“The escape from darkness involves two stages: First, the recognition that darkness cannot hide. This step usually entails fear. Second, the recognition that there is nothing you want to hide even if you could. This step brings escape from fear. (T11)”
Affirmation: “Lead me to want to hide nothing. Help this to be the right decision.”
Reflections:
1 – Part of ACIM May Frighten Us
A Course in Miracles warns us early on that part of the reading may frighten us a bit; we may become fearful. This is exemplified in this passage. We cannot hide the darkness in us, though we would not have anyone to know about our weak spots, the ego in us. Others do see and know, even though they don’t say anything to us about what they see. Some do say, of course, and this is when the pain is multiplied. Then we need to forgive the attack.
2 – We Need Hide Nothing
Later on we realize that we need hide nothing. Our brother is our closest companion in this world. He (or she) does, in the depths, love us. Why would we hide anything of ourselves when we know that we are loved? Showing our weak places actually will strengthen the relationship, because we are seen to be more human. We need each other, and this sharing of innermost turmoil may lead us to a place of deeper knowing of each other. The love is magnified.
3 – The Holy Spirit Is the Way Out of Fear
So do not fear, regardless of what is happening around. We have within us, in the form of the Holy Spirit, the way out of fear, and the release and relinquishment of fear come to us when we are willing to hide nothing–even our darkest places within.
4 – Embarrassing?
This passage does not mean that we unveil those things about ourselves that would be embarrassingly personal (an interpretation, not stated in ACIM). Our listeners would be embarrassed by an unmasking that was unsought by them. But Jesus does warn us that sometimes the Holy Spirit may give us guidance that appears embarrassing to us. He says that this perception (and it is a perception) is due to a shabby self image (from the Manual), which we would do well to discard. But we do need to discern when and what to share with whomever we wish. And for this guidance, we need to turn to the Holy Spirit.
Prayer:
Dear Father/Mother,
I would like to be rid of my shabby self-image that makes me feel embarrassed sometimes when I perceive the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and I don’t want to do it. Help me to be flexible always, and to do His bidding. I know that this is the only way that I will find my way back to You.
May my day go well today. Thank You that the stress of the past month has passed, and that all is well in my little circle of significant others. May we turn to You always, asking for Your way for us. We may not always agree, because we are human, but You see the large picture, and what You wish is always the best decisions for us, the best life pathway.
Thank You for leading me to understand this, especially in the last month.
Amen.
