There is a golden thread that runs through every religion in the world. There is a golden thread that runs through the lives and the teachings to all the prophets, seers, sages, and saviors in the world’s history, through the lives of all men of truly great and lasting power. All that they have ever done or attained to has been done in full accordance with law. What one has done, all may do. ~ Ralph Waldo Trine~ 

“The great spiritual geniuses, whether it was Moses, Buddha, Plato, Socrates, Jesus, or Emerson….. have taught man to look within himself to find God.” ~Ernest Holmes~

While a “particular system of faith and worship” distinguishes one religion from another; there have always been mystics, sages, and prophets, if you will, who perceived a unifying presence that transcends any differences.  These emanations of Light are taught by the still small voice they hear within their own souls; and by the moon and stars they see above, and by the trees and the oceans surrounding them; and by the joy, love, and gratitude they feel in their hearts.  At every turn, they encounter the One Presence, the One Power. They recognize God everywhere.  

These illumined souls have imparted wisdom to the world through such precepts as “love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Theirs is not a dogmatic teaching governed by an institution, but rather, what they know is universal truth, and cannot be denied.

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Yield not to the temptation that believes you have greater access to the Truth because of the number of years you have been practicing; or believing your viewpoint is the only one that imparts Truth.  Remember, (1) The Law responds to all alike, and (2) the golden thread of Truth is seen and understood in many ways.  

The seasoned traveler on the path of enlightenment meets everyone right where they are; neither expecting aspirants to be further along nor judging the direction from whence they have come. 

The practicing devotee of religion is mindful when sharing beliefs with a novice whose path has crossed with theirs.  He remembers the golden thread connecting the two of them to the One Source. He knows there is nothing lacking in this individual. He knows this one is fully orbed and infused with the magnificence of God. There is a keen awareness there is nothing to fix. The divine appointment is one of awakening for both the teacher and the student, as they share their human experiences, as well as spiritual revelations.  Otherwise, if not careful; i.e., full of care, the good intentions of both people may be inadvertently misunderstood as criticism. 

Parker Palmer writes: “The soul is like a wild animal—tough, resilient, savvy, self-sufficient and yet exceedingly shy. If we want to see a wild animal, the last thing we should do is to go crashing through the woods, shouting for the creature to come out.” The devotee creates a safe space filled with compassion, empathy, and loving-kindness. Otherwise, the individual, feeling intimidated, may retreat, hiding inside his feelings and emotions.

Yes, there is a golden thread that unites all of humanity as One. All paths of faith and worship lead to The Presence of God that indwells us all. The sincere seeker of Truth, establishes a relationship with the Divine One within, through such practices as prayer, song, meditation, praise, and gratitude.  

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This Week’s Affirmation

“I am filled with a deep sense of unity with all. My life is complete!”

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