Look Not to Yourself, But to That Within You

“I have thought this morning, whether we, as a Society, do not suffer more than we need, by expecting too much of ourselves; whether our hope and reliance is sufficiently on Him whom we desire to become our all in all; experience has taught me, that Christ in me, or His saying and anointing power in me, is indeed my only hope of glory. I look not to myself, but to that within me, that has to my admiration proved my present help, and enabled me to do what I believe of myself I could not have done.

— Elizabeth Fry, 1811 (source)
Quaker social reformer and philanthropist

Reflect on a time when you looked not to yourself, but to that within you, to be your present help.

What have you or those you admire sacrificed for a better world?

What is your duty to Spirit, others, and yourself?

Share your response!

Banner art by Maggie Fiori

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  • Elizabeth Fry

    Elizabeth Fry (1780 – 1845), sometimes referred to as Betsy Fry, was an English prison reformer, social reformer, philanthropist and Quaker. She was a major driving force behind new legislation to improve the treatment of people in prison, especially women.

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