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

A very dear reader forwarded this lovely message today and I was so touched by it that I wanted to share it with all my readers. Thank you, Jimmy! I’m glad you visit here!

Please click here.

Some things do matter. Every year gives birth to blessings, little acts of thoughtfulness, devotion, courage and self-sacrifice. Smiles unexpected and unmasked for. Silent hard-won victories over evil… Such blessings change lives, and one generation passes them along to the next. On this final day of the year, why not leave some small blessings for those who will follow you?” ~Anonymous author

As the year comes to a close, I reflect deeply on all that has been learned and gained this year. Personally we have seen many changes, much growth, and a heart recognition for the deeper realization of the potential that lies within each human life as one is willing to look within. We have seen how human beings fall short through their own fears and yet rise to greater heights as love and forgiveness embraces all. I am convinced again and again that there is simply nothing impossible!

As the New Year starts, I wish each of my readers a year filled with meaning and purpose. I wish each of you the reality that lies beyond what we see with our eyes, or that which we touch with our hands. My hope is for all of us to experience a greater hunger and desire to know God to such an extent that unnecessary worry and fear will cease. As political situations continue to be precarious, may you enter a place of calmness and assuredness that, no matter what happens, the Light and Peace of God is yours always. May you become prayer in this world as you realize that the spiritual growth that you experience makes a difference to many people around you. May you cultivate a sensitive, loving and kind heart for all living things, and a passionate soul to never be satisfied with the temporal things of this world. May you realize that each kind word and deed that you do and say will be forever recorded in eternal history.

Above all, I wish for each of us the courage to always be honest with ourselves and the ability to recognize the Divinity that abides within each of us. It is through that recognition that the passionate and loving heart of God will touch and heal many.

*The quote above came from a wonderful article I found that Colbert I. King wrote in the Washington Post.

This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man. ~William Shakespeare

Socrates knew that self-honesty seems to be one of the most important keys for human growth when he said, “Know Thyself.” I think about this subject often because I also desire a greater awareness to understand myself and to understand my fellow man.

“The admonition Know yourself was carved on the temple portal at Delphi, as testimony to a basic truth to be adopted as a minimal norm by those who seek to set themselves apart from the rest of creation as human beings, that is as those who know themselves“~ John Paul II. It is not an easy path when one first decides to live such a life, but one finds that the more one is committed to that principle, the easier and more enjoyable life seems to become. It is “easier,” because when practiced often, the pain and embarrassment to look within ourselves seems to diminish. It is “enjoyable,” because there is a certain amount of humor in being human. I am certain that each of us have found ourselves in embarrassing situations, and had a chuckle afterwards about our predicament.

Self-honesty, I believe, is a deeply spiritual principle. Spirituality is birthed forth in people who are not afraid to change and who are not timid in being authentic with everything and everyone in their lives. It is birthed from a desire to be, as one is, in the truest and finest form, energized by love with spiritual potential that is endless. I can not help but think about Christ Himself in the Garden of Gethsemane when he asked His Father if this cup could pass from Him, but because He had the insight of the much greater potential and purpose that was within Him, He quickly added, “Not my will, but Thine be done.”

On such a path of self examination and self-honesty, one begins to worry far less about what others think of them. They are far more focused on the condition of their own heart and their own motives. This path increases our joy as greater peace brings a heightened awareness that so much of the time spend on worries are truly wasted moments. Unlike love, prayer, devotion, kindness, and having good will towards all, worry is a weak energizer and does not possess the capability to bring lasting and positive changes into our lives.

Self-honesty has an interesting component to it in that it seems to be enlarging. Somehow, one will begin to look at things from a much broader perspective. Thus, in almost every part of one’s life - spiritually, emotionally, educationally, financially and even physically, one grows and one heals. Life becomes more simple, and so much falls by the way-side as the important from the unimportant is discerned. There simply is no end to the potential that self-honesty can bring into ones life.

William Shakespeare said it beautifully when he speaks of being true to oneself and our relationship with others: “Thou canst not be false to any man.” When we truly begin to be honest with ourselves, looking into the deepest corners of our hearts, and learn to deal kindly with ourselves, we begin to have greater compassion and kindness for others as well. It is a beautiful by-product of grace and love that extends itself outward to others. Thus, honest relationships are always the best because one does not have to be afraid and hide any longer but is free to be who they are. It is a liberating experience to find such freedom!

The “human condition” itself has great limitations. It is truly only through a spiritually energized life that grace is given to go beyond the limitations of being earth-bound… touching heavenly realms that bring deep meaning and comfort to life as one discovers the true Self within.

Know Thyself…and be at peace!