Spiritual Things Matter

I believe in America because we have great dreams and because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true. ~Wendell L. Wilkie

In 1976, during the warm summer month of August, my father, an American, found me in an orphanage and flew to Germany to bring me back to the United States. A few months prior to his arrival, I and the other children in the orphanage, were informed of this news. I became the most popular girl for the remainder of the time there when the other children learned that I was really moving to America. It was such a proud moment for me when I realized that I was to finally have my own family, and furthermore, that I was coming to live in such a great country.

I love America! After moving here from Germany at 14, and then out of my father’s house at 21 years old, I began to realize just how versatile and flexible of a life I could lead here in America. I found the freedom of choice which became a practical and integral part of my life. I found freedom to worship God and the freedom to study spiritual things which would eventually become a tool of healing for my life.

I am proud to be called an American as I think back of the patriotism that was displayed after 9/11. It was inspiring, and I realized that its energy came from a different source than the nationalism that Germany displayed during WWII. The courage to be visionaries that is seen in so many Americans is founded on deep abiding principles explained in the phrase, “liberty and justice for all.” Americans will bind together as one during times of tragedies as well as in times of victory.

I love the generosity this country displays during times of need, even to her enemies. I have stood in amazement as I have observed people give, for example, after the Katrina hurricane disaster. People of all socio-economic levels opened their pocket books as well as their homes. I stand in amazement as I watch the American people display resilience as they always find a way to re-build their lives again and again, no matter what difficult circumstances may come their way. What an inspiration!

I love America because no one will place restrictions as to the level of educational opportunities one wants to obtain. Through sheer determination and hard work, any goals can be attained. Wealth on every level in America can be realized through hard work and wise decisions made.

Americans have large hearts. Friends in Germany expressed once that they enjoy visiting this great land of ours because the people “seem so friendly.” I would have to agree with that as our motto still remains that “the customer is always right.” Americans are happy, loving and giving people, always finding a way to look at the positive, to work hard and to continually strive to become better in every way. Solutions are sought for the more difficult dilemmas of poverty and ignorance because America desires equality for all of her people. Wisdom is sought to protect our land and to protect those who are weaker than ourselves.

With all the pain that came along with making the transition from another country, learning a new language, and trusting a new people, I have found myself. I am free, I am proud, and I am an American!

Update: I was invited by Houston NPR to read my essay on the radio. You may click here to listen to it, if you like.

Happy 4th of July!

*This essay has been previously posted

He who has a why to live can bear with almost any how. ~Nietzsche

Once again, I was compelled to re-read Viktor Frankl’s book, “Man’s Search For Meaning,” because I am wanting to begin another book which he also wrote, entitled “The Doctor And The Soul.” This book, “Man’s Search For Meaning”, is a good way to acquaint yourself with Dr. Frankl and the work he contributed to this world. I have the deepest respect and admiration for this man.

Dr. Frankl was a professor of Neurology and Psychiatry a the University of Vienna Medical School until his death in 1997. Because of the work he did, he had a chance to obtain a US Immigration Visa just before the United States entered World War II. After much turmoil in his mind and heart as to what he thought would be the right thing to do, he decided not to leave his old parents alone since everyone knew what was in store for the Jewish people during that time. This remarkable and unselfish decision itself, speaks volumes of what kind of human being this man was.

I have often thought that this man ended up experiencing for himself the “will for meaning” - the very thing to which he dedicated his entire adult life to. He endured three years in concentration camps, one of which was Auschwitz. His parents and his sister were killed. He survived.

Anyone who has experienced suffering should read this book. At some point in life, each of us will suffer, in some form or in some fashion. This book always gives me such a rich experience of believing in the potentiality that lies in all of us, irregardless of what our circumstances are at the moment. Finding meaning in all that life presents to us really and truly is a personal choice.

Viktor Frankl had a vision. His vision was to see the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast supplemented by a Statue of Responsibility on the West Coast. Please click to see this clip. The Catholic Pope, Benedict XVI, very recently left from a visit to the United States. His speeches were remarkable and very timely. One of the things he reminded us of is that “Freedom is not only a gift, but also a summons to personal responsibility.”

The life that we have been given, is a life worth living. I often ask the question, “What is life asking of me?” The answer will be different for each one of us.

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. ~G.K. Chesterton

This Thanksgiving season, one is so mindful again of the freedom that the western countries still enjoy. Thankfulness abounds in our hearts as America continues to enjoy her freedom in spite of the onslaught of hatred from those who envy that freedom and therefore want to attack and destroy it.

I am also mindful of the soldiers who bravely fight and die for this freedom that we hold so close and dear to our hearts. Freedom does not just happen but is earned through the dedication and love of our countrymen. It gives its people the many options to become who they would like to be. It gives avenues of expression that those who live in countries that are led by tyrants, could not even imagine would be possible.

In thankfulness, we acknowledge the great opportunity of education. One is grateful that our children are still free to obtain a meaningful and lasting education, whether that education comes from our public schools or from other avenues a parent might choose. This advantage is a direct by-product of a free society and should never be taken for granted. Many foreigners come to our land to obtain an excellent education which broadens their own opportunities. One is thankful that we have the freedom to read any literature available in our many libraries and book stores, without any fear of reprisal.

America is the home of many beliefs and numerous religions. One can only be thankful that the search for “truth” is an option open to all who desire it. We are free to worship God, the God of Love that is, in any form we desire. With that search for “truth” comes a desire to change oneself. To grow through self-honesty and to become kinder to those with whom we are in contact is a direct by-product of such an honorable search. The search for “truth” brings great responsibility, for truth will demand growth and change, be it on a personal level or on a national or global level. It will bring mankind into greater awareness of all that is still possible and within our reach.

As we sat at our Thanksgiving tables this year and looked at those whom we love and cherish, I pray that our hearts will have become, once again, keenly aware, with deep gratitude for the many, many wonderful gifts that we have been given. Let us pray that these same gifts will open our hearts and cause us to grow in greater awareness and in that growth, recognize the awesome responsibility that comes with such an awareness.

I wish all of my dear readers an unceasing Thanksgiving Heart!

In the midst of projections, chaos, and confusion,
A decision must be made.
What kind of mortal one would like to be,
While traveling on this earth.

When observing nature’s beauties
With its wondrous birds throughout the skies,
I too, can just imagine the freedom to fly -
It matters not how high.

In that simple beauty,
I find the answers to my dream.

Though firmly grounded upon this soil,
I too, can extend my wings into eternity.
To walk humbly on this earth,
To be kind to all I meet and see.
To be forgiving in every circumstance
And committed to a life of nobility -
To simply be who I am
When spreading my wings beyond gravity.
That which was observed and then received -
In that place of mystery,
So rich in Love, Wisdom and Reality -
Is now mine to give if I choose,
With kindness and simplicity.

Those wings gain momentum and strength
As this vision becomes crystal clear.
There is only one rule to go by -
I am free to love…and…be.
This mystery is birthed from within.
I can be, truly be…
All that I want to be,
Thus elevating this humanity.

Viola M. Jaynes
Oct. 2007