent and divisive rhetoric is tearing families, communities, and nations apart, as well as denying basic human rights to many of our brothers and sisters.
During these dark days, it is imperative to remind ourselves that we are ALL citizens of a wider global humanity. Whether as part of a country or state or town, a workplace or congregation, a family or peer group or political party – we do ourselves a service when we affirm that EVERYONE is worthy of forbearance, civility, respect, and kindness.
The essential aspect of spiritual faith is not so much about maintaining an approved set of beliefs or obedience to rules. Rather, it is the cultivation of compassion – the ability to experience the joys and sorrows of others as our own - that brings one closer to the Sacred. In other words, faithfulness to God begins with a willingness to be moved by the circumstances of others and respond for the sake of their well-being. It means best to live with compassion as my core value, as if we are the incarnation of a Sacred Mystery. It means seeing ourselves as love personified. It continues by following the Golden Rule, found in all religions, to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
So may we find within ourselves the ability to engage in civil dialogue guided both by critical thinking and mutual respect, finding common ground and sharing humanity with those of different opinions, political affiliations, religion, ethnicity, and economic status. May we regard one another as fellow seekers pursuing shared values of freedom and mutual support in all aspects of our lives – our world, our country, our towns, our workplaces, our families – guided by the better angels of our nature.
“In a time of anger or despair, even if we feel overwhelmed, our love is still there. Our capacity to communicate, to forgive, to be compassionate is still there. You have to believe this. We are more than our anger, we are more than our suffering. We must recognize that we do have within us the capacity to love, to understand, to be compassionate, always.” Thich Nhat Hanh
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Below you'll find some spiritual offerings from other WDC members. Please let the folks know if you read their piece by leaving a thoughtful comment or review. If you have something you would like me to highlight, please do share it with me, thanks!
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Here is a response to my last newsletter "Spiritual Newsletter (October 17, 2018)" about "Adding Your Voice to the Song:"
From Jim Hall 
Thank you for this newsletter. In these very troubled times of unrest (social, political, natural, etc.) I believe that all of us, regardless of religious belief, have an obligation to reach out to our fellow man and make a difference by using whatever talents we have. To make a difference one does not have to be exceptional. They need to be ordinary people doing extra-ordinary things.
Beautifully said, thank you!
      
From Whata SpoonStealer 
What a beautiful newsletter that is actually quite comforting, an unusual feeling from reading for me.
So glad you found it helpful, thank you for letting me know.
From Quick-Quill 
The media is out to sell their story or be the first to report a story. The more sensational it sounds the more people believe it's true. Who knows what the truth is today? I shut my ears to it for the next 100 days. I will vote in my state (we mail them in) but my concentration will be on writing my book. With Thanksgiving approaching, I will be thankful I live in a country that allows me to worship where I want and meet with like-minded people. Christmas will be about sharing the birth of Christ and what it means in my life. I will not allow the adversity around me to become a black blanket of despair when I have a hope for a better life beyond and wish it were here now. Despair like water can only sink a boat when you let it in a pail at a time. Keep your boat covered.
I hope for a better life NOW for so many who are suffering. I believe we are called to be compassionate and help others here and now. Jesus said "the kingdom of God is now" - it is here. Whether there is an after life of some sort doesn't let us off the hook for being present and caring now, showing love and care for the "least of these" who are among us.
From Samberine Everose  :
Thank you for adding my item in you newsletter and thank you for sharing this. 
You are welcome!
Please keep your comments and suggestions coming! Until next time! SophyBells |
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Spiritual: November 14, 2018 Issue [#9217]
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