These trying days when physical life is being stretched and pulled quickly in many unbelievable distortions, I find it helpful to have a big green smiling Gumby waving on the kitchen windowsill. A reminder that these troublesome changes can be used to promote our spiritual growth. To stretch and come up higher, beyond the limited perception of our five senses.
Turns out the name Gumby comes from a Latin phrase: Semper Gumby, and means always flexible. Maybe you remember the unique claymation cartoon character Gumby. You could bend him, twist and stretch him. He was always flexible.
Another helpful Latin phrase I read years ago came from Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy. It also helped me to take a stand when I remembered to apply it. "Semper paratus is Truth's motto."
Semper paratus means Divinity is always ready. I'd just watched the 1951 sci-fi thriller, The Day The Earth Stood Still. And, was reminded of the iconic command Patricia Neal had to make to stop the giant robot GORT from destroying the earth. Klaatu barada nikto!
To keep peace in my life, at the first sign of inner distress, I'd silently command, Semper paratus! Intruding destructive thoughts of fear, doubt, guilt, worry would be shut down. Semper paratus, God's already got this! Divinity is always ready.
For fun, one day I found a red heart-shaped sticker and stuck it on Gumby's green chest. What a surprise when writing this blog to learn the description on his toy box reads: If you've got a heart. Then Gumby's a part of you. Another great reminder that LOVE is all that really is. Love is the answer to whatever seems to confront us.
Have a blessed day, and remember the best is yet to be. Try your best to s-t-r-e-t-c-h and grow upward into the Light of a new day. Divinity is always ready.
Love and peace,
Rae Karen
