Mother’s Day brings up the idea of legacies. The word “Legacy” means a gift transmitted by or received from an ancestor or from the past. For example, here are some Mother Legacies we’ve heard from people:

1. My mother taught me RELIGION: You’d better pray that will come out of the carpet.
2. My mother taught me TIME TRAVEL: If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week!  
3. My mother taught me FORESIGHT: Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.
4. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM: Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!
5. My mother taught me WISDOM: When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.
6. My mother taught me about JUSTICE: One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you.

As ordained Unity ministers, we value and appreciate the incredible legacy of the teachings of Myrtle Fillmore, often called the “Mother of Unity.” In honor of  Mother’s Day we want to explore the very practical spiritual legacy Myrtle left us, and also invite you to look into your own life, and see what kind of legacy you are leaving, to help those who follow you. Are you walking your talk of spirituality – and are you sharing the incredible Truths you know?

The Legacy of Myrtle Fillmore

Myrtle Fillmore was an amazing woman, an incredible soul! Where Charles was the deep thinker, the metaphysician, the “head” side of the movement, Myrtle definitely represented the heart side, the practical side, the side that lived on faith in principle. Let’s look at what she taught us:

Myrtle left a legacy to get results from our affirmations.

Myrtle was big on being aware of the words we use, and to always stay focused on affirmative prayers of Spirit rather than requesting material results in our prayers. A funny story that shares Myrtle’s warning to be careful in asking … (p. 67, Torch Bearer): “By asking for the wrong things, we court disaster. She told the story of the young woman who prayed for a husband. Myrtle reported, “Well, it took her just six weeks to “demonstrate” her man; but it took her six years of hard work, sorrow, and pain to get rid of him!”

Myrtle shared a simple but powerful truth! Our actions must be congruent with our words. For example, she said that it is ridiculous to affirm good health, then continue to eat in an unhealthy manner, or continue unhealthy habits. What a powerful legacy for us to embrace: Make our words and actions congruent, and in alignment with Principle! Are you leaving a legacy to others by demonstrating an alignment between what you say and what you do? Are you living the Principles you believe?

Myrtle left us a legacy to ensure our prosperity:

She advised, “The first thing for you to do is to discard the words that have in them the idea of poverty, and then select carefully the words that hold the idea of plenty. Never make an assertion, no matter how true it may look on the surface, that you do not want continued or reproduced in your life. (Do not say money is scarce; the very statement of such a thought will send money fleeing from your fingers. Never say times are hard for you; instead, begin right now to talk plenty, think plenty, and give thanks for plenty.)

I know we never had a lot of money when I was growing up ~ but as I reflect back, I realize I never felt we were poor. My parents left me a legacy of appreciation for what we have, and an understanding that the most important riches come from relationships, togetherness, and love. My parents always tithed, and taught me the value of a giving consciousness as a part of the great cycle of prosperity. That legacy helped me continue to have a healthier relationship with money, and apply the deeper legacies from Unity related to abundance. Are you leaving a legacy of prosperity consciousness through your words and actions?

 

Most importantly, Myrtle Fillmore left us the legacy of the power of prayer:

Whenever there was a financial need, personally or for Unity, the first thing Myrtle and Charles did was turn to prayer. You’ve heard us share her famous quote, but it is so worth repeating: when Unity was going through a financial downturn and those around her said, “Let’s pray that our money holds out,” Myrtle firmly reminded them: “NO! Let’s pray that our faith holds out!” What a timely message for us as we go through our own economic challenges!

In her book, How to Let God Help You, Myrtle actually shared a formula to bring an end to all undesirable states (related to health, lack, relationship issues, emotions, anything!) Simply:

• Stop believing in them. (Stop giving them power.) 
• Make up your mind that you’re not going to stand for them, not a moment longer;
• Watch your thoughts, attitudes, and actions to see that you do not invite the undesirable states to return.

Don’t you love it when it’s that simple?Are you leaving a legacy of prayer through your spiritual practice, to those close to you?

 

Basically you could sum up Myrtle’s Legacy by saying she had spiritual awareness on a 24/7 basis! Her philosophy was that the moment we discover anything undesirable in our minds or our lives, we should seek to make the changes necessary to bring about what is desirable!

So on this Mother’s Day, regardless of what the word “mother” conjures in your mind and emotions, just rest in the knowledge that each of us carries within us that spark — that spirit — that is the “Mother side of God-Nature!” Let us take the Legacies from Myrtle and pass them on, claiming the Truth that we are God expressing, we are Divine, we are worthy — and we live that Truth, every moment of every day, knowing that wherever we are, God is — and all is well — as we walk the spiritual path on practical feet!