“Everything, all beauty and rightness, seems to turn upon a right subordination of the outward to the inward, the transient to the permanent, in our lives and thoughts. Yet this right subordination cannot be achieved in a hurry. If we are to learn to assign to the weightiest matters their true place and predominance, we must allow ourselves, or rather we must steadily resolve to secure for ourselves, quietness enough not only to know our own minds, but to listen to the still small voice of conscience, or of God, speaking in our own hearts.” Caroline Stephen

It seems that during this time of enforced isolation we have been given an enormous opportunity to deepen and expand our connection to God in the manner of Friends and to further seek our understanding of the ‘still, small voice’ within. I have found this a mixed blessing, as part of me finds the expanse of time overwhelming and confusing, while another part breathes this space into my soul for strength, peace, and purpose. The Caroline Stephen quote also contains counsel about taking time for ‘this right subordination’—placing things in perspective, which happens only when we are situated properly in our spiritual condition. So, having been given the time so readily removes the burden of ‘securing it’, but the challenge comes in maintaining a quiet mind in which to foment  discernment conducive to navigating these troubled times. The barrage of media claws at a sense of calm, with the depth of indifference, and countless examples of callous or hurtful outbursts, and it is in this storm that I feel we are called to be resolute in order to not give in to despair at the current social enculturation. I have to hold the space for God to fill, over and over, in order to hear properly. I have to hold that space for God in order to incline my will to a higher purpose than something reactionary or angry. I have to hold that space for God to hold me, and for the Spirit of God to move me, as God wants.

Jan Dahm

Photo by Aaron Burden-Unsplash