Sunday, March 16, 2025

Understanding Grace as the Strength to Endure (Dedicated to Frida Kahlo) by Devi Nina Bingham

Consider all the breathtaking sights your eyes have already seen, and those they will behold in the future. Can you not confess that a wonderful grace has been over your life like an umbrella, protecting you? How many times was your life spared and injury thwarted, and how many times were you completely unaware of the disasters avoided? However, most of us are only see our own problems. We glance up into the night sky and wonder if the creators of the glittering heavens are aware of our predicament. In those lonely moments, we may offer a half-hearted prayer, unsure whether it has reached its target. However, you dwell under a covering of kindness that is far more powerful and far-reaching than you can comprehend.

You see, the Creator does not need to be told about our suffering; He already understands. We are the ones who struggle to comprehend the gift we have received. For millions, no-billions of souls are waiting to be born onto this globe so that they may have their moment to shine. We come to earth with a distinct mission, to show the type of kindness we ourselves have been shown, because the earth is a really unique planet. It not only supports human and animal life, but it also serves as a testing ground. In the military, bootcamp is the first test; your mettle is being examined and there you will discover your strengths and weaknesses. Spiritually, Earth is a boot camp where souls are formed and then broken, formed and then broken again until they sparkle like the brightest shooting star. "Why should I be thankful for a bootcamp which I did not ask for?" Yes, of course you have wondered this.

You lived as a singular soul prior to birth, and will again after death. You only stay in a body for a short period of time. Any soldier will tell you that Boot Camp was a brief phase in their military careers, but a fierce one. Your soul was offered a choice: remain in the spirit realm, or journey into the vast unknown. The majority of spirits will remain in Heaven without bothering themselves. Those who follow in the footsteps of Christ, who choose the earth, will be rewarded greatly. That daring one will be catapulted above the souls who did not choose this testing ground. Why? Because much is given to those who dare. But the prize is not riches, but rather, wisdom. Riches have no value in the afterlife. You cannot take it with you, as has been said. After you leave the body, your money is worthless. We all believe we can outwit death, especially those who have wasted their lives seeking wealth. So, you see, you happily volunteered to come, and how you spend your brief time on earth will determine your fate in the hereafter.

For some, this letter will be weighty since they know they will have nothing positive to show in the hereafter. For others, it is a reminder that we're all in this together. And if you believe God cares if you are a Christian, Catholic, Buddhist, Hindu, or Muslim, it is as important to Him as the money you will not be bringing. For God sees you all as His children. Does a parent care if one of their children has dark features, and another light? It makes no difference to a good parent. All that matters is the child's behavior. Isn't this true? Similarly, even if an atheist does not believe in God, they will be assessed by their good works for that is all and everything.

My life was filled with enormous anguish. However, a unique magnanimous grace fell on me in the shape of my artistic skill. Any ability you have acquired is a treasure. This is why knowledge is so important. Learning produces knowledge, and you have come to Boot Camp to learn, to discover and develop your strengths and abilities. Growth is an individual undertaking. No one can do it for you, and nobody can prevent you from it. As you grow, knowledge accumulates and it can be used to contribute to the world in a greater capacity. During my brief life, excruciating agony forced me into the mold of a victim. As a youngster, I contracted polio, which resulted in a withered limb and limp. As a young lady, I was severely injured in an accident that crushed my entire body. The ultimate consequence was permanent, chronic agony, an inability to carry children, needing to wear body corsets and casts, futile operations, and an invalid's lifestyle. However, when I looked at myself, I chose to be grateful for God's grace rather than believe that God an unexplained and harsh hatred towards me. Mostly, my art portrayed my own anguish, and individuals who had suffered stood quietly and contemplatively before the paintings, grateful not to be alone.

Every one of us has endured. And while we mentally ascend to that realization our own pain takes precedence. However, a strong person will strive to overcome their pitiful circumstances. When you meet one, a real one, take note of their humility. Spiritual people are giving people. Teachers, artists, rescuers, benefactors, and counselors. They are present in all sectors of life and you will know them because giving is the pinnacle of their existence. I am asking-are you stuck in your own misery? Are you focused on your own pain and misfortune? Or will you, as I learned to, rise above? I painted from my bed, aided by a specially constructed scaffolding with a mirror above so I could create. I painted from my wheelchair, thinking it my very best friend, for it allowed me mobility. That is true gratitude. To say in one's heart, "I am grateful for all I have been given, despite my own pain. I purpose to use my talent to benefit others, somehow." 

During my time on Earth, I couldn't see what would become of my paintings. I merely created to relieve melancholy. There were moments when the reality of my condition stopped me in my tracks and I would sink into deep and terrible despair, contemplating suicide. Then I'd recall that I hadn't finished a specific painting. I couldn't forsake them since they were as important to me as children. I would paint again, and my vigor and purpose would return. In those magnificent moments of resurrection, I transformed into the powerful Frida that you know and love. You loved me not because I was flawless, for I was morally and physically weak. You adore me because I never gave up. Despite overwhelming odds I refused to give way to despair. And I was Frida without apology, ahead of her time. This is what you enjoy about me. And, you know what, here on the Other Side, we all adore you. When we watch you persevere, when your spirit rises and says, "I will keep fighting!" "I will not give up!" We salute you. We are all rooting for you there in Boot Camp!

So, my dears, I began this exposition by asking you a question: "If you consider all the beautiful and amazing things your eyes have seen, and those they are yet to see, can you not admit that amazing grace has been following you?" Yes, you have suffered, as have all great souls. But grace is following you, and compassion has forgiven you. Remember this, and persevere. Knowing this, bring beauty to the world. Simply open your eyes and be grateful, for everything. 

With Love,

Frida


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