Instead, we need to bring illusions to the truth. In this way, we are choosing in favor of truth by saying these illusions no longer serve me, and I want something better. It is a subtle distinction, but an important one for us to get, because these subtle distinctions are what keep the illusion in place. It is a flimsy support, but nevertheless it has staying power.

It is time we focus on our higher loyalty to the truth and not the illusions of the ego. We do this by withdrawing our distracted focus on the world. Just as a child brings his broken toys to a trusted parent for repair, let us bring our broken thoughts, worries, disappointments, and fears to God, so He can show us a higher way above the battle ground of the world of division.

Let us be loyal to Him and His healing power as we look clearly at our illusions and allow Him to lead us back to truth. He will restore us to reason, even while we abide in a world of illusion. Let us be the miracle workers – those who allow God to use them for forgiveness – He needs us in this world right now.

I’ve had people “forgive” me in a way which wasn’t forgiveness at all. It was a condescending self-righteous act that made THEM feel better. It was a pat on the head that said – “I’m better and bigger than you. See! I’m forgiving you.” It’s a very damning judgement.

So, how do I practice forgiveness?

In a combination of AA wisdom and ACIM guidance I have learned to understand if I don’t condemn or judge, there’s nothing to forgive. The world I believe I’m seeing and judging is a world that relies on my perception, which, by definition, is twisted and distorted. Consequently, I ask Spirit (however you define or name that reality) to help me see the people, events, or situation with True vision. My ego cannot offer me an alternative to itself – only Spirit can do that. Spirit’s vision allows me to “see” as Spirit sees – everything is either acts of Love or calls for Love. There is nothing else.

I use this 3-step process: I acknowledge that I want to see a person, situation or event differently. The way my ego is interpreting or perceiving it is upsetting, anger-producing, birthing a resentment, and egocentric. In short, I am not happy and serene.

(1) I forgive myself for the images or interpretations I have made or projected and I acknowledge the people/events are not real but my own creations. I forgive the people/events in these self-made images.
(2) I forgive myself for creating these images or projections.
(3) I acknowledge I am willing to change and I ask Spirit to help me see another way of looking at this situation or person. Then I still my mind by listening for the quiet whispers of Spirit rather than the loud committee of voices that exist in my head.

I always must remember that step 3 is not my job. It is Spirit’s. It just will happen – but as a whispered thought. I must listen for it the way I listened for my child’s whimper while I entertained friends in the living room.

Blessings, Don

* This message is a rework of an article in Holy Encounter magazine by Beverly Hutchinson McNeff, the co-founder and president of Miracle Distribution Center, one of the longest-running organizations of A Course In Miracles (ACIM).

How the Bible Became the Bible - Exploring how the Bible came to be and why a literal interpretation of it may be dangerous. This exploration may open a door to your continued spiritual growth.