We Say We Are Activists; Early Friends Said They Were Waiters
“When compared with bodily action, what could seem more inactive than waiting upon God? The modern world asks, ‘Where will that get you?’ Young people say, ‘We want action.’ Yet, as we have seen, it was precisely through this and other apparently inactive means that the early Friends came into a power of whole action that surpasses anything that we experience today.
We say we are activists, but often lack the spiritual force to act effectively. They said they were waiters, and frequently acted as moved by God’s light and love. I think that we in this age of decreasing inner action, of ever increasing outer activity, have a profound lesson to learn from the early Friends.”
— N. Jean Toomer, 1947 (source)
Quaker poet and novelist
Today’s Invitation
When you are eager to rush ahead with action, take the time to first wait on Spirit.
This Week’s Query
What have you or those you admire sacrificed for a better world?
What is your duty to Spirit, others, and yourself?
Banner art by Maggie Fiori
