The Birds Sing a Song of Hope from Janice Taylor, Beliefnet Blogger.
I had the immense pleasure of attending my first Quaker meeting a few weeks ago.
As it was explained to me, Quakers believe that the “inner light of God” is available to all. The services are called “meetings.” Believers sit and wait in silence, open and ready to hear in the stillness the voice of the divine. Those who are moved by the Spirit are welcome to stand and share a word or two.
On this particular Sunday, three people were moved by the Spirit. One gentleman shared scripture; ten minutes later, another believer conveyed a philosophical thought, and twenty minutes later a third person stood – a woman.
She said that she was addicted to food, and while she was inspired by the meeting and filled with the inner light of God, she knew that it wouldn’t last. She predicted with certainty that she would go home, and at some point during the evening, spin out of control. Her sadness and despair were palpable.
As she spoke, a soft breeze made its way though the windows, carrying with it, the sweet sounds of chirping birds.
These words came to me.
The birds sing a song of hope, now.
I wanted to stand and say these words but thought better of it. After all, I was a visitor and these words were just my thoughts.
I regret this decision. Why had I dismissed the possibility that the voice of the divine was speaking to me? Would that offering of words have helped her?
And now, I am compelled to release these words into the universe. An offering to anyone who is feeling sad, overwhelmed or hopeless.
Remember …
The birds sing a song of hope, now.
Spread the word (NOT the icing!),
Janice
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Janice Taylor is a certified hypnotist, personal life coach specializing in stress elimination, happiness & authenticity.
". . . . kooky genius." ~ O, The Oprah Magazine
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i went to a quaker service 0nce or twice, and I really enjoyed it.
My only complaint is that this branch of quakers doesn't have communion which is not good! to me. This story made me think of my My grandma. She always said that Red birds were a sign of God's answer to prayers and a sign that he heard you and was working on the solution. :)
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