(Revisited Repost)

I fretted, became frustrated, exhausted, and finally, just plain spent. You see, even the most skilled IT Technician could not retrieve that Word Document I so desperately needed. It was lost forever. 

In the midst of feeling stuck in a cycle of self-blame and ridicule for not doing my part to save the precious text, I heard a still small voice within me say, “The same intelligence that flowed through you, creating that document, is still available.” Unconsciously I was being re-aligned with the Truth, the promise of freedom, peace, and the ability to begin again. The decision to accept the gift of letting go of the mistake and moving on, equated to self-forgiveness.

You would think I would immediately follow this divine guidance. It was my choice. Nonetheless, I continued to struggle, punishing myself a little longer. It was as if an opposing thought said, ‘self-forgiveness is for more serious issues, like the one shared by the woman I recently encountered who had been physically imprisoned for her mistakes.’ 

Limiting self-talk keeps us locked into what is already the past.

The woman, like me, heard the still small voice within her that promised a new beginning. She adhered to the divine guidance of this Inner Knower and is now re-aligned with her inherent nature. Having stepped into her greater-yet-to-be, she is now a beneficial presence in the world.

The principle of forgiveness dissolves the emotional energy of condemnation, shame, or blame. The Self/giving-ness of Divine Love energizes the entire being with the wisdom to move forward, to begin again.  In many ways our self-forgiveness and ability to move forward support fellow travelers. It is another way of creating a world that works for everyone.

I GOT IT!!!

There is no “big” or “small” in the Infinite Mind of the Divine. Even the slightest condemnation of one’s self, and/or that of another, blocks the free-flowing energy of Spirit, causing emotional imprisonment and limits self-expression. 

The Self-giving-ness of the Divine One is Grace. It is the ever-flowing presence of healing Love.

John Newton, the converted slave trader of the 1700’s wrote: “How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed.” Yes, Truth realized is always the spontaneous and instantaneous response to Divine Love.  This is the inherent nature within every one of us.

By the way, the next day my creative juices were flowing again. Thank goodness for the practice of meditation and prayer. The replacement document that I created was better than the first. And I saved it! My realization was swift: once forgiveness is initiated, peace is restored.

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This Weeks Affirmation

STOP. KNOW. EXHALE. I AM Peace.

Keith Childers