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Words I Need to Read
September 17, 2010
Right now I'm reading the book Chosen Faith, Chosen Land The Untold Story of American's 21st-Century Shakers.
I took it with me to the farm today. While the kids were playing I sat down for a few stolen moments to read a bit. Not for a long time mind you, this was the middle of a Thursday afternoon. But in reality most of my reading comes in snitches and snatches like this.
It's such a beautiful book, small coffee table sized with gorgeous photography. I'm so interested to read the story of these unique and set apart people with a faith expression that in many ways resonates with my own. Ironically, the only Shaker community left in the United States is a mere 20 minutes from my home. Thinking I might need to visit one of these days.
While reading this afternoon I came across a page of quotes from the Shaker's founder, Mother Ann Lee (1736-1784) that really struck me. Poignantly so because she spoke to the weaknesses and human frailities I am wrestling with this very day. Funny how that happens.
Do not speak harshly, but let your words be few and seasoned with grace.
Ouch. Reminds me of course of this other admonition from the apostle Paul to the first century Philippians to "let your gentleness be evident to all". Double ouch.
There were other words of wisdom on the page that struck me about stewardship:
Be faithful with your hands, that you may have something to give to the poor.
Forgiveness:
Never have hard feeling towards each other, but live together every day as though it was the last you had to live in this world.
Excellence:
If you improve in one talent, God will give you more.
But mostly what I needed to read (and take to heart, as I have done so, so many times in the past) is the reminder to be gentle in my speech. When will I ever learn?
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Kika on Sept. 17, 2010, 3:33 p.m.
Renee, you are not alone in this. Thank you, too, for publicly saying sorry to that other commenter and also for offering yourself grace and forgiveness. My husband and I had a hard talk this summer about the way I talk sometimes to him -that I wouldn't speak like that to my friends and he is right. This is an area that I slide quickly in if I don't spend alone time with God and do not allow for 'breathing room' in my life. Anyways I need to continue maturing in this area. I do only want to speak in kindness and wisdom and learn how to shut-up more often!
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renee on Sept. 17, 2010, 4:21 p.m.
Amen.
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kyndale on Sept. 17, 2010, 6:02 p.m.
That sounds like a GREAT book! So wise her quotes are and thank you for passing them on. Kyndale
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Rana on Sept. 18, 2010, 2:35 a.m.
Wonderful words to live by. Glad you shared these reminders today.
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chrystal on Sept. 18, 2010, 4:34 a.m.
Wow I needed these words this week. Thanks for the prompting to share them. My words have been less than gentle lately. These are good reminders.
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debbie on Sept. 18, 2010, 1:51 p.m.
Beautiful reminders - thank you. I struggle being gentle with my speech too sometimes. I think I shall write a few of these out and post them where I'll see them. xo
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Francesca on Sept. 17, 2010, 5:40 a.m.
These are words I need to read too.