In the mid-1730s, John Bartram, a Quaker living near Philadelphia, wrote the following in his journal: “One day I was very busy in holding my plough (for thee seest I am but a ploughman), and being weary, I ran under the shade of a tree to repose myself.
God, Words and Us:
Quakers in Conversation About Religious Difference
Edited by Helen Rowlands
Reviewed by Rick Ells
Life Lessons From a Bad Quaker:
A Humble Stumble Toward Simplicity and Grace
Written by J. Brent Bill
Reviewed by Rick Ells
God came to visit today.
Took his skin off,
changed his skeleton into a galaxy.
Dressed himself in mists
adorned himself with finches and stars,
and joined me for a latte.
Neither of us spoke much.
What we shared was simple:
A longing, a joy, a vulnerabilityStrategies to help Friends keep their bearings and stay in touch with the truth while living in a turbulent flood of information and misinformation.
I have explored a lot of Quaker writings, and I also enjoy participating in Quaker practices such as silent worship, worship sharing, and business meetings (yes, those too).
