In the children's book series, The Chronicles of Narnia, the magical land of the same name is ruled by Aslan, who appears as a large, golden lion. The four children of the tale---the pure-hearted heroes, of course---can communicate clearly with Aslan and all the other animals. On one occasion small-minded Uncle Andrew is pulled from the "real world" into Narnia, where in his fear all he can hear from the animals is barking, growling, and the other expected animal noises. When his nephew, Digory--one of the four heroes--begs Aslan to say something that will help Uncle Andrew, Aslan responds:
"I cannot (comfort) this old sinner . . . he has made himself unable to hear my voice. If I spoke to him, he would hear only growlings and roarings. Oh, Adam's sons, how cleverly you (humans) defend yourselves against all that might do you good! But I will give him the only gift he is still able to receive . . . (to) sleep and be separated from all the torments (he has) devised for (himself)."
Like Uncle Andrew, most of us are so blinded and deafened by fear that we cannot hear the words of wisdom that could comfort and guide us. Instead we hear only criticism--"growlings and roarings"--and feel only pain, and then we defend ourselves by separating from all that is good by taking a long spiritual nap.
In the words of Aslan, "All will get what they want; they do not always like it."
Recover from your negative habits and beliefs!
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