Helen Was a Teenage Quaker: A Quaker Child Discover Skin Color in America

Much of what I learned supported what Julia taught me: That here in America, skin, in its varieties of pigmentation, is like the outer layer of a dangerous, sleeping animal. To avoid hurting anyone, I learned it was expedient to pretend that skin color didn't exist. But that awareness never went away. Posted by Chris M

Brent Bill's Holy Ordinary: 30 Days of Hearing - Soundtrack

First up was Carrie Newcomer's new CD "Before and After." An amazing collection of songs from my favorite Quaker singer/songwriter. Well, actually, you can drop the Quaker adjective -- just my favorite singer/songwriter. Her writing resonates with my soul. Posted by Chris M

Brad O: Holding pain and reconciliation

So this is our dilemma. Do we, as Friends, love our Faith - especially that there is that of God in All - so much that we will not walk away from loving all because people we love have been hurt? Do we not also love the children and young adults in those faith traditions where hurt might be perpetuating? Can we consciously share this love for its power of reconciliation, or do we merely walk away from the conflict? Posted by Martin Kelley

Timothy of One Quaker Take reflects on laying down his life every day

I can lay down my life as I would lay down my quilting, or lay down a project, or lay down the remote, or lay down a book. I can be called to lay down what I would rather be doing to lend a hand in the yard, to take a child to choir or volleyball practice, to help with homework, to sit with an ill friend, to attend a business meeting. Posted by LizOpp

Chris M.: Neighborhood Food Pantry Coming to the Meetinghouse

Today San Francisco Monthly Meeting came to unity to create a neighborhood food pantry at the meetinghouse for the San Francisco Food Bank. Posted by Alice M Yaxley

Obedient Linda: Palestine and Jerusalem... Pray for US all.

How can anyone believe that God means for others to die for the edification of others? Posted by Alice M Yaxley

bits of things Stephen on The Good News

The “Good News” that disciples of Christ are commanded to share with the world is the news that all of us can set aside our trappings and grow together in this Light. Together, we can seek out the true God, the Living God, the Great and Holy Spirit that loves us passionately and has the will and the power to unite us. Posted by Chris M

John Richards: Called by Christ to Love

It is difficult, and sometimes disheartening to live, work, and interact with the wider world and culture that is contrary to Christian living. Every day in the media, news, films, and television we are exposed to selfishness, cruelty and so-called fun. Making fun of someone who is different is a way to encourage conformity. The prevailing opinion is held up. Anyone who dares to speak out against it is seen as a threat. Posted by Martin Kelley

Lizopp gets distracted by lights, colors and action

I felt a pang of sadness and I immediately understood how the roller derby had been a tremendous distraction for me at a number of levels: I was caught up with the crowd, very detached from any sense of myself, let alone the Presence. I was focused on possessions, rushing about to collect SWAG (Stuff We All Get). And I was enraptured by the lights, colors, and action. Posted by Martin Kelley

Nancy Thomas: Beware of your stuff

But, beware!? That’s strong language. “Are you trying to tell me something, Lord,” I wondered. I admit I am attached to certain possessions, like the paintings and artifacts that represent our cross-cultural life style. And my library, of course. My precious books. (“Gollum. Gollum.”) All this stuff I mentally give back to God, and Hal and I practice an open-hands policy of lending—even giving away—stuff as we are led. All this helps, but even so, I know I need that warning: Beware of your stuff! Posted by Martin Kelley