Our Freedom, We Claim It! By Reverend Lane Williams
As we approach Independence Day, I once again experience a great reverence for our founding fathers, who with their mighty pens, by signing the Declaration of Independence, changed not only their lives but the lives of their neighbors, all their descendants and future countrymen and women forever. Indeed they changed the world. I also think that it’s interesting that we celebrate this declaration of independence rather than the actual achievement of it. Who can even offhand remember the date we won the war for independence from England?
Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” This small group of men representing many different regions and backgrounds came together to forge a new way of life. I think they could not have known then what impact their actions would have on the world. Here is an excerpt from the Preamble:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
This speaks oh so loudly of the power we have to claim what is ours. This is a glorious example of the power of intention, the power of mind action, the power of prayer - all the principles we teach at Unity. We have this opportunity to claim our independence from limited thinking, negativity, dis-ease, dis-harmony, and claim our power to bring forth well-being into our lives and the world. We are forever in the flow of divine wisdom, abundance, perfect health, and love. The truth is that we receive these things not by altering the outer world, but by tapping into the divine infinite and eternal flow from our inner realm, our spiritual consciousness. We turn away from the appearance of lack and tune into our inner powers. This is about deepening our consciousness.
The universe does not bestow favors on the few it seeks out – no the universe gives to those who plug in; mediocrity is self-inflicted and genius is self-bestowed. The rub is that we must claim it, not ask for it pleadingly, as if it was not ours, but demand what is our inalienable right, as Thomas Jefferson wrote.
In the Bible Paul says, “God will supply every need of yours according to his riches.” (Phil 4:19) Notice that needs are fulfilled, not from a sense of lack, for this is a limiting state of consciousness. Lack thinking is a block in the flow. When we are grateful for what we have, we are in the flow of ever-present good. And from this place when we have a need it is filled. When we are in this place there is no sense of fear, worry, anxiety, or insecurity. You know that a sufficiency is yours. It is here; it is continually coming to you. You know it, feel it and all is well. You have declared it, claimed it, it is, and it shall be.
So what do you now claim? What is your declaration of independence from limitation and lack? Take the opportunity to share this with supportive family and friends, for we know that a small group of committed people can accomplish mighty things. Write it down, date it and sign it with a flourish. For you are a powerful being bringing forth freedom in your life.
