Reincarnation

When Jesus came into the coast of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do the people say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some Elias; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.   Matthew 16: 13-14 KJV

A near exact account can be found at Mark 8:27-28; and the larger context of what is being related is that Peter declares Jesus the Christ (Messiah). Why I stopped where I did is that I have always been fascinated that Jesus and the disciples have this conversation. The matter of fact way in which Jesus is looked upon as someone who had previously lived. The confusion about John the Baptist I can understand...a simple case of misidentification. But Elias, Jeremiah or some other prophet? Why were the "people" so quick to answer Jesus was somebody who had lived before? Was the idea of reincarnation so prevalent in those times?

I was a boy of happy disposition, I had received a good soul as my lot, or rather, being good, I had entered an undefiled body. ~Wisdom of Solomon 8:19-20 Jerusalem Bible

They (the Pharisees) say that all souls are imperishable, but that the souls of good men only pass into other bodies, but the souls of bad men are subject to eternal punishment. ~Josephus, Jewish War II:163 (8.14); cf. JCW p.478, III pp.385-387

The soul, which is immaterial and invisible in its nature, exists in no material place without having a body suited to the nature of that place. Accordingly, it at one time puts off one body which was necessary before, but which is no longer adequate in its changed state, and exchanges it for a second.
 ~Origen, Against Celsus VII:XXXII, WOII p.454

Again, from Origen: The soul has neither beginning or end...Every soul...comes into this world strengthened by the victories or weakened by the defeats of its previous life. Its place in the world, as a vessel appointed to honor or dishonor, is determined by its previous merits or demerits. Its work (actions) in this world determines its place in the world which is to follow. ~Origen, On First Principles, REWA p.36

The hypothesis of Basilades says that the soul, having sinned before in another life, endures punishment in this. ~Clement of Alexandria, Miscellanies IV:XII, WCAII, p.176

Say, Lord to me...say, did my infancy succeed another age of mine that died before it? Was it that I spent within my mother's womb?...And what before that life again, O God my joy, was I anywhere or in any body? For this I have none to tell me, neither father nor mother, nor experience of others, nor mine own memory. ~Augustine, Confessions I:VII.9, CSA p.7

I believe reincarnation has been pigeon-holed in the United States. Too many believe it to be "New Age" or "unchristian." Nothing could be further from the truth. At the very least, it was a lively topic of debate 2000 years ago. I am not here telling you that "it is so." What I am saying is reincarnation certainly explains a lot to me. Divine mercy and justice make so much more sense in the framework of reincarnation than eternal punishment or reward based on a single lifetime. Unlike Augustine, though, perhaps we have the "experience of others" that we can draw on to better come to an understanding;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EWwzFwUOxA

Through The Looking Glass

Have patience with everything that remains unsolved in your heart. Try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms or books written in a foreign language. Do not look for the answers. They cannot now be given to you because you could not live them. It is a question of experiencing everything. At present you need to live the question. Perhaps you will gradually, without even noticing it, find yourself experiencing the answer, some distant day.

~Rainer Marie Rilke

Perhaps They Never Will

So much talk of vulnerability. What is it. When is it warranted. Why is it important.

Questions so compelling I noticed Brene Brown was on Oprah's Super Sunday show today. Of course if you are a regular visitor to this site, you met Brene 2 1/2 months ago. (Any Questions 7-7-13) I brought her to you through Ted Talks. We have been over this subject thoroughly. However, if there are still lingering doubts as to what vulnerability is, let me share...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxHnRfhDmrk

If you can listen to this song and still--"mount up"--you know as much of vulnerability as anyone in the world. If you are unsure what "mount up" means, go back into the archives. You have much to learn.

Trust

You trust someone and they let you down
Tear you up and toss you around
What do you do to show the right path
To someone who's spiteful with unwarranted wrath

Easy to say, difficult to do
Meeting hate with an I love you
But it has to be done, it's simply a must
Or how in the world will they learn to trust

~WPG

Red Headed Step Child

I honestly don't know if this expression is understood around the planet, so let me clarify: a red headed step child are people who are last considered, if they are considered at all. So unimportant they are rarely thought of in the scheme of things. And sadly, this blog has become a red headed step child in the last 9 days. I don't think I have ever allowed so much time to elapse between posts. That said, ironically, the reason for it is ANOTHER red headed step child...my e-book! 

Boy, did I entertain high expectations from friends and family about immediately purchasing "The Last Enchanted Forest." (see Book tab at top of page) The apathy and indifference was eye-opening. It also hurt. Down deep. On a very personal level. And I wanted to give myself time to feel it, really experience that pain. I figured that was the only way I would be able to "let it go." So I took the time. Yet, while I was experiencing disappointment about the lack of e-book sales, I found myself unable and unwilling to "blog." In a very poor metaphor (since I in no way consider myself "superman") it was like Superman around kryptonite. I felt powerless. I felt the lack of response was a reflection of me, when in truth, it said what needed to be said of "family and friends." I needed to recalibrate those who fit the definition, simple as that. (see; Matthew 12:48)

The truth is, if every friend and family member bought my book it wouldn't come CLOSE to the sales I believe the book warrants. The book is awesome...a wonderful tale that is worthy of global recognition. And if Life decides it is constructive, beneficial, and illuminating, nothing on earth could possibly stop the momentum that will, eventually, build around the book and take it to unimaginable sales. That is how Life works. At least that is what I have been claiming for 14 months on this web site. I've also said in many places---"lets put it to the test." So now you'll get to see for yourself. I have said I need to sale 100 books in 3 months to Louis Borelli. (book store owner) He said I didn't have the marketing in place to get close to that number. I said it was a VERY conservative number. I will let you know at the end of December where we are at. (and so you know, the following 6 months I would like the book to sale 1000 copies)

Final note: As a precursor of things to come, and something only one other person of the 7 billion people on earth could possibly understand...."Hi Morgan!"

Night Sky

              Lunar Eclipse

A cry in the night, bewailing its fate
A lonely willow tree stands
Alone and frightened, friendless
Engulfed and estranged in the violence of silence
When will it end, oh when will it end

Touched, moved to emotion, the commotion of feeling
The moon released its glow--slow and easy
And with its heart started to tell its tale
Neither alone nor abused willow are thee
You're free, you're soaring, uplifted and gifted
For the night will encompass, will cuddle forever
More bliss than the kiss that the winds will deliver
The Giver of Life--the Giver of Love
Surrounds you completely, below and above

The earth that refuses to relinquish its hold
Told too of its love, honest and bold
Even the stars in the unending sky
Came forth eagerly to testify
But willow refused and defused the power
This hour of friendship and love...
So spurned and rejected, detected of caring
The moon withdrew its glow
Neither did winds blow or any stars show

And a lonely willow tree stands
Alone and frightened, friendless
Engulfed and estranged in the violence of silence

~WPG

The Terrible Truth

You are going to be lied to. Someone will betray you. You will get f**ked over at some point...you can count on it. The question isn't whether these things are going to happen, the question is how you react when they do.

I have observed enough of life to know that no matter how sage the advice, people do as they damn well please. It doesn't matter what I, or anyone else, suggests. In the heat of the moment, the last thing in the world you are going to recall are any "words of wisdom" you've heard. You will lash out, strike back, retaliate, or undermine the offending party. That is what people do. It is the world we live in. And that, my friend, is the problem.

Goodness is great...if you're good to yourself. That is my only concern. You. How best to care for yourself under duress. Seldom is your initial reaction to negative events self-promoting. You simply want to "get even." Inflict as much pain as possible and damn the consequences. And there-in lies the "rub." You make matters worse. You don't think, you react. Even if that means you end up sabotaging yourself.

Perhaps this leaves you with a sense of satisfaction. You showed that old so and so! And perhaps you did. If you are satisfied with the consequences of your actions, all is well. What I have learned is, that is seldom the case. People will talk endlessly about how they got the better of someone. How they showed up their boss, spouse, partner, friend, or random human being. Yet, the very fact they are justifying, explaining, or rationalizing their behavior tends to undermine what they are saying. They aren't so sure of their actions that they don't seek validation. Why do you think that is?

At some point you may have the thought that Life is more a game of chess than checkers. And the more thought you put into your "moves," the better those moves might prove to be. I am not suggesting you lose your spontaneity as much as I am proposing you take your time when trouble calls. Breathe. Calm yourself. Try and look at the big picture. Normally (usually) there is ample time to make a thoughtful decision. Utilize that time.

Here is one common scenario: You have been unfairly maligned at work. Verbally abused. You want to storm out. Walk off the job. Who benefits? Your pride and nothing else. Instead, consider updating your resume. Start networking. Spend time researching what is available in your area. Ironically, it is far easier to get a job when you already have one. Once another position has been secured, leave your current job. If you don't feel they warrant a 1 or 2 week notice, walk out! I assure you, the sense of satisfaction you feel won't be one jot less than if you had done so immediately. And the truth is, you have handled yourself admirably. Nothing terrible about that.