Absolutely Yours

Masks Can’t Hide Their Joy

Churches are reopening in some parts of the United States. Like cold molasses, people are slowly dripping into their chosen churches. Even mask-covered faces can’t hide the joy of people reuniting with their church families.

It’s been slow. Each week one or two more people show up – at least at the church I pastor.

When my church decided to reopen, I suggested that we take a poll to see how many people were comfortable coming back. Enough replied, “I’m ready and I’m not afraid,” so we decided to reopen. But many – far too many – are afraid. One woman said, “I will support the church financially, but I’m scared. I won’t return until this thing is over.”

I commend the people who have honestly admitted, “I’m afraid.” Now, they can take the necessary steps to move out of that space.

Did The Fearful Admit This, Too?

There is something larger here than mere church attendance. Mind you, these are the same people who, for years, sat in church and mouthed the words, “God is the one Presence and Power – in, through and as all the universe.” I wonder if they have been equally honest with themselves and admitted, “Although I came to church every Sunday and affirmed God is the only Power, I must not know it. If I did, I wouldn’t be afraid?”

This is the kind of courage and honesty that is needed to move out of this seeming trench of fear. Be clear. Moving out is a must. One cannot allow themselves to stay in the mindset that something is going on other than God. Why? Because it’s a fictitious mindset.

How Long Are You Going To Loiter In Fear

No one can continue to read the books and listen to the lectures proclaiming God’s Allness and expect to experience this Truth as a practical reality if they allow themselves to loiter in fear. Fear is not a comfortable experience. Nothing unreal can ever be comfortable.

Reader, perhaps the coronavirus (or something else) has you cowering in fear. If that’s so, I have two questions for you. Are you going to linger in fear? Or, are you going to say to yourself, “I’m not willing to stay here. I believe in my heart that God is the only Presence and I’m going to dig deeper in silent prayer until I strike a clearer realization that God is All?”

It Starts With The Heart

People have said, “Allen, I’m afraid but I don’t want to be. How do I get out of this place?” Here’s a suggestion on how to proceed. First set your heart on knowing God’s Allness. It starts there. If your heart is not in it, nothing will come of it.

Then, in your quiet time, ask of your impersonal God Consciousness, “Is there another Presence and Power other than the Presence You are?” Listen. Listen expectantly. Listen intently. You will strike oil. The answer will be revealed. Your fearless Self will be revealed in all its resplendent magnificence.