“While there are no set beliefs in Quakerism, you will often see a common group of goals, called testimonies: simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship (SPICES).” When I read this on my Google search for information on Quakers, I said to myself Wow, this is what you’ve believed all your life, these are your core values, turns out you’re a Quaker. Oh, gosh. I was a Quaker for almost a hot minute before I looked at the division within the Friends on the issues of homosexuality and abortion. Sigh. Personal deal breakers for me. So much for community and equality, but count me in for simplicity and peace.
And while I’m thinking of peace, I must say I hesitate to write about people, places, or events that have the potential to (1) display my ignorance of the world outside my life with Pretty or (2) unintentionally do more harm than good to the universe or (3) some combination of these. However, the events in Israel over the past two weeks have evoked feelings of outrage eerily similar to the feelings of anger I experience daily with the updates on the continuing suffering of the people of Ukraine for the past twenty months. Whether for two weeks or two years, the clarion call for peace is difficult to ignore.
President Biden addressed the nation this week to reaffirm America’s commitments in Israel and Ukraine, but our assistance is now delayed by our own House divided in the legislative body that is responsible for appropriations – stymied in a quagmire of political posturing for power by people with no moral conscience while a world desperate for responsible leadership waits and hopes.
During the hot minute I thought I was a Quaker I read a famous quote by an even more famous Quaker named William Penn. Last night Pretty reminded me to refrain from my focus on situations beyond my control, and the Penn quote today hammered home Pretty’s philosophy of living in the moment.
“I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness or abilities that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
It seems to me the issue is not about labels, but the questions remain timely for the ages. Can we be kind, will we do good to our fellow human beings? If not today, when? If not us, who? Live in the moment for sure, leave the past failures with their guilt behind – focus on the present with its opporunities for outrageous acts of kindness, everyday rebellions for building communities where equality and inclusion are the foundations of peace.
Onward.
I'll Call It Like I See It 
Comments
10 responses to “a later life revelation: am I a Quaker??”
Back in my my younger life, I went to many meetings.
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Cindy, another intriguing fact about you! I would love more insights into your experiences with the Quakers. I see those qualities in you in your cyberspace life!
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XO
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Thanks, Luanne.
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Sheila, you would be hard pressed to find a Quaker in Billy Penn’s home turf of Philadelphia and the surrounding five counties who isn’t a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, equality/reparations for indigenous and people of color, and all around human rights and peace. It’s almost in their DNA. I can’t speak for Quakers elsewhere, but here they lead they way in making us better humans.
I have to hope, over time, good and right will prevail. And, I hope I live to see it.
Walk in peace. Much love my Southern friends.
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Ann, thank you so much for sharing the Quaker’s influence in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. I am confident you live in one of those counties! You are absolutely the best version of kindness with its legacies of good and right. I join you in hoping for a time when they will prevail.
My grandfather had an older brother named William Penn Morris which was the clue to finding a few Quakers in my Ancestry tree.
I believe it’s part of my inherited DNA, too.
Much love to our sister in the north
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Morris is a common surname especially in central and eastern Montgomery County. I drive along a favorite old path, Morris Road, to see Frannie in her new home. For over 50 years, Morris Road has taken me at least part way to many happy memories. Surely your ancestors added to my reverie and joy.
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Surely I belong to the Morris Road Morrises of Montgomery County!! I hope to take that drive with you some day…
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You have such a wonderful way with words. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you for the kind comment.
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