(3/2011) End Times: Praise The Differences

By Liz Colado

REALITY: A NOW SERIES

We live in a world of wrongs where we are told regularly, “Bad job.  Not good enough.  You are worthless,” and “You don’t do anything right.”  Whether in words or by actions, this is what we often receive from others.  Unfortunately, we begin to believe that these statements are true.  They affect us, even subconsciously, and we begin to refer to ourselves in such away, even behaving in such a way. 

These words and actions are judgments upon us.  Those who do the judging, do so because it is all they know, for they themselves have been perpetually wrongly judged.  As each person is judged, he learns that this is “human nature” and he naturally becomes like this too.  Even, he will judge without realizing he is doing so–subconsciously, whether in thoughts, voice or by actions.  This then is the meaning of “Judge not that ye be not judged.”

To rise above human nature is to offer forgiveness and withhold judgment.  (Sometimes, forgiveness isn’t even necessary, as what appeared to be sin, really wasn’t.) It is also the way of The Father for His creation.  There is none good and perfect but Lord God.  Withhold judgment.  What one sees is NOT the complete picture.  Missing is the past and the secret hurts known only by The Father.  Remember too that a person is not a flat storybook character, but a multi-sided individual–both positive and negative.

The differences in humans is so immense that we cannot comprehend them.  Does not each person have his own distinct set of fingerprints, a unique iris, and genetic makeup?  So too are our souls and minds distinct, as each comes to the human experience from a different background.  (The slate of the human soul is not clean at birth.  Common sense shows that each baby born has his own personality. Every mother knows this.)  However, we are all united and similar in one regard–through that of The Father.  We are all souls covered in flesh, blood, and bone, as created in His image.  And so, this is why the judgment upon a soul is not our burden–but The Father’s.  Only the Creator may truly understand the past, present and see the future of each individual part of His creation.  Think of an artist.  Can anyone truly understand the meaning and mind of Salvador Dali and his art?  No.  Only the artist knows what he means to convey and how it should appear.  Each viewer though, sees a different meaning in the work of art.

The Father, in His loving kindness, also praises those who listen and follow His commands.  The rewards to be reaped are spiritual–talents or gifts–rather than financial.  As we follow His guidance we become better people.  And as we are better people, we help ourselves in every way–physically, mentally, and spiritually–achieving wholeness.  The best way to begin is to take the eye off of one’s self, and help others.

It is important to follow The Father’s true example–giving praise or blessings for work well done, even for movement made toward new challenges, no matter how small.  This is especially necessary at the beginning of a child’s life.  Parents must state positive affirmations to a child growing up in this world.  This protection is a surety of love which will evolve into self-confidence.  (Say: “You are a child of Lord God.  He has made you in a special way.  And you are here for a special purpose.”)  These are spiritual truths which are valid for every child born to Earth.  Children need to be encouraged daily.

Our culture has within it two other generations–parents and grandparents.  Many of them too were reared in a negative manner.  For example, boys have been shamed into believing that a “real” man does not cry.  And girls were told that their only worth was in the home.  Anyone who spoke up for him or herself felt the sting of many kinds of punishment, including name-calling within the home, derision, and the purposeful erosion of self-confidence. These circumstances breed rebellion, animosity and later the fear of acceptance by others.  It is a lonely existence.  Left within, the offspring of the non-acceptance builds up pressure–like that of a pressure cooker.  This pressure creates internal problems.

These God-given uniquenesses are rarely welcomed by man.  This is wrong, as Lord God has made us like this for a reason.  As we are different we can help each other in varying ways. Each person truly adds something to the human experience.

Adults too need acceptance.  As the world turns them away, they search for help.  The “help” may arrive in the guise of alcohol, drug use, or gangs.  Perhaps they leave a religious organization.  But the search for true wholeness can only be found in The Father.  He is the only one who will truly comprehend each person.  Begin with prayer, meditation, and a turning of one’s life (body, mind, and soul) over to His peace and guidance.  In this way, personal acceptance of self is found.  And as acceptance is felt, fear on non-acceptance goes.  The release of fear brings calmness.

Those who seek The Father in such a way can be guided to others, who are similar, for moral support.  “Love others more than yourself,” means taking the time to listen when the other needs to talk, especially after a lifetime of silence.  Then, speak kindly, offer real unconditional love and acceptance.  This is respect for the difference–which in truth though shunned by some, is a blessing from The Father, and allows for everyone to learn and everyone to teach.

As those who are similar interact, they continue to meet each other’s emotional needs in this way, and needs to include positive praise.  Even adults require this, whether between husbands and wives or parents and their adult children, between leaders and their followers or between teachers and their students.  The station in life is not important: Where praise is warranted, it must be given in a useful manner–for each one really serves the other.

Today, I ask you to begin with your family.  Do NOT wait until you are dying to tell your son, “I’m proud of you.”  Do NOT wait until tomorrow to tell your spouse, “I will support you always, unconditionally.”  For you know what is in store for this world, but yet you wait.  Wait no longer.  The time is NOW.

The Father is one and He is loving.  Follow Him.  Follow His ways.  As you give praise and kindness to those around you, you will become whole and feel well, and be accepted by others.  For who does not welcome praise and kindness? 

Look around at what others are doing right.  Point this out.  Praise it. As it is praised, more will come.  In this way, misunderstood differences among cultures, religions, political parties, even enemies can be overcome.  It is a first stepping-stone to peace which will follow.

Recognize that the differences and anger with any enemy grows out of fear.  Fear is from man, not Lord God.  Until this point in history, you have only disparaged the enemy. This has made him fearful. 

 Has this made peace?  No, I think not.  Try a new tact–the way of The Father.  In His way, walls can be broken down, trust made, and works toward the greater good of all begun. 

So, yes, pray for your enemies.  But today I also ask you to find something to praise him for.
Begin fresh with a new discourse which will include respect of differences.  Then, continue in this manner.  Remember, people are people.  This is a process and mistakes will be made.  Do NOT rush to judgment.  The will of The Father is that of peace. 

This then, is one of the ways in which people will survive End Times and peace will be made.

Who is The Father?  He is God, Adonai, Jehovah, Allah, El Shadai, the Divine, Yahweh, the great I AM.  He created the universe, turns the Earth and is visible in every element of nature. It does not matter if you are Hindu, Bahai, Sunni, Shia, Druze, Alawi, Jewish, Christian,  Orthodox, Baptist, Catholic, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, or Zoroastrian.  He is for all people and His way is that of peace and of love. There is no God but God and on the Last Day of End Times the only name which will be lifted up will be “HIS.”

Liz Colado, essayist and poet, resides in the United States.  A poet since childhood, her poems reflect the images and premonitions of her subconscious dreams.  The writing of poetry has been her escape to a world apart, a dimension of other, a reality considered.  The meaning of poetry has helped center her all of her life.  She is also the main character of a life exposed, written by an anonymous author.  Read the poetry of Liz Colado and consider the interior of her mind to be the discovery of a personal dream journal on the edge. Visit Liz Colado’s Writer’s Page.

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