Don't fall asleep

INGRID PESCHKE, MANAGING EDITOR

In the classic 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz, based on L. Frank Baum's children's novel, there's a scene where the main characters have almost reached their goal—the Emerald City—when they suddenly find themselves overcome with fatigue. Unbeknown to them, the Wicked Witch of the West has cast a spell to make them fall into a deep sleep in a field of poppies. But the Good Witch of the North rescues them just in time, sending a cold snow shower that awakens them out of their trance.

Beyond pure entertainment value, the film's message is a solid reminder to remain alert to the nature of good and evil—to be awake to what forwards progressive thought and action, as well as to what thwarts our progress by lulling us into states of inaction and fear.

No one wants to entertain thoughts that don't promote progress or good. And being vigilant about detecting them is half the battle. This week's Sentinel is designed to get us all thinking more about where our thoughts originate and how we can be more awake to the right ones.

Nathan Talbot's article clearly points the way. He poses the question: "What if all ungodlike thoughts really are without actual substance or validity? And what if all Godlike thoughts truly are reality?" He goes on to affirm: "Your real consciousness is permanently and unalterably at peace, perfect and innocent. Anything that is disruptive to the continuity of this spiritual presence is the belief that you can be hypnotized." You'll find that other writers this week have written about moments of spiritual awakening to this very fact.

The Psalmist sang, "I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness" (17:15). When we are mentally alert, we see ourselves spiritually, and our thoughts are in accord with the Divine. Then, God is in control.

WHAT I SAY UNTO YOU I SAY UNTO ALL, WATCH.—JESUS

The Christian Science Sentinel was founded in 1898 by Mary Baker Eddy, and its mission remains the same: "to hold guard over Truth, Life, and Love." The Sentinel continues to report on the unlimited ways that the healing power and presence of the Christ activates, uplifts, and transforms the lives of everyday people around the world.

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