We are living in extraordinary times on our planet right now. Here in Maine, we are experiencing temperatures that exceed what we have been used to for many years. We are witnessing unparalleled violence that we have not seen and watching a country become more divided.
It is interesting that the message I delivered on Sunday has some answers for how we deal with all that I have just mentioned. In the book The Soul of Money, written by Lynne Twist, she shared about how she and her husband Bill dealt with the news of the stock market crash of 1987 and what we came to know as Black Monday.
She shared how they were glued to the news on the television and the heightened anxiety they were feeling as their financial portfolio was being affected adversely and how frightening that was to them. They soon realized that watching the constant negative news was not helping them and so they made a choice, and it is a choice that we can make at this time as well, and that is turn off the news. Franklin Delano Roosevelt during the great depression of 1930 made a statement that holds true today… “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
Lynne and Bill discussed the ramifications of what this would mean to them personally; however, they then changed their conversation. Oh, the title of this chapter is “The Power of Conversation.” They began to do an inventory of their lives and see the many blessings they had that were nonmaterial assets and were at the core of their true wealth, their joy and their lives.
So, my friends, here are some practical application tools you can use during these tumultuous times:
• Affirmations and Intentions: When you speak about what is most up for you know that your words carry energy. Affirmations—positive statements about abundance, purpose, and generosity—can shape your reality. By consciously choosing empowering words, you set intentions that align with your soul’s desires.
• Conversations and Impact: Engaging in open conversations about money or what you are experiencing can transform your relationship with it. Honest dialogues with loved ones or community members allow us to explore shared values, address fears, and create collaborative solutions.
• Generosity and Blessings: Blessing the situation — whether through spoken words, rituals, or conscious thoughts—infuses it with positive energy. When you give, you bless others and yourselves simultaneously. The act of sharing becomes sacred.
• Responsibility and Integrity: Your spoken commitments—promises, agreements, and contracts—shape your integrity. When you honor your word, you build trust with others and maintain alignment with your values.
• Silence and Listening: Sometimes, the most powerful communication is silence. Listening deeply—to your inner wisdom, to others’ stories, and to the whispers of your soul—guides what you make for choices.
Remember, words have energy; they can uplift or diminish. Choose them wisely, and let your spoken intentions resonate most importantly with LOVE.
Right now, individually and collectively, we pray as the Psalmist wrote: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. ~ Psalm 23:4. And as Charles Fillmore wrote in Christian Healing: “Divine Love in the heart establishes one in fearlessness and indominable courage.” LOVE is the healing balm. LOVE leads the way.
Sending so much love your way and to our country and our world.
If you missed the service on Sunday, you can watch it here.
Next Sunday the chapter will be “Creating a Legacy of Enough.”
Know that you are so very loved and appreciated.
You are a blessing in my life,
Rev. Patricia Bessey
P.S. Register for upcoming events.
