Good Coming from Adversity

Just recently I heard a wonderful story about one of our brothers. She had suffered an inexplicable illness for many years. Then, she discovered a miracle cure using the humble teasel plant. A teasel could be thought of as unattractive. Yes, a rose has thorns and prickles, but who would compare a teasel with such a beautiful flower as the rose? Who would think of it as a symbol?

‘By chance’ Anna had this picture of a teasel open on her computer screen when I was talking with her the other day. Seeing this image struck such a deep chord in my heart. It felt to me like a symbol of our spiritual journey. At times our lives can seem full of adversity and yet, through these very challenges, we have the opportunity to bring forth hidden strength and talent, and unfold far deeper compassion and understanding for others. As I looked at the photo of the teasel—really looked at it—it became so very beautiful, quite as lovely as any rose.

The truth of ultimate good, greater inner strength and spiritual growth coming out of difficulty is inherent in White Eagle’s wise teaching and I am sure will be in all our thoughts as we witness the heroic efforts of athletes in the forthcoming Paralympic Games. What adversity indeed these brave souls overcome! What strength they find! What an example for us all.

I thought you would like this paragraph taken from Seeking Serenity: ‘Live in the unwavering consciousness that with God—good, love—all things are possible. God holds the power for you, and every experience is to bring you right into the heart of God’s love. This is your goal, and the happenings on earth are all stepping stones leading you to your goal.’

Families and Fun

For me, this week of our family camp is truly one of the highlights of our Temple year, bringing families together, children of all ages—including, this year, more teenagers than ever before—in the beautiful environment of White Eagle’s home.

The theme this year drew inspiration from the recent Olympics, ‘The Ancient Greeks’. There were such innovative and inspiring ways this was developed during the week by our wonderful group of helpers and volunteer mums and dads. In ‘our’ opening ceremony the five interlocking circles of the Olympic symbol were created by five ‘getting to know you’ groups—‘after just a little chaos’! Then ‘our Olympic torch’ was carried out of the Temple to light the fire in the middle of the circle of tents on the hilltop.

I know White Eagle is very happy at this annual event, so reminiscent of his tribal family gatherings in days gone by when he lived in physical incarnation as the Iroquois chief White Eagle.

On this first year that Ylana has not been able to join us physically, she was certainly with us in her younger and vibrant ‘body of light’. Tribute was paid to her in the final camp event—the gloriously creative and talented ‘end of camp show’. I know she was very amused at the happy rendition of one of her favourite songs! In fact, I am writing this the day after what would have been her 96^th birthday, 20^th August. She is so clearly with me now and in her own dynamic way urging us on in all our endeavours to ‘live brotherhood’ in our family lives, in our community service and in every way we can.