The United States of America has traditionally been mostly Christian or some variant. Though the beauty of our country is we respect all beliefs and our constitution protects our right to believe what we Will (as in power, not action). These rights go both ways though. While we have the right to our beliefs we do not have the right to force them on others. Discrimination is a sticky pickle for a very simple reason. A very basic spiritual principle that every religion teaches says “Do onto others as you would have them do on to you”. Another way to say this is “What you do to another, you do to yourself” or “What you give you receive”.
Let’s apply this to discrimination. If a person tells another don’t judge me, then they have to practice this as well if they expect the other person to comply. If someone refuses to socialize with what they perceive to be the “other” or “those who are not like them” then they are giving this “other” the right to do so also. In effect this person is creating separation, not only from the “other” but from themselves as well! By being afraid to socialize with this “other” they perpetuate the very thing they are afraid of.
In a Course in Miracles Jesus teaches us to see beyond appearances, to find the divine in everyone and in everything, not because it is really there, not because there is a separate objective reality, but because there is NOT. Everything we experience is a projection from our own mind and is intended to awaken us from our dreams of dying, from being separate. This is Unity, Oneness, Truth. So when confronted with hateful, discriminating, mean other self, know that it is your own self reflected back and forgive. Just knowing how all this works makes it so much easier to be kind, thoughtful, and loving. Everything/everyone you encounter is either a statement of Love or a cry for Love. You get to choose where you look and what you see. It’s easy if you allow it to be. Resistance is Futile, LOL. Persistence pays.
Jesus teaches that a Miracle is simply choosing Love over fear. Every day we experience miracles without even knowing it. Now you know what a Miracle life is. This is what our founding fathers intended to protect. If we take an other’s right to discriminate away then we are trapping ourselves. (Not to mention violating free will!) Let them hate you, this gives you the opportunity to forgive them and in doing so forgive yourself. It may seem counter intuitive, but it works. I have tested it. Another thing Jesus teaches us is to turn the other cheek. If someone strikes you, offer the other cheek also. I tested this and was amazed by the result. Fear disappeared and Love is all that remained.
Sequoia Elisabeth
Oneness Ministry 