Beauty of small groups
The Cayce material insists that everything one needs lies within self. In this sense, each person becomes their own teacher, and each becomes a teacher to others in the group as they show the results in their lives.
Hugh Lynn Cayce, in writing to a new study group many years ago, said, "What you discover will be important, but in the beginning not nearly as important as your attitude toward the group and the individuals who compose it. It is so easy to be kind and considerate toward people who agree with you. You are a group of strong wills. You have many points of view. That is good…I expect God considers each of your souls just as important in the scheme of things as the individual sitting next to you. Do you not have the time to help one another?"
Rhonda Miller, in her article "Study Groups: a half-Century of Growing, Giving and Receiving" (Sept/Oct 1987 issue of VI), stated:
Why work in groups? It magnifies the results. Group work offers:
- Support to its members
- Clarification and feedback
- Motivation to persevere
- A safe environment
- Other points of view
- Open discussion
Herb Puryear recognized 3 aspects of growth in a SFG group. First, he felt that the study and discussion of the lesson gives the members an understanding of spiritual law. Meditation by the group, focused by the affirmation, is another aspect of growth in a group that goes beyond the individual experience. The third area of growth for the group comes with the commitment of choosing an experiment or a discipline as a group and applying it in their daily life until the next meeting.
"SFG groups are not about the phenomenal; they bore those who want instant results. 'Line upon line, precept upon precept' is Cayce's prescription for building a strong container that will safely hold the powerful influx of Spirit and allow the receiver to use it in service. Warnings exist throughout the Cayce readings to 'make haste slowly'…"
Sherrill McGill in "Gathering New Seekers"
VI, Sept/Oct 1996
