Spiritual Seekers Welcome - Living the Solution

I do believe, help my unbelief

Tom Gilbert — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:23:32 GMT

Like all seekers of God's wisdom I find myself at times over analyzing my spirituality. Our Truth and Reality, however, is that we are already in and with God. We must merely believe and recognize it!

The hard part is our busy society keeps us churning and distracted. Letting go of our personal agenda is very difficult.

When we think that maybe it was easier in earlier times perhaps we should consider the demands on Jesus during his ministry. Once he started healing others, preaching powerful wisdom, being available to all he met, word got around and he was constantly besieged with crowds.

This morning I was reading, reflecting and praying over a Gospel reading from Mark (Mk. 9:14-29). Jesus has just come down from the mountain following the amazing Transfiguration experience. He had with him three of his disciples - Peter, James and John. They come upon the other disciples, some teachers of the Law and a crowd. Everyone is animated. A boy "possessed by a spirit" is the center of the attention. The father of the boy desires healing. The boy has always been mute because of his condition and frequently has seizures that cause him to foam at the mouth and roll around on the ground. It must be a frightening and disconcerting sight. It sounds very much like epilepsy.

In those days I'm sure many such conditions were attributed to possession by a demon. And maybe the boy really was possessed by something evil. Regardless, it was troubling and the father must have heard about Jesus and his followers and was desperate for a healing. Unfortunately, the disciples couldn't cast out the demon.

When Jesus is confronted by the situation he is distressed, complaining about this "unbelieving generation" and "how long will I be with you?" Sounds a bit odd, eh? But remember, Jesus keeps telling people to have faith, to be loving and kind, to help others. And people instead usually want someone else to solve their problems. That doesn't sound too different from today.

The father asks Jesus to have pity on them and, if he can, to help them. Jesus replies, "if you can?" (emphasis mine).

Here again we see that Jesus is telling us that God is available and working in, with and through us - if only we have faith. Believe it!

How does the father respond? "I do believe, help my unbelief!"

Oh, that resonates with me. Yes, Lord, I believe. But so often I struggle. Help me have faith. Help my unbelief.

Jesus commands the spirit to come out of the boy and it does. The child lays on the ground, very still. Some of the crowd murmurs. He's dead, they think. But Jesus takes him by the hand and lifts him to his feet. What a metaphor for us! Jesus has his hand extended to us here in our life. Take it!

At the end of this dramatic story the disciples come to Jesus in private and want to know why they could not cast out the demon. This kind only responds to prayer is the Master's reply.

Prayer. And what is prayer? That's a big subject. But it merely starts with becoming quiet and setting aside our agenda, our worries, our busyness, and letting God speak to us. Our prayer life is a relationship that must be cultivated and we must live it. I am grateful that God spoke to me through this Gospel reading today. I do believe. But I need help in my unbelief. Jesus is telling me that the help is with me, in me and readily available. Thank God for that!

Passing Through and Passing On

Tom Gilbert — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:48:05 GMT

My father passed away just over two weeks ago. I am working on a tribute article to post that will include spiritual insights and a recognition of all that happened during his holy death.

But for this brief posting I am hoping to convey to you the importance of living each day of your life to the fullest and to appreciate that we are but passing through before we pass on. We don't know how many days we will have in our lifetime; each one - each moment, truly - is precious. I would even say sacred.

When death comes I want to be ready. The only way to do that is to prepare by acknowledging that God has given me a beautiful gift. I have life! Despite the daily struggles, the challenges and the drama, this should not be underestimated.

What is life? That's a big question and a profound one. Do you contemplate it? Questions like that deserve to be "sat" with.

I'm grateful to be alive. I think my gratitude comes primarily from life experiences that taught me that my way was the wrong way. At one time my life was spinning out of control. I thought I was doing well. I was advancing in my career and had more money and prestige than ever before. But when that came crumbling down because of a "self imposed crisis" (you can read between the lines) my fall brought me emotionally and spiritually to my knees.

It has been many years later and the growth has been sometimes fast, sometimes slow, but always progressing.

My experience is like many others. Be alive and be joyful! Even though we are but passing through before we pass on we have much we can contribute to the dance of life.

Copyright Living the Solution 2011 All Rights Reserved

Taking Christmas Into the New Year

Tom Gilbert — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:51:49 GMT

The days between Christmas and the New Year often are days of reflection. If you have some time off from school or work you can take time to recharge yourself and prepare for the next year. You can get refreshed and re-motivated.

Unfortunately, too many of us spend the time in a blitz of shopping, bustling, and partying. This can cause us to miss the very message of Jesus' birth. The incarnation is God's entry into a time and place in history that is both specific, real and endless.

Why did God choose to become one of us? Why does the Creator continually create through creation? What is the message of God becoming both human and divine and completely vulnerable and dependent on others as a little baby?

Furthermore, what can we learn from this? How dependent are we on God? Are we only trying to get by in life, pushing our personal agendas upon the world? Or are we letting go to the amazing grace that trusts that the Higher Power wants only our good spiritual development and transformation through love and service?

Jesus came as a baby. Scripture tells us that those called to visit him during his infancy were simple shepherds and wise men from the East (some today might consider them pagan new agers!). The religious leaders of the day didn't come around. The King of the Jews at the time, Herod, was so paranoid and afraid of losing power that he tried to kill Jesus. Not knowing which baby he ordered a wholesale slaughter of all baby boys two and younger in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16). The horror!

Anyone who has truly traveled a personal spiritual journey will testify to the changes that happen as a result of the journey. You must have your own conversion. It will feel like dying before it will feel like living. That is the pattern set by the Christ.

Go forth into the New Year by first taking stock of where you are, then giving thanks, and then doing for others. It is amazing how often I resist these directions. Yet every time I give myself to this simple recipe for living I grow closer to God and more appreciative of each day...each moment.

Copyright Living the Solution 2011 All Rights Reserved

IN-Sight by Gerald Webster - book review

Tom Gilbert — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:33:09 GMT

(NOTE - I read this book when it came out in 2010 and it is a very well written, entertaining and award-winning first novel by Gerald Webster. His followup, Soul Reader, was recently released and a review is forthcoming when I finish it)

Author · Gerard D. Webster
Publisher - Outskirts Press
www.OutskirtsPress.com

Review by Tom Gilbert · © May, 2010

Any well written action thriller has fully developed characters, plot twists and some unusual event as the hook to the story. Such is the case with the fine debut by Gerard Webster. IN-SIGHT revolves primarily around Ward McNulty, a syndicated columnist who seems to have what he wants in life - fame, a beautiful woman and some powerful friends. He lives to please himself, but as the story unfolds he discovers he is caught up in something frightening. There's corruption, drugs, alcoholism, egotism and people hurting from the lack of meaning in their life.

A legal battle over the potential development of a middle-class residential area into a high-rolling resort destination has many in Jacksonville, Florida choosing sides. For Ward McNulty the kicker is he and his father are on opposite ends of this fight. Ward is in favor of the idea and he uses his column to promote it. His girlfriend, anchor of a local TV station news show, is also drumming up public support. But Ward's dad and mom still live in the area that would be completely renovated. They aren't about to give up their home without a fight. Dan McNulty is true to his Catholicism and traditional values while the son has more in common with the young man who took and wasted his father's inheritance in the story of the "prodigal son".

The elder McNulty has something that helps him "see" into the true motives and character of others. His special gift is a spiritual insight. Not too many people know about it. His parish priest does and some of his closer friends suspect he has some kind of fine-tuned ability to read people, but they don't really know what it is. Dan McNulty is also a recovered alcoholic and he's carefully worked the steps of the Alcoholics Anonymous program. The combination of his special spiritual insight (resulting from a combat war experience) and his true care for the welfare of others makes him a strong protagonist in the story.

There's danger when money, power, sex, drugs and corruption mix. The plot weaves these variables into a tight and tingling storyline. There's redemption ahead - but also loss. Webster writes with deep care for his characters and paints them as real humans, faults and all. But he has a message in the story that is positive without being preachy.

IN-SIGHT was released in 2009 and has earned recognition as the 2nd place winner from the Creative Arts Council 2009 book awards.

This book is available at the Living the Solution Amazon.com store.

Copyright Living the Solution 2011 All Rights Reserved

Local Service in Your Church Community

Tom Gilbert — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 17:04:44 GMT

Going to church is something many people do. But in order for your life to be full you need to do more than just attend. You have to get involved. One of the best lines I've ever heard related to this has to do with how we create real change in our lives. The expression is "You can't think yourself into right living; you have to live your life into right thinking."

There is much truth in this. We often fail to see it because we are too often obsessing over our concerns and needs. That leads to a lot of projection into the future, much needless worry and often fear that limits our actions. When you are worried and afraid you tend to stick to what you know. That makes it hard to step out in faith and take action, especially in areas where you feel reluctant. However, God is inviting you to participate. Who knows what meeting someone new might lead to? Sharing some time with another, listening and encouraging them, can be just the medicine your soul needs. You help them, as well. Maybe it lifts some mental or emotional burden on their part. Or perhaps you help them with a basic necessity, such as a ride, a meal, or just a helping hand.

After early mass this morning I went to our parish hall and enjoyed a tasty breakfast served up by the men in our local Knights of Columbus Council. These men do a lot for the people in our community. Today's breakfast was a fundraiser for the upcoming Christmas party they will hold for local children. I was certainly satisfied with the eggs, red and green chile, hashbrown potatoes and tortillas, but it was even more gratifying to know that these men are doing a good service.

It usually doesn't require special theological training to step in and help with various ministries in your parish. I like to read and study scripture, and my years in radio broadcasting have helped me cultivate a strong speaking voice. It's a natural extension of that job experience to be a reader/lector at mass. Whenever I have that opportunity it also makes me feel more involved in church. There are many others who are Eucharistic ministers, altar servers, choir members, ushers and so on. The participation is needed to meet the needs of our church community. But it also gives you a great opportunity to minister in a very real way with others. One to one interaction is a powerful way to carry a message. And a message is more powerfully carried by the example of your actions.

At the breakfast I sat down with a couple of gentlemen I didn't know and we had a delightful conversation. It turned out that one man, Ernest, had spent many years as an educator, both here in New Mexico and also helping with many Latin American schools. He'd been a teacher at various levels, an administrator and a consultant. This was serendipitous. I am in my first year as a full-time teacher, a new profession that I've been training for these past two years. I enjoyed hearing about his experiences. If I had not taken the action to attend the breakfast after mass I would not have met these men.

I hope you are reaching out to others with the love that God has placed in your hearts. Jesus extends an invitation. He says, "Follow me." Where is he leading? The Gospels give us some insight. Jesus traveled about and spent time with many people of all types. He spoke, dined, healed and prayed. He was involved.

Where are you headed today? Think about it...but then do something.

Copyright Living the Solution 2011 All Rights Reserved

Richard Rohr on PBS Religion and Ethics Show

Tom Gilbert — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 03:55:57 GMT

It was about a month ago that Judy Valente in Portland, Oregon did an interview with noted Franciscan author and speaker Richard Rohr that has been featured on the PBS Religion and Ethics program. I've been an admirer of Rohr for several years and I'm blessed to live in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he is based with his Center for Action and Contemplation. I've met and talked with Richard a few times and I've done some work there at the CAC. The spiritual growth I've gained from his insight has helped me a great deal.

So I am always interested in Richard Rohr's new books and any interviews or coverage he receives. This PBS interview is one of the best I've come across. It shares in a short amount of time many of the profound points that Father Rohr often shares through his talks and books. These include the need for us to let go to the Holy Spirit and not get too caught up in doctrine. We also need to recognize our failings and that often God gets to us through our faults and our "falling down" - in other words, the whole "dying to self" in whatever way that occurs. Many people discover the spiritual rebirth after battling alcoholism, addiction, life threatening diseases or traumatic life changing events.

Our culture needs badly to move away from building and protecting our self-image whenever that is just ego justification. We need to do more than learn about God and Jesus. We need to have real change, what the saints and mystics would call transcendence.

This change often takes a lifetime and usually in the second half of life. But not always; some connect the dots earlier, like Francis of Assisi and St. Therese of Lieseux. I pray you discover this path. Check out the article and perhaps you'll have an "a-ha!" moment.

Copyright Living the Solution 2011 All Rights Reserved

A Day of Thanks for Daily Thanksgiving

Tom Gilbert — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:45:17 GMT

posted by Tom Gilbert

One of the more profound lessons I have learned in life is that gratitude is not simply a feeling. Many miss that. A warm feeling when you are grateful is good. I'm not discounting that. But feeling grateful is not the fullness of gratitude. Gratitude is a state of being and it is best expressed in action.

On this Thanksgiving Day many gather with family for a traditional meal. Turkey, stuffing and all that goes with that make for a wonderful dinner. And it is good to sit at a table with family and count our blessings.

How we carry that tradition of being grateful on one day - Thanksgiving - into our lives each and every day is the key to both an attitude of gratitude and gratitude in action.

Give fully from your heart to others, especially those most in need of that generosity. A kind look, smile, word and action goes a long way. Surely you realize that for those who you see are in need, the poor, hungry, homeless and infirm. Look closer at those around you. Some of the people who need the gift you can bring on the outside appear fine. Inside they are hungry for something. They might not even recognize that it is the love of God carried to them by someone like you.

Living in the solution that daily gratitude brings yields much fruit. At Thanksgiving we traditionally celebrate the end of the harvest season. God is sowing seeds of love among us. Happy are you who hear the message, embrace it and carry it someone else.

God bless you and keep you. The grace of Christ Jesus be with you always!

Copyright Living the Solution 2011 All Rights Reserved

Life Participation in Life and Not Just Of Life

Tom Gilbert — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:15:51 GMT

By Tom Gilbert

There is a difference between being in the world and of the world. In the Gospel of John (Chapter 17) Jesus prays for us. He knows we will face evils, hardships and seductions of the world, but he still wants us to be here so that we can be his agents of love, his hands and feet. Yet we so easily can get lost in a life that is all about our own interests. What can life do for me? That’s often our motto.

Being of the world means getting caught up in everything that happens and worrying about how it affects us. Being in the world recognizes that we are here. But we don’t have to obsess over what happens. There is a distinction.

I was reading from Henri Nowen’s excellent daily meditation book Bread for the Journey (HarperSanFrancisco, 1997 – link) and today’s entry (October 23) compares the above with the idea that we can also be in the Church without being of the Church. Nowen remarks that this may be a more difficult challenge.

If we get too caught up in church matters we miss what the Church is all about. We are made up of the human and the divine. We, the followers of Jesus, are the Body of Christ. There are things to attend to, but if we focus too much on Church matters we miss what it is all about. We are to be a living community dedicated to the life of Christ in all our affairs. So being of the Church (committees, positions, prominence and busyness) can distract from being in the Church and living lives of kindness, compassion, forgiveness and love.

The daily walk of a Christian is indeed spiritually challenging. How wonderful, for it is through these challenges that we grow. I believe in a faith that grows in both mystery and understanding.

The Power of a Little Flower

Tom Gilbert — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 17:18:36 GMT

By Tom Gilbert

St. Therese of Lisieux is often referred to as the Little Flower. She was a very devout young woman who became a Carmelite nun at an early age and during her time there she wasn't famous. But she was drawn deeply to the heart of Jesus and her prayer life was rich and intense.

She put up with disdain and mean-spirited actions from some of the other sisters and she had to learn to let go of her self centered thoughts and behavior. Her little way has inspired countless others and her wonderful autobiography, The Story of a Soul (available online here), is a great account of her love for God and her spiritual growth.

This soul so dedicated to spreading the love of God died quite young. She was just 24. She is another example of how God uses people in surprising ways. We don't expect young girls to have such insight. But God takes each of us and plants a desire in our hearts. If we listen and follow that desire amazing things can result. Therese of LIsieux is now a famous and influential saint and a Doctor of the Catholic Church. The Feast of St. Therese is October 1. I found myself thinking about her yesterday and this morning I pulled out my copy of The Story of a Soul and read again from it. In her chapter "The Way of Love" she speaks of being drawn by Jesus and how she longed for Christ to live and act in her. Indeed he has and does!

This love and grace is available to all of us. As Therese writes, "We will run, indeed, all of us, for souls on fire cannot remain inactive."

Links to some sites about St. Therese of Lisieux:

Therese of Lisieux official site - www.sttherese.com

St. Therese of Lisieux - Mystic, Patroness of the Missions, Doctor of the Church - www.thelittleflower.org

St. Therese of Lisieux - Saint of the Day - www.americancatholic.org

Copyright Living the Solution 2011 All Rights Reserved

Just Be With Them

Tom Gilbert — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 02:34:48 GMT

On September 11, 2011 - this year's 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy - I was informed of the untimely death of the son of a friend I work with at a hospital. Ian was only 27, far too young for his life to end, and he passed away on September 9. I don't know the cause of death, but it was sudden and the shock to his mother is severe. As you might imagine it would be.

Jackie, the suffering mother, is a normally outgoing person. She's full of enthusiasm and fun, even when she deals with challenges, problems and the headaches one encounters at a big hospital she usually keeps her sense of humor. She would often ask about my nearly two year old grandson and coo over pictures of him. More than once she expressed her great desire to some day be a grandma. I like her and I like working with her.

Right now it hurts every time I think of the immense suffering she is going through. What do you say or do for someone at a time like this? Well intentioned condolences pale beside her pain.

Jackie has another son who is just two years younger than his brother and he is distraught as well. He started working at the same hospital just a few months ago. It's hard to hear about such tragedy and grief. Harder still when it is someone you know. Hardest if it happens to you.

Some people rail against God under these circumstances. And God is big enough to take it. But I don't think God is insensitive to our suffering; I believe God feels our pain. Certainly Jesus (God the son) did and does. Remember how he wept at the death of Lazarus when he encountered the suffering of Martha and Mary?

Does God ever turn away or leave us alone? I think God is everywhere and so ever near. But perhaps there are times God allows us to feel separated so that we can recognize our need for God. The comfort and support we need comes from this Divine Source. A source that, by the way, works in and through people.

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. It's impossible to measure the pain Mary must have felt at the foot of the cross as her son died an excruciating and humiliating death. The Gospel tell us Jesus looked down at his mother and gave John, the beloved disciple to her. And she to him. Maybe that's what I need to remember. That my friend has others who care and we can be there. Just be there.

Sometimes the best way to help someone grieve is to just be with them.

Always Remember - 9/11 Memorial to Open September 11, 2011

Tom Gilbert — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:40:19 GMT

Ten years later. It's hard to believe that a decade has passed since that fateful day when we awoke to a September morning that forever changed our world.

9/11 is a day when many lives were lost in horrific terrorist attacks on U.S. soil - mainly the collapse of the World Trade Centers in New York City when hijacked airliners were flown into the buildings. But there was also the attack on the Pentagon and another hijacked plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania when the passengers learned of the days events and fought back against the hijackers (Flight 93).

What I want to remember is how people - many of them ordinary citizens - turned into heroes through acts of courage and kindness. It wasn't one day; it was days, weeks, months and years of dedication. Providing comfort. Clearing away wreckage. Dealing with the heartbreak; processing the anger; trying to find acceptance and understanding.

A beautiful memorial is about to be dedicated at the former site of the World Trade Centers. On 9-11-11 two reflection ponds built on the footprint of the two iconic buildings that collapsed will open to the public. They feature the names of the victims and the largest manmade waterfalls in the country. It is a very tasteful and respectful memorial titled Reflecting Absence. You should most definitely view the video - here.

Copyright Living the Solution 2011 All Rights Reserved

Book Review – 9/11 Memoir - Let's Roll!

Tom Gilbert — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 01:19:25 GMT

After 9/11 Lisa Beamer wrote a book about her husband, one of the passengers on board Flight 93. That plane was also hijacked on September 11, 201 and it eventually crashed in a field in Pennsylvania.

It is now ten years since 9/11. I wrote this review back in 2002 and I post it, the tale of Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage, to remind us to always remember and to find ways to face tragedy with faith in God and love for others.

Review by Tom Gilbert © 2002 LivingTheSolution.com

Life defining moments. They can come at any time in each of our lives; sometimes they turn our world upside down. When the world as we know it changes instantly and forever. We may not be prepared for the loss of innocence that comes with sudden tragedy.

How any of us will respond when it happens to us is hard to predict. If you believe in God and Jesus and the promise of eternal life then your take on tragedy will be different from those who don't have that faith.

September 11, 2001 will be forever etched into the history of America as a day of infamy. It was a defining moment in our lives as we watched the World Trade Centers collapse in New York City along with the destruction and death at the Pentagon, both the result of terrorist acts by religious extremists. The hijacking of commercial airliners and turning them into weapons of mass destruction flown into buildings was both shocking and horrific.

But not every plane hit its intended target. A group of terrorists were foiled in the attempt to fly another airliner into either the White House or the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. This was Flight 93. A few of the passengers banded together and battled to take back control of this plane. In the end it crashed into a field in Pennsylvania and all the passengers died. One of them was Todd Beamer, a loving husband, father and Christian. In the wake of the 9/11 tragedy his wife, Lisa Beamer, wrote a book. Let's Roll! Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage (written with Ken Abraham and published in August 2002 by Tyndale Publisher) became a national bestseller. The book captures the heroic character of Todd Beamer. It tells of his involvement, along with other brave passengers, in preventing Flight 93 from becoming an additional weapon of huge destruction on September 11, 2001. This book, however, is much more than a gripping account of the events surrounding the ill-fated flight on 9/11. It's also a tale of two people very much in love, with each other and with God.

Let's Roll! became a rallying cry after 9/11. In the book we learn from Lisa Beamer, wife of Todd, that this was a phrase he often used with his family. It was Todd's way of saying, "C'mon, time to get a move on" or "let's do it". That it became the final recorded words of this hero is fitting. Todd Beamer was not the only hero of the day. There were other passengers on board who joined in the fight. But after reading the book I conclude Lisa Beamer is every bit the hero he was. She has bravely faced the tragedy. She continues to live with the challenge of raising her three children, one of whom was born three months after that fateful day. She'·s coping with the loss of her beloved husband. She's showing through her story that courage and faith in God do shine forth in so-called ordinary people.

The book begins with that fateful day in September, but the first chapter leaves you on edge. Todd Beamer had taken a very early morning flight out of Newark. He'd left the home before the rest of his family was up. By the time Lisa awoke and had turned on the TV the tragic events of the day were unfolding. The World Trade centers were in flames, followed soon by the Pentagon being hit. Our country was under a surreal terrorist attack. The book takes you back to it in a flash.

Before continuing on with the events of that sad day we're presented with the story of Todd and Lisa, their stories along with background on their parents. We come to know and love them for the young, vibrant and caring couple they were. Like so many of us, they were pursuing the "American Dream". Their very real faith in God set a foundation that held strong when the winds of a tragic storm hit them in a very personal way.

As I was reading this middle part of the book I found myself at times impatient to move on with what happened on Flight 93. I wanted to know more details about the struggle and the heroism. I was looking for the action.

What I discovered was that the stories of Lisa and Todd, of their growing up, their college years, their courtship, marriage and life together were really necessary to appreciate this story. For the book is much more than a recounting of what happened on Flight 93. It's more than those acts of heroism in the face of certain death. It's about dealing with life's tragedies and making it through because of a real faith in God and the acts of support and love that come about when fellow believers bond together. Those acts of love took place that day on Flight 93.

There were tremendous acts of love and support from others, too. Lisa Jefferson, a call supervisor for GTE Airfone, talked at length with Todd Beamer during the hijacking. Her conversation has been a source of comfort for Lisa Beamer as well as family members and friends. Certainly it was a source of comfort for Todd that morning. He made sure to convey the importance of his wife knowing how much he loved her. He also shared his faith and prayed the Lord's prayer with Ms. Jefferson.

Lisa Beamer has had to deal with some extraordinary events. She has bravely, yet humanly, faced the loss of her husband. Her thrust into the heat of the media limelight was not something she shied away from, but rather she let God work through her to find the words to say, to respond to the many painful questions.

Since that fateful day life has gone on. For Lisa Beamer, and others who lost loved ones that day, it has been challenging. The way Lisa Beamer bears up under the immense pressure and grief is very admirable. Her humility, however, shines through. She shows us through her recollections that with God we can face anything, even tragic loss, and survive and help others in their struggles. It's a classic example of God working to bring good out of the seemingly unfair bad in this world. In the book's final chapter Lisa Beamer says as much. When you read this book you, too, can come to appreciate the Beamer family rally: "Let's roll!"

Let's Roll! is available online at our Amazon.com e-store.

Copyright Living the Solution 2011 All Rights Reserved

Good Night, Irene

Tom Gilbert — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 03:26:46 GMT

As I write this the East Coast of the USA has been experiencing the drenching rain and high winds of Hurricane Irene. Gratefully, it was downgraded to a tropical storm when it hit land along the coast, stretching from the Carolinas and moving north through Maryland and Washington D.C. and then visiting the New York area. The storm now heads up through New England and the northeast coast of Canada.

Not to minimize the effects, but this storm could have been worse. Those who recall Katrina a few years ago hitting the Gulf Coast know what I mean. Storms come and go – it’s a fact of life. Some are natural, others political (the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks is days away). There are also storms in our relationships and our personal life. It’s something to consider.

How do you handle the storms in your life? Do you have something to rely on, a faith in a power greater than yourself? We can't do it alone. We need each other and we need the consciousness of a loving God. God is with us; we just have to recognize it.

The many recent natural disasters around the world, the challenge of the economy and the uncertainty of the future can all feel alarming or overwhelming. It seems to me that the solution is not to look for leaders to solve our problems. Great leaders can and do emerge, but we best our faith in God.

We have a leader already. He said, "Follow me." A favorite mantra of mine the last three years has been, "Jesus, Savior, pilot me."

Copyright Living the Solution 2011 All Rights Reserved

Living in the Question

Tom Gilbert — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 17:56:57 GMT

Article by Tom Gilbert · July 2004

Why do we never get an answer
When we're knocking at the door
With a thousand million questions
About hate and death and war?

'Cos when we stop and look around us,
There is nothing that we need,
In a world of persecution
That is burning in its greed.

Why do we never get an answer
When we're knocking at the door
Because the truth is hard to swallow
That's what the war of love is for
(Moody Blues "Question", lyrics by Justin Hayward)

It is the most natural thing in the world to wonder and ask questions.

However, sometime between childhood and adolescence we begin to lose the wondering. We stop asking so many questions.

Could it be because the answers we're given are insufficient? Do they ring hollow? Do those we ask get tired of replying to questions they are ill equipped to handle? In turn, do we simply stop asking so much because we're not getting the answers we want?

Are these questions you sometimes ask yourself?

In the Matrix movie Morpheus tells Neo that "it's the question that drives you". He likens it to a splinter in your eye, driving you mad. Well, maybe you have questions that aren't that disturbing, but they can drive you just the same. What will I do today? Who will I meet? What challenges must I face? What problems do I have to solve?

The Zen practice of teaching through koans is an intriguing way of finding deeper meaning and truth from what often seem to be unanswerable riddles. I am not a Zen practitioner, but I've read that koans are not answered; that's not the purpose. Instead of approaching the koan as a problem to solve one is invited to quiet the mind and let go to silence and contemplation. Quietly seek what the koan is teaching. The fruits of the search can be greater clarity and understanding in your life.

Yes, but…

Unfortunately, most of our questions are self-centered. It's the normal way most people in our society live, concerned only with those things that personally affect us. It is hard for us to appreciate and participate in a process that requires letting go of our calculative (self-absorbed and needy) mind. Often the only way of getting out of self is when we turn our thoughts to the love and care of others. Maintaining that attitude typically requires a spiritual connection. Making and maintaining that connection will always bring up more questions.

Awe. Wonder. Suffering.

Could it be that the times we ask the deepest and most meaningful questions are when we are either overcome with awe and wonder or deep in suffering? Who made this? Why is this happening? Those can be powerfully stirring questions without quick, glib answers.

I·ve attended some sessions of centering prayer where at the end of the silent contemplative period someone reads from the Gospels and then invites us to share the question that comes to us. There is no attempt to answer the questions. Instead we are instructed to hold the question inside and carry it with us throughout the day. Some of my fellow contemplatives even choose to live and work in silence for that day.

Becoming aware of a deep question and pondering it for several hours without the burden of having to have an answer has been an unusual experience for me. And a growth experience. Some of the questions that have come to me I still don't have an answer to. Some of them I sense an answer that continues to unfold.

In the Gospels we discover that Jesus asked a lot of questions. Often these questions were direct, even confrontational. Christ was very good at pulling people out of their agenda and present state of mind to consider something different and much bigger. Many of Jesus· interactions with others are clearly teaching opportunities and the Nazarene utilized the Socratic method to great effect, responding to questions with powerful questions of His own. The Teacher was nudging his listeners out of their complacent comfort zones, especially the self-righteous religious leaders.

What do you want me to do for you?

Why do you call me good?

What did Moses command?

Who are you looking for?

Don·t you understand?

Why have you forsaken me?

Ask and You Shall Receive

Living in the question can seem counter-intuitive to anyone who expects and even demands answers. Our society highly values people who are good at analyzing and figuring things out. Science has made a religion of it. True religion should not expect answers to everything. After all, true faith requires believing without proof. We should allow for the growth that comes from living with a question without requiring an answer.

Indeed most great spiritual questions can lead us to true humility and the acceptance that what we don't know is greater than we will ever comprehend. And that's ok if we have faith in a loving God and an ultimately redeemed universe.

Copyright Living the Solution 2011 All Rights Reserved

Fields of Wheat and Weeds

Tom Gilbert — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 17:32:59 GMT

By Tom Gilbert

It is summer time and things are growing. In gardens and fields crops are sprouting up. Alongside may be some unwelcome weeds. Anyone who has done gardening or farming knows how pesky those weeds can be.

In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus speaks to people in many parables. One of his most intriguing is the one about the wheat field sowed with good seed (Matt 13:24-29). He likened it to the kingdom of heaven. Good seed planted by the Son of Man. But an enemy came along at night and sowed weeds all through the wheat. A dirty trick. When the weeds sprout up alongside the wheat crop the workers are upset. They go to the Master and ask him if they should pull up the weeds.

The wise reply, “‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest”.

This parable is meant to teach us some important lessons. How often have Christians tried to remove themselves from the “evil” influences of the world? Many people think if we shield ourselves from bad influences we will avoid the evil. There is a certain kind of logic to this. Don’t associate with bad company. Don’t hang out where unsavory things are taking place. But trying to just avoid evil and live in a bubble doesn’t work. It might minimize those influences, but it also takes us away from participating in a world filled with people who need us to teach and reach with the influence of the Gospel.

One of the things many of us struggle with is the inclusiveness of God. Jesus demonstrated it. He openly associated with all types of people. And he was roundly criticized by the religious leaders of his day for hanging out with tax collectors, prostitutes, drinkers and pagans. Jesus answered his critics by telling them he came for the lost, the lonely, the sick, the hurting, the confused and all those who need to know God’s love and forgiveness. And he pointed out the hypocrisy of the so-called “good” people trying to shame him for associating with the unclean.

One of the strongest lessons I get from this parable is to not be judgmental. God loves everybody. Everybody is one of God’s kids. I can be in the world without having to be of the world. God working in us, with us and through us is more powerful than the Devil and evildoers. Don’t be afraid to be wheat among the weeds. In the end God will sort it out. You never know how influential being the hands and feet of Christ may be.

It all starts with living right where you are and letting the Master shine His grace on you and bring out your goodness. Let it grow and (like another parablehttp://tinyurl.com/3on9csm) you may be the yeast that leavens the batch of dough.

Copyright Living the Solution 2011 All Rights Reserved

Wants and Needs

Tom Gilbert — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 23:18:51 GMT

by Tom Gilbert © Living the Solution

This will start out sounding abstract, but it really isn't. We all have wants and needs. I would guess that most of us concentrate on the wants. For myself, I've often had little comprehension of what my needs truly are.

In life we will constantly run into situations where our wants are not met. Despite this, it is quite remarkable how often our needs are met. Think about it. What do you really need in life? Food, shelter, health, money, family, and friends - these rank pretty high on most people's lists. What is underlying these "needs"? Is it not happiness? And what is the root of happiness? Is it not love and acceptance?

The spiritual path reveals a different understanding of wants and needs. What the world tells us we should want the spiritual life shows us is mostly a sham. We don·t really need a new car or the latest big screen television. We typically eat more than we need. Oh, yes, of course there are people who are truly in need of a meal, a home, a job and many of the things taken for granted by the over-commercialized society we live in. For those of you who are not part of this Western world, where commerce and materialism rule, please don't feel indicted.

Blessed are the Poor and Meek

I hope you examine closely what your wants and needs are. It is important to learn to differentiate between the two. Human nature wants it all. God wants for us to be happy, joyous and free. God knows what we really need.

Why is it that many people living without all the trappings of success (as measured by our false system of wants and needs) appear to be so happy, so joyous - so free?

Maybe it is because they don't have the opportunity to be trapped like we do. If you are simply grateful for a little food, a smile, a bit of kindness and security from the elements then the really important things matter more.

I'm afraid too many of us have it all backwards.

Years ago a song by the Rolling Stones contained the profound statement, "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need". Sure, it was a catchy tune. And I'm not holding up the Stones as a model of righteous living. Not any more than I would put myself in that precarious position. We are all faulty. However, that statement contains some significant truth.

It seems that everything that I've ever really needed came about by doing things I didn't want to do at the time. I'm not normally excited about humility, tolerance for those I find irritating, or working hard for some unseen payoff far down the road. Rarely do I jump to the unpleasant task of closely and honestly examining my faults. If I do I'll rapidly see where I am lacking in generosity and kindness. Hey, I like to think about myself as a pretty good guy! What is the motive behind that? If it is recognition and approval - money, power and prestige - then once again I am on a slippery slope.

Over and over gifts of happiness, joy and satisfaction have come directly from doing for others, for putting someone else's needs ahead of mine.

Baffling, Isn't It?

This can all seem counter intuitive. If it does, then you have a wonderful opportunity to change, to recognize that the reality that you (like me) has accepted for much of your life is false. It's not who dies with the most toys. It's not even getting your own way most of the time, even when your motives are good.

Does this mean we must all sit around with long faces and accept our lot in life? No, rather than sitting on our pity pots we need to get busy. There are things to do, people to help, and life to live!

Zig Ziglar is known as a pretty good salesman, speaker and motivator. He's got some funny stories and a serious message under it all. He's fond of saying "You can get anything you want in life if you just help enough other people get what they want". I'm not sure if that is completely true. Nevertheless, I do believe that Jesus was speaking truth when he said that the first will be last, that anyone who wants to be in a position of authority must be willing to serve and that love is always an action, not just a sentiment.

Copyright Living the Solution 2011 All Rights Reserved

Review: The Isle of Monte Cristo – Finding the Inner Treasure

Tom Gilbert — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:12:19 GMT

Book review by Tom Gilbert
June 20, 2011

Author – S. T. Georgiou
Novalis Publishing Inc.
http://www.novalis.ca/

This book is the third that S. T. Georgiou has written containing his reflections, contemplation and insight into the spiritual life resulting from his association with the late poet Robert Lax. The Isle of Monte Cristo is subtitled Finding the Inner Treasure and indeed the point of the book is to encourage readers to discover the inner treasure that leads to eternal wealth. It is not monetary or material; it is the richness of the kingdom of heaven and found in the limitless depths of agape and fully expressed through Christ Jesus.

Many books have been written about spiritual awakening and life purpose. This one resonates with me for I feel that Georgiou has a message that is both clear and beautiful. Much of this beauty is the result of the spirit lessons Lax taught him. Their meeting was strange and mystical. At the time, in 1993, Georgiou was feeling aimless and a bit lost about his life purpose. He journeyed to the isle of Patmos, the idyllic Greek island revered by many Christians as the place that St. John experienced the Revelation, the highly mystical encounter with Jesus and Heaven chronicled in the Bible’s Book of Revelation. It was an apt place for Georgiou to be renewed, but he could not have foreseen that his chance meeting with Robert Lax (known as a deeply spiritual man and minimalist poet that Thomas Merton called his best friend) would have such a profound effect over the next decade.

The author chronicles his initial meeting and experiences that followed over the next few years in his first book, The Way of the Dreamcatcher: Spirit Lessons with Robert Lax—Poet, Peacemaker, Sage. Lax became his mentor and Georgiou would return several times to the island to experience love and guidance. He was privileged to develop a great friendship with Lax in the poet’s final years. While studying for his doctorate at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, Georgiou wrote Mystic Street: Meditations on a Spiritual Path. The book reveals spiritual insights, many he experienced in everyday life in common places. He likely would not have noticed without Lax’s influence.

The latest book brings Georgiou’s story full circle and the trilogy is inspiring and helpful to anyone who is pondering where they want to go and what they want to do with their life. I’ve been constantly surprised in my own reading of the books how they have helped me gain insight into matters that have been personally significant. Often the insight has come at just the right time for my own journey. In this way Georgiou is continuing the legacy of Robert Lax. The student has become the teacher.

You will undoubtedly have wondered at the title of The Isle of Monte Cristo. It is purposely patterned on the famous novel by Alexandre Dumas. Although the novel contains a theme of vengeance fueled by monetary treasure it, too, has a spiritual message at its heart. Georgiou capitalizes on the metaphor to encourage readers to embark on their own hunt to find a hidden treasure spoken of by Jesus in one of his wonderful parables about true riches (see Matthew 13:44).

In our world many things are valued, but so many are false, illusory or selfish. Material wealth is fine unless it becomes the aim. Living for others and being in the flow of unconditional love is to experience God. This is grace and on the pages of Georgiou’s book I found numerous expressions of agape. He finds it on the beach, climbing a mountain to a monastery, in icons and even in his classroom. These examples from his experiences are both practical and revelatory. All the while the author credits Lax for pointing him to the true guiding star. Lax understood that being Christ-like is not unattainable. It is the path each Jesus follower is invited to tread. It is the great adventure that carries a message we all long to hear, that life means something and we discover it when we each find the inner treasure buried in our hearts, put there by the Creator.

This book was recently recognized the The Catholic Journalist as "Best Spirituality, Soft Cover - Second Place" (see here). It is available at the Living the Solution online store.

That’s The Spirit

Tom Gilbert — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:41:31 GMT

When someone achieves something impressive, typically against great odds, it is not uncommon to congratulate them. That’s the spirit!, we tell them. It’s a compliment to their drive, fortitude and perseverance. It is telling them they are using their ability to its fullest.

Where does our ability come from? Who gives us our talents? I believe that all of us are gifted with certain talents. I believe they are bestowed on us by God, our Creator. Sure, you can argue that it is genetics, upbringing, environment, lucky breaks and any other number of good sounding arguments. I see all of that as part of the “Great Design”. I’ve also experienced enough inner awakening to my personal talents to believe they are gifts of the Spirit. Furthermore, I have seen so much in others to convince me that this is how God works.

The Holy Spirit is a mysterious person of the Trinity. Long ago I gave up trying to define God and instead I try to simply say yes to God. Thy will be done. Nevertheless, I still find it easier to contemplate God the Father and God the Son (Jesus the Christ). When it comes to the Spirit things get very unpredictable. Wonderfully so!

The Feast of Pentecost that we just celebrated June 12 is considered to be a birthing of the Christian Church. On that day, according to Acts 2:1-13, the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and first believers. People visiting Jerusalem from other countries were surprised to hear these men preaching boldly and in the native languages of the many foreigners. The disciples were, by and large, uneducated, “rough around the edges” fellows. They were not known for their public speaking abilities (at least not yet) or their bilingual skills.

The Spirit is like the wind…it blows where it will (John 3:8). None of us can deny or stop God’s Holy Spirit. We can try. But you can’t stop or direct the wind. Much better to be like a windmill and let the Spirit empower you and guide you.

God wants to fill you with the Spirit. Say yes to it and get ready for a great adventure – the adventure of your life! Don’t huddle in fear behind locked doors, like the disciples did in the days after the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord. Recall that Jesus came to them, despite the locked doors (John 20:19-22). He didn’t reprimand them. He didn’t scold them for hiding in fear. Instead he greeted them. “Peace be with you”. And he breathed on them. “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

God wants to give you the Spirit. It wasn’t just when Jesus rose. It wasn’t just at Pentecost. These were important visible expressions of the outpouring of the Spirit. But God has been pouring out the Spirit on us since the beginning of the world (Genesis 1:2). In the Old Testament there are many examples of God’s Spirit moving among us. Jeremiah 31:31-34 speaks of a time when people will know God in their hearts and minds.

I hope you sense God’s Spirit calling to you. The great gift of this Advocate is free to all. The Helper comes to all who ask. You can’t buy it; you can’t earn it. You can only say “yes” to it! Lord, send out your spirit and renew the face of the earth (see Psalm 104).

That’s the Spirit.

The Vatican on Today Show

Tom Gilbert — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:32:12 GMT

I happened to tune in the Today Show on NBC this morning right as Matt Lauer was interviewing the Archbishop of New York Timothy Dolan (more). Lauer asked him about how the Catholic Church is dealing with scandal and being relevant to people today. Dolan answered openly and with insight about the challenges of temptation, modernity, scandal and materialism.

A couple of years ago Archbishop Dolan visited New Mexico while he was still the Milwaukee Archbishop and spoke at a men's workshop in Rio Rancho. I was in attendance and was struck by his speaking abilities, forthrightness and sense of humor. It's good to see men like him breaking the stereotype of stuffy clergy.

The Catholic Church is dealing with the challenges of a world bubbling with technology, materialism and self-centered pursuits. Most of us face these challenges in our daily lives. How much time should be spent watching TV or pursuing pleasure? How many gadgets should we own and use? How much face time should we have with our loved ones...as opposed to Facebook?

A good thing about technology is the ability to have global communication and to discover how very much alike humans are despite our wide diversity of cultures, religions and ethnicity. I think it is good that NBC took their morning show to Rome and the Vatican to give us a greater insight into the life of the Pope and the Church. The Vatican is also embracing the use of social media to create a dialog with people and spread the Gospel message (more). Engaging others through the many communication tools can be powerful. Living our lives as Spirit-filled believers embracing the timeless message of God, love and Jesus Christ can be effective in person on through cyber-channels.

Copyright Living the Solution 2011 All Rights Reserved

This Could Be The End of Your World

Tom Gilbert — Sat, 21 May 2011 19:48:47 GMT

Howard Camping of Family Radio seems to have miscalculated...again. The evangelical broadcaster predicted the end of the world for today - May 21, 2011. So far nothing has happened and Camping hasn't commented. He predicted the "Rapture" event once before in 1994, but that day did not take true believers to Heaven to escape the Tribulation.

The latest miscalculation and failed prediction of the end of the world has certainly created a lot of press. I chalk that up mainly to viral media and how the Internet and the news media want to run with any story that people will talk about.

If you study your Bible you will see that there are many places that speak of events signaling the second coming of Christ or the "end times". Lots of people get caught up in that and there is money to be made for those who like to whip up frenzy - or at least stir curiosity. But I don't think the point of the Bible, and especially the New Testament, is about getting ready for the End. And the Gospel of Mark quotes Jesus as saying no one knows the hour or day (Mark 13:32-35). I think it is more about recognizing that we all need to wake up to the reality that life is about participating with love and compassion for others and by doing so with the help of our loving God we will be transformed. Do this and it could be the end of your world - as you know it - and the beginning of a new way of life that is true freedom and really worth focusing on.

I like to take life one day at a time. I'm still learning about life, but I am ever so grateful that Jesus shows us The Way to this new and everlasting life.

Copyright Living the Solution 2011 All Rights Reserved