Commentary on ACIM Lesson 175

©2010 Rev. David Seacord

I am at home. Fear is the stranger here.

This will be the first time I am not the commentaries author. The following story arrived in my email inbox today, and as I read it, I received a strong sense to share it with you. The was no author acknowledged. Obviously, my copyright does not include it. Please enjoy.

Namaste,

David

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The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder.

I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being.. She said, 'Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?'

I laughed and enthusiastically responded, 'Of course you may!' and she gave me a giant squeeze.. 'Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?' I asked. She jokingly replied, 'I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, and have a couple of kids...'

'No seriously,' I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age. 'I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!' she told me.

After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake. We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this 'time machine' as she shared her wisdom and experience with me..

Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she revelled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up.

At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor.

Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, 'I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know.'

As we laughed she cleared her throat and began, ' We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing.

There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. You have to laugh and find humour every day. You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die.

We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it! There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up.

If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight.

Anybody! Can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. Have no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets..'

She concluded her speech by courageously singing 'The Rose.'

She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives. At the year's end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those months ago.

One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep.

Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be.

REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL. We make a Living by what we get. We make a Life by what we give.

God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

When you finish reading this, please send this peaceful word of advice to your friends and family, they'll really enjoy it!

These words have been passed along to lovingly honor (the) ROSE (in all of us).

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The Original Lesson

Lesson 175

God is but Love, and therefore so am I.

(159) I give the miracles I have received.

God is but Love, and therefore so am I.

(160) I am at home. Fear is the stranger here.

God is but Love, and therefore so am I.

Commentary on ACIM Lesson 174

©2010 Rev. David Seacord

God is but love, and therefore so am I.

We are caused/created by that which we call 'God'. It is because of this that we have power to know ourselves. If we are willing to fully know ourselves, we will automatically discover we know others also, eventually all others. Full self-knowledge is the discovery of infinity 'as existing within us, containing all power that is'. It is like turning ourselves inside out and being the God that created us, then turning ourselves outside in and being the created of that Creator.

At any point in this creator/created inversion, just like when a brain surgeon uses a low voltage probe and touchs a part of the brain, self-identifing images called memories or personal thoughts appear. While the vast majority of our individual reality is mechanical action-response, when we no longer create these self-identifing images that we believe in 'as us', we become free.

How to 'no longer create self-identifing images'? When the 'I' that 'wants to' is empty, it is done. As this does not happen 'in time', there is no hurry. Our simple willingness to have it be so will create it 'of us' when readiness is ripe, just as the pregnant fruit will surrender to the ground when it holds the fullest kiss of the sun.

Namaste,

David

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The Original Lesson

Lesson 174

God is but Love, and therefore so am I.

(157) Into His Presence would I enter now.

God is but Love, and therefore so am I.

(158) Today I learn to give as I receive.

God is but Love, and therefore so am I.

Commentary on ACIM Lesson 173

©2010 Rev. David Seacord

God is but love, and therefore so am I.

The last three days of this Commentary were canned (pre-written) so that I could fully participate in a weekend Landmark course called Communication: the Power to Create. I am strongly impacted by the course, and am emerging from it with an altered view of what is possible in my personal future, which could potentially (and hopefully will) involve you (as a member of the lightworker visionary team which I am envisioning and about to describe).

Some background. Unless you are a new reader, all of you were briefly introduced to "The Love Declaration" in Commentary 126. I said then I would speak more about it, and now it is time to do that. For your review:

The Love Declaration

--A Covenant--

I am your partner

in awakening from fear.

From this moment on,

at all times,

under all conditions,

I declare I will be,

for all beings,

A Conscious Source

of Absolute Love,

and,

I promise

I will serve

only this Love,

in you,

in me,

and in All,

no matter what,

for the rest of my life.

I wrote the Love Declaration in 1986, inspired by both A Course in Miracles, Landmark Education seminars, and my personal spirituality influences. To me, it speaks clearly the voice of 'the savior' within each of us. It languages the 'bar', the standard of what it takes to be a ripened and mature teacher of God.

I shared it throughout the western USA as a wandering singing/seminar-leading 'messenger' for several years in the late 1980's, and then retired from that public mission about 1990 because (for various reasons) I entered a dark space, and forgot I was a Son of God. I spent a number of years in isolation, as a failed prophet. Of course, God did not forget who I am, and has always been beside me, guiding, teaching, and healing me, until I now am willing to un-retire and be the voice that God uses to give this 'declarative stand' to the world.

I have known this new Love Declaration mission has been approaching for some time, and I have understood that writing these ACIM Commentaries this year has been and is to be part of my preparation and training. And, consistent with my generally solitary nature, my plan (as far as I foresaw it) was that, after completing my service to my parents (however long that takes), I would again become a wandering lightworker/artist, and create humble one-man-sized 'spiritual learning opportunities' (probably disguised as art events or concerts) as (and wherever) I was guided.

This weekend's Landmark course was a challenge to that solo lone-wolf vision, and I spent a lot of energy resisting the course as a result. But the integrity in the room was palatable, and I had a breakthrough despite my resistance.

My breakthough was to recognize I do not need to do this mission alone. In fact, I now see it was never meant to be done alone. In fact, post-breakthough, I now see I never even really wanted to do it alone. I just thought I would have to. Pretty laughable to think I thought that, now. Times have changed, and I see I can too.

I see miracles are possible through sharing the Love Declaration as a team project. Clearly, as now we have the internet to use to connect and meetup through, anyone who is interested in participating can do so in some contributive capacity. What a team would look like, and how it will function I do not know as of this moment. Those visions will arrive. What I am getting is important for me to do right now (while freshly inspired) is simply to declare myself, and invite you each to consider being part of my mission team. Since this is His Work, I am sure God's voice will tell you what to do if you are interested in participating in creating this work with me. Of course you will have questions, as this is not a complete description. But given that the Love Declaration has a voice of its own which may speak to you, if you are interested, please let me know. We will create together from there.

Namaste,

David

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Today's lesson.

Lesson 173

God is but Love, and therefore so am I.

(155) I will step back and let Him lead the way.

God is but Love, and therefore so am I.

(156) I walk with God in perfect holiness.

God is but Love, and therefore so am I.

Commentary on ACIM Lesson 172

©2010 Rev. David Seacord

God is but love, and therefore so am I.

Imagine a Navajo grandfather under a tree weaving, watching the world unfold through wise eyes, and blessing life with his being. Now imagine a powerful inspired well-connected man of commerce, creating powerful projects that eventually benefit thousands, perhaps millions. Who would I choose to be? I would choose to be both. Why? Because both ways are necessary, depending on the situation and the need.

This is why we are given many skills and talents. They are all expressions of Gods love for us and for the life He has created. As we recognize our unity with God, we all inevitably recognize that our unity is unlimited, includes each other, and we become mature in our service, willingly contributing our skills and talents to the creation of a world that knows itself as one undivided and unseparated whole. This maturity can be recognized in our willingness to be seen, be authentic, be vulnerable, and be 'nakedly' real.

I am seeing this is when we are contributing our selves most fully, and also, when we experience our greatest joy.

These thoughts I share, that I may rediscover and deepen the truth of them also. May you be a blessing to all humanity.

Namaste,

David

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The Original Lesson

Lesson 172

God is but Love, and therefore so am I.

(153) In my defenselessness my safety lies.

God is but Love, and therefore so am I.

(154) I am among the ministers of God.

God is but Love, and therefore so am I.

Commentary on ACIM Lesson 171

©2010 Rev. David Seacord

Review V Introduction.

God is but love, and therefore so am I.

I once heard that Yogi Bhagan (of the Sikh tradition) instructed his students/disciples to wear their traditional white clothing even when working on automobiles, or other 'dirty' work. This was to 'develop grace'.

My memory of this instruction was triggered this morning as I was walking past an item that needed to be relocated, while on a different errand. God simply suggested I could pick it up too, since I was going to go past where the item needed to also go. Where grace comes in is in the 'musicality' of the insertion. It required only a nano-seconds consideration to recognize that God was right (it was possible), but there was an egoic momentum in progress that would need to be released. I.E., 'I' was already two or three steps past the item, and therefore 'I' would need to brake, back-up, shuffle what 'I' was currently holding so that I'd have a free hand, pick-up the item, and then continue to the location where the item was to go, set it down, and then return full attention back to the errand 'I' 'was doing'.

So the real choice in the question was, was I being an 'ego doing something' or a 'being being'. When looked at closely, the momentum (which normally argues 'Not now, I'll do it later') is past-based. God's suggestion of a 'new possibility' being inserted was a 'present recognition'.

I feel 'grace' in my life many times as a result of my 'willingness' training.... to go with the incoming suggestions of God in the now-moment. Remember, the Course teaches what is most helpful on this journey is 'a little willingness'. It is from these moments of willingness that many of the miracles in my life arise. And when viewed with hindsight, it is self-obvious that the gifts that have been delivered to me via these unplanned-for-miracles and that have transformed my life are directly from a God that loves me, knows what I really need, and is offering that to me everywhere, in every moment, and in every way possibly imaginable.

But here is the real payoff. When I am flexible enough to stay 'in the present' and add-in the 'in the moment arrivals', I feel like an instrument capable of soaring exalted sweeping thunderous melodies, and my heart lives in Joy. I lose a lot of that connection to Joy each time I say 'no way, can't do it' back to God. What I am recognizing is that my greatest pleasure is to live feeling this Joy. The thing that humbles me is learning that my Joy is also 'God's greatest treasure'.

Namaste,

David

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Lesson 171

REVIEW V
Introduction

We now review again. This time we are ready to give more effort and more time to what we undertake. We recognize we are preparing for another phase of understanding. We would take this step completely, that we may go on again more certain, more sincere, with faith upheld more surely. Our footsteps have not been unwavering, and doubts have made us walk uncertainly and slowly on the road this course sets forth. But now we hasten on, for we approach a greater certainty, a firmer purpose and a surer goal.

Steady our feet, our Father. Let our doubts be quiet and our holy minds be still, and speak to us. We have no words to give to You. We would but listen to Your Word, and make it ours. Lead our practicing as does a father lead a little child along a way he does not understand. Yet does he follow, sure that he is safe because his father leads the way for him.

So do we bring our practicing to You. And if we stumble, You will raise us up. If we forget the way, we count upon Your sure remembering. We wander off, but You will not forget to call us back. Quicken our footsteps now, that we may walk more certainly and quickly unto You. And we accept the Word You offer us to unify our practicing, as we review the thoughts that You have given us.

(repeated, edited into 'first person')

Steady my feet, my Father. Let my doubts be quiet and my holy mind be still, and speak to me. In this moment, I have no words to give to You. I would but listen to Your Word, and make it mine. Lead my practicing (as does a father lead a little child along a way he does not understand. Yet does he follow, sure that he is safe because his father leads the way for him).

So do I bring my practicing to You. And if I stumble, I know You will raise me back up. If I forget the way, I count upon Your sure remembering. If I wander off, I know You will not forget to call me back. Quicken my footsteps now, that I may walk more certainly and quickly unto You. And I accept the Word You offer me to unify my practicing, as I review the thoughts that You have given me.

This is the thought which should precede the thoughts that we review. Each one but clarifies some aspect of this thought, or helps it be more meaningful, more personal and true, and more descriptive of the holy Self we share and now prepare to know again:

God is but Love, and therefore so am I.

This Self alone knows Love. This Self alone is perfectly consistent in Its Thoughts; knows Its Creator, understands Itself, is perfect in Its knowledge and Its Love, and never changes from Its constant state of union with Its Father and Itself.

And it is this that waits to meet us at the journey's ending. Every step we take brings us a little nearer. This review will shorten time immeasurably, if we keep in mind that this remains our goal, and as we practice it is this to which we are approaching. Let us raise our hearts from dust to life, as we remember this is promised us, and that this course was sent to open up the path of light to us, and teach us, step by step, how to return to the eternal Self we thought we lost.

I take the journey with you. For I share your doubts and fears a little while, that you may come to me who recognize the road by which all fears and doubts are overcome. We walk together. I must understand uncertainty and pain, although I know they have no meaning. Yet a savior must remain with those he teaches, seeing what they see, but still retaining in his mind the way that led him out, and now will lead you out with him. God's Son is crucified until you walk along the road with me.

My resurrection comes again each time I lead a brother safely to the place at which the journey ends and is forgot. I am renewed each time a brother learns there is a way from misery and pain. I am reborn each time a brother's mind turns to the light in him and looks for me. I have forgotten no one. Help me now to lead you back to where the journey was begun, to make another choice with me.

Release me as you practice once again the thoughts I brought to you from Him Who sees your bitter need, and knows the answer God has given Him. Together we review these thoughts. Together we devote our time and effort to them. And together we will teach them to our brothers. God would not have Heaven incomplete. It waits for you, as I do. I am incomplete without your part in me. And as I am made whole we go together to our ancient home, prepared for us before time was and kept unchanged by time, immaculate and safe, as it will be at last when time is done.

Let this review be then your gift to me. For this alone I need; that you will hear the words I speak, and give them to the world. You are my voice, my eyes, my feet, my hands through which I save the world. The Self from which I call to you is but your own. To Him we go together. Take your brother's hand, for this is not a way we walk alone. In him I walk with you, and you with me. Our Father wills His Son be one with Him. What lives but must not then be one with you (me)?

Let this review become a time in which we share a new experience for you, yet one as old as time and older still. Hallowed your Name. Your glory undefiled forever. And your wholeness now complete, as God established it. You are His Son, completing His extension in your own. We practice but an ancient truth we knew before illusion seemed to claim the world. And we remind the world that it is free of all illusions every time we say:

God is but Love, and therefore so am I.

With this we start each day of our review. With this we start and end each period of practice time. And with this thought we sleep, to waken once again with these same words upon our lips, to greet another day. No thought that we review but we surround with it, and use the thoughts to hold it up before our minds, and keep it clear in our rememberance throughout the day. And thus, when we have finished this review, we will have recognized the words we speak are true.

Yet are the words but aids, and to be used, except at the beginning and the end of practice periods, but to recall the mind, as needed, to its purpose. We place faith in the experience that comes from practice, not the means we use. We wait for the experience, and recognize that it is only here conviction lies. We use the words, and try and try again to go beyond them to their meaning, which is far beyond their sound. The sound grows dim and disappears, as we approach the Source of meaning. It is Here that we find rest.

Lesson 171

God is but Love, and therefore so am I.

(151) All things are echoes of the Voice for God.

God is but Love, and therefore so am I.

(152) The power of decision is my own.

God is but Love, and therefore so am I.