Myrtle Fillmore: A Pioneer in Spiritual Healing and Co-Founder of Unity
Myrtle Fillmore, co-founder of the Unity movement, stands as a beacon of spiritual healing and transformative thought. Her life and works continue to inspire millions worldwide, rooted in principles of faith, divine potential, and practical Christianity. This blog delves into her journey, her significant contributions, and the enduring legacy she left behind.
Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Born on August 6, 1845, in Pagetown, Ohio, Myrtle Fillmore, née Mary Caroline Page, grew up in a devout Methodist family. Her early years were marked by frail health, which later became a pivotal aspect of her spiritual journey. Myrtle's quest for healing and understanding led her to explore various religious and spiritual teachings beyond her Methodist upbringing.
Myrtle's transformative spiritual awakening began in the late 1880s when she attended a lecture by Dr. E.B. Weeks, a metaphysical teacher, in Kansas City. During this lecture, she heard a statement that would change her life: "I am a child of God, and therefore I do not inherit sickness." This revelation sparked a profound shift in her consciousness, prompting her to adopt a new understanding of her divine nature and inherent health.
The Founding of Unity
Inspired by her newfound spiritual insight, Myrtle embarked on a journey of self-healing. She dedicated herself to prayer, affirmation, and meditation, focusing on affirming her divine health and wholeness. Over time, Myrtle experienced a significant improvement in her health, which she attributed to her spiritual practices and unwavering faith.
Myrtle's healing journey, coupled with the support of her husband, Charles Fillmore, led to the founding of the Unity movement in 1889. Unity emerged as a spiritual organization dedicated to practical Christianity, emphasizing the power of prayer, positive thinking, and the realization of one's divine potential. The Fillmore's sought to create a community that encouraged individuals to explore and express their spiritual nature, promoting healing and transformation.
Key Works and Teachings
Myrtle Fillmore's teachings are deeply rooted in the principles of New Thought, a spiritual movement that emphasizes the power of thought and the presence of the divine within each individual. Her writings and lectures focused on the idea that one's thoughts and beliefs directly influence their physical health and overall well-being. Some of her most significant works include:
1. "How to Let God Help You" (1956)
This book is a compilation of Myrtle's writings and teachings, offering practical guidance on how to connect with the divine presence within. Through personal anecdotes and spiritual insights, Myrtle encourages readers to cultivate a deeper relationship with God and trust in their inherent divine potential.
2. "Healing Letters" (1936)
A collection of letters written by Myrtle to individuals seeking spiritual guidance and healing, "Healing Letters" provides a glimpse into her compassionate and nurturing approach to spiritual counseling. The letters address various challenges, offering wisdom and encouragement rooted in faith and love.
3. "Myrtle Fillmore's Healing Letters" (1948)
This work is a compilation of Myrtle's correspondence with individuals seeking healing. It offers practical advice and affirmations, emphasizing the importance of positive thinking, prayer, and self-awareness in the healing process.
4. "Wee Wisdom" Magazine
Myrtle Fillmore founded "Wee Wisdom" in 1893, the first children's magazine dedicated to spiritual education. The magazine aimed to teach children about their divine nature and the principles of love, kindness, and positive thinking. It remained in publication for over 70 years, influencing generations of young minds.
Legacy and Impact
Myrtle Fillmore's legacy extends far beyond her writings and teachings. Her life is a testament to the transformative power of faith, prayer, and the realization of one's divine potential. Unity, the movement she co-founded, continues to thrive as a global spiritual community, offering resources, classes, and support for individuals seeking spiritual growth and healing.
The principles of Unity, including affirmative prayer, meditation, and the understanding of one's divine nature, have had a profound impact on countless lives. Unity's Silent Unity prayer ministry, established in 1890, offers prayer support to individuals worldwide, embodying Myrtle's commitment to compassionate service and spiritual healing.
Moreover, Unity Village, the headquarters of the Unity movement located near Kansas City, Missouri, serves as a spiritual retreat and educational center. It offers a peaceful sanctuary for individuals seeking spiritual renewal and growth, continuing Myrtle's mission of fostering a deeper connection with the divine.
Conclusion
Myrtle Fillmore's life and works exemplify the power of faith, prayer, and the recognition of one's divine potential. Her journey from frail health to spiritual healing, and her dedication to helping others realize their inherent wholeness, continue to inspire and uplift. Through her writings, teachings, and the enduring legacy of the Unity movement, Myrtle Fillmore's message of divine love and healing remains a guiding light for seekers of spiritual truth.
References
- Fillmore, M. (1956). How to Let God Help You. Unity School of Christianity.
- Fillmore, M. (1936). Healing Letters. Unity School of Christianity.
- Fillmore, M. (1948). Myrtle Fillmore's Healing Letters. Unity School of Christianity.
- Unity. (n.d.). About Myrtle Fillmore. Retrieved from [Unity Official Website](https://www.unity.org/about/more-about-unity/our-co-founders/myrtle-fil…)
- Vahle, N. (2002). The Unity Movement: Its Evolution and Spiritual Teachings. Templeton Foundation Press.
Myrtle Fillmore's story is a profound example of the transformative power of spiritual understanding and the enduring impact of a life dedicated to service and healing.
The Myrtle Fillmore Healing Story