America & Life—I Love You

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Guest Post by Gloria Lionz

I seldom focus on our nation’s history, yet every citizen who lives here has lives that intertwine.

The ‘fact’ we didn’t “have” to go to war with England to eventually gain our freedom was the focus of my 2nd date with Wes, who became my future husband. 

In his mind, ‘we could have found another way’ to bridge the gaps in those early days of America. He brought up and pursued that topic passionately. Our animated dialogue set the stage for lively conversations that lasted until his health removed his ability to live in the present. That day’s exchange lasted from noon till dusk as we walked the Santa Cruz hills soaking in the sounds of the waves below us. It was magical (our meeting pre-arranged by our Souls’ choice, of which we were unaware at the time). 

I believe: ALL of US who share a heart-connection have likely done so over many lifetimes. Case in point, when I was 11, in the 5^th grade, I had several dreams that felt so ‘real’ they turned my tidy worldview upside down. In those dreams, I was called a ‘Red Coat’ (loyal to England working as a “spy for the King.”

My job required me to listen then report to my ‘bosses’ conversations I had with farmers, landowners, dreamers of every sort pursuing their dream to be independent and free. Scenes I’d never witnessed (in movies, books or elsewhere) permeated my young mind; each dream following in neat, vibrant detail.

That year, my teacher introduced us to the American Revolution. About three days before her first class, I woke from my first Red Coat Dream.  In a cold sweat, I remember several urgent questions demanding answers just before waking: WHERE’S my red coat?  WHY aren’t my black books by the door? Then, WHERE’S MY WIG? (I was sure I’d left them neatly beside my chair!)

To my horror, as I looked down and saw NONE of those things. I yelled, “MY BODY’S GONE!  I must be having a nightmare!  I’m a girl; where are MY legs?!” 

Then it hit me—I was DREAMING about someone I DIDN’T KNOW!  I felt I WAS THAT person. But how? Finally, I woke up fully and realized though it made NO sense, somehow, we were connected.  

Each day, as we studied, and my teacher discussed various “facts” about the “horrible red coats.” What she said made NO sense! I couldn’t accept her ‘viewpoint’ about them. I KNEW they were soldiers doing a “job”. It was clear they had to obey their superiors, even if they didn’t want to.

At the end of the class, we were told to write a short story about what we’d learned. I wrote my story from that soldier’s perspective. She gave me a “C” for lack of understanding the assignment and scribbled an odd note giving me an “A” for imagination! That was the first time I realized it was likely NO adult would ever believe my story. Quite the conundrum since I’d dreamed of him so often that semester.  

Fast forward to me at 32. While searching for a woman minister to conduct my marriage vows with my second husband to be, I met Mary Ellen.  She was my hairdresser’s mom, an ecumenical minister and self-taught spiritual teacher. At the time, she was a spritely 78 years young. Within a moment of shaking hands and asking her if she’d lead our ceremony, she nodded “Yes.”

Next, she informed me, “You’re here to work with me. I’ve been waiting to meet you for years. You’re a “knower” and have much to learn about yourself and your spiritual purpose for being here.” 

Excuse me? What did this woman just say?

She looked so “normal”—like a happy grandma, a strong character with fearless curiosity. Her statements were foreign, yet she was ‘familiar’ to me. She continued saying: “You’ve had many lifetimes and many are influencing current decisions.” As odd as her pronouncements sounded, they resonated. So, I agreed to become her student and learn what she had to share.

A few weeks later, she asked me to bring a few pieces of jewelry for her to ‘read.’ How odd! Jewelry is designed to wear (not read, like a book)! But to my delight, as she held each item, she began asking me about dreams I’d had off and on throughout my entire life, including the Red Coat dreams.  

Holding a small American flag pin, she “saw” a tall Red Coat soberly serving his country. A few moments later, her expression changed. “Something happened there; your loyalty began to change. Your commitment was so noticeable, a fellow soldier reported you to your superiors. You were sent home. Your heart broke.” In that brief intuitive reading, she described what I’d seen and felt as a child of 11! She discerned a core truth; in that lifetime my Soul had responded to the clarion call of America—to freedom.  

To this day, I wear that small rhinestone American Flag pin every July 4^th. I love it for its link to America’s mission—freedom for all. Mary Ellen understood my connection with that lifetime.  

What she shared that day also taught me whatever we touch, hold or otherwise admire eventually ‘absorbs’ the energy we’ve bestowed.  

That memory arrived long before it made “sense’ yet at the Soul level, it inspired everything I did from that point forward. The intrinsic spiritual truths of America were “alive” in me long before America became independent, long before I was born in 1947. My Soul recognized that sovereign voice. Now I know Soul is Divinely designed to shine its light and participate as it ‘chooses’…freedom incarnate.

I still can FEEL the weight of that heavy red coat, how it scratched my skin and how the densely woven cotton shirt helped reduce some of the skin chafing. Yep, my dreams are often that visceral!

As I matured spiritually; I came to realize dreams are often great teachers—way-showers for our benefit. We inwardly agree and align to open to the insights they provide. So eventually I rediscovered that truth in this life. I realized I’d become an ‘insider’—a soldier who wanted to help. As a result, I was responsible for betraying that trust as a Red Coat.

Here’s an amazing connection though. WHO did I work for/represent for 30 of my 32 years with my employer? The United Kingdom! There are NO accidents, my friends. While it was NOT appropriate to be ‘disloyal’ to “my King” that life’s vow to return to America ONLY when invited came TRUE some 200 years later. That’s what I call “Divine Timing!”  

Those gritty people pursuing life, liberty, and the pursuit of their life goals were amazing. They didn’t see the colonies as a ‘money-making endeavor.’ They worked hard to get to this country, many losing loved ones and nearly themselves to starvation, disease, usury, you name it. This amazing place or any other place on earth isn’t a panacea. Yet what’s true is every person’s desire to bring a new chapter into form is part of Soul’s reason for being here.   

There are countless terms for freedom. My FIRST conscious connection arrived in my dreams as a little girl. The impetus to be all I can be lives in my marrow. It’s my reason and inspiration for being here, for learning, for serving, for growth.

As an employee of a large military-industrial corporation, I went through countless tests before being promoted for my grit, intelligence, and commitment to performing with excellence. The ultimate reward came in my 20th year when I was promoted to the role of contract administrator. Part of that job required travel to Washington DC 2-3 times annually. Every time I visited the White House complex, the National Mall, the Smithsonian, and other monuments, tears of joy filled my being. I was palpably connected from the start.

The Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial—each encounter with these iconic structures assured me I was “home.” One night, shortly before sunset, my bosses let me leave the office early giving me just enough time to make the final bus tour to the Jefferson Memorial. It was sunset when we stepped off the bus. Visitors at that time of day tend to be subdued; thoughtful. We only had 75 minutes before we had to return to the bus.

As I walked into the Jefferson Rotunda, I decided to read aloud the four statements etched inside. The memorial is stunning; sedate yet grounded in shape, acoustics, and the originator’s intention. As I read, my words stabilized the energy, building resonance. In a few minutes, I was surrounded by about 20 other visitors listening intently. The quote on the Southwest Wall is my favorite. I read it slowly; everyone stood absorbing the sacred moment:

    “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, that to secure these rights governments are instituted among men. We…solemnly publish and declare, that these colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent states…And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” – The Declaration of Independence

When I finished, there was only one thing I wanted to do to settle my rapidly beating heart. I walked to the edge of the Rotunda, stood next to the Potomac River, faced the brightly lit Washington Obelisk-Memorial and began performing a Chi Kung salute. As I began the form, an intense wave of love moved through my body, head to toe. Internally, I heard these words: “This is a place on Earth where spiritual freedom was born. Honor it.”

As I completed the Chi Kung movement, my right hand in solemn salute across from my third eye, right knee slightly bent, back foot balancing from behind, the brightest blue-white light speared through the top of the Washington Monument! The dazzling light spread through the river in front of me. The night sky was black except for the piercing light only I could see.  With reverence, I held that position, realizing this was a deeply personal gift, an acknowledgment that I was ‘truly home’ and witnessing God’s love for every Soul!

I’ve held that encounter in silence ever since. But on July 4^th, 2024, I knew it was time to share it. A time to outwardly remember and acknowledge we are here to evolve, to learn the ways of Spirit, and to implement those eternal gifts into our daily lives. To empower ourselves to live in harmony on the inner and with one another.

So, I share these stories to acknowledge and celebrate gratitude for every lifetime. And I invite each reader to take a moment to notice what’s precious, inviolate, and worth building, learning about and growing within and outside your life. We are “one”—we are Soul—we ARE and will continue to influence how ‘reality’ appears in our lives and those we interact with.

Whatever you do to celebrate any day, including July 4^th, take time to notice how what each person does and says impacts others. Our thoughts, words and deeds touch all beings. Spirit is the essential life force. It provides (or can inhibit) all beings the freedom to explore, grow, and share this thing we call “life.” Treasure it and each day will resonate true freedom.

© Gloria Lionz
Penned: July 4, 2024

Please note: Images on this site are for illustrative purposes only. Any resemblance to actual persons, either living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Gloria Lionz has been a life coach for four plus decades. She’s also a life-long poet and storyteller. Her training in personal growth began in her early 20’s. With certificates in Reiki, Ho’oponopono, and training with Caroline Myss, the works of Alamaia Will, Lynn Andrews, and Dr. Christiane Northrop. She facilitates group and individual coaching and is also an event planner.  

She is an enthusiastic gardener, an essential oil instructor, and volunteers at her local cat shelter helping cats learn to trust and recover from neglect and/or abuse. She’s committed to living a life of “love in action”—sharing her passion for helping others notice and accept they’re here to love and be loved.

Gloria can be contacted through her email: [email protected]