November 4, 2024
A Higher Standard by Parker J. Palmer
“We must judge ourselves by a higher standard than effectiveness, the standard called faithfulness. Are we faithful to the community on which we depend, to doing what we can in response to its pressing needs? Are we faithful to the better angels of our nature and to what they call forth from us? Are we faithful to the eternal conversation of the human race, to speaking and listening in a way that takes us closer to truth? Are we faithful to the call of courage that summons us to witness to the common good, even against great odds? When faithfulness is our standard, we are more likely to sustain our engagement with tasks that will never end: doing justice, loving mercy, and calling the beloved community into being.”
Invitation: I am faithful when…
Parker J. Palmer, The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit, pg. 193 p 2
More about Parker J. Palmer and Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit
Healing the Heart of Democracy Discussion Guide
We will meet for the Community Table today, Monday, November 4th at 4:30 PM ET. Contact us for information HERE.
Join Mardi and Jean for their upcoming retreat series beginning in February. More HERE.
Learn More About Circles of Courageous Commons HERE
it is certainly a timely reflection on Parker Palmer's recommended standard of faithfulness the day before a national election and one with so much at stake. His question, "Are we faithful to the better angels of our nature and to what they call forth from us?" applies for the vote each American casts tomorrow and to how we show up in our families, workplaces and communities as well. As I consider my own "better angels," I am thinking of my commitments to my essential values, my core values, and how I strive to live them out faithfully.