Spirit in Action

When I look at the world around me I sometimes get overwhelmed by the sadness, hopelessness, and violence that are ever-present in some people’s lives. I see the great need and wonder how I can possibly make a change. Also, how can I continue Spirit in Action’s important work when it seems to make a small dent in the overall need?

First, it is important to think of everything as making baby steps towards progress. Each relationship I build is an opportunity to encourage people and give them (and myself) hope. Each one person I help then has the opportunity to go and positively affect someone else.

I am by nature a “glass half-full” type of person and I gain energy by thinking about the possible goodness of a situation, rather than worry about all the things that could go wrong. Still, keeping this attitude takes faith and reassurance that must be renewed everyday. Del Anderson talked about needing fresh manna everyday. In 2005, at the age of 99, he wrote, “Day by day is growth, change, fresh manna each day.  Yesterday’s manna is not good enough for today.”

One way that I take in this fresh manna is through Unity’s Daily Word emails. Each morning I get to read a positive, uplifting spiritual message with an affirmation from the Bible. Some of the regular topics are peace, praying for others, inspiration, and guidance, all of which are so closely related to my work with Spirit in Action.

I have one particularly inspiring email taped in front of my desk so that I see it often. It builds me up in the morning and prepares me for a day of loving interaction with the world.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010 — Energy

I am energized by the power of God within me.

Energy is the inherent power of God within that responds to my desire to accomplish things. In whatever I do today, I am expressing the power, vigor and strength of God. I am God-energy in action.

I am a force for good, expressing my talents in positive ways. I am mindful of the balance between work and rest, giving and receiving, striving to accomplish and letting things work out in their own time. Energized by the power of God within, I discern what is mine to do, and I accomplish it as Spirit directs.

From the smallest step to the longest journey, I know the spirit of God goes before me to guide my way. I move forward with confidence and gratitude.

The God who has girded me with strength has opened wide my path.–2 Samuel 22:33

Don’t you feel ready to take on the world with that vote of confidence? I do!

Del Anderson, the founder of Spirit in Action, was a prodigious and dedicated journal writer and here in the SIA office I am lucky enough to have many of his actual journals. He seemed to use his writing time as a moment to let his thoughts flow, allowing time to explore his ideas about God, our purpose, love, and anything else that came up. He used regular 1-subject lined notebooks and a four-color pen, wildly switching colors and adding emphasis and extra words to his sentences.

I like to glance at his entries every now and again to be able to reconnect with Del’s strong spirit and passion for service to others. This morning I’d like to share the entry from Del’s journal for this day in 1998.

July 27^th, 1998

Beholding as in a mirror the glory (that is the beauty) of Christ we are changed into the same image from one stage of character growth to another. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

It is a process of contagion, perseverance and growing in the Spirit. For life there must be a plan, a pattern, a purposeful intent. Life must have unity, humanity and purpose – with serenity, and a spirit of adventure with a resolute will. There must be a sharp focus on compassion, mercy, and justice for the common good.

All so often, we have great gratitude for the will to act, even as we often regret our failure to trust and obey. It is as we nurture our souls, we let God come forth: in, for, with, and through us. This living from within out is our passage to victory.

It is in nurturing our heart (intention) actively we grow from sense to soul, from self to Christ. Love, joy, peace, etc. are feelings. To partake of God’s character and nature, we need to feel the heart process of our nature.

If any man thirst let him come unto me and drink. (John 7:37)

I have long been intrigued by the connection between peace and prosperity. When people are safe and free I believe they are better able to participate in their local communities and economies. As they become involved, they create prosperity and security for themselves and those around them. It all starts with peace.

Del Anderson, Spirit in Action’s founder, wrote often about finding peace within oneself and sharing it with others. In 2002 Del wrote, “Being and expressing this peace and participating with God in bringing peace here on earth as it is in heaven is an activity of being a co-creator with God. Bringing peace on earth is being in God’s grace activity and also brings forth a flow of health to mind and body.” In other words peace brings empowerment.

How do we begin to think about peace in a world so full of conflict? Mark Kurlansky’s book, Nonviolence: 25 Lessons from the History of a Dangerous Idea starts by exploring the concept of nonviolence – choosing to explain nonviolence as not merely opposition to violence but also as a positive action towards social change and equality. This is similar to what Martin Luther King, Jr. is advocating for when he says in his “I Have a Dream” speech, “Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.” Oftentimes a violent person expects the victim to react with violence, however, if one can react by standing firm in love and peace it catches the aggressor off-guard, creating space for social progress.

I know this all sounds like a far-fetched dream but Kurlansky makes a great case for the possibility of nonviolent revolution. Also, The Friends Committee on National Legislation provides some great information about the effectiveness of diplomacy and development for the “peaceful prevention of deadly conflict”. Similarly, I am encouraged when I read about the work of the Nonviolent Peaceforce, which sends trained peacekeepers into conflict areas to encourage productive discussion and protect citizens. They point out that peace and diplomacy are much cheaper than war and armies.

Creating peace is a difficult and important job! At Spirit in Action we pray and act for peace with this thing Martin Luther King, Jr. calls “soul force”. We call on the spirit inside each of us to be put to action, which creates a positive force toward understanding, support, and empowerment. On this Memorial Day I hope you will join me in celebrating those brave souls who have stood up for a better world through nonviolence and the promotion of peace.

I will end with a blessing my Grandma Barbara often says: “May peace prevail on earth and in your heart.”

The Spirit in Action office has recently moved from snowy Minneapolis to settle in rainy Santa Cruz, California! Our new address is:

PO Box 3384
Santa Cruz CA 95063

I have set up my office (pictured at right) in my house, surrounding my desk with pictures of our international co-workers, notes from SIA donors, maps of our projects and books when I need an inspiring word or helpful training tip.

Behind the desk are file cabinets with several of Del Anderson’s notebooks and journals. I pulled one out the other day and read this great piece of insight from Del, dated May 14, 1989:

“God is limitless, all limitation is in our consciousness. Our work is to express God in all aspects. As we choose to believe and act in harmony with truth we are yoked with God.”

Thank you Del!

Since Del’s passing I have collected a bunch of great photos of Del from before I knew him. When I first met Del he must have been in his late 80s or early 90s and he always had quite a striking presence. It’s so amazing to see him so young in these photos. What a handsome man!

Here are some of my favorites.

Del and Bebe hold fans in Japan – 1957

Del at a Coffee Break in Minneapolis Calhoun Beach Hotel – May 5, 1959

Thank you to all those of you who participated in the Celebration of Del’s life, whether or not you were able to attend the event in Oakland. It was a beautiful tribute to Del shared by many who were blessed by Del throughout his long, amazing life. During the service Roslind Renshaw read a list of scriptures that Del frequently quoted. They capture the excitment and inspiration that Del lived:

-Christ in you, the hope of glory.

-I of myself can do nothing. It is the Father within me that doeth the works.

-He that is within me is greater than he that is in the world.

-The Kingdom of God is within you.

-Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.

-I and the Father are One.

-God made man in Her image and likeness.

-Jesus said, “The things that I do, you can also do.”

-Judge not, lest you be judged.

-Be still and KNOW that I am God.

-Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the Sons and Daughters of God.

Blessings!
Tanya Cothran
Spirit in Action Administrator

Dear Spirit in Action friends,

Here is the link for the obituary for our beloved friend and founder, Del Anderson. The obit was printed in the Oakland Tribune and Alameda Times-Star on September 4th, 2008.

http://www.legacy.com/insidebayarea/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=116917820

I would love to hear any more memories and stories that each of you have of Del! There is still much I don’t know about Del’s history, although I didn’t have to know much to feel the strength of his spirit and the deep love that flowed through him to everyone he knew.

Blessings,
Tanya Cothran

Here is a letter from Marsha Johnson, a long time friend and co-worker of Del regarding his passing. If you have other memories or appreciations of Del you can send them to spiritinaction@sbcglobal.net

Many of Del’s inspirational writings are available free on the Spirit in Action website: www.godsspiritinaction.org

*********************************************

My dear SIA friends,

I’ve been able to reach most of you today by phone to let you know that Del “graduated” (as he would have said) into his new life this afternoon. He had been at the same skilled nursing facility where Lucile is for the past two weeks, which gave them precious time together. He has truly been ready for a long time, so I am celebrating his transition, and at the same time feeling the sadness of knowing he’s no longer here as I’ve known him to be. Now, in Spirit, powerfully, I’m sure…. I am together with you in Spirit as we all honor in special ways the profound presence Del has been in our lives.

The SIA board is planning a celebration of Del’s life for all those who would like to gather:

Celebration of Del Anderson’s life Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008
3:00 PM
Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church
3534 Lakeshore Ave. (at Mandana)
Oakland

Always with love and appreciation for you,
Marsha