Lisbeth

In Bordeaux in February 1862, a suffering spirit came through spontaneously under the name Lisbeth. In her last life she had been rich, beautiful, proud, selfish, ambitious, cold-hearted, and cruel.

The medium’s hand begins writing...

MediumWill you tell us something about your condition and the cause of your suffering?

LisbethBe humble. Accept the will of God. Be patient in trial. Be charitable to the poor. Encourage the weak. Be warm-hearted toward all who suffer.

LisbethThen you will not have to endure the torments I am enduring.

MediumIf you were carried away by the opposite vices, you do at least seem to regret your wrongdoing. Surely that repentance has brought you some relief?

LisbethNo.

LisbethRepentance is barren when it comes only as a result of suffering.

LisbethFruitful repentance is the kind that comes from sorrow for having offended God and from an eager desire to make reparation.

LisbethSadly, I have not yet reached that point.

LisbethSpeak for me to those who devote themselves to helping suffering spirits.

LisbethI am in great need of their prayers.

Kardec adds that suffering can force out words of repentance without true inner change. Real deliverance requires sincere moral renewal and future reparation.

MediumI will do what you ask.

MediumWill you give me some details about your last life? That may teach us something, and it may make your repentance fruitful.

The spirit hesitated a great deal before answering.

LisbethI was born in a high position.

LisbethI had everything people think makes for happiness.

LisbethRich, I was selfish.

LisbethBeautiful, I was vain and flirtatious.

LisbethI was cold-hearted and deceitful.

LisbethBecause of my noble rank, I was ambitious.

LisbethWith my power I crushed those who didn't bow low enough before me.

LisbethI even crushed those who threw themselves at my feet, without remembering that sooner or later the Lord crushes the proudest heads.

MediumIn what period did you live?

LisbethOne hundred and fifty years ago, in Prussia.

MediumDuring that time, have you made no progress as a spirit?

LisbethNo. The influence of matter kept me in constant rebellion.

LisbethYou can't understand how matter still acts on the spirit, even after separation from the body.

LisbethPride winds chains of bronze around the soul, and those links grow tighter and tighter around the miserable person who gives his heart to it.

LisbethPride... the monster with a hundred heads that are always growing again...

LisbethIt knows how to soften its poisoned hissing so cleverly that its victims mistake it for heavenly music.

LisbethPride... that shifting demon that hides in the deepest places of your heart, enters your veins, wraps itself around your whole being, absorbs you, and drags you with it into darkness.

Kardec notes that this very horror of pride already showed progress, even if Lisbeth herself denied it.

MediumGod is too good to condemn His creatures to eternal punishment. You should hope in His mercy.

LisbethThere may be an end to suffering. They say there is. But when? Where?

LisbethI've searched for it a long time, but I see only suffering, everywhere and forever.

MediumWhat brought you here today?

LisbethA spirit who often follows me brought me here.

MediumSince when have you seen that spirit?

LisbethNot for very long.

MediumAnd since when have you begun to repent of your faults?

After reflecting for some minutes, she answered.

LisbethYes... you are right. It was then that I began to see him.

MediumDo you not understand the connection between your repentance and the visible help given to you by your spirit guardian?

MediumYou should see in that help the love of God, and in its purpose the forgiveness that His endless mercy is waiting to grant you.

LisbethOh, how much I wish that were true.

MediumI think I can promise you that forgiveness in the sacred name of the One who is never deaf to the cry of His children in distress.

MediumCall to Him from the depth of your repentance. He will hear you.

LisbethI can't. I'm afraid.

MediumLet us pray together. He will certainly hear us.

After the prayer, the medium asked if she was still there.

LisbethYes. Thank you. Do not forget me.

MediumCome to me and write your name every day.

LisbethYes, yes. I will come every day.

The guide ended the meeting with a practical lesson drawn from her case.

Mediums’ GuideNever forget the lessons you learn from the sufferings of those you help, especially the causes of those sufferings.

Mediums’ GuideLet them protect you from the same dangers and the same punishments.

Mediums’ GuidePurify your hearts. Be humble. Love one another. Help one another.

Mediums’ GuideAnd may your grateful heart never forget the fountain of all grace, an endless fountain from which each of you may drink freely.

Mediums’ GuideIt is a living fountain that satisfies thirst and nourishes at the same time.

Mediums’ GuideIt is the fountain of life and of eternal joys.

Mediums’ GuideGo to it, my beloved, and drink from it with faith.

Mediums’ GuideCast your nets into it, and its waters will bring up a great harvest of blessings.

Mediums’ GuideEncourage your brothers to imitate you, and remind them of the dangers they may meet.

Mediums’ GuideSpread the blessings of the Father, because the more you spread them, the more they multiply.

Mediums’ GuidePoint out the dangers of the road to your brothers. Show them by your example how to avoid them.

Mediums’ GuideThen the blessing of the Highest will be with you and with those who listen to you.