Peaceful Warriors

We sat in a circle, the young adults and I, exploring Quaker faith and tradition together. We’d already discussed Quaker history, the unusual Quaker worship, and belonging to a community. We looked at how being a Quaker shapes our living. We focused on integrity and simplicity, the importance of experiencing everyone as equal and being a good steward of our earth.

When we arrived at the testimony of peace, it was clear that it is one of the most complicated challenges in daily life! Of course we’re in favor of peace. Isn’t everyone? But what does it mean to be peaceful?

We talked about family hostilities and international battles. One person spoke about the danger of becoming passive, keeping the peace by sweeping conflicts under the rug. We agreed that ignoring conflict doesn’t foster peace – within ourselves or in the wider world. One person named experiencing a deep peace within, an inner peace to carry with us through the day.

As we considered the world today, we wondered: How do we live and foster peace in such an unpeaceful world? Can I be fierce in working for peace, in working against war and injustice – and remain spiritually grounded in God? What does it mean to “fight” against injustice and prejudice in every way I can, and remain peace-full inside me?

Our discussion circle didn’t find an answer to these questions that evening, but the next day I heard the Rev. Dr. Nathan Baxter, an Episcopal bishop and veteran of the Civil Rights Movement, sum up our question: How do we fight for justice and not lose our souls in the process? Yes, that’s the challenge! How can we navigate the troubled waters of our time without floundering and capsizing, overcome by our own anger or bitterness, our cynicism or depression? How can we carry a peaceful spirit within us and live from it? And how can we return to it again and again when we lose it?

There are no easy answers or quick techniques that guarantee an inner hopeful peace in the midst of a turbulent world. There are, however, choices we can make to help us as we journey through this time. Here are a few possibilities:

1. Commit to a spiritual practice that centers you, one that brings a quiet strength to your day and helps you remember who you truly are. Perhaps you will pause and focus on your breathing. Or perhaps you will be steadied through walking or another physical practice, opening yourself to God’s presence as you walk. You may read an online devotional and pray with it. Perhaps journaling will feed your spirit – or maybe another activity will strengthen your spirit. (What about the spiritual practice of housework?) Having a word or a few words as a mantra to remind you how you want to live and repeating it through the day is another powerful practice. What practice steadies and centers you?

2. Spend time with others who also long to be peaceful warriors, carriers of peace through their daily lives. You will strengthen each other, and being together helps you to be faithful to what you believe. Together, you may find actions that are clearly yours to take, practices that help you witness to your truth.

3. Jesus had a good idea: Pray for those who oppose you. Now there’s a challenge. I don’t mean the prayer that your “enemies” may realize how wrong they are. I mean praying for their true welfare, that they may be healed (since we all need healing). I’m suggesting prayer that changes you into feeling compassion for them. You can remain firmly opposed to their ideas; you can fight their ideas and purposes with all your energy – and still pray for them.

4. Take an action – one step to begin. Whether we are angry or feeling hopeless, joining with others in taking a step can strengthen our spirits. It may be writing a letter or joining a march; it may be volunteering somewhere or donating money or goods. After you have prepared yourself to remain steady and peaceful, take the step.

And then keep on.

I invite you to spread the Light by sharing this reflection if it has spoken to you.