Spirit In A People

FRI., JAN. 11, 1991, 5:16 PM
GAVIOTA POOLSIDE, SANTIAGO DECUBA

You are here, in a small foreign land, observing people, interested in how spirit is manifested. You just experienced one great example of positive spirit – a young woman physician obviously dedicated to healing and to keeping people in her neighborhood well. You know that all doctors will not exhibit such spirit, but it is good to know that out of this nation come some as she.

You heard Karen, the other evening, say that whenever there has been a call for volunteers, even when the task was dangerous, those who step forth are always more than are needed. This is a representation of spirit, for spirit is the impetus for giving your time, talent, and treasure for a need that others have. There, of course, are incidents in your country where youth also have responded to calls for help, for there is much spirit there, even as it is sometimes misdirected.

The day commenced, however, with a man whose spirit is close to Mine and who influences many Christians, daily, toward a spiritual response to life. He is a Christian, and he knows that the Church and its offshoot groups often have an abundance of spirit, exhibited in many ways. Now he must consider whether that Christian spirit, in self and in some other of his members, can be compatible with the spirit in the Communist “party” as it opens its membership to Christians. There is a lot in common, but he is right in trying to determine if there will be sufficient spirit that can be truly merged without weakening Christian spirit.

Despite the enthusiasm in your group for the example of this small country in affecting radical change, you are feeling no less strongly about the spirit of Americans you know. This is an interesting “experiment”, and I may continue to protect it (because of the spirit in the people), but it need not make you feel less proud of your country’s people. Your government has made some bad decisions and has been overly selfish and arrogant at times… and this does represent some of the people… but the spirit in Americans is still strong… particularly many American Christians.

You have worries about what will happen to the spirits of Americans when an economic downturn persists. I say that you will have some pleasant surprises, along with some reason for your worry. Economic austerity, in several forms and gradations, is coming, and, as I have said, it shall be a true test of spirit, for many. There must be some modified form of this culture that you visit now… some more ways of sharing the necessities and minor desires of life. One of the major exhibits of spirits in people is in what is felt and what is done when sharing is necessary… in place of more affluent consumption.

Spirit is shown forth in reading, in singing, and in other verbal and overt ways. Take every opportunity to show forth your spirit in this way and to observe this in others. Church services coming up will be such chances to experience in this way.

Your “group,” here assembled in this ad hoc way, is also a “people” and definitely has a developing spirit. Ted, in his quiet, somewhat bumbling way, is the leader, and his spirit leads. Yet it is augmented by several others, including yours, but, as usual, you are above average but not outstanding. The spirit shall increase with the remaining days and events, and then there shall be a disbanding and a dispersal of spirit. You know you shall be pleased to return to your home, your wife, your Farm, and your new classes. Yet you shall have some spirit to offer as you come back from this adventure, and you may reach the spirits of some as you talk and share what you have experienced. Continue to put yourself fully into the present group, even as you would rather be returning.

( 6:04 PM / 11:29 PM )