The Noble Children

By Virginia Harris, CSB
(posted with permission from www.virginiaharris.com)

The protecting care and comfort of children has long been an important focus of mine, in prayer and action. For many years I was involved in national organizations dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. When I became a spiritual healer I gave public talks that encouraged individuals to pray for the world’s children every day.

It is my belief that a deep, spiritual intention of love can counter neglect and wisely guide right and appropriate care in communities. “Who’s caring for America’s children?” I asked in my talks, believing that each one of us can and must take on this responsibility.

There is obviously more we can do in this regard. To students across the United States, it appears that the adults who legislate have not measured up – have not stepped up diligently and courageously to keep them safe. After the Parkland high school tragedy, over 600 March For Our Lives marches on March 24 in communities throughout the US have been initiated by students to demand that their lives and safety be a legislative priority and that gun violence in schools be eliminated.

Yasmin Mendoza, second from right, meeting with Fresno Mayor and other local March For Our Lives organizers.

One of the organizers is a friend of mine, Yasmin Mendoza. She is a 21 year-old college student and she initiated the march in Fresno, California – one of the first to raise their hands after Washington DC.

“I heard about the Washington march. I knew I had to be a part of a movement that advocated for safety,” Yasmin explained. “So I stopped everything one day to pray, to ask God how can I participate? What can I do? I really wanted to help the healing in our city.”

What came to Yasmin is, she could do something. Then some people occurred to her to connect with: a friend from Sunday School who has been active in organizing, several community groups that have expressed concern about gun violence, which then led to more groups that wanted to get involved. Yasmin had her answer, she was leading the charge!

“Prayerful Action is something I think a lot about,” Yasmin shared. “I pray in the ‘secret place of the most High’ described in the 91st Psalm, ‘under the shadow of the Almighty.’ My conscious one-ness with divine Love is my secret, safe place and I believe that everyone is in this safe place! Here is God’s ever-present care, protection, and guidance, and this is permanent to everyone’s being. Divine Love, then, is the uniting power that moves and brings all of HIs children to work together and act for all our safety.”

Unifying neighbors and communities in love and action is an important message in the march: Unity in Security.

Yasmin (far right) and local organizers planning the upcoming March For Our Lives event in the mayor’s office.

Locally, Yasmin says that there has been a noticeable, positive transformation in civic engagement because so many young people are getting involved. Families from different backgrounds, teachers and school districts, and police organizations are supporting the march. She sees many people from diverse groups rising up and taking action. “We can all agree, no matter what your political ideas are, we all want safety and security in our schools and communities.”

In this critical time of churning and change, Yasmin looks to the life example of reformer Mary Baker Eddy, who challenged and changed the 19th century norms of religion, medicine, and women’s rights. She explains why Eddy’s life inspires her today. “Mary Baker Eddy was so trusting of divine Love to lead the way! She continued to love those who criticized her and tried to put her down. Because it’s only fear that tries to get in the way of what you know is true and what must be done. So love everyone whether they support you or not. Mrs. Eddy was diligent in that. This is one of my most favorite quotes from her:

“True prayer is not asking God for love; it is learning to love, and to include all mankind in one affection.” —Mary Baker Eddy

After the marches on March 24, what does Yasmin hope to see as a result? “A more unified nation!” was her immediate response. “More communities united, common sense gun reform, and legislators representing all of us, not a few, for their highest motives of what is right…a government working in unity for our children and for the universality of safety.”

The spirit of engaged youth is truly biblical!

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them” —Isaiah 11:6

Today I ask myself again, Who is caring for America’s children? I realize now that the children themselves are standing up, speaking up, demanding change. This is their future and they want to have a hand in creating it. All the more reason now than ever before to pray each day for our children…and for a transformed future where they are safe. They are leading us, our noble children:

“A feasible as well as rational means of improvement at present is the elevation of society in general and the achievement of a nobler race for legislation, – a race having higher aims and motives.” —Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy