Inspiration -

An Interview with Lilian Schwabe

An Interview with Lilian Schwabe, a Christian Science practitioner from New York, who happened to be one hundred years old at that time of the interview (2011). – Pianist with a Carnegie Hall Debut in 1947, Founding member of Megegan Colony, an anarchist community North of New York City, and for many decades working full-time in the Christian Science practice in Greenwich Village, NY.

Good morning!

O sing unto the Lord a new song: … shew forth his salvation from day to day. (Psalms 96:1, 2)

Out of Thy dear hands
I take a new day …
rainbow—colored
promising
friendly
expectant

Let me feel
that this day
is really
a new one
from You …
… not a used one from yesterday

I will sing
unto You
a new, fresh song …
… not repeat “the same old story”

I am Your child
filled with expectancy and gratitude.

1.

There is a difference between loneliness and being alone

... Christ Jesus was, one could argue, the most solitary person on the planet in his days—the first Christian in his time—misunderstood, neglected by many, and downplayed for his healing work. Although we know he did have a group of disciples, he was often by himself, but the Bible doesn’t mention that he was lonely. His “oneness with the Father” (Science and Health, p. 18) was the open secret of his being.

2.

This article deals with grief.

There is a parable that Jesus told that is dear to me, since it took on special meaning while I was struggling after the unexpected death of a close family friend in a drowning accident. Twenty-one is not the age at which one usually leaves this planet, and terrible grief filled our home for weeks. But travelers we all are, and as we grieved, the idea of traveling on gave me hope for spiritual progress and a new outlook.

3.

Life is never static, we are never stuck - all is movement and change.

Now I have at least one answer to the question, "Where does change come from?" And I find the answer best expressed in words from Science and Health: "Infinite Mind creates and governs all, from the mental molecule to infinity. This divine Principle of all expresses Science and art throughout His creation, and the immortality of man and the universe. Creation is ever appearing, and must ever continue to appear from the nature of its inexhaustible source" (p. 507). I've given myself a multifaceted assignment since that stroll in Berlin. I'm making it a daily practice to look for change and not accept inertia in myself or others. I refuse to define anyone as being in a static state, but instead I try to discern the person's spiritual qualities—and to expect the unexpected good in them. I want to be more interested in newness than "in the same old story" and to side with renewal rather than inertia

4.

Here is a toast to everyone with a talent! That is: A toast to everyone!

In essence, talking about talents is closely linked to talking about place, which is truly expressive of our individuality more than anything else. Our place is who we are—and if you look at famous individuals whom we admire for their talents, you can easily see how their individuality, the expression of their talents, carved out their place in time and history. So place is a demonstration of individuality that comes to light by our using our talents. Our individual, original being unfolds our place. And as unique as our talents are, so is our place, because we are truly unlike anyone else.

Big ideas

What kind of courage?

Is it normal to stand up for what is right? What is Love in action? There is a word that is used extensively in German

All posts

God-given solutions

We find a way forward when we involve God. This change of perspective enables us to see possibilities and options that have been there all along. We can be at peace in any given situation, because God is everywhere and God-given solutions are always at hand.