Should we march? Is it safe? Is it right? What signs should we carry?
Our Unity faith tradition is for each person to pray first and then follow inner guidance. Therefore, we will not tell you whether or not to demonstrate for social justice. I have marched in demonstrations for social justice many times, with my feet and/or with my words. But you must make your own decisions. We bless those who join in peaceful demonstrations and we also bless those who choose to stay home. We seek healing for all as we all move from blaming to blessing.
Life is consciousness. Whether we march with our feet or not, we are, most certainly, marching together in consciousness toward change and the journey will reflect the way we think. Emmet Fox taught that it is impossible to have one kind of mind and another kind of life. If we want justice, we must be just. If we want peace, we must be peaceful. Whether we march with our feet or not, we are collectively in shift mode toward a new normal that is necessary, yet not easy. Victor Hugo shared these invigorating words: “There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that is an idea whose time has come.” Whether you march or not, do it for love, not fear. Keep an open mind and heart. Whether you speak Truth to power out loud or in the Silence, one thing is for sure: “It’s been a long time comin’, but change is gonna come” (Sam Cooke).
Jesus’ ministry was a peaceful demonstration. Entering the gates of Jerusalem, He was followed by a noisy crowd, carrying palms and making noise. Some people, probably fearful of friction with the authorities, urged Him to quiet His followers. “He said in reply, ‘I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!” (Lk. 19:36-40).
The great Emma Curtis Hopkins (called by many the “Teacher of Teachers,” and the “Mother of New Thought”) inspired more than fifty thousand students (including Unity’s founders) with her powerful words, including these quotes from her Bible Interpretations in 1888, on the “omnipotent idea” -- “Equal rights, equal rights, equal rights . . . tramping close to palace gates, tramping over castle grasses, ascending regal stairways, crying on the White House lawns, the Buddha idea” brings “the principle called 'equal opportunities'” and the “nerving proposition called 'now, today,' and this makes Him the manifest rebel, namely, Jesus Christ . . . . The very fact that all these conditions are worrisome shows that the Christlike [hu]man has been driven back to the interior. He is hidden, but not dead. He needs calling back again. He needs to be sought. Even before we get very far in our calling . . . we feel His quality."
The Christ Mind moves us toward profound change. We hurt together so we can work and heal together. We can live a fairer and more peaceful life. Instead of engaging in conflict, physical or verbal, let us seek peace. Let’s listen more deeply to one another. Let’s use the equal rights that so many have fought so hard to secure by following our best Light and honoring the rights of all others to do the same. Christ, lead us. We are mindfully on the march. -Leddy |
