Dr. Tom has asked us to pick a letter from Myrtle Fillmore's book, HEALING LETTERS. He is asked that this letter not be one that we have used and consulted before. We are then asked to explain the challenge and opportunity that the letter addresses, and we are asked to explain Myrtle's healing theology as applied to this specific case.
The letter that I have chosen comes from the chapter on Maternity (p. 116-117). A woman writes to Myrtle telling her that she is pregnant and has many fears associated with the pregnancy. Besides physical fears associated with this pregnancy, the woman also has concerns about her parenting abilities. There also seems to be an issue of worthiness as a parent.
Myrtle's suggestions––and healing theology––go directly to Scriptures. But Myrtle is not talking about events that happened long ago and far away. She advises the woman to see herself as Mary birthing the Christ. "Let your soul magnify the Lord, as did the mother of Jesus," Myrtle encourages her, in other words, to be bold and see the Mary in you. Instead of this identification being sacrilegious, Myrtle views this as a royal road to eliminate the error thoughts which are plaguing this woman.
When it comes to fears about pregnancy, Mary had every reason to take the prize. But then the angel told Mary to "fear not" (or to get out of the grip of error thoughts). Luke 1: 46-55 tells how Mary magnified the Lord: "My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoice in God my Savior. For he has had regard for my humble state... From this time on all generations will count me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me..." Myrtle went straight to the Magnificat (which many point to as one of the oldest hymns in Christian Scriptures), and Myrtle asked this mother to see herself as birthing the Christ.
Myrtle then turns to a fundamental aspect of Unity's tradition in an effort to eliminate error thoughts-- such as lack, unworthiness, and fear. Myrtle asks for some reflection. She says point-blank to this woman that "There is but one Presence and one Power, God, the good." Myrtle seems to be saying: Do you really believe this Unity concept, or are they just words that you have been saying? She is asking this woman to reflect on Truth principles as they directly apply to this situation. If the woman does in fact believe the Truth principles, then it follows that "God is preparing the way for your child to come forth easily, joyously, in perfect safety. God's love surrounds, enfolds, and protects you, and all is well," Myrtle reflects.
Myrtle then draws upon her experience. "Relax and free every muscle in your body from tenseness... You can relax and rest in the assurance that you are being protected." But there is a caveat here. Myrtle seems to be saying that one has to do the work to receive the benefits from Spirit.
"In your oneness with God everything is now and will be in divine order, and all is well," Myrtle reminds this woman– and us.
In a sense this may seem to be a strange letter for me––a man--to pick. But let me give some backstory as to why it is very relevant to me and spoke to me. As many of you know, my wife, Debbie, and I are trying to adopt a child. Without going into all of the details, it has been a very arduous road, to say the least. There are times when error thoughts have cropped up, such as: It will never happen to us; How we ever be able to afford another child-- particularly with me being a full-time student?; We're too old to adopt a child? etc.
The moment I saw this letter, I was drawn to it. I think it contains very sound advice on how to deal with our thoughts associated with becoming a parent.
Rick - Okay, you got me. I had to go read this letter for myself. I absolutely love how you summarized Myrtle's message in your own words, " to be bold and see the Mary in you." You actually gave more attention to this aspect than Myrtle did in her letter. Yet, it is incredibly powerful.
ReplyDeleteWe, in Unity, strive to live in Christ Consciousness and how beautiful and appropriate to advise a pregnant woman to strive for Mary Consciousness! (I'm not attempting to start a debate - I know we are all One Consciousness and Mary was striving for "Christ" Consciousness also) To be bold and to see the Mary within them is absolutely brilliant. Thank you, Rick.
Thanks Daybree. Today was working on the Missouri home study (we have a Virginia home study but have to get a new one because of the move)> There seem to be more moving parts in getting a home study fo adoption than moving parts for getting an M.Div :)))
DeleteRick, the story you told about why you picked this particular letter touched my heart. Thank you for sharing the information about what you and Debbie are going through as you adopt a child.
ReplyDeleteI interpret the first sentence of the letter a little differently than what you wrote . You said, "She advises the woman to see herself as Mary birthing the Christ." I see Myrtle saying, in essence, Let God express through you as the Christ, as Mary did. The difference might be subtle but I think it sets a different tone. I particularly liked your comment, "Myrtle seems to be saying that one has to do the work to receive the benefits from Spirit." It seems that for most of us, applying Myrtle's lessons does take significant focus and effort. If it was easy, many would already be expressing their Christ Spirit as Jesus did. Thanks for the post! -Doug
Thanks Doug, and I can also see it the way you explained it concerning Myrtle's advice on Mary. I think we both agree that Myrtle is telling the woman to be bold and see yourself in Mary's position and with the heart of Mary (Also, please remember that my background is Jewish and not RC:))
DeleteGreat, thorough analysis with a poignant personal share added in! One question I have is whether Myrtle is saying two different things when she first says: "God is preparing the way for your child to come forth easily, joyously, in perfect safety. God's love surrounds, enfolds, and protects you, and all is well" and then later says "In your oneness with God everything is now and will be in divine order, and all is well," I take the latter as being more general, less attached to a particular outcome. What do the references to "easily" and "perfect safety" mean? Is this about how the woman feels about the pregnancy and experiences the birth or is it about the actual outcome? Is this a case in which Myrtle really believes the latter comment but the former one includes a bit of comforting language?
ReplyDeleteI don't see Myrtle saying two different things, but your reading of the letter is a very interesting interpretation.
DeleteEnjoyed your post, Rick. I particularly liked your take on Myrtle's no-nonsense approach. She tries to alleviate the woman's fears by turning to as you say, "a fundamental aspect of Unity's tradition". She reminds the woman that "There is but one Presence and one Power, God, the good." Myrtle seems to be telling the woman now is the time to apply what you know of Truth. After all, what is there to fear?
ReplyDeleteRick, Thanks for sharing your personal story and why Myrtle's letter meant so much to you. Isn't it interesting that we still find worthiness, peace and understanding in the letters ourselves. Even though Myrtle was writing the letters to others she is still addressing problems and concerns we all have and we can look to Myrtle for sound advice and reassurance. I found the same value in the letter I used addressing Truth Teachers. Sometimes we may have less than ideal thoughts and Myrtle's letters remind us to leave our human concerns behind and focus on Christ Consciousness.
ReplyDeleteRick-
ReplyDeleteI remember reading this letter and also being drawn to it… but I never could have interpreted it with grandeur you have shown us is there. Good job, Reverend. You might have an entire sermon in this one humble letter. Thank you for your insight in comparing Myrtle’s affirming a safe and positive experience for this anxious mother with the majesty of the Magnificat. I read this letter a few weeks ago, appreciating it as a rich example of Myrtle's faith, affirming prayer and love for the individual she's supporting. But what an amazingly inspired view you've given us! You’ve taken Myrtle’s letter to a much fuller expression of the underlying scriptural passages for me. Thank you for your vision. And blessings to you and your wife through the vexing adoption process. The child you are waiting for is on his or her way to you at this very moment!