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September 30, 2008
Twenty-Fifth Anniversary
Dear Friends,
October marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of my beginning to lecture on A COURSE IN MIRACLES.
I had not lived in Los Angeles long, when in l983 I began working at The Philosophical Research Center on Los Feliz Blvd. I had come to Los Angeles after a very painful period of my life, with little money, few friends and all that boundless, crazy courage that you have when you're still young.
It was at the PRS that I was asked to give my first lecture on A Course in Miracles. I remember how excited I was, and how hard I worked to prepare for that talk. Also - amazingly, given that I cannot say this about any one of the literally thousands of lectures I have given over the last twenty-five years - I remember exactly what I was wearing that Saturday morning! I remember my red skirt and red shoes, the white sweater, and my silver necklace that my mother had brought to me from Pakistan or Afghanistan. I even remember - how I love this - my beige pantyhose! And I cannot remember for sure, but I think there is a distinct possibility that I wore red lipstick as well!
Of course, that morning changed my life. Later in the afternoon, the President of the Philosophical Research Society called me at home and asked if I would like to give lectures on A Course in Miracles once a week for a whole year. And that was that. She had given me my career.
There are no words for the gratitude that I feel for the privilege of doing what I do. Not a day goes by that I do not consciously realize what a deeply fortunate person I am. I remember praying, on the day I first began reading the Course myself, 'Dear God, please use me." I hope that He has.
The last twenty-five years have not always been easy for me, but they have always been rewarding. I think now of all the extraordinary moments I have had, with so many people in so many places, and I am struck by the miracle of my life so far. There are no words with which I can thank God, or you, enough.
That girl in the red skirt is reaching across the years today, as I now contain within myself both maiden and crone. Thank you for taking the walk you have taken with me. I send you peace and gratitude and love...
Marianne
Posted by mwblog at September 30, 2008 08:28 AM
