Dear Friends,
Have you ever felt like the days just seem to go on and on, doing the same thing over and over? The mail comes everyday at the same time,
the garbage pickup is on the same day every week, and you watch the same TV shows or reruns everyday. Perhaps you are in a rut. There are times
I have felt that way, then I just decide to walk a different path in the mornings and/or drive a different route to get to the same destination or park
in a different spot in the parking lot at a favorite store just because… Changing routines is beneficial to your brain and your well being.

Since COVID I thought I would never get on a plane again. I was comfortable just staying at home, doing my Interfaith work here in Poway/San Diego.
Well, my dear friend Fran passed away and I knew in my heart, I had to be at her funeral and support her husband. We were friends for 56 years.
In order to do that I had to get on a plane and fly to Chicago. Nervous and anxious as I was,
I flew anyway with the help and support of Steve. lt was as is if the door OPENED for me and I didn’t have to stay home anymore. I could travel again.

Now we have plans to see beloved relatives in Nebraska and Iowa in June.
And we have definitely decided to go to the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago in August. For me, I thought we would Op Out at some point.
With the decision to go to the Parliament, I was asked to participate in the Women’s Conference the day before the Parliament as a women’s circle leader.
Stepping out of my comfort zone to fly again, because of my love for my dear friend, led me to open up for more wonderful opportunities in my life.

The Past
In 2017, Steve and I coordinated a North American Interfaith Network (NAIN) Conference at UCSD, which we had never done before. Steve began the
Interfaith Awareness Week and last year it went Global with 40 participants from all over the world. That was never done before. It seems I am always creating,
helping coordinate, and plan new events and activities for POINT,
our Labyrinth Walks and other organizations here in San Diego.
The Present
I choose to continue opening up for new opportunities, however and wherever that leads, even if it means getting on a plane….!

We are not meant to stay stagnant.
If we were, we would still be living in caves. We are meant to break through our own barriers of “I can’t, I shouldn’t or just plain fear of the unknown.
We aren’t meant to be experts. We are meant to follow God’s lead, advise, inner voice and do what we are asked to do.

So today, I will take my morning walk on a different path. I will listen to new sounds of birds and trees rustling. I will enjoy the new sights and scents as
I see and open myself to NEWNESS as I listen to the heart & will of God within.

In Newness and Love,
Abigail and Steve

Dear Friends,

Forever and Ever Amen, is something I like to say after a prayer or blessing. I love the idea of Forever. I AM forever, YOU are forever.
We are God’s forever children Amen. As I sat in my meditation chair the idea of FOREVER enveloped me. It was both my ‘be here now’ moment and my forever time.
I felt everything was right in my world. My life, your life, our life is all happening for our Good and meant to bless us. There is no time in God.
It is always now and forever.

Our forever life has chapters. Do you remember the books or stories that gave the reader an ‘ending choice’ ? I loved those books. Well guess what,
we are in our own forever book with a series of choices and chapters. We are forever choosing the direction in which we want to go. Every ending is
just a new beginning in our forever life. My book is titled Abigail. What is your book called? You too can choose different directions and happenings in
each chapter.

You and God, Angels and Guides, co-created your life here on earth. You all collaborated on what Spiritual learnings and lessons were necessary for your
Spiritual Growth in the chapters of your forever life.

Examples:

A chapter in someone’s life may be to live as a disabled person, in order to
grow spiritually inward and to help others grow by being caretakers.

In another chapter a person may choose to be a dancer to grow strong physically and to bring joy to others by dancing.

Another person may choose to be in service as a nurse, teacher, and/or spiritual leader.

In another chapter, a person may choose to learn discipline by being in the military or raised in a fundamental home.

Another person in his or her forever life may need to learn compassion by choosing a life of selflessness through service or faith.

One who has been very rich in one life may need to have a chapter living in a third world country.

There are no accidents, all is meant to bless us. The life we live is one we choose. We are all FOREVER children of God and are meant to uplift
serve, love and grow spiritually in all areas of our lives.

Whatever chapter you are in, in your Forever Life, YOU are God’s Beloved Child, born from the Divine, guided by unending Love , Forever and Ever Amen!

May 9, 2023
Dear Friends,
I want to wish all mothers a very HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY coming up.
It is a time for joy, reflection, gratitude, appreciation, forgiveness and most of all love. Let us celebrate all spiritual mothers who have lovingly cared
for another: birth, adoptive, foster, in-law, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters. Let us show gratitude for the men who have been mothers to their children, dads,
grandpas, uncles, brothers, foster, in-law, adoptive and anyone else who has loved and cared for a child of all ages. Let us celebrate all ‘moms’ of fur kids,
winged kids and water kids.

Life stories with our mothers, can be wonderful, and it can be painful. If you have been hurt in any way, it does not diminish your BEAUTY, WORTH, VALUE and
PURPOSE in the eyes of God. You are a blessing to this earth dimension. You are Divinity, God’s spark of goodness and love. Always remember you are unique,
special and are here for a reason, a Divine purpose.
This is the day to consciously forgive and send love and blessings to your mother and/or those who cared for you.

Many of us had mothers who were wonderful, and/or mothers with illnesses, mothers with painful challenges of her own so the idealistic life may not have been
realized. No matter what, we can bring back blessed memories and share the good and funny stories around the table.

I would like to share some beautiful stories from the ‘Reader’s Digest’. I hope you will enjoy them, and then give your mother a call and tell her how glad you
are to be her child. If your mother has passed, you can still tell her in silent thoughts and prayers.

Kindness
I was rushed to the emergency room with complications from my high-risk pregnancy. After weeks of mandated bed rest in the hospital, I found myself suffering
from an unfamiliar sadness. One day, my nurse brought a surprise to my room—a newborn named James. James’ mom (who also experienced a high-risk pregnancy) sent her precious, healthy son for me to hold, along with an encouraging message: “This is the reason you are here in the hospital.” Three decades later, my heart is
still full of gratitude for Baby James and his mom. And, I am thankful for my own healthy son, Hunter. —Submitted by Lisa Stevens, The Woodlands, Texas.

Be Switzerland
On the first day of first grade, I stood by the front door with butterflies in my stomach. I voiced my biggest concern to my mother: “How will I make friends?”
Crouching in front of me, she handed me advice I carry with me to this day: “Be Switzerland.” Be friends with everyone. Treat everyone equally and fairly. For all
of my 20 years, I have lived by these words. Soon I will graduate and become a part of the real world. And on that first day, nervously facing new responsibilities,
I know I will whisper two words to myself: “Be Switzerland.” —Submitted by Abigail Wortman, West Long Branch, New Jersey.

Chosen
“I was chosen to be your mama,” I tell my four-year-old daughter as my younger boys pull at my clothes. She looks at me tearfully and asks, “Why couldn’t I grow
in your tummy like my brothers?” “Well,” I tell her, choking back my own tears, “The doctor said I couldn’t grow a baby in my tummy, so your daddy and I decided to
adopt a baby. That baby was you.” I hold my breath and wait for a more difficult question. “Can I have some ice cream?” she asks. “Yes!” I say, thankful for her
innocence. —Submitted by Katina Brown, West Monroe, Louisiana

Dress Shopping
We went looking for a wedding dress on Sunday. Laughing, we made for the door of a bridal shop. This would surely be the first of many stores before we found the
perfect gown. Having witnessed other brides and their mothers, we vowed to be happy in these moments. Unexpectedly, my mind went back to the day we brought her
home some 27 years ago. I said a silent thank-you to the young mother who, by letting her go, allowed her to be mine at this precious time. Two hours later, there
she stood, in the dress of her dreams. My beautiful girl. –Marybob Straub, Smyrna, Georgia.

Love Him
Upon attempting to prepare my 7-year-old daughter for a new baby in a few months, she repeatedly stated, “No boys in our house!”
After several months the BIG day arrived. My daughter came into the hospital room and I told her the baby was a boy and asked her, “What are we gonna do?”
She placed both her hands on her hips and without missing a beat said, “Well I guess we’ll have to love the little thing!” —Submitted by Karen Dugger, West Plains,
Missouri.

For more stories
20 Short, Sweet Stories About Moms | Reader’s Digest (rd.com)

Dear Friends,
There are people who just make us smile, and we LIGHT up when they are around us. Steve and I have had many LIGHTS come into our lives and we are grateful.
Just the other day we went to one of our favorite restaurants hoping to see a favorite server with the intent to say one last goodbye, and gift her one of
Steve’s books. She had told us previously she was leaving by May 1st because she would be in training to be a flight attendant. We were so happy for her and
yet knew we would miss her. She was a LIGHT in that restaurant, always meeting customers with a smile and a kind word. When we got to the restaurant one of the
servers said she was not working that evening and had probably already left for her new job. Needless to say, we were disappointed. However we asked our server
to please leave the book with the owner (who we know) hoping he can get the book to her. At some point during our dinner, our favorite server made an appearance
and came directly to our table. We all hugged and talked about her next life journey. We even exchanged phone numbers to keep in touch. I believe this
synchronistic event of her showing up and us wanting to see her was not a coincidence.

How would she know we wanted to see her that evening?
In Pam Grout’s book E2 she says, “Bell’s Theorem states, There are no isolated systems; every particle in the universe is in instantaneous communication with every
other particle.” “Edward Lorenz introduced The Butterfly Effect, where an insignificant event can set off momentous consequences.” In other words our thoughts and
intentions go out into the Law of Mind, the Universe, and is acted upon immediately. I believe our thoughts of wanting to see this server was “picked up” by her
consciousness and she decided to go into the restaurant that night.

We must know as individuals how important our thoughts, intentions and words are. Whether we are thinking them or saying them
out loud, our words are being picked up by everyone, not just the people our words are directed to. And, because there is the Law of Circulation in the Universe,
our words, thoughts and intentions come back to us! We are all Interconnected!
Pam Grout says, “Your thought about other people change you, because we are all in this together, as ONE HUMANITY. Every time we judge or think anything less than
kind and charitable thoughts, we inflict self pain. You can change your relationship with anyone by simply sending them good thoughts.”

Back to LIGHT. This server was a LIGHT who always had a good word to say. Now it is time to reflect on YOUR LIGHT.
When you step into a room, a store, a restaurant, or at home, have a conscious thought to be a LIGHT. Be God doing God’s work with words of gratitude
and blessings. Be the one to encourage, listen, smile, support, without judgement or opinion.

Be the LIGHT in your life by:
L Loving yourself and Listening to your God Self.
Loving and Listening, encouraging and supporting others.

I Illuminating and Inspiring others to be and do their best and follow their Intuition.

G Knowing GOD is Guiding your friends, family and all people to their
perfect, right and true place in life.

H Helping to support and show your Happiness for their next adventure.

T Taking Time to Tell others how much you appreciate and love them.

Remember WORDS & THOUGHTS are THINGS and always acted upon in the Universe. The LIGHT you SEND OUT will return to you and bless you.

Sending you Thoughts of LIGHT and LOVE,
Abigail and Steve

Dear Friends,

Today is PAY IT FORWARD DAY. Please read the delightful story under April’s “Multifaith Calendar.” I believe everyone loves to hear uplifting stories about
people doing and being GOOD in the world. We hear the opposite so often in the papers and the TV news. ONE GOOD story can carry us forward with inspiration
and delight for the day or a couple of days. Even though
“Pay it Forward” is a designated one day declaration, we can choose to make it an everyday declaration in our lives.

Spreading Kindness can be an everyday joy.
Wake up in the morning and ask God/Spirit/Universal Love
to show you where you can spread the most joy.
I guarantee, you will be guided all day with ideas and possibilities. There are no BIG or SMALL deeds in God’s Universe. Every thing, all words, all actions,
all thoughts count. From a smile to a stranger, to a silent prayer when you see a fire truck and ambulance pass by, is important
in the Universe.

Paying It Forward is a state of mind, not a one time action.                                Believe it or not, on my morning walks I pick up snails on the street and bring them over
to a grassy area. In my car I keep baggies of non-perishable food, a $5 bill and a telephone number to an excellent organization, Interfaith Community Services,
which provides the homeless food and shelter. Just the other day, I had the opportunity to hand out a bag. The gentleman was overjoyed.
Who is to say, he wasn’t an angel in disguise or a Master Soul, here purposely to encourage people to SEE the vulnerable people.

What can you do today to PAY IT FORWARD?
Buy groceries for the elderly.
Donate food to a family in need.
Buy gift cards for a local shelter.                                                                                           Be open to opportunities.

In Joy and Love,
Abigail and Steve

Dear Friends,
We have returned from our trip to Chicago to attend a dear friend’s funeral service. I have reflected on our trip these past few days and realized I was truly
compelled to attend her service. It was as if I was being pushed and pulled all at the same time. Truth…I knew I had to go, and yet I was fearful of going. Why?
I have not been on a plane in 5 years and have always been an anxious traveler.
I believe I am the kind of person who shows up and follows through on a commitment. I committed to my friend’s husband by saying, “I will be there.”

Interesting things happen when you commit to something you are challenged to do. I began to have a health challenge. I felt a painful throbbing in my head that
came and went. I saw my wholistic doctor who looked at me and asked how my teeth were. I said my new crowns are sensitive and I still have a hard time biting down
on them. He said I needed to go back to the dentist to have the crowns filed down so my bite is correct. Because I am not biting correctly, my jaw is out of
alignment and creating the pain. The dentist!? I am terrified of having dental work done and thought I was done with the crowns. As good, and as nice as my dentist is, I still dread going to him.
I had to calm my fears, and go to the dentist. He filed back my crowns so my bite is correct. A couple days later the pain stopped. All this happened one week before our Chicago trip. I even had Steve call the airlines to see if we could get insurance in case we did not go. The airlines said
‘no’ we had to have purchased the insurance at the same time we purchased the tickets.
I remembered my commitment to Bob and my long term commitment to DO what I say I will DO, no matter what.

Challenges are blessings in disguise. On the plane and at the visitation and funeral service, I was deeply grieving.
I love to sing and could not sing the songs, because I was tearfully trying to keep it together. Even though this was a sad time for me,
after the service came many blessings. Both sons of my friend recognized me and one looked at me and said, “Auntie Gail!”
It was what he called me when he was a child. It brought JOY to me and melted my heart.

It was wonderful reconnecting with the family and friends from my past. I loved sharing stories of our crazy antics and memories of the fun we had.
We sat with a friend (I will call him Mike) and his friend ( I will call her Kary) at the lunch reception. We found from our conversation we were
on the same wave link spiritually and metaphysically. We talked about souls, past lives, universal energy and more…. Come to find out both are Reiki
Masters, which I did not know. What a joy and blessing to reconnect with them. We are still texting and emailing! Steve said, because of our table conversation,
he could incorporate a story told by Mike, in the ‘Epilogue’ of his next book. More Joy and Blessings! Needless to say the trip brought bountiful good in the
midst of sadness, to both Steve and me.

What challenge are you facing today? What obstacles are coming up that are trying to keep you from completing your challenge or commitment?
Fear has an ugly way of rising its head. Picture fear as ice and then watch it melt into water where you can easily walk, wade or run through.
Commitment is a choice. You DO have the strength to follow through and discover the joy and blessings once it is completed.

I would like to close with a quote Frannie always used at the end of her emails.
Fran Browne
Reiki Master
“There is a light in this world …a healing spirit much stronger than any darkness we may encounter. We sometimes lose sight of this force.. w
here there is suffering, too much pain. And suddenly the spirit will emerge…through the lives of ordinary people and answer in extraordinary ways.”
Mother Theresa
Remember: Hugs surround you with love.

In Joy and Love,
Abigail and Steve

One of my dear friends of 56 years passed away and Steve and I will attend her funeral this week. Easter Sunday was celebrated with the story of Jesus the Christ
rising from his death and letting the world know there is no death. I keep that in my heart because I do believe it is real and we all rise from a human death
to a new life, new journey, new experience. The memories of my dear friend Fran continue to flood my mind and heart as I gather photos of her and our past times
together. Endings are challenging for those still in this earth dimension who feel a sense of loss bereft and shattered when someone they love makes his or her
transition.

Memories are precious. It is important to reminisce and share stories about that person. Crying, anger, laughter are all part of the grieving process and need
to be expressed. At first it is hard to believe they have passed. Fran and I spoke just over a month ago and I knew she was going through health challenges.
I heard her voice, I heard her laughter. It is hard to believe she is gone from my sight.

Gone From My Sight

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says, “There, she is gone.”
Gone where?
Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me — not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, “There, she is gone,”
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, “Here she comes!”
And that is dying..

by Henry Van Dyke

I stand strong in my faith that life goes on. God is now expressing as Fran in a new life form. Her journey is complete on earth and yet she is now on her next adventure in Spirit. As Chief Seattle says.
“There is no death, only a change of worlds.”

We are in the middle of EASTER Week and I would like to share what Easter means to me and in the New Thought tradition.

PALM SUNDAY                                                                                                               As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, people were praising him, waving palms and shouting Hosannas. Jesus took it all in stride by humbly riding on a
donkey into Jerusalem. This simple act was a lesson in RISE IN HUMILITY.
Being humble reminds us to thank GOD for our good always.
Jesus always said, “It is not I that doeth the work but the FATHER within.”

MONDAY
Jesus cleared out the temple where seedy transactions took place and money changers worked. It was not a sacred worshipful place of God.
This is a lesson for us to: RISE IN CLEARING OUT OUR TEMPLE
(Our Consciousness)
Clearing out our consciousness temple is like Spring Cleaning.
What do you have in your life that no longer serves you? Clean them out.
Let them go.
Find IDEAS that lift your spirits, ideas that make you feel good about who you are! You are God’s perfect child, filled with Divine Potential!
1 Corinthians 3:16
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, that the spirit of God dwelleth in you”

TUESDAY
Jesus preached in the temple, after it was restored to a place of worship.
We can be in our cleaned out temple/consciousness in daily prayer practice and meditation.

WEDNESDAY
Judas took the 30 silver coins from the Pharisees knowing he was going to lead them to Jesus. Many think Judas was hoping Jesus would boldly stand
up to the Pharisees. Would you take 30 pieces of silver to betray someone or take money that is not in integrity? Does the ends justify the means?

THURSDAY – The Last Supper
Jesus celebrated PASSOVER with his beloved disciples.
We always need to remember our history and teachings.
It began with a JEWISH Man. These are not Christian teachings.
Jesus and His disciples were celebrating the Jewish Holy Day, Passover.

Jewish people are celebrating Passover April 5 to 13, 2023 to commemorate the anniversary of their exodus from Egyptian slavery.
and freedom, as told in the Bible. On the first two nights of Passover, a ritual meal—the Seder—is held at family homes, synagogues and temples.
The Haggadah—which tells the Passover story–is recited and sung, and symbolic foods are eaten. Since the Jewish slaves had to leave Egypt quickly,
allowing no time for bread to rise, Jewish people eat matzah, which is unleavened, instead of bread during the week of Passover and forego other leavened
food items. Jesus was reminding the disciples to remember HIM during this meal, as he broke unleavened bread and served wine. Bread and wine are symbols of nourishment and what is needed in life. He wanted them to remember his teachings to LOVE one another and nourish their faith. His teachings are what is needed in our lives today as a RISE IN LOVE.

REMEMBER, JESUS KNEW with his Divine Intuition, what his Divine Purpose was and allowed everything to happen as it should.
He told Peter he would deny him 3 X and told Judas to go and do what he needed to do
The story moves to the Garden of Gethsemane – Jesus prayed, the disciples slept and the soldiers came, Peter cut off the ear of one soldier and Jesus healed it saying,
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Then Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss.

In the Divine Plan, there is always a place for betrayers.
They are part of the whole plan which leads to greater understanding, love and        RISE IN CONSCIOUSNESS.
We RISE IN LOVE by loving those who betray us and those we feel are our enemies and those who purposely gossip or find ways to hurt us.
We rise in love when we love irritating people, family, co-workers, heads of governments, terrorists. EVERYONE is seeking LOVE. It is easy to love the loveable.
We RISE IN LOVE when we love the unlovable and unforgiveable.

FRIDAY
There was the trial by Pontius Pilate, the release of Barabbas and the Crucifixion of Jesus.

The CROSS is a reminder to RISE ABOVE.
The Horizontal bar represents huge blocks, suffocated, pinned down by wrong action, fear, anger or judgement.
The Vertical bar reminds us to RISE ABOVE our negative fearful mind, and action. We soar upwards to empower ourselves and bring forth our Christ Consciousness.
On the CROSS Jesus says: “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
FORGIVENESS is for US not the other person
RISE IN FORGIVENESS is a RISE in CONSCIOUSNESS

SATURDAY
The guards were outside to safeguard the stone tomb, to be sure Jesus did not leave. There will always be someone trying to keep you down FROM fulfilling your
life purpose. When the time is right, open the tomb go forth and forward towards your purpose!

SUNDAY – RESURRECTION
The Earthquake shook the ground, and a brilliant light flashed before the guards. They saw the tomb stone was rolled away and the BODY of Jesus was GONE!
The three Marys came to anoint Jesus’ body with oil and found him gone. (Mary, mother of Jesus, and her sister, Mary, wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdelene).
When the 3 Marys discovered the empty tomb, they told the disciples. Everyone finally realized Jesus has risen and there is no death,
for LIFE is Eternal.
RISING UP is a gift we give ourselves. Just as Jesus, the “Great Example”
was no longer tomb-bound, neither are we. We live beyond our stones and barriers by choosing to reveal and release our hidden splendor (God Self).
There is a “higher place” in consciousness where we can envision and create lives of deep meaning, love, and a world that works for all. We set aside barriers of fear & doubt, and give life to the joyful, creative process of God being God as us, working through us.

In conclusion, the Easter story is our story.

Rising in Love,

Abigail and Steve

Dear Friends,

Steve and I had the opportunity to talk with a group of high school students at El Camino High School in Oceanside last week.
They are in a Leadership program. We talked about “Ignoring the NO,” based on Steve’s latest book. ( See BOOKS on this website)
We were able to tell them our stories of how a high school counselor told Steve he wasn’t college material and his grades weren’t good enough to be an architect.
Needless to say he ignored the NO and went to college and became an architect. He also has 4 college degrees. I was told in college after ‘a not so excellent’
student teaching in pre-school, I should not be a teacher. I admit I floundered in the preschool setting, and the teacher gave me no direction or leadership.
Needless to say I did not drop out, and I went on to my full day student teaching experience as a Senior. Everything came together and I loved it! Got an A.
At El Camino we encouraged each student to follow their heart and say YES regardless of well intentioned people telling them NO.

Ignore the NO is not just for students, it is for everyone of all ages. We know God has placed a calling in each one of us and we are here to complete the
calling however that looks. We also know a calling evolves as we grow spiritually, and we take our learnings from one area to another.

I was called to be a teacher. That calling evolved into Science of Mind
(New Thought) ministry for children which evolved into ministry for families, which evolved into INTERFAITH Ministry. Everything I learned helped me today
in my interfaith work and purpose. Steve went from architecture, to metaphysics to being a Universal minister, to a Unity (New Thought) ministry to
INTERFAITH Ministry while writing 20 books along the way.

Remember to listen to your Inner Divine (Di “of the” – Vine “Father”)
Wisdom which gives you the ideas, the purpose and the knowhow.
God always says YES. “There is always a way to which human sight there is no way.”(unsure of author) Everything is working together for your good, happiness,
joy and bounty. Trust in God. Trust in your God Self, the Higher Wisdom and Intelligence. Whether your calling is a PUSH or a PULL, just FOLLOW it!

When someone comes to you with a “crazy idea” encourage him or her to follow all the leads, do some research and just GO For It. It is not your job to discourage,
only to encourage. If they “fail,” they will learn wonderful lessons and encourage them to try again. Thomas Edison, inventor of the LIGHT BULB had to experiment
over and over again until the light bulb worked!

Everything we have today came from an IDEA, thought, experiment, failure, success. It is evolution. Enjoy the process!

Ignoring the NO and saying YES,
Abigail and Steve

Dear Friends,

Before this Women’s History month is over, I want to acknowledge and honor all the women in the world, for their incredible service to humanity.

Here are some facts:                                                                                          “Women’s History Month first came to be as a national celebration in 1982 though the first celebration was Women’s History Week. A few years later, it expanded into a full month of honoring women’s roles in society, thanks to a petition from the National Women’s History Project, which led to the president proclaiming March of each year Women’s History Month.

Around the world, countries make an effort to support women on this special day. The United Nations even began sponsoring the day in 1975, with the General Assembly explaining that their goals included:

1. Recognizing the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and
2. Acknowledging the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security.” (Internet)

Have we accomplished these goals? 
Progress toward gender equality is “vanishing before our eyes,”
United Nations Secretary General António Guterres told the Commission
on the Status of Women on Monday, March 7th.
“Women’s rights are being abused, threatened, and violated around the world and women and girls have been erased from public life.
In many places, women’s sexual and reproductive rights are being rolled back.” 

We, as women, are fortunate to live in the United States, however even our country has de-evolved concerning women’s rights with Roe vs Wade being revoked, and prison time for those doctors who continue to acknowledge a woman’s right to make decisions for her body. If a child is miscarried or aborted, one thing I believe as a New Thought minister, is no one ever dies.

The fetus’s soul returns to the other side fully formed and understanding that there will be another time for him or her to come into this earth dimension.

What can we do?  

Portrait of a little girl in a lab coat doing a science experiment in a lab

We can continue to raise our daughters and granddaughters to believe they can do anything they choose to do or be. The other night Steve and I were sitting with Tammy, Glenn and granddaughter Peyton. We were talking about how independent and strong Peyton is becoming, even at 2 1/2 . Tammy said, “I always felt like I could do anything. I was never told I couldn’t!” This statement made me very happy. We all need to raise our girls to feel that way.

The men making these laws, limiting and demeaning women, need to live in a woman’s body. Perhaps in order for their souls to grow spiritually they will reincarnate as a woman to understand the struggles many women have all over the world.

• Less pay for equal work
• Unequal promotion practices
• Forced marriages
• Sexual harassments
• No say in society or driving of cars.
• Mutilation
• Told NO, not a woman’s place
• Just plain bias

There are many wonderful and great men who uplift, support, honor and are consciously promoting women for their talents, skills and abilities. I honor those men!

My husband Steve is one of these men. He has always supported me in my goals and purposes, in fact he tends to push me to do and be better than I think I can. Years ago he bought me a Doctoral graduation cap before I even started my Doctoral paper which eventually became my book Empowered Women of Faith. I was dragging my heels, and I kept seeing that cap which spurred me onwards!  (PIC of EMPOWERED WOMEN of FAITH)

As we raise our daughters and granddaughters to BE and DO their best and whatever is in their heart, mind and soul to accomplish, we must also raise our sons and grandsons to BE and DO their best and whatever is in their heart, mind and soul to accomplish. In addition, we must teach our boys and young men to RECOGNIZE GREATNESS in WOMEN and KNOW THEY ARE EQUALS.

When we go hand in hand, partner with partner, leader equal to leader, male and female together, the world will not only survive, but THRIVE. Only when equality and equity are established can we spiritually transform as a human race.

“In God I am Free”
“The truth is the key to my freedom. Rather than struggle against circumstance, resisting what is, and lamenting my lack of freedom, I align myself with a greater truth.
I am free to choose my thoughts and feelings. I am free to choose my responses. I am free to forgive, release, and grow into the person I want to be.
My trust in God expressing within and all around me is the sweetest freedom of all.”
(March Daily Word)

Thriving and Free,

Abigail and Steve