The next Seeker’s Group meeting is on Wednesday, April 30 at 7 pm in the Community House.
At our most recent gathering, we talked about unconditional love and forgiveness. We shared some experiences of forgiveness and agreed it is a complicated, un-linear process – and part of our human experience. Being in relationship invites us into an ever-deepening vulnerability, where we will be hurt – and will hurt others – at times. Honestly admitting our hurt, rather than brushing it off as ‘nothing’, provides opportunity for true healing by both parties. But this is scary for many of us to do, especially with those in our inner circles at home, work, and Meeting. Humility seems to be a necessary quality (and gift).
We sincerely marveled at those who can reach forgiveness when they have been deeply and tragically hurt by another. We honestly shared our own heart-wisdom, as well as the teachings of Jesus and others, around seeing that of God in every person. This led to some personal stories about moments in our daily lives when we have been able to connect with individuals whom we and others have found challenging. Compassion is so powerful; transformation often happens when another feels simply heard.
How can we, as Friends, take love and forgiveness, compassion and humility, onto a more national level? How can we as individuals more fully live it in our daily lives? We decided that we want to explore aspects of conflict resolution at our next meeting, perhaps learning some specific techniques or steps, thinking that it might provide some tools for more fully living out our faith in our daily lives. Stay tuned for more information and suggested readings for this next discussion – to which all are most sincerely welcome!