The Color Light Green

by James Masters

Strength

Although not represented in the traditional Pride Flag, the power of strength holds significant importance in Unity's understanding of the twelve powers. Strength, as defined by Fillmore, extends beyond physicality and serves as one of the foundational powers shaping our human experience. While commonly associated with physical vigor, strength manifests on physical, mental, and spiritual levels.

On the physical plane, strength provides vitality and resilience, enabling us to overcome challenges and navigate life with endurance. Mentally, it empowers confident decision-making and the pursuit of goals, fostering stability of character. However, the true essence of strength lies in its spiritual realization, intertwined with faith.

To cultivate strength, we can affirm,

"Through the will of Spirit, my potential for strength is developed and expressed with ease."

In this context, strength represents vitality, endurance, stability, and spiritual fortitude.

As strength emerges within us, we grow in its intellectual nature before realizing its spiritual essence through prayer and focused concentration. By aligning ourselves with the Source of strength and affirming our oneness with it, we tap into our inner wellspring of divine power.

The Power of Strength

The power of strength enhances our ability to channel the other powers. By affirming and embracing the mighty spiritual principle of strength, we allow its abundant blessings to flow into our lives. It is essential to recognize that our true nature is strength itself, and thus, we must reject thoughts of weakness and affirm strength in every aspect of our being.
 

Pride

This series was developed for Pride Month 2023, emphasizing the strength within our community as the driving force behind Pride. While some may perceive Pride as merely a celebration of diverse gender expression or sexuality, it extends beyond that. As individuals, we experience pride when we overcome challenges, and for generations, LGBTQI+ individuals have demonstrated immense strength in the face of adversity. We have risen above systems of power that sought to control our lives and define our experiences.

This serves as an exemplary illustration of how the twelve powers are innate within each human being and are further amplified through community engagement. We do not affirm these powers to attain them; rather, we affirm them to tap into the inner resources available within us.

Cultivating Strength

One thing to keep in mind is that Strength is often cultivated through resistance. Just as a bodybuilder utilizes weights to create strength and definition in their physique, using resistance at the gym. This principle applies to all levels of our being. When we encounter resistance in life, we become stronger and can more effectively manifest our potential.

By embracing our inner strength, we transcend physical boundaries and the illusion of limitations. Cultivating strength on all levels—physical, mental, and spiritual—unleashes our true potential, leading us to a life characterized by resilience, fortitude, and purpose.