Marjorie Kendrick
Evanston, IL
My Dear,
Thank you for your generous offering and kind words about our works at Unity Society. It is quite an undertaking, but it is a privilege to do God’s will and to offer ourselves to God. We are doing whatever we may to encourage and help those who are led to come to us.
My dear, you have placed a label on me, that of a Methodist. I must confess that I have no use for labels. I see labels as nothing more than a form of compartmentalization. Well, if I were called upon to write out my creed it would be a rather strange mixture. I am decidedly eclectic in my theology.
Rest assured that you are correct in your belief that our Savior never intended to omit anyone from the ranks of the blessed. Know, my dear, that we are all God’s children. God does not discriminate. Galatians 3:26-28 reads:
“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
So, you see, we are all children of God. Remember that Methodism preaches that all persons are capable of being saved by faith in Christ.
You make reference to Jesus who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6), but Jesus also said, “suffer the little children to come onto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:14).
As a teacher since my early years, and most recently a Sunday school teacher here at Unity, I cannot stress enough the importance of reaching little children who are so impressionable. We, as adults, have the ability to guide these little children along the right road of living and thinking.
Old age! My dear, we are as old as we think. Put the thought out of your mind. Why, I remember when everyone thought I was “at death’s door” that I had the most remarkable revelation which completely turned my life around. Prayer! That’s what you need to do. Pray. Now I am not suggesting that you do not pray. That is not my intent. What I am suggesting is that you turn your ailment over to God and leave it in his hands, while you continue to pray, looking at your faults, discovering what’s hindering your vibrant health. There is no reason for you to heave and sigh until you die. Know that with God all things are possible. Look among your virtues, not your faults. You have only to open your lungs to the fresh air provided by the ever-present supplier of all.
I would suggest that you take time each day to spend in quiet reflection, reflecting on the Truth of who you are -- a child of God and as such you are a beneficiary of all His goodness; all his gifts. Over time, although you will experience setbacks, especially with old ways and habits coming back, through perseverance you will see a change in your health. You will see that you are not destined to spend your years heaving and sighing, but you will enjoy the good health that is your birthright.
Yours in Christ,
Myrtle Fillmore
Leah,
ReplyDeleteI liked your letter. But I did not read Mrs. Kendrick's "letter" as placing a Methodist "label" on Myrtle. Mrs. Kendrick was only repeating a historical truth: Myrtle Fillmore was raised in the Methodist church of her parents. Yes, Myrtle rejected some of the basic concepts of this Methodist church. But I believe that she retained some of these early Methodist concepts and "feeling tones" all her life (i.e., the need for the second baptism of fire or direct experience of Spirit, and the "camp meeting" or retreat aspect of spiritual experience.)
What I also liked about your draft letter is how you had Myrtle suggest some simple positive steps that Mrs. Kendrick could take (such as prayer-- and not just any old pryers but affirmative prayer).
Best,
Rick
Leah-
ReplyDeletePicking up on "Remember that Methodism preaches that all persons are capable of being saved by faith in Christ" and that we can "guide" the little children. To what? Salvation? Right thinking? Are you saying that someone ignorant or unschooled in Jesus Christ as their savior is s.o.l.? I believe that was the writer's original concern. Maybe this goes to the question about how traditionally Christian Unity is. It's something I haven't found consensus on. And maybe I'm happier without an answer. I'd like to see that door left open rather than shut anyone out.
Myrtle also makes the claim in your letter that she is free of the label of being a Methodist. Where does that leave the writer who clearly identifies herself as such? Would Myrtle choose to break that common understanding to affirm differences? Also, would she really say, "What I am suggesting is that you turn your ailment over to God and leave it in his hands, while you continue to pray, looking at your faults, discovering what’s hindering your vibrant health."?? Ouch. A little like "what were you holding in consciousness that you got sick?"
Leah,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the soft feel of your letter. It resonated with me. And I liked the quote, "I am decidedly eclectic in my theology." I guess this class backs that up. I wonder, though, about your words, "Remember that Methodism preaches that all persons are capable of being saved by faith in Christ." I may be splitting hairs here but to me, those words sound like they reinforce that which the original writer is objecting to. Nevertheless, it's a great letter in my opinion. -Doug
Leah - I enjoyed your ending the best and it felt most like Myrtle to me. The quick, short sentences fit the pattern of many of Myrtle's letters.
ReplyDeleteSentences like: " My dear, we are as old as we think. Put the thought out of your mind." and reminding the writer that all things are possible through God are pure Myrtle. Reminding the writher that she, herself, was "at death's door" was a nice touch. This part of your letter connected the writer to Myrtle in a very gentle manner. Very nice.
I agree with Daybree, I particularly like the light heated touch when you wrote, "Old age! My dear, we are as old as we think.
DeleteI agree with Doug, I cringed a bit when Myrtle advised the writer to look at her faults, to discover what’s hindering her vibrant health. It just make me question, would Myrtle blame others for their own illnessess?
I really like how you supported your statement that God does not discriminate with this Bible passage, Galatians 3:26-28, which reads: “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” I reminded me of how we quote the Bible very sparingly in my Unity church of origin and yet it would make sense to a Methodist, and in that day, to actually turn to ... the BIBLE! I would like to have seen a little more metaphysical interpretation of the Bible passage that Kendrick provided and to say exactly how these children of other faiths really do have a chance at salvation!
ReplyDeleteLeah,
ReplyDeleteYou drafted a great letter in true Myrtle fashion. I recognized some familiar myrtle quotes and I loved seeing that! I especially liked when you referenced the children and the importance of the work we are to do with children because they are easily impressionable and so open to receiving Truth. That paragraph really spoke to me because Myrtle had so much passion for all children.