Living a Full Faith Journey: Seasons of Hope and Renewal

In years marked by anxiety or uncertainty, we find ourselves standing on the mountaintop freezing, soaked, shivering, blown asunder; or baked, burned by a precipice of hope, gazing out on brighter days. Days that are slowly unfolding before us. To many Quaker F/friends; our experience is that we sit in Meeting (or walk through life) readying to be shaken to the quick; expecting that we must quiver before our God and shrink in fear – or that on loosening up a message – the message will come forth in volcanic activity! We fear being ‘knocked off our socks’ with a power known to us which we keep hidden not aware of our Truth bubbling forth. George Fox, however, suggested that we allow this type of ministry to emerge out of us!

How do we suggest that we live into these ‘biblical times;’ knowing that non-theists, agnostics, atheists and polytheistic believers and Universalists are also seeds planted among us? We can all search for an emerging Seed of Truth to nourish it; and, feel its power. I describe myself as a Christocentric/protopic Non-theist Universalist mystic who practices Quaker Tao Buddhism. That’s a lot of identities. Let us give grace to the power of Mary to our self-catholic embraces, listen for prophetic voices; (power of a child rabbi in Jesus as do many Jews and Muslims), walk a path of harmlessness (as do the Jains; and, others). We hold faith to accept Real prophetic encounters in Christ Jesus. We hold these experiences experimentally, as our own. We seek in each life and those lives of any others that Silence  for whom we make sanctuary in ourselves: 

What of us is “Measures of divine;” to know Gaia spirit seeks All, if not experience or mysticism? 

Ass the great 20th Century mystic personality David Bowie shared; how can we fill space we find empty (but which we have already created in ourselves and named it God? Here is a Way:

Practices led by petitioning Mary (Sainted among Saints; mother of Jesus):

“Mary please keep reminding Jesus:

   • to discourage the creation of an institution and especially, can you believe it, one that stockpiles money, investments and land

   • to train his disciples to focus on individuals not projects, organisations or buildings

   • to call them to follow him rather than just praise him

   • to remind his followers that to be more Jesus-like they must live lightly as if aliens in this world, and that they’ll only find

       ◦ true strength in their vulnerability,

       ◦ true sustenance in their poverty,

       ◦ true home in their travelling with him.”

Our world, as tumultuous as it may be, carries within it a divine promise: one of abundance, renewal, and healing. When we look closely, we see the truths handed down to us through generations—truths embedded in sacred texts, wisdom traditions, and the lives of courageous men and women who have paved the way for peace, freedom, and connection. Jesus’s disciples have lost sight of a politic of love. Regular doses of mild ‘Christianity’ inoculate them from catching a dose of the real thing. They will have forgotten the right of all people to get a taste of our One Love in a creator. Instead, we’ll be distracted by demands of the powerful to exclude those not like themselves. Those who don’t conform will be side-lined, and no one will advocate for the confused, displaced, weak and different can go forth.

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing one with one the other, and seeing that he answered them well he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him these is not other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart and with all understanding and with all the strength’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself’–this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question. Mark 12:28-34 NRSV2

In the heart of these teachings is understanding. “We don’t know.” The face of struggles. We don’t know; that we are always on a journey of transformation. We don’t know that one that, if embraced with faith and love, leads us to the bright horizon of healing and renewal. In these seasons of life, much like the seasons of the earth, we experience times of dormancy, rebirth, struggle, and growth. As we now step into the Spring, we are invited to reflect on our emerging wellsprings: lessons of faith, hope, and resilience that have been passed down through a diverse array of spiritual traditions. These lessons, grounded in the wisdom of abolition, constraint, and appreciative joy, serve as guiding lights for our souls in this ever-shifting world.

Genesis 1:11: The Abundance of Creation

“Then God said, ‘Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.’ And it was so.” —Genesis 1:11

These opening words of the Bible remind us of the divine abundance that surrounds us. The earth is a living, breathing entity, constantly offering its gifts of fruit, flowers, and beauty. This understanding resonates deeply with the teachings found in other spiritual traditions. In Daoism, for example, there is the concept of wu wei—the act of “non-action” or “effortless action.” This does not mean passivity but rather an understanding that the universe flows naturally, and when we align ourselves with it, we experience the abundant grace of the Divine.

In similar veins, wisdom of Jains encourages us to embrace interdependence in all living beings. Understanding life is not isolated but interconnected, the Jain philosopher and spiritual leaders share how: The purpose of life is to attain liberation by non-violence, truth, and self-discipline, and in this, we must see that every being in the world, no matter how small, has a part to play in the harmony of the universe. This vision calls us into harmony; to recognize the sacredness of interbeing; of the web of Earth lives; and the cycles of renewal that mirror the nature of life itself.

Amidst of our struggles, our world continues this rhythmic dance. Earth spins in abundance, offering grace of Eternal Spring. Flowers bloom, grasses becomes lush, nature boisterously sings a celebration of life. Through all this, we are reminded that we, too, are a part of a grand cycle; how, now. even in our darkest moments, there is always potential for new life to emerge.

Abolition of Fear and Worry: Lessons from Abolitionist Movements

What through my joy and comforts Die? In prophetic lives of old and new abolitionists, we are reminded that we have a power to dismantle all forces that constrain us—whether in external systems of oppression or internal limitations imposed by fear. As the hymn “How Can I Keep from Singing?” reminds us, “My life flows on in endless song, above earth’s lamentation; I hear the real, though far-off hymn that hails a new creation.” Even in our darkest times; Today, there is a song of hope, a beat of freedom, a melody of joyful renewal. We are called to embrace this.

We are also deeply influenced by the voices of abolitionist movements, where courageous men and women stood against systems of injustice, oppression, and fear. Abolitionists, both men and women, carried the torch of liberty and freedom, seeking to abolish the constraints of violence, hatred, and exploitation that weighed heavily on the souls of oppressed peoples. In the Quaker tradition, this fight was embodied by figures such as Lucretia Mott and John Woolman, whose hearts and minds were set ablaze with the truth that every soul is worthy of freedom and dignity.

Lucretia Mott, a pioneering abolitionist and Quaker leader, once said, “I rejoice that the time is come when all will see that the rights of one are the rights of all.” A jjourney into liberation and redemption is not simply personal—it is collective. We are all bound together in the vast and invisible web of life. As such, any struggle for freedom and equality is a shared one. Faced with powers of adversity, Mott and her fellow abolitionists stood firm, hearts full of faith, Sitting Still, knowing the Living Word; abreast in the promise of more just and compassionate worldliness.

Buddhist practice is complete abolition of attachment: Ending desire is a near impossible goal.. “Brother Thay” Thich Nhat Hanh, the revered Vietnamese Buddhist monk, wisely teaches this, “We have more possibilities available in each moment than we realize.” An invitation to live in the present moment—to let go of fear, worry, and attachment—invites Quakers to embrace life in all its fullness. We cultivate Light-Trust in our being; trust that held in Gaia’s loving embrace we can ‘be’ all forces in a divine universe. Buddha teaches how roots of suffering lie in desire’s vanity, in attachments; yet, in mindful living, we can transcend all fears, gravity, and limitations.

Beyond enslavement how do we exemplify the abolition of fear and doubt through indomitable spirit? Sojourner Truth, is a  name elicits a fierce abolitionist. She showed how. Truth’s powerful words, “I am not going to die, I’m going home like a shooting star,” reflect her understanding that faced with adversity, we must choose courage over fear. Her belief in divine sparks within every person inspire us as we confront our own fears and limitations with faith.

Appreciative Joy: Lessons from Daoism, Jainism, and Buddhism

As we prepare for Spring, we are reminded to approach our world with only appreciative joy. This is an essence of the Buddhist practice of mudita—a practice of cultivating joy for others’ happiness and success. Ajahn Chah, a revered Thai Buddhist monk, taught, “When we are free from greed and anger, we begin to see the beauty in others. We begin to see the truth of things.” Not words: true joy. It comes not from grasping for what we desire, but from an attitude of openness. Gratitude toward what is already present lives heart ful. In appreciation, we are able to see a world as it truly is—a place of infinite beauty, connection, and opportunity for growth.

This practice of ahimsa (non-violence) in Jainism teaches that true joy comes from living in harmony with all beings, from seeing the sacred in every living thing. Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, taught that to live a life of non-violence is to cultivate joy, not through possession or dominance, but through compassion and mutual respect. In Jainism, joy is not something to be chased—it is something that arises naturally when we live in accordance with truth and compassion. Practicing harmlessness: recognizing infinite in both sight and invisibility. In  Daoist tradition, we are a potentiality of limitless potential. This is to be a Lucky existence: To always be reminded of importance in living in harmony with flow. ‘Be Unnatural in natural worlds.’ Laozi, foundational figure of Daoism, writes in Tao Te Ching: “A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.” As a concept this invites us to release our need to control, to let go of rigid expectations, and to flow with a rhythm of life. When we release needs for constant striving, we open ourselves to quiet joy that emerges naturally from simply being present with the world.

Light of Divine Spirit: Redemptive Grace

In the midst of our trials, there is always the potential for redemption. The Bible tells us in Luke 12:20, “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’” This verse reminds us of the fleeting nature of life, urging us to focus not on accumulation, but on the richness of our inner lives. The external struggles may pass, but the inner light of divine grace shines eternally.

The teachings of Jainism and Daoism remind us of the importance of spiritual awakening and the practice of detachment from the material world. In Jainism, the ultimate goal is to achieve moksha—liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. This liberation is achieved through purity of thought, word, and deed, and through the cultivation of compassion for all living beings. Similarly, in Daoism, the concept of the Tao teaches us to let go of our attachment to personal gain and to embrace the flow of the universe. The divine spirit that flows through all of creation is a guiding force, leading us toward ultimate peace and redemption.

A Quaker understanding of the sharing in the “Light” is gathered when we exit our individualism. There is within each person is a powerful reminder that redemption is always possible. The Light of Divine Spirit shines within us, no matter where we are on our journey. This light guides us, heals us, transforms us. It is a flame of hope a renewal. It burns even in darkest moments. Paraphrasing what the mystic poet Rumi said so simply, ‘If you think you are surrounded by the deepest of darkness, look around, you maybe the Light.’ Or, Only Darkness, gives truth to Light.

A Power of Community Resilience

In the face of adversity, we find strength not only in our individual faith but in the faith of the community. Quaker tradition places a strong emphasis on the importance of community, and the song “Let There Be Peace on Earth” captures this spirit: “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” This prayer reminds us that peace is not something to be imposed from the outside, but something that begins in our own hearts and spreads outward.

As we look toward Spring and Summer, we are reminded of the resilience that comes from living in community and the strength we draw from each other. John Woolman, a Quaker activist and abolitionist, exemplified this resilience in his work advocating for the abolition of slavery. Woolman’s writings and actions reflect a deep commitment to justice and peace, grounded in his faith that the Light of God dwells in all people.

Psalm 62 inspires A great shaking of God is upon us, but those who trust in the Lord shall renew their strength. Still, the church has preferred to be merely stirred once a week, and to do our own thing the rest of the time. “I Will Not Be Shaken“, It builds an anthem of resilience: “I will not be shaken, I will not be moved, for I am held by the hand of God.” The freer we are facing adversity, the more we are held by forces greater than Life. What strengthens, sustains us.

Have Core Rage and Cour Rage as Courage!!

Let’s Heave and Ho. Love forward. Draw upon teachings of our Peaceful traditions; as we face many challenges of life. Let us embrace core rage and cour rage as courage, remembering that Divine Spirit in us all calls us from the Silent Abyss. Life rises above! Our limitation, to stand firm, is a face of fear. With Light of divine grace guiding us, we will overcome obstacles and trial.

Journey is not about avoiding suffering, but how we learn to transform it. Faith, loving kindness compassion, community, we can embrace each of these as a season of life—whether renewal or trial—with joy and gratitude. Impermanent, we sense true meaning in peace and redemption.

Titus 3:4-5 reminds us: “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” Through mercy grace redeems us. Through love and community that we find our way, to love, courage, home.

Let us walk in to light Spring’s  brighter days. Faith, hope, love melt our hearts. May our journey of Spring to Summer be renewal. May joy of loving peace surpass all Gaianistic understanding!