Noisy bubbling sounds rising to the surface created a soothing backdrop for Rexanne’s wandering thoughts. She turned to regulate the pressure of the hot tub’s lumbar jets, saying softly to herself, “That feels much improved.”

When Jake inquired about a gift for her 45th birthday, she promptly replied, “Some alone time in the hot tub.” As she eased into the water until it reached her neck, warm droplets of spray playfully tickled her nose. She adjusted her position slightly, sliding back up.

In her mind, a mental calendar turned its pages. “Wow, it’s been three years – exactly this week – since I sat in front of Ms. Terror at Gorrie Elementary, learning all about Brian and Leslie.” With a smile, she thought, Boy, they’ve come so far.

And they certainly had made substantial progress. Both of them had successfully adapted to school and church life. Mile Hi has been such a blessing, she reflected to herself. “Their slogan holds: ‘Welcome home!’ I just wish Harry could be here as well. I believe he would’ve found it truly enjoyable, in many ways.” Her expression softened as she quietly added, “I still feel his absence deeply.”

Her unexpected embrace of Mile Hi Church and its teachings had a profound impact on Rexanne. It transformed her not only as an individual but also as a mother and a friend. As a remarkable human being, her influence could potentially be remembered in the history of humanity as someone who made positive changes in the world.

At its core, Mile Hi conveys a simple four-letter message: Love. This includes love for each other, love for oneself, and love for life along with the everyday wonders of our planet. Their Vision articulates the goal of “Oneness revealed — a world of love, peace, and abundance for all.”

In particular, the Science of Mind embraces these fundamental principles:

We believe in One God, the Eternal Spirit Almighty; singular, indestructible, absolute, and self-existing Cause. This Divine Force expresses itself in and through all of creation but remains distinct from it. The observable universe represents the embodiment of God; it is the rational and inevitable result of God’s infinite self-awareness.

We believe that the Spirit is individualized within each of us and that all individuals are expressions of the One Spirit.

We believe in the timeless, everlasting nature and continuous growth of each individual soul.

We believe that the essence of heaven resides within us and that we perceive it in proportion to our awareness of it.

We believe that the ultimate purpose of life is to achieve total freedom from any form of disharmony, and we are confident that everyone can reach this goal.

We believe in the interconnectedness of all living things and acknowledge that the Supreme God and the Innermost God are a singular divine entity. We believe that God is a personal experience for those who sense this inner presence.

We believe in the immediate understanding of truth through our intuition and spiritual essence. We hold that anyone can become a bearer of truth by maintaining a close connection with the inner God.

We believe that the Universal Spirit, identified as God, functions through a Universal Mind, which we recognize as the Law of God. We understand that we are encompassed by this Creative Mind, which directly responds to our thoughts and takes action accordingly.

We believe in the capacity to heal the unwell and influence circumstances using the power of this Mind.

We believe in God’s enduring goodness, boundless loving-kindness, and continual generosity towards all living things.

We believe in the existence of our own soul, our own spirit, and our own destiny, recognizing that the life within each of us is a manifestation of God.

At Mile Hi, each year begins with a four-week series of Sunday Sermons called “Back to Basics.” For many, this is enough. But for individuals seeking a deeper understanding, such as Rexanne, there are dedicated classes.

In April 2007, Rexanne had enrolled in the foundational course, followed by the advanced course in 2008. Her enthusiasm for learning was akin to that of a thirsty sponge; she found the teachings entirely coherent and couldn’t quench her thirst for more.

However, the student transitioned into a bit of a teacher when, in October of 2008, Rexanne started championing a unique study group. This group aimed to explore the intersection of the concept of a Soul of America with the principles of Science of Mind.

The inspiration struck during a conversation with Jake that she had in the same hot tub. The discussion became intense, fueled not only by the turbulent waters surrounding them but also by the passion of their exchange.

The catalyst for the conflict was a comment made by Rexanne that triggered a strong reaction from Jake. Oddly, since Jake held staunch conservative views, almost leaning towards right-wing ideologies. In contrast, Rexanne was perceived by Jake as a compassionate liberal with a bleeding-heart.

Politically, their positions were poles apart. Therefore, when Rexanne voiced empathy for refugees seeking a better life by crossing the southern border, it elicited a reaction from Jake.

“We’ve got enough of our own issues,” he exclaimed. “Right here in our own nation. Don’t bring their problems into my space.” He noticed the shocked look on her face. “Oh, come on. Seriously? How’s your family’s budget? ‘Cause mine’s way outa whack. Taxes keep rising. Medical expenses, up too. Insurance coverage is down. Hell, my taxes are footing the bill for school subsidies and I don’t even have any kids! And now I’m expected to pay for thousands of illegal immigrants? Hell no!”

Feeling his blood beginning to boil, Jake started to stand up. “Wait, Jake! Please don’t go. Let’s try to find some common ground,” she urged. He towered above her, water droplets gathering and falling from his chest hairs. “Weren’t your grandparents immigrants, just like mine and Harry’s?”

“Yeah, but they came here legally, through Ellis Island,” Jake replied as he reluctantly settled back into the warm water.

“But that’s not the whole story, is it?” Rexanne teased. “Take the ‘MS St. Louis.’ It sailed from Europe with over 900 Jewish passengers trying to escape Nazi Germany. They were turned away by Cuba, denied entry by the United States, and eventually gave up after being rejected by Canada as well. Half of them were killed when they returned to Germany. That was in 1939.”

“Yeah, because we had quotas! And that’s my point. Our government determines the number of immigrants we can handle without significantly impacting the economic balance and quality of life for our own citizens,” Jake asserted, feeling he had presented his argument effectively.

“Well, I hate to break it to you, but the primary reason wasn’t just some economist’s actuarial calculations. It was influenced by politics, public sentiment, and, if I may add, a significant amount of prejudice,” Rexanne remarked.

“Oh yeah .. here we go! Prejudice? Ah, here comes the bleeding-heart liberal again,” he said, glancing up to assess the impact of his comment.

“Even within those quotas, Jake, there was a clear bias in favor of Europeans and Anglo-Saxons,” Rexanne explained, pausing to redirect the discussion. “What bothers me is how easily people can mix up the terms ‘legal’ and ‘illegal.’ Can I give you an example?”

“And by people,” he said, making air quotes, “you mean me. Yeah, sure. Whatever.” It was now uncertain to Rexanne whether Jake was still actively participating in the conversation or had started to tune out.

“Imagine someone walks up to a ticket counter in a movie theater. While standing in line, are they guilty of anything? Like trespassing?” Jake nodded. “Now, what if they try to buy a ticket using Monopoly money? They wouldn’t be given a ticket, which is, of course, permission to enter the theater, right?”

“Your point?”

“But if they attempt to bypass the ticket agent and successfully enter the theater without a ticket, that would be against the rules. Correct?”

“Again, your point? Jake was growing impatient.

“I’m just saying that simply crossing our southern border doesn’t on its own qualify as a crime.”

“If,” he paused for emphasis, “they cross at an official border crossing.”

“Agreed. That would be similar to entering the movie theater and going up to the ticket counter.”

“Alright. We’re on the same page so far. However…”

“But what if there’s a shortage of staff behind the counter, and the line extends out the door into cold, frigid temperatures? In your opinion, would it be acceptable if the establishment invites the prospective moviegoers to wait in the lobby inside, where it’s warm?”

“Okay, I get it. I see your point. But they shouldn’t be crossing the river or going through the walls. Are we in agreement on that?”

“Absolutely! Rules are important. However,” she took a deep breath, “there isn’t enough staff to handle the demand. There aren’t sufficient customs judges to assess asylum claims. Right now, it takes up to five years, on average, for an asylum case to be heard. What should the refugees do in the meantime? Make the thousand-mile journey to America, complete the paperwork, make the thousand-mile return journey, and then wait for five years back at home?”

“Well, yeah. What, you got a better idea?”

“There is a better idea. One that is much more humane. Just increase personnel and security at our consulates in the South American countries where most are coming from, and allow them to file their applications there.”

“That makes sense. Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?”

“Hold on to your seat. Both political parties have been aware of this, dating back to the Reagan days. Do you know why it’s never been put into law?”

“Guess you’re gonna say politics.”

“You got it. To put it simply, there is no political appetite to address the immigration issue. Both parties see it as a contentious cultural matter that increases voter engagement. So, they do nothing about it. It’s purely political.”

“Well, it pains me to admit it, but I’m glad you made me sit down. It’s much nicer realizing we’re not so distant on this issue. I owe you an apology for calling you a bleeding heart. Don’t get me wrong, you’re still a hopeless bleeding heart liberal. Just maybe not on this particular issue,” he said with a grin.

Lounging in the hot tub, Rexanne recalled that immigration argument with Jake from more than a year earlier. She remembered how she cited it when she appealed to Mile Hi leadership to sanction a new group aimed at integrating Science of Mind principles with “what we encounter outside the Mile Hi campus – in the real world.”

“First, Rexanne, I know I speak for the board when I say that we appreciate your enthusiasm.”

“Hear, hear!” echoed from the dais. “Speaking for myself, I recognize the potential value of such a program – for those involved, our local community, and possibly even beyond. However, my primary concern is not to breach a fundamental policy, which is…”

“I know,” Rexanne interrupted, “we’re not supposed to talk about politics within these walls.” she continued, capturing the attention she momentarily had. “My son recently asked me about the disconnect between what he learns here within these walls, and what he experiences out there in the real world.”

The board members remained quiet, showing their objections. “I’ll let the others express their views, but as the chairman, I don’t see an issue with blessing the formation of your group. And I’m not naïve to think it wouldn’t likely be indirectly linked back to Mile Hi. But, as long as your meetings are held off-campus, I’m okay. Maybe, as a suggestion, in a group member’s home?”

Although the board’s final position was not as enthusiastic as Rexanne had wished, they were, nonetheless, allowing it to move forward.

What with end of year Holidays, it wasn’t until January that twelve individuals, colleagues from Rexanne’s Bible Study group, participated in the inaugural meeting held in Le Peep’s party room. Their interest in participating ranged from curiosity to unbridled passion for the cause.

Soon, Rexanne’s SAG group began to solidify and become productive. Between these regular gatherings, smaller workgroups of three to five members, or ‘groupies’ as they jokingly called themselves, met to tackle specific assignments.

Initially, Jake was hesitant about hosting the meetings and would sit in the farthest, darkest corner of the room, seemingly disinterested and certainly disengaged. Over time, however, he became more involved, on rare occasions even participating in discussion. Gradually, Jake realized that the teachings being espoused by the group filled many spiritual gaps that other religious beliefs and philosophies had left behind.

They decided on the name “Soul of America Group” after someone mentioned that Ronald Reagan had used the expression. “If I remember correctly,” Carl said, “it was in his State of the Union address in 1985. ‘A revolution of spirit that taps the soul of America.’ I think that’s how it went.”

Glancing at her smartphone, Sylvia chimed in, “Wow. The slogan’s been used more than a few times, by famous people. The first time was back in 1932 when a university professor, Arthur Hobson Quinn, wrote a poem about the American character titled ‘The Soul of America.’ Also, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference was chartered in 1957 under the slogan ‘redeeming the soul of America.’

“Later, in 1971, an anti-war minister said the ‘soul of America’ was corrupted by the ‘moral depravity’ of Vietnam. And in 1999, Bill Clinton described the Columbine shooting right here in Denver as having ‘pierced the soul of America.’ So, I think we have a good heritage to build on.”

The group decided they’d meet on the third Tuesday of each month. Our second meeting’s in two weeks, Rexanne reminded herself, as she stepped from the tub and reached for a towel.

Little did she know – and how could she? – that the group she had formed would continue for over 16 years. Albeit, under different names and with different spiritual focus … nearly all of them held at Jake’s “cathedral on the hill.”

The room turned out to be gloomier than Jake had anticipated. Quite disheartening, really. Paul Skinner sat with his legs crossed, his small frame highlighted by the brass tacks of the high-back leather chair into which he was still sinking. The walls were covered with various diplomas and certificates meant to reassure the client that they were in capable hands.

Jake harbored skepticism, an expression Rexanne was concerned Paul might pick up on as effortlessly as she did. She smiled at Jake as if encouraging him to reciprocate.

“The reason I invited both of you here is to talk about the children, Brian and Leslie,” he started. “As you’re aware, I’ve been working with them since…” checking his notes, “June 2006. About two and a half years. And they’ve made remarkable progress. I am so proud of each of them.”

“And we are, too, Paul,” Rexanne responded.

“I’ll get straight to the point. I would like to have your permission to use them as case studies in a book I’m writing. They would remain anonymous throughout, of course. But their stories need to be told,” Paul explained.

“Of course,” Rexanne responded in the soft tone of a proud mother.

“Not so fast,” Jake interjected. “We need to know more about this book and how you plan to depict them. Most importantly, I’d like to hear your thoughts on how you expect your book might impact Brian and Leslie once they learn it was inspired by them.”

“Excellent questions, Jake,” he acknowledged. Paul took a sip of water and replaced the glass on the side table next to his chair.  Jake and Rexanne did the same. “Starting with the last question first, it shouldn’t affect them one way or the other because (a) I don’t intend to tell them and (b) their case studies will only fill about ten pages of a 200-page book.”

Rexanne glanced at Jake, seeking his reaction. His head nodded slowly, acknowledging Paul. “And the theme of the book?” Jake reminded Paul.

“As Rexanne might have mentioned, Jake, I consider myself somewhat spiritual. And,” he interrupted Jake before he could respond, “she tells me that you may not share the same beliefs.”

“I believe in God,” Jake countered. “But please, go on. Don’t let me interrupt your flow.”

“This book, still without a title, is written at the intersection of psychology and spirituality. A central hypothesis, though hardly the book’s sole theme, is that a direct connection can be made between one’s mental health and the quality of one’s relationships with others.”

“In English?” Jake said, sarcastically.

“Absolutely. The more friends and acquaintances we have in our lives, the happier and more satisfied we are with life.”

“Thanks. That clarified things,” Jake responded.

“This topic fascinates me on multiple levels,” Rexanne commented. “May I ask a question?” Paul nodded. “Is there a causal relationship between the two variables? Does one cause the other, or is it more of a chicken-and-egg scenario?”

“Well, for starters,” Paul responded, “I’m impressed by the depth of your question. But, to answer you, that’s a significant aspect of the conclusions from the studies. It’s a chicken-and-egg situation. Lacking or negative relationships impact our happiness. And any negative expectations about relationships – those inhibitions and reservations we may have – will restrict our success in social interactions.”

“So, it’s a vicious cycle,” Jake observed.

“Precisely,” Paul replied. “And that’s why I want to use Brian and Leslie as examples of this interconnected relationship between mental state and relationship effectiveness.”

“Why choose them?” Rexanne inquired. “Is it because of how much they’ve grown… healthier?”

“Not so much about the extent of their improvement, but more about what’s allowed them to progress,” Paul clarified.

“Influence of spirituality?” Jake speculated, surprising himself with his display of interest.

“Yes,” Paul said slowly, “there is a connection between successful relationships and one’s spiritual outlook. However, in this particular aspect, my initial hypothesis was that one causes the other – that it’s not a chicken-and-egg scenario. But I was mistaken about the direction, about what is the cause and what is the effect.”

“Let me guess,” Rexanne ventured. “An attitude of Spirituality enhances relationships, right?”

“It’s the opposite. Strong relationships bring out your spiritual side. Consider Brian and Leslie, who arrived in Colorado feeling shattered and beaten. The negativity surrounding them hindered any possibility of forming positive and fulfilling connections.”

“And what few relationships they had were unfriendly. Sometimes harmful.”

“And shallow,” Paul interjected. “It required quite a bit of counseling to shift their attitudes and instill hope. However, with just a bit of encouragement from this very room, they were able to form initial friendships at Mile Hi.”

“Achieving success can become habit-forming,” Jake said,

“Can become?” Paul exclaimed. “It hardly ever isn’t! Once they began forming connections, Brian and Leslie craved more. And the more friends they gained, it sparked a spiritual drive that existed within – that exists in every person.”

“And what’s that?” Jake inquired, now completely captivated.

“You know that positive sensation you experience when you assist someone? Or when you’re at a music concert and 10,000 people are singing the same lyrics together? Or when you watch an uplifting story at the end of the evening news?”

“Yeah, I do,” Rexanne replied.

“Well, that sensation is simply your soul celebrating its connection with other souls. All souls recognize each other. Isn’t that a fascinating idea?”

“In the Science of Mind classes, they instruct that we are all souls, primarily. Our sole purpose—pardon the pun—for being on earth is to find one another and reconnect.”

“Reconnect?” Jake questioned. “What if you’re not acquainted with someone?”

“Every soul is familiar with every other soul. They all resonate at the same frequency.”

“ Maybe that’s why the major religions all portray God as a Father, and all of us as His children,” Rexanne remarked.

“I’m uncertain about religions, but I do know that the Beatles conveyed that idea. In John Lennon’s song ‘Instant Karma,’ he sings, ‘Instant Karma’s gonna get you; gonna knock you off your feet. Better recognize your brothers. Everyone you meet.’ You know the song?”

Paul answered, singing, “And we all shine on…”