Okay, I admit I am a strong supporter of Barack Obama. And I couldn’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t be impressed with him. So I was surprised to learn that one of Ron’s clients, who lives in Texas, was confused because several of her friends think that Obama has a hidden agenda and is actually the anti-Christ. Wow!

In this month’s Study Group Reading, the Guides say: “In constructing a human life, one of the most important building blocks, or ‘factors,’ is what you would call meaning.” They go on to discuss how we assign meaning to events, both large and small, that occur in our lives.

I realized that for me, Obama being elected means that we as a nation have progressed in a most positive way from the days of segregation and prejudice. It means that we have a President with empathy and intelligence in office, and that there is hope on the horizon for becoming a better, more respected nation. And for the client’s friends in Texas, Obama’s election strikes fear in their hearts—fear that he will destroy the things that are important to them. Thus they assign the label “anti-Christ” to justify their beliefs.

As to who is “right,” I of course have my beliefs and opinions. Actually only time will tell I suppose. But the larger point here is the issue of how we decide what things mean to us in our lives. Do the attitudes we hold promote fear and separation, or do they promote love and understanding? And that is something each individual has to decide.

So whatever meaning you give to this Holiday season, Ron and I wish you a blessed one. May each day be filled with a feeling of holiness and love.

You can read the questions that were asked in this month’s Study Group here. There were a couple of interesting ones about Obama: December 2008 Study Group Questions. Of course, to hear the answers, you will want to subscribe. The monthly Readings are an affordable way to receive the Guides’ inspiration by email, MP3 file, printed transcript or on CD or cassette.