With a profound personal anecdotes and deep reflection, we explore the powerful lesson 271: "Christ's is the vision I will use today….
In our latest episode, we delve into the intriguing concepts of "vision,” as taught in A Course in Miracles. With personal anecdotes and deep reflections, we explore the powerful lesson 271: "Christ's is the vision I will use today." This lesson invites us into a state of perpetual awareness and conscious choice, urging us to see the world through a lens of divine vision.
Florida's Fierce Storm: A Personal Account
Our discussion begins with a recounting of an unforgettable experience. As I recount surviving a tornado in Florida, the unexpectedness of the event underscores the fragility and unpredictability of our earthly existence. Despite the chaos and destruction, there was an undeniable sense of being aligned with divine intervention—a miracle of survival. This narrative serves as a backdrop to consider how we engage with life's challenges through the miracle mindset, seeing beyond grievances to the transformative power of trust and gratitude.
I was preparing for Hurricane Martin, which was still about eight hours away, when the news announced a tornado was touching down nearby. They kept repeating, “This is the real deal.” And I remember thinking, What does that even mean?
Within minutes, the tornado was at my house, throwing things everywhere. I tried to run downstairs to warn everyone but got knocked down two or three times as I made my way. Flying debris was everywhere. I ended up lying on the floor in the narrow corridor between my room and the stairs, just trying to protect myself. Objects were flying, and I realized any one of them could seriously injure me.
And then, almost as quickly as it started, it was over—no more than five minutes later, silence. I went downstairs to find the house completely wrecked. Debris was everywhere, there was no water, no power. We all just stood there, dazed, asking each other if everyone was okay, trying to process what had happened.
When I stepped outside, a neighbor walked by holding a picture of my sister and her partner—a beautiful portrait he’d found down the street. He asked if I knew who it belonged to. I told him it was ours, and he kindly invited us to stay at his house a few doors down. I showed my family the picture and told them we had somewhere safe to go since our place was uninhabitable.
At his house, we found some water and electricity, and we stayed there for the next two nights until we could secure a short-term rental. The devastation everywhere was unimaginable. Our neighbor’s Honda SUV had landed in our walkway, looking as if it had been in a major car wreck. His other two cars were smashed together—just an unbelievable level of destruction.
This is the first time I’ve encountered a near-catastrophic event that genuinely felt like a nightmare. The losses are truly catastrophic for others—people who lost their lives, who were injured, who were left overwhelmed mentally and emotionally. It’s been a collective trauma.
People from all over the world reached out, asking if I was okay. They’d seen the news, the damage in Fort Pierce, and were concerned. And in that flurry of media coverage and everyone’s questions, it became clear that, despite everything, this was an opportunity to revisit our practice.
I want to explore how we can hold to a divine vision through experiences like this—a vision rooted in the fundamental wholeness we were born with. A Course in Miracles reminds us that our day-to-day reality is, in some sense, a nightmare, and our goal is to wake up to a higher understanding. Of course, telling someone facing profound loss or hardship that they’re merely "dreaming" won’t help. But we can turn to lessons from the Course to find strength. One powerful reminder is, “God is the strength in which I trust.” This doesn’t dismiss our real experiences but reassures us that a steady strength is always within reach.
Embracing the Miracle Mindset
A central tenet of our conversation revolves around the idea of the "Miracle Mindset." This mindset isn't about glossing over trauma or minimizing others' pain. Instead, it's about recognizing that miracles are solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems. Each challenge becomes an opportunity to experience and share solutions motivated by divine intervention. Key to maintaining this mindset are lessons like "God is the strength in which I trust" (Lesson 47) and the reminder to let miracles replace all grievances. These tenets invite us to trust and ask for the restoration of our original, divine essence.
Addressing Global and Personal Nightmares
The world is rife with what we termed "collective nightmares," from natural catastrophes to human conflicts. We acknowledge the complexities of these experiences, urging a response rooted in compassion and a spiritual vision. Rather than becoming overwhelmed by fear or anger, we can invoke principles of A Course in Miracles to guide our actions and perspectives. This approach inspires us to contribute positively to resolving nightmares, personal and global, by fostering an awareness of the perfection and potential within ourselves and others.
Actionable Insights: Fostering a Miracle Mindset
Ultimately, the discussion encourages taking actionable steps towards embracing the miracle mindset. It's about actively choosing a vision aligned with divine love and grace in every moment, regardless of the external chaos. This involves practicing gratitude, prioritizing spiritual principles, and engaging with the world from a place of inner peace and strength. By doing so, we not only contribute to our healing journey but also extend a lifeline of hope and possibility to those around us.
In bridging our personal experiences with spiritual insights, we create a tapestry of learning that guides us through life's tumultuous storms. As we open ourselves to divine vision and miracles, we remember that every challenge carries within it the potential for profound growth and transformation. Let us continue to navigate with faith, courage, and a loving heart as we seek to illuminate our shared path forward.
