After a Period of Silence, Our View Was Completely Changed
“In 1948, there were 750,000 refugees on the Gaza strip; the new state of Israel had just been established. The UN asked [American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)] to take responsibility for feeding, housing, etc. At the meeting of the AFSC Board of Directors, all speakers said the work needed doing, but all agreed it was just too big for the Service Committee. They counseled that we should say no, with regrets. Then the chairman called for a period of silence, prayer, meditation. Ten or fifteen minutes went by in which no one spoke. The chairman opened the discussion once again. The view around the table was completely changed: ‘Of course, we have to do it.’ There was complete unity.”
— Anonymous former staff member at AFSC
Today’s Invitation
When you need to make a decision, pause for a period of silence.
This Week’s Query
When have you had a powerful experience with group discernment?
When have you felt the presence of the divine in meeting for business, a committee meeting, or a clearness committee? How do you create the conditions for a worshipful meeting?
Banner image: Adrian Martinez
Read the source of today’s quote
