NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER 2023 THE CREATOR OF SPIRITS Written by Amalia Domingo Soler The Creator of spirits is great and merciful… and its patience does not end like as a man on Earth. The Creator of the worlds…has given humankind eternity as its heritage, and the rebellion of some existences is less than a drop of dew lost in space! Spiritists firmly believe that we never die. We believe one who recognizes the existence of a Creator, who understands the eternal life of the spirit, who admits progress as a universal law, who believes that charity is the religion of the Omnipotent Being, cannot fall into skepticism. The history of all religions is the work of men, but the love of God, the adoration, the soul that has always prostrated itself before something infinite, that has sensed contemplating the wonders of creation with supreme inspiration, that heartbeat of the Universe which has made the minds of all humanities vibrate eternally, are the divine principles contained in the consciousness of humankind… Spiritism only has one flag whose first motto…is: “Towards God, through Charity and Science.” We believe that God has imposed an unalterable law on Creation…Good must be worshiped; love and goodness practiced. And, to worship the Creator, there is no need for temples or priests, the best altar being the heart of the virtuous person, and the best worship an impeccable morality. The Creator does not require that man profess a certain religion, but that he be humble, and above all, that he loves his neighbor as himself... Spiritists believe each spirit is rewarded or corrected according to its works, and sufferings are never eternal… We believe that in space there are infinite worlds inhabited by thinking beings, subject like us to the law of universal and infinite progress that leads to the Creator. That the spirit, before achieving eternal goodness, can rise or stop in the hierarchy, according to its will, but it cannot go back or retrograde… We believed yesterday, we believe today and this we will continue to believe, as long as science and reason do not pronounce another religious creed more harmonious with the greatness of the Creator. Until that day arrives…we will see in the Creator as First Cause, in science the eternal manifestations…and in human reason the synthesis of universal progress. Spiritists who love progress have the right and obligation to engage in all the advances that tend to magnify humans, elevating their thoughts above the miseries and pettiness of the Earth… It is infinite renewal! It is the shadow united to the light! Time… is what the Creator gives to us! * * Time… to continually progress! – Y.L. (Excerpts from 08/25/23 article printed on the Spiritual Studies Association Villena Group website: www.amorpazycaridad.es; translated and edited by Yvonne. C. Limoges) 2 Spiritist Society of Florida, November Newsletter 2023 AUTHORITY AND FREEDOM Written By Léon Denis In the perpetual conflict in which the things in this world find themselves, one of these two principles (authority and freedom) almost never triumphs unless it is to the detriment of the other. When peace and social harmony are not achieved by understanding, by the perfect agreement of these two forces, united in equal measure, in almost all cases one of them predominates to the detriment of either order or individual activity. Excessive liberty leads to license and anarchy, and anarchy, in turn, leads to despotism. Humanity struggles in a kind of circle, due to lack of wisdom and moral balance. ...where political passion and ambition, the desire to expand and dominate the world, have monopolized the vital forces to the detriment of internal peace and authentic progress… where, then, we will have to go to look for an example, a model, a defined guideline, to establish the stability and balance of human institutions? Only the study of invisible life [the spirit world] can reveal to us a world in which authority and freedom combine and complement each other in perfect harmony. The revelations of the spirits clearly show us the existence in the Hereafter, of a hierarchy of powers and intelligence that escalate up to the Creator. But such revelations also teach us that in the spiritual life every being enjoys a sum of freedom that is appropriate to its degree of advancement. The supremacy of souls is always proportional to its merits, and it is not possible to make a mistake in this regard, since their radiation is more brilliant and luminous, and their will is imposed by means of a magnetic action, that increases with its power of radiation. There we are far from the conditions of earthly society, where it is so easy for scoundrels, vicious people and liars to hide their true nature behind carefully studied appearances, seductive manners and ease of speech. As long as social institutions are NOT brought into line with Divine laws, disturbances, disorders and confusions will continue to persist on Earth. Everything in universal life is governed with a view to evolution. Each of our terrestrial incarnations, each of our planetary existences constitutes a stage in our eternal journey. Coming from the infinite, we come to the material worlds in order to continue our education, and then we return to the life of the infinite. That is why we are exposed to restarting the task on Earth as many times as necessary for us to make the necessary progress… Since the situations in which souls find themselves are extremely varied, the social conditions must be as well… and the hard demands that come with them, force the spirit to exert itself, to develop its "I," its personality, its conscience and increase its latent energies. Pains of the body and soul, obligation to work, the tyranny of matter, of illness and death, such are the means with which the spirit comes to understand firm discipline and to put into practice the law of duty. Earthly life is the crucible in which the soul is transformed, preparing itself for great future tasks. Considered in isolation, our current existence seems dark and meaningless to most…But if we examine it as a whole, related to the one that proceeded it, and the one that followed, it is shown to us as the magnificent terrain in which the being builds its destiny, builds its growing personality and becomes completely free, by defeating evil and triumphing over immoral instincts. Before the visions of horror that war displays before our eyes, before the millions of tombs whose disturbed earth is still wet and uneven… in which just yesterday resounded with [material] life… it is beneficial to be able to affirm that BEINGS ARE IMMORTAL in essence, and to remember that everything - vicissitudes and trials, joys and pains - collaborates in our progress, in our elevation... Above those scenes of sadness and mourning, invisible life continues in its serene majesty. The living and the dead, we are all carried by the great evolutionary force towards a better future, within the unlimited universe and Divine harmony... (Excerpts from his book originally in French, The Invisible World and the War, Ch. 2, Section II, and translated by Yvonne C. Limoges from the Spanish edition) 3 Spiritist Society of Florida, November Newsletter 2023 LOVE Spirit communication received by Yvonne Crespo Limoges Love is the greatest of the Divine laws! It is what all the greatest spiritual teachers who came to the earth have taught people down through all the ages. What would seem like miracles could be accomplished if every day, each had thoughts of love in their hearts and treated everyone with respect, compassion, patience and charity. When you wake up in the morning elevate your thoughts and uplift your feelings towards the Divine, and let love permeate within you. Then put love into action with whoever or whenever you can. The universal practice of charity and love is what will save humanity. SPIRITISM Written by José Aniorte Alcararaz Spiritism is the simple and natural demonstration that we are spirits that live eternally and that we eternally progress, being the only builders of our destiny. For the person that desires to know, knowledge is never hidden, and it is better to cry knowing, than to laugh in ignorance… …the spirits show us that those who want to study and work, find the light they are looking for…the spirit is the eternal heir of its works and the future is the product of its present. I am fully convinced that the greatest charity that a Spiritist can do is to disseminate the truths that this philosophical and scientific doctrine contains, because it is the social redemption of people and helps us understand the true greatness of God… (Excerpt from the Introduction of the book, The Light that Guides Us, which contains many writings by Amalia Domingo Soler) THOUGHTS REGARDING MEDIUMSHIP “…There are those who are sometimes surprised that mediumship is given to persons of little worth and capable of its misuse. They say that it seems that such a precious faculty should be given exclusively to those who are most deserving of it. “Before anything else, we must say that mediumship stems from a certain organic disposition and therefore anyone may be gifted with this ability, in the same way that we are gifted to see, hear and speak. Moreover, there is nothing that Man cannot abuse by means of his free-will… “Mediumship is conferred without distinction so that spirits can bring enlightenment to all walks of life, to all classes of people, to rich and poor alike, to those who are honest so they may be fortified in their goodness, and also to the corrupt so they may be corrected... “The good spirits come to their help and the personal advice which is received is of a nature which will impress them in a manner more striking than if it had been received indirectly. “God…wishing to spare them the work of having to go out and get help from afar, puts the light straight into their hands…Can they excuse themselves by claiming ignorance, when their own condemnation has been written, seen, heard and spoken by themselves? “…Mediumship does not necessarily imply habitual relations with superior spirits. It is merely an aptitude to serve as an instrument, which may be more or less useful to spirits in general. “So, then a good medium is not one who communicates with ease, but one who is agreeable to the good spirits and who is helped only by them. It is solely in this sense that the excellence of moral qualities becomes the all-powerful influence in mediumship.” (Excerpts from Kardec’s - The Gospel according to Spiritism, Ch.24, item 12. Comment: mediums and those who listen/read spirit messages should use their reason and commonsense regarding what spirits say, just as we would in judging people in the material world. – Y.L.) 4 Spiritist Society of Florida, November Newsletter 2023 PEACE ON EARTH By Julie L. Harper Many circumstances in life are changing, including the coming of a new year. New Year's resolutions often bring goals of personal improvement. But no human being exists upon Earth alone. A most significant resolution co-joins self- improvement with the extension of love in order to serve as an instrument of peace. The Creator imbued energetic love within each and every human soul, making it accessible and expression-able. People who connect to this part of themselves find peace simply from being aligned to their true nature. Those who are connected with such a wellness of being are able to extend and influence greater wellness among others. During this holiday season and in moving forward, remember that our greatest prophet, Jesus, said to 'love one and another.' He also said 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you.' Such are simple words but they convey core spiritual principles that are key to Earthly happiness. An act of loving energy can move an intent, or a prayer from the intangible can become a tangible manifestation. Isn't it time that all people act upon the words of Jesus in order to give peace a chance? THE HOLIDAYS Spirit communication Received by Yvonne C. Limoges The holidays are upon you, and for many this brings back memories of bygone celebrations, special meals and traditions, and get-togethers with families and friends. It should be a time of harmony, reminiscing of good times, and fondly remembering those who have passed on (yet many attend in spirit). It is not the time for rehashing personal disputes, petty grievances, or having discussions on controversial topics. It is of spiritual significance to bring family/friends together, for remember you all have prearranged spiritual ties. It is in close contact with each other how your spirits learn, from lifetime to lifetime, how to interact more in harmony and goodness, and especially during these particular times which stir up more feelings within the soul of gratitude, charity and love. Nevertheless, anytime people (no matter the number) come together with sincere feelings of camaraderie it provides valuable opportunities to foster loving sentiments that are of moral and spiritual benefit. Family and friends must learn to practice charity and love, so these can spread throughout all of humanity. *********** This is our last newsletter of the year. We affectionately send warmest wishes to all, and pray for peace and harmony for our planet! *************************************** Edited by Yvonne Crespo Limoges, Director E-mail: ylimoges@aol.com Society of Florida (est. 1982) 5042 22 Avenue North St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 Website: www.spiritistsocietyfl.com