The Incredible Power of Beliefs
April 19, 1993
Waco, Texas
This day is forever etched in American history. Seventy-nine people including 21 harmless children died. Those 79 deaths where the culmination of a 51 day siege at the Branch Davidian Ranch in Mount Caramel.
The natives of the Branch Davidian Ranch were a part of a religious sect by the same name. They believed that the second coming of Jesus Christ was imminent and their leader, David Koresh, was the last real prophet to ever grace the earth. Under the guidance of Koresh they gathered at Mount Caramel to await their savior’s return.
David Koresh was a notoriously charismatic leader. Koresh used his charisma to get inside the minds of his followers. Amongst other things he preached:
- Polygamy for himself
- He was to be worshiped as God
- The natural parents of his followers were dogs
- He had the authority and wisdom to undermine any relationship (family, friend, spousal) that he chose
His vile personality was so strong that the members began to believe him and listen to his claims of being the living messiah. They felt so strongly that they were willing to die for him. Seventy nine people did just that.
On February 28, 1993 the ATF began a siege of Mount Carmel. 4 Agents and 6 Davidians were murdered that day. This would mark the beginning of a historic event. The incredible siege went on for 51 more days with Koresh’s followers always remaining by his side.
On day 51 the final assault on the compound was ordered.. CS gas (a riot control agent) was launced in the Branch Davidian complex. The gas caught fire and began to roast the Branch Davidian complex. As their safe house burned to the ground Koresh’s followers stood by their leader in solidarity. With death staring them in the faces several of the adults shot childeren and then took their own lives. Others chose the excruciating option of burning to death in support of their beliefs. When it was all said and done 79 people suffered useless deaths. All because of something David Koresh made up.
So what does this have to do with you?
You weren’t at that compound. You obviously didn’t choose to die in a fire in support of a crazed madman. In all likelihood you think the story is outlandish, crazy, and ridiculous! Hopefully you do. If so I’ve struck a chord.
I purposefully used a dramatic example to bring a point to the surface. Our beliefs DEFINE our existence. Every day we live out our beliefs. Whether they be spiritual, financial, physical, educational, or mechanical they’re unavoidable. Beliefs are as natural and important to life as breathing.
With that said answer these questions for yourself:
- What beliefs do you hold near and dear to your heart?
- Why do you believe so strongly in these things?
- Are they realistically helping or hurting you in your relationships with others?
- If they are hurting you why aren’t you letting them go?
Your beliefs are may not be as dramatic as the Branch Davidians but they still have a greater impact on your life than you may notice. Take a moment to think about your system. Clean yourself up in areas where your beliefs may be holding you back, making you unhappy, or not serving the greater good of society. We all owe that to ourselves and everyone around us.
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December 8, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Very good article.
Believing makes is so.
I have heard is suggested that as an energetic being, our thoughts create an energy field around us. Then the air we breath in is filtered through that vibrational field, reinforcing the the state of mind that we are already experiencing.
Peace and wonder,
CG