“World peace and brotherhood are based on a common understanding of the contributions and cultures of all races and creeds” ~ Mary McLeod Bethune ~

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“There is one mind common to all individual men.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

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“If there is but one mind, then God must be that Mind, and therefore God must be my mind now.” 
~ Richer Living, by Ernest Holmes and Raymond Charles Barker ~

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“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” ~ Slogan, United Negro College Fund  ~

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Great minds, illustrated by the above quotes, have always known that a vision of unity, expressing through the unique talents, skills, and creativity of all people, creates a world that works for everyone. Black History Month is a great opportunity to pause, acknowledge, and celebrate the profundity of this awareness. 

Gil Silberman, responding to Quora’s question about the meaning of UNCF’s slogan, said: “Describing young people as “minds” rather than as charity cases, social injustice, or “at risk youth” changed the dialog, personalizing the matter and encouraging respect rather than indignation or pity.”

Every being is an individualization of The One Mind. We are each a mind within The Mind.

The mind is truly a beautiful and remarkable field of unlimited possibilities. It takes us in every direction imaginable, be it the past, present, or future. It provides us with the information we are seeking. It is the connecting link between ourselves and others, communicating through our five senses and beyond. It is the creative medium, the starting point from which all things begin.

The potential to be a great mind is within every one of us.

When one is unaware that the mind is a divine instrument able to accomplish great things through the individual; there is little motivation to dream big dreams.   It is like a violinist being the benefactor of a Stradivari Violin; and, not knowing it is an instrument of unparalleled sound quality; therefore, never dares to express the music stirring in his soul. 

Great minds emerge out of the awareness that we are surrounded by, immersed in, and infused with The One Impeccable Mind.  This Mind of God, in whom we live, move, and have our personal existence is All-Powerful, All-Knowing, and is Everywhere-Present. 

The Indwelling Presence is always right where each of us is. It is the Higher Self within, with whom we commune through prayer and meditation. It is equally distributed and accessible to all people all the time. It knows Itself, and Itself only. José Silvestre White, Afro-Cuban violinist and composer (1835-1918) and Solomon Northup, African-American violinist (1808 – 1863), are examples of ones who attuned themselves to the music within.

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All cultures have made significant contributions to the world peace and brotherhood that Mary McLeod Bethune spoke about, and she, herself, has contributed much. This month, Black History Month, is a celebration, a testimony, a demonstration of how, through an awareness of the Divine Potential of Mind, one rises above and transcends false beliefs of oppression, limitation, and separation based on race, religion, gender or one’s individual self-expression. 

The one who is a great mind, unifies with the power of the One Mind and with the unwavering faith of God leaves a trail of inspiration, hope, and encouragement to all people. Let us continue to envision a world that works for everyone.

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This Week’s Affirmation

“There is but One Mind, the Mind of God, and every being is an individualization of The One Mind.”

By Mary Jane LaBonte, RScP