Journal

An FUM blog for writing on the life of faith.

“You are my Friends…”

“You are my friends if you do as I command.” On banners, needlepoint, or bulletin boards, I saw this verse (John 15:14) in a number of the Cuban Quaker churches I visited with the FUM General Board. This particular banner hangs in the sanctuary at Holguin.

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Ten slices of joy while picking blackberries

For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,for the love which from our birth, over and around us lies;Lord of all, to thee we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise.

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Held

There was a dark time – there are always dark times – when I felt my light almost sucked out. I was in a hard group and I didn’t know why. Big personalities, mental-health issues and sketchy facilitation. “God,” I asked repeatedly, where are you?” Only when I began to paint could I see where God had been: holding ALL of us, together.

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Four flat tires

Recently, the Africa Ministries Office sold the truck that Eden Grace used for transport when she was in Kenya as Field Staff. In fond commemoration of the truck—and by popular demand—we are running again Eden’s reflection on one of the lessons the truck taught her.—ed.

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Squared up

Among the various tribes within Christianity, Quakers are some of the most optimistic. We absolutely believe in the possibility of peace. We anticipate justice rolling down like a river at any moment. We practice, on our best days, listening for a whispered word from God—expecting it will be spoken and trusting we will be given the strength and grace to do whatever we are told.

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Muddy waters

Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, be- cause through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a val- iant soldier, but he had leprosy.

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