NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER 2024 WHEN WE FEEL HELPLESS Inspirationally received by Yvonne C. Limoges Life can be very overwhelming and we may feel helpless when issues, situations or people we care about make us feel angry, betrayed, frustrated, depressed, sad, grief-stricken, disappointed, etc. However, the spirit world has provided us knowledge of moral teachings and Divine laws that have consistently provided answers on how to handle and cope with struggles and distressing situations and the sufferings which affect us. They tell us we must first ask ourselves if we have done all we could have done to alleviate our own situations or with any persons involved. Were we proactive in doing all we could, to help ourselves to address any issues or problems? This includes asking for help we may have needed. If we acted wrongfully and/or did not help ourselves the best we were able, we have no one to blame but ourselves for any suffering incurred. Most of the time we learn through trial and error, so hopefully we learned lessons to help us in future situations. If we did what we could and things remain unresolved with people we care about or events unfolded that we are upset about which causes suffering, this is when knowledge of the laws of cause and effect, of attraction and affinity, of reincarnation, etc. are very valuable to know. For if fully understood and held within us with strong conviction, these can provide hope in life. For then we view life’s situations as temporary in the grand scheme of things, from a higher spiritual awareness and perspective that includes knowledge of a connecting chain of past, present and future lifetimes that continually heads towards progress, further knowledge, goodness and love. If we are able to do this, it helps us to more easily sustain our material lives and also to be more resigned, providing us reassurance, consolation and a certain heartfelt inner peace. The superior spirits tell us we have debts to pay and missions we accepted to fulfill; that there is no death, for our loved ones’ spirits are freed and enter the spirit world and we should be content they no longer suffer illness, the vagaries of old age or the trials of material life; that a sincere love never dies; that the material and spiritual worlds communicate and influence each other; and, the Creator does NOT punish us, our sufferings are the consequence of our own choices, both individually and collectively. The spirits tell us there are worlds with no hate, violence, murder, or wars, but we have to morally evolve and merit living upon those worlds. And, it is only through love (caring for one another in spite of any animosities) is how we can make our own world a better place. Goodness exists on Earth and its influence works steadily. Although progress is uneven and slow, it will always lead towards solidarity, peace and love. That is the Divine law at work. 2 Spiritist Society of Florida, November Newsletter 2024 MELANCHOLY – Spirit Communication “Do you know why sometimes a vague sadness fills your heart, leading you to consider that life is bitter? This is because your spirit, aspiring to happiness and liberty, on finding itself tied to the physical body which acts like a prison, becomes exhausted through vain efforts to seek release. “On recognizing that these attempts are useless, the soul becomes discouraged, and as the body suffers the influence of the spirit, it feels itself weary, apathetic, full of despondency and it is then that you judge yourself to be unhappy. “Believe me when I tell you to resist these tendencies with all your strength, as they only weaken your will-power. Aspirations for a better life are inborn in all mankind, but do not seek them in this world. “… so, await with patience for the time when the liberating angel will come to help you break away from the ties which hold your spirit captive. “Remember, during your exile here on Earth, you have a mission to fulfill that you do not even suspect; be it dedicating yourself to your family or fulfilling various obligations… “If within the course of this exiled probation, while seeking pardon, you feel about to collapse through anxiety, uneasiness, or tribulations, be strong and courageous enough to support these pressures. “Stand up to them with resolution for they will soon pass. These are the only means by which you may reach those whom you pine and who, jubilant at seeing you once again amongst them, will hold out their hands towards you so as to guide you to regions inaccessible to earthly afflictions.” (From Kardec’s The Gospel according to Spiritism, Ch. 5, item 25) PRAYER FOR MORAL COURAGE May the Divine Light of the infinite Love and Goodness of the Creator shine upon us to support our distress, pain and suffering. May we have confidence in the Divine laws and the future, which we know extends beyond this earthly life. Give us the strength so as to not become bitter, angry or despair. May our spirit protectors provide us moral courage during our times of need. May their serene spiritual vibrations of love help support us, so we may undergo the trials and tests we chose for this lifetime with strong faith knowing they help in our soul’s progression. AMEN 3 Spiritist Society of Florida, November Newsletter 2024 YOU ARE NEVER ALONE! Spirit communication received by Yvonne Crespo Limoges The effects of war, violence, natural disasters, sickness of mind, body and soul…afflict all the inhabitants of your world, one way or another. Yet, in the midst of all your heartbreak, sorrow, fear, pain and anguish – you are never alone. Your spirit protector is ever by your side instilling, within you and about you, their beneficial spiritual vibrations of calmness, goodness, inspiration and courage; and, emitting the special Love that comes from the Divine Source to help uphold you through all of your many struggles, pains, tribulations, traumas and the daily drudgery widespread on your material world. Also, from the spirit world are the spirits of your families and dear friends, from present and past lives, doing their part to help ease your distress, anxieties, doubts and loneliness; trying hard to comfort and console you; their empathy allows them to know your pain, and they see your tears! In addition, when your physical body sleeps, these spirits directly interact with yours, when it returns to the spirit world each night. They reach out to provide guidance, counseling and healing, as well as to remind you of the just cause (the why) of what you are going through, the kind of life you chose; the one you pledged to undergo with strong determination in your present existence. Knowing all this, please try to open up your hearts to all these loving spirits who care so very much for you personally and for your spiritual progress! They reach out to help you, although you may not see them – they are there! At moments of pure desperation – you may feel their loving sweet impressions! So, try your best to be emotionally and mentally receptive to their loving, valuable and productive influences. Be reminded that pain in all its forms suffered upon the earth washes away the impurities of your soul; all trials, tests and atonements elevate your spirit. In this way, sentiments can be awakened in order foster your moral courage and to have more of an inner appreciation and further comprehension of living an honest life with compassion, forgiveness, sympathy, empathy, benevolence, charity and fraternal love. Dear ones, as you advance, your suffering will be less and you will eventually reach true happiness. The Divine evolutionary process provides for your spirit’s enlightenment, enhancing your intellectual and moral elevation. Be strong! The Creator is All Love and you are always provided with spiritual assistance to fulfill your soul’s journey! 4 Spiritist Society of Florida, November Newsletter 2024 GRATITUDE Inspirationally received by Yvonne Limoges During turbulent and unsettling times, it seems so much around us can bring us down that we forget that there is always something that we can be grateful for. We can be grateful for the tangible things we may have, like a roof over our heads, enough food to eat, and a job. Plus, there are other things we should feel gratitude for that are not so tangible but no less important. For the many people that have crossed our path and the events that have occurred in our lives, to a lesser or greater degree, and have shaped who we are, especially if we learned from them. Especially, as Spiritists, we know especially for important things there are no coincidences. There were/are relatives who have raised us and helped us along the way. For those who did not get nurturing from family, then friends may have given us the support and assistance we needed. At work, there have been or are fellow co- workers who have helped us out and been supportive during life’s ups and downs. And, even total strangers, with their random acts of kindness, have been there for us when we have least expected it. If we look throughout our life there has been persons around at specific times in our lives who was there to help us when we were most in some kind of need. Also, let us not forget to be grateful to those in the invisible world, who never tire of being by our side through thick or thin. They provide advice through that inner voice of our conscience, and if we have listened to them, we have avoided making poor choices and/or made some good ones. They comfort and heal us with their beneficial energies; as when we feel good and cannot explain why. And, most importantly what gratitude we should have for the opportunity to learn, progress, and evolve… for the Supreme Love of the Creator always surrounds us! Many may not be able to feel, touch or see spiritual help, but it is there and has always been there, and is constantly being given to us nonetheless. Thank God! **** This is our last newsletter for the year. We send fraternal love to all, and well wishes for good health and peace this holiday season and into the NewYear!! ************************************ Edited by Yvonne Crespo Limoges, Director Email: ylimoges@aol.com Society of Florida (est. 1982) 5042 22 Avenue North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 Website: www.spiritistsocietyfl.com