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Word Gems exploring self-realization, sacred personhood, and full humanity
The Earthbound: Caught between the
return to the main-page article on "Hell"
There is a category of so-called dead who neither go to the Light nor to a Dark place. These are the "earthbound," ones who, for various reasons, and for a time, remain near the Earth. It is these who, so often, cannot accept that they are dead. "How could I be dead?" they might exclaim - "I've never felt better." Strengthening their argument, also, is continuance of old habits and lifestyle. They remain in familiar houses, ride buses to work, take walks in the park, just as they always did. True, no one seems to take much notice of them, but that fact is rationalized away. And sometimes they appear in familiar bodily-form to mortals.
"They desperately want to stay... they struggle to be attached to Earth"
Attorney Edward Randall, employing the services of direct-voice medium Emily French, over a 20 year period, spoke to thousands of these confused and disoriented spirits trapped on the earthplane. Randall comments on his work of helping confused spirits: [Early on] I had the usual indefinite, hazy notion that Heaven, so-called, was far away, that something survived dissolution, but what it was I had never been able even to define, any more than the average Christian can define it today. I did not then know that this inner body at dissolution advanced to material spirit zones that encircle this earth, and that those whose spirituality did not carry them into the higher spheres did not for a long time get beyond the earthbound plane, and that many were able to go in and out of our homes and offices as before, though they could not make us answer them or realize their presence. It seems that the "dead" who become trapped near the Earth do so as a kind of intermediate stage: They are not wicked people, and oftentimes have lived a decently good life. But, that acknowledged, their "spirituality" [was insufficient to] carry them into the higher spheres" of Summerland.
It's often been said that one does not need to be perfect or a "saint" to enter Summerland - just an ordinary, decently good person. Why then do so many get trapped near the Earth? There could be many reasons: unfinished important business, worries about family and career; however, one of the main causes of staying here is that of fear - fear of an angry God, fear of condemnation and judgment. Fear creates darkness in one's spirit, and this darkness can lead to disorientation and confusion; even for people who've led a good life. This is what happened to my Uncle Joe, a very good man. The following is a report I wrote some years ago:
My Uncle Joe, Korean War Veteran, Trapped near the Earth, in Fears of God and Judgment, Terrified of the Light Uncle Joe died of cancer in 2002. A few years later, when I visited my hometown, I learned that he had been seen, by children and grandchildren, in the old farmhouse. This information troubled me, and I thought about possible causes. Later, back in my home-city, I spoke with Linda, who, as I've reported, is one of the world's best psychic-mediums. I spoke of Uncle Joe to her, and she asked me if I would like for her to check on his situation. It hadn't crossed my mind that she might be able to help, but I readily assented. "They are telling me that he has not gone to the Light!" I was shocked at this announcement. How could this happen to my good Uncle Joe? "He is afraid. He believes that judgment is waiting for him!" Almost immediately, I sensed the situation. This good man, one who had endured the "Fire and Ice" of the Korean War, was now suffering under an even greater terror, the guilt and fear inspired by the old Catholic teaching. I thought - "how absolutely absurd that a good man like Uncle Joe should have fears of judgment and crossing over." Linda continued: "They are telling me that you can help him. He knows you and likes you. He might listen to you. Just talk to him. Speak to him just as I am speaking to you now. He'll be able to hear your words. Tell him what it is like on the Other Side. Tell him that he has nothing to fear. Just talk to him in an ordinary way."
David instructs me Later that evening, I met with David, a very good psychic-medium: "There's a reason why your Uncle Joe appeared in the old farmhouse. It takes a tremendous amount of energy for a soul-entity to manifest, and that's why seeing them, for us, is a rare thing. But it's much easier for them to appear if they're around their old familiar places, with the familiar energies with which they are in tune. Also, there's a reason why he appeared to certain people. It's easier to appear to family members, ones with whom he had a spirit-connection, than to a stranger. It's the familiar energies again. He probably couldn't have made himself visible, even a mile away from the farmhouse, it had to be where he felt the familiar energy, so that he could align himself with it." I thought about all of these things. And then another disturbing thought came to me...
This insight made me feel very bad for him. But Uncle Joe's situation is common, and I have read of many similar reports. One that comes to mind just now is that of a departed person who simply rode the subway, up and down the line, for many years. A Spirit Guide, a member of a rescue-team specializing in such matters, one day sat down beside him on the subway and just started to casually chat: mind if I sit next to you? ... nice day, huh? ... how are you today? ... how long have you been riding this train? ... didn't really know, hadn't really thought about it... have you noticed the changes going on about you... hadn't really noticed... do you know why no one ever talks to you... had wondered about that... why don't you come with me, my friend, let me take you home... And in this Twilight-Zone of Unreality, a soul-entity loses all sense of time. Uncle Joe would not know for certain if he'd been sitting in the farmhouse living room for a day, a year, or ten years; and, he might stay there for hundreds, even thousands of years, without an intervening event to jar his consciousness. Many persons, in such a state, do not even clearly understand that they are "dead." They will wonder at times why no one responds to their speaking, and this can frustrate and anger them so.
Uncle Joe, my godfather, while stationed in Korea in 1951, sent to me, an infant, this photo and message. My spirit is deeply moved as I contemplate him, then, thinking of me, a mere incoherent babe; and now, in the irony of life, almost 60 years later, I am called upon to help this Lion, as he suffers a measure of disequilibrium from another battlefield, one even more deadly and terrible, and of worldwide proportion.
a voice in the wilderness I would attempt to comply with Linda's instruction - but it's not easy to speak, out loud, "to yourself." However, for several days, I would do so, for about 10 minutes at a time, addressing important issues... but, sometimes, I would just tell him what was going on in my day, and talk to him as a friend. Psychic-medium Juliet S. Goodenow, reported in Vanishing Night. She had read a book by the late Frederic W. H. Myers. She wondered if it were possible to contact him. “This is all that I knew concerning Mr. Myers. With pen in hand … I called with my inner voice: ‘Mr. Myers!’ The reply came instantly, as follows: I am he. It does not take long for a spirit to travel. The first faint allusion to a spirit is heard.” Two weeks later I saw Linda again. She guessed what was on my mind and asked me if I wanted for her to check on Uncle Joe's progress. "His Spirit Guides are telling me that he is considering what you're saying to him. He has not made a decision yet. He is still apprehensive about making a big change. But he does want you to know that he appreciates very much your concern." This bit of feedback made it easier for me to speak. I continued my talks with him. And when I drove to New Brunswick in early August to see Adrian, I would sometimes speak to Uncle Joe along the way. And one day, feeling particularly led to speak at length, I went to a nearby park, and walked in the woods. I stopped on a wooden bridge traversing a small brook and peered into the water for a long time, all the while, speaking to my Uncle. Another two weeks passed, and Linda delivered this message to me: "Uncle Joe has taken your advice and has passed over to the Light. He is still somewhat apprehensive, having just arrived there. Your grandmother has met him, so that is good; he has not yet seen your Dad. He is not yet sure that he has made the right decision, but, he is there now, and he will be alright." I stopped my daily messages to Uncle Joe; but, even so, would still occasionally send a quick "note." Some days later, Linda said this to me: "I had a dream about Uncle Joe. And when I awoke, I confirmed the information, so I know it's true. He is feeling much better. He has met up with some of his Korean War buddies, and now knows that he made the right decision to move on. He is the cautious type, though, and his feelings are still not 100% positive, but he is definitely doing better, and he will be fine. He thanks you for what you did."
(1969 photo, taken by me) Two brothers, Uncle Joe and Dad, repairing the header of a combine. That farm-work was such a big part of our world; it's all gone now. But the lives of those we love continue on.
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