Dear Friend,

A New Species for the 21st Century

The Missing Link

A new millennium is coming. Another thousand years for humankind to grow and evolve. We have been doing this for millions of years. Paleontologists believe that the first true human walked the earth 1.5 to 2 million years ago. The appearance, beliefs, and values of this distant relative, homo habilis, are quite different from a twentieth century human.

The coming of the third millennium has caused us to ponder what we are evolving into. Is there a new species of humans that will come into being in the next millennium? Paleontologists look to the past for a missing link that bridges the apes and humanity. We wonder if there is to be a missing link to a new species of human being. The nearness of the year 2000 and thoughts such as those above have caused us to want to share a series of letters and Inner Journey Journals with you that consider the new species of the 21st century.

Evolution is slow and sure and is evidence of steady growth in consciousness. All that appears was first given birth in consciousness. However, long ago there must have been a dramatic moment when an apelike creature achieved self-consciousness. The so-called missing link was born. We are spiritual beings. There must be another dramatic moment in which one of us awakens not to self consciousness, but to cosmic consciousness. In that moment, another "missing link" is born. Jesus is obviously a bridge to another species. His appearance may have been like ours, but his values and vision of life transcended those who walked the dusty road of Israel with Him. So let us roam in a time that has not yet come. Let us consider what lies ahead for us and the steps we are to take to support the evolution/involution of the new species. As we do so, let us remember. that what we are to become is written on our hearts. We can become only what we are.

Quantum Leaps

We speculate that humanity evolves into a "new species" through a series of quantum leaps. Physicists speak of subatomic particles absorbing energy until they make a sudden leap to another level. When we consider our lives, we see that the same process takes place in our spiritual unfoldment. We seem to be on a plateau, perhaps wrestling with guilt, unforgiveness, aimlessness and lack of purpose. We do our inner work, and at first, nothing happens, but then suddenly, the breakthrough occurs. We forgive ourselves or another. Purpose fills our souls, and new insights and energies rise from within. We have ascended to another level of consciousness.

The pattern and process of spiritual growth that is true for the individual is true for humanity. Can you sense an anticipation of a breakthrough? It seems more and more attention is being given to spirituality and particularly to prayer. Currently, thirty percent of the books on the secular best-seller list have spiritual themes. Television programs continue to introduce spiritual subjects to the masses and the stars are not preachers! Could it be that something is happening in consciousness? We think there is now an influx of consciousness that is building toward the next. millennium.

This does not mean we will all be changed in the "twinkling of an eye" shortly after December 31, 1999. (Actually, the millennium begins with the onset of 2001) Spiritual breakthroughs do not follow the calendar. However, our values are shifting. Our hearts are opening. The heart is the key. The mind is important, for learning paves the way, but the road we must walk is trod only when we love.

Another Species?

We are giving much thought to the new species and how it will show itself on the earth. Jesus’ life is a supreme example of what lies before us. He even said that we will do the things that He did. However, for this first letter, we thought we would share with you stories of "ordinary" people and how they reveal the capacities that are within all of us.

When we read about, experience, or witness some of these events, we realize we were seeing pieces of a puzzle. They appear scattered and unrelated, but the common ground is that they are all human beings. When the puzzle pieces are viewed as a whole, a composite of the new species can be seen. We begin to see what we are capable of being. and doing. If one of us can do a thing, then all of us must have the ability to accomplish it too!

Some of the stories you are about to read may seem impossible, but we assure you they are true. In fact, events like these occur somewhere on the planet everyday. The new species is being born daily. One by one, we take on this new mantle, and the human family is one step closer to its cosmic breakthrough. And then it will be as Paul said, "…we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye…" (I Corinthians 15:52).

A Look At the New Species

It is said that the strongest human urge is self-preservation. The story you are about to read indicates that this is not true.

The teenage brother of a ten-year-old boy was ill. A blood transfusion became necessary, and tests revealed that the two boys had the same blood-type. The parents and doctor spoke to the ten-year-old and asked if he would be willing to give his blood in a . transfusion for his brother. The doctor explained the procedure and with trepidation the young boy consented.

On the day of the transfusion, the two boys were side by side on adjoining tables, and the transfusion started. After it progressed for a short period of time, the younger brother said to the doctor, "When am I going to die?" The doctor explained that he was not going to die, but then the young boy’s question struck the doctor. The boy thought that by giving his blood to his brother, he would die, but he was willing to do so! Does this seem like another species? It is not. We are capable of putting aside the strong urge for self-preservation and give our lives for others. Soldiers have fallen on live grenades to save their comrades. Others have put their lives at risk in order. to save others.

Martin Luther King, Sr., who endured much prejudice in his life, lived by the following creed and taught it to his son. "Let no man pull you so low as to make you hate him." When we or our family are grievously harmed, it is difficult to maintain the high watch. But we know a man whose wife was murdered, and he refused to press charges. In fact, he went to the young man who had murdered his wife and forgave him.

Does this seem like another species? How could a person do such a thing? Friends, this capacity to love is within each of us and is destined to be part of the active life of the new species of the 21st century.

Do you remember the story of Leslie Lemke? His incredible story was on the popular news program "60 Minutes" many years ago. Leslie was a disabled man who did not speak and who did not exhibit any discernible talent. One night Leslie’s parents heard piano music and a beautiful singing voice. They got up and walked into an adjoining room and were astonished to find Leslie singing and playing the piano. Leslie was displaying a hidden talent that was immense. He read no music, but he could play the music of the masters.

Was Leslie of another species? No, he was a piece of the puzzle, a part of the composite, that reveals the new species that is yet to be born. Imagine the abilities and talents that rest within us.

In Love We Journey With You,

Jim and Nancy