I Am. That is the name God discloses to Moses when as “who shall I say sent me?” In Exodus 3:14 God responds “Say that I am sent you.” It is a name we use as well in reference to ourselves, yet how often do we think about the words we use to follow that declaration. Do they honor our Creator?
An essence of the Great I am resides within all beings. Quantum physics has even shown us that all of creation has one common denominator: the atom; and within that atom is a life-giving force or energy that is the same in everything. That life-giving force which is the creation of all that is, is the Divine I am. When we then began a statement with “I am” are we in complete gratitude and acceptance of our life in this moment, or are we bitter, angry, and negative?
Elzie Crisler Segar created the comic strip character Popeye nearly 90 years ago (1919).
The Character became a television cartoon viewed by children for years. And though we might not agree with the violence involved (the fist fights between Popeye and his enemy Brutus) we can stand in awe at the wisdom woven into Popeye’s self image. I speak of his famous line “ I yam what I yam.”
Roughly translated: I am what I am, is the complete acceptance of one’s self as child of God who is perfect exactly as is. By making such a statement we are standing in the knowing that in this now moment we are in the perfect place, in the exact right condition and that even if we are in the midst of something that might be viewed as “bad”, we are surrounded by Grace and God is with us. Is it possible to be this accepting?
In the 1980 film version of Popeye, Robin Williams wonders “what” he is. He asks first: “ What am I, some kind of barnacle on the dingy of life? “ If we perceive ourselves to be nothing more than a something or someone who is just stuck here with no real purpose, our lives will seem pretty pointless and our ability to receive joy will be blocked. Will we stay stuck, unable to move forward? If we are able to understand we are here to be expressions of God on earth, even being a barnacle can be filled with joy and love.
Next in Popeye’s wonderings, he asks “What am I, some kind of a Judge or Lawyers (sic)" - "Maybe not, but I knows (sic) what laws suit me.” The deeper understanding that we are not here to prosecute or persecute, but to find what Truth sings in our hearts and to follow it, be it. Another great avatar named Gandhi once told us “Be the change you want to see.” He did not suggest that we go out and try to change everyone else or shake our fingers at those who do not believe as we do; rather we should first check in with ourselves and be sure we are living that which we believe and want to see in our world.
It was one thing to wish for world peace and love in the world and another to be a peaceful, loving person. How many times have you seen one who demands that we bring about peace get into a car had give the finger to the first person who cuts him off in traffic!
Our elder brother and way-shower Jesus told us we must love others as we love ourselves. Have you loved yourself today? Really loved yourself? Until we are able to first accept ourselves exactly as we are, we will have difficulty truly loving ourselves as it involves loving our human-ness as well. Popeye got it when he understood he was neither Judge nor Lawyer but knew what Law was his to follow. What ever “law” or Truth resonates with you is exactly the right one for you. It does not mean it will remain constant; as we grow spiritually, often times we are lead to different thoughts, beliefs. Accepting your own Truth is the first step, accepting that others may have a different path to follow is to stand in non-judgment.
Finally Popeye asks “What am I, I’m no physicisk (sic) but I know what matters.” He follows this statement with the ever-profound statement “ I yam what I yam.” He understands that it is not the physical labor we chose to perform or who we project that we are to the world, rather it is simply that we are. In this state of acknowledgment that all is exactly as it should be, we connect with Spirit and allow the gentle flow of Universal Love to flow in, through and from us. We shed the need for resistance because we accept what is in our lives, there is no need to struggle. Without the struggle we open ourselves to the blessings that are in every moment.
As we speak the words “I am,” perhaps we should try to follow those words with positive statements. Statements such as “I am sick” call forth illness into our lives. It leaves us, in many cases feeling even worse. You may have a cold or the flu but if we think about re thinking how we speak of ourselves and our situations we might instead say “ I am releasing toxins and healing right now.” Wow. What a difference; to think of “illness” as our body simply releasing that which does not serve our good. It not only puts a different “spin” on our situation, but it also hints at the blessing that is connected to the “illness.” It may be, if we think about it, that we had proclaimed to the Universe at some earlier point that we were tired and needed a rest or break. Well, there it is. Forced to stay in bed and care for yourself, rest and take a break from work. A friend of mine once called to tell me she had forgotten about watching her words and being in acceptance of her life at that moment. She had been taking a stroll and stated, “ I need a break, Lord!” A few moments later she tripped and broke her foot! It is not always so dramatic, but when we accept ourselves and where are, we are in non-resistance.
Popeye’s wisdom is one we might all consider utilizing in our daily lives and in our choice of words. We might be a barnacle on the dingy of life, but if we know and accept our Truth as beloved of children of God, we can sit back, bobbing around in our ocean of love and enjoy the ride.
Popeye and avatar? Well blow me down!
