Jesus asked me, ‘Who does that sulking demon remind you of?’
Day 22: Yesterday’s post about Epstein was about twice as long as I normally write. Today’s post is shorter, but the ACIM video lesson 22 from Nouk and Coreen is 20 minutes long (see the bottom of this post). Definitely listen to it though, it’s packed with insight to help you understand this potent lesson.
So, last night, after I hit publish, I reviewed the post for typos that I missed during my final edit. As I got to the bottom of the post, I couldn’t stop looking at the image of the sulking demon.
Strangely, his facial expression elicited an emotional response from me.
I felt compelled to find out why he was sulking and then fix the problem for him. Where did that thought come from? What just happened! Am I being seduced by a demon?
It’s a TRAP! He hooked me, using sulking as the bait.
And I took the bait even though that sulking demon looks angry, mean and spiteful.
So, I willingly stepped into a trap, just like that.
I reluctantly shifted my gaze to glance at the next ACIM lesson. Since it was short, I finished reading it, and then I read ACIM Lesson 21 again. After a couple of minutes of considering yesterday’s homework, I heard Jesus say, “Who does that sulking demon remind you of?”
Okay, Jesus. That is a very good question.
Relieved that I wasn’t going to stay in that demon’s trap (which is so easy to do if you’re not careful), I looked at my list of names of people and situations that make me angry. People from long ago. Long-standing situations that appear to be stuck. I’m sure you have a similar list.
Then Jesus said, “How do you think you’re going to solve that demon’s problem? Or anyone’s problem for that matter.”
I pondered the demon’s sulking face. He reminded me of so many situations and different relationships.
Wow! When we’re in split mind, floating on the lazy River of Shame, it is so easy to DRIFT!
But the sulking had something to teach me.
I felt the River of Grace connection because I’m learning to say, ‘He’s not my problem to solve.’
In the split-mind-world, it’s my job to fix their problems. It’s my responsibility to wonder why they’re unhappy. I’m expected to come up with the remedies and right answers when people are sulking.
Characteristics of sulking: there’s passive-aggressive behavior meant to punish you, withholding, disconnection, brooding and lots of pouting to let you know that I’m in a bad mood. Ugh!
By the way, my sulking game is strong. I am superb at sulking. Ask anyone who knows me. If I’m not careful, I turn dangerous, like an emotional gangster. And then, I’m not very nice to be around.
In the Unified Space (the River of Grace), Spirit comes up with answers and plans for what you should do next to sort things out. Each person needs to find his own way to the River of Grace by talking directly to Holy Spirit.
I can help with that, but I can’t do it for you. Lace up your boots and get on with it!
Plus, when Spirit tells you what to do, it’s okay to consider what he said.
But then, do what he said. Follow orders.
Your obedience matters as you build your relationship with him. Mutual trust is key.
The sulking demon is not welcome in the River of Grace. Or in my life. And not in Heaven, either. Never welcome. Not ever. He’s been kicked out. That’s why he is sulking.
Solving problems for others is NOT my responsibility unless Spirit says it is.
Grace from Jesus filled my heart to over-flowing. Sometimes, it’s so intense when this happens that I try to tone it down a little. Then, I instantly regret doing that!
So, I apologize to Jesus. And he ramps up the flow of grace again.
Once you tune in to the Holy Spirit’s (radio) frequency, and strengthen your ability to stay connected to Team Trinity, you’ll spend more time feeling safe, protected and loved floating on the River of Grace in Unified Space.
A Course in Miracles (ACIM) Lesson 22
Lesson 22 is short. Yay! Click the link below to find the full text and the homework for this lesson.
With regard to point of view, try reading this lesson from the perspective of split-mind zone (ego) or being separate from Team Trinity, feeling like an outsider, as you float alone on the River of Shame. This will help these ideas make more sense.
ACIM Lesson 22: “Today’s idea accurately describes the way anyone who holds attack thoughts in his mind must see the world. Having projected his anger onto the world, he sees vengeance about to strike at him. His own attack is thus perceived as self-defense. This becomes an increasingly vicious circle until he is willing to change how he sees. Otherwise, thoughts of attack and counter-attack will preoccupy him and populate his entire world. What peace of mind is possible to him then?
It is from this savage fantasy that you want to escape. Is it not joyous news to hear that it is not real? Is it not a happy discovery to find that you can escape? You made what you would destroy – everything that you hate and would attack and kill. All that you fear does not exist.”
A Course In Miracles (ACIM): Workbook Lesson 22 (full text – free to read)
The River of Grace awaits! Take the off-ramp and escape from the River of Shame!
To make this happen, I stop fussing. I simmer down and find neutral. I shift my breathing from rapid, to slow and even. Then Spirit can locate me and bless me in the River of Grace.
Vengeance: How does Tit-for-Tat show up in your relationships?
Split-mind-world, you get revenge. You make them pay. You’re the one wasting your energy plotting and scheming. Withdrawing your love, you contract and pull away. And then, even after you deliver the knock-out punch, you still feel empty and disconnected.
Unified Mind connection with Spirit? Relax! Stop fighting! Team Trinity’s got your back allowing you to feel loved, safe and protected. Let someone else do the heavy lifting for a change.
Trust that Jesus is loyal and that you are honored and respected.
God's promise: "I will take revenge. I will pay them back. In due time their feet will slip. Their day of disaster will arrive, and their destiny will overtake them."
Deuteronomy 32:35 NLT
A Course in Miracles (ACIM), Lesson 22 video
Short lesson, but long video today (20 minutes!)
What I see is a form of vengeance. ACIM Lesson 22
A Course In Miracles (ACIM): Workbook Lesson 22 (full text – free to read)
Disclaimer for quotes: I use an AI tool to capture quotes. It corrects grammar as people are speaking. Why? It’s very annoying. But, it is quick. And the relevance of the quote isn’t changed. So, what do you think? Are these robots a help or a hindrance? Only time will tell.
DramaGuru Academy is here to teach you how to navigate the situations in your life. Through Demon Spotting lessons, we reveal the patterns of any demon who is interfering with you and your loved ones. We show you how to stare those demons down as you advance confidently from the First Heaven, through the Second Heaven, towards the Third Kingdom of Heaven.
