I had to look it up – “what does it mean to stand for something?” One definition is “to support” something. Then, there’s an “or.” “Or represent something.” That got me thinking. I used to stand for all kinds of things, or at least I thought I did. Meaning, I supported all kinds of ideas and values. I had a “side” and I had no trouble telling others what it was. I took a long Facebook break when I realized all it was for me was a way to spout my opinions about this or that. I had so many opinions. I really thought they mattered. I was very proud I could use my facility with language to say pithy things. But as much as I loved my own fine words, they weren’t always loving. They didn’t build up anything or anyone.
Now I hope I can “stand for” something in the sense of representing it. Being the face of Christ and seeing it where I am. I try to live the words of Francis of Assisi, “Preach the gospel constantly. Use words when necessary.” With the people God has put in front of me. I hope I represent or mirror love. “Just love them all,” were my marching orders. “Do the next loving thing.” I don’t have any big mission or banner or position other than learning to be that person, one day at a time. To be the person God intended me to be.
I stand for my faith, my care for all people and animals to be treated with kindess, equality and care. I try to be a good stewart of the earth. I am not the best but I try to be aware of my actions. Sometimes people make me question whether I should care at all about them…When people are nasty, unkind and act in ways that can hurt others…I just want to be with animals. But no-one is perfect and all is not perfect in the animal world. I just do the best I can and love and treat other beings as I wish to be treated.
I still stand for “being” as enumerated in the Beatitudes, and I still stand for “doing” as enumerated in the Works of Mercy. That still seems like an optimal, appropriate, or fulfilling way to live; and defend/account for one’s way of living on this earth.
What Do I Stand For?
As a Quaker, a Chaplain, and a student of Global Grace University, my values and principles are deeply rooted in my faith, commitment to service, and pursuit of understanding. Here’s an exploration of what I stand for:
Faith and Spirituality
I stand for the fundamental belief in the Inner Light, the divine presence within each individual. This core Quaker principle guides my interactions and decisions, reminding me that every person has inherent worth and dignity. My faith is a source of strength and guidance, shaping my worldview and grounding me in a sense of purpose and connection to the Divine.
Peace and Nonviolence
I stand for peace and nonviolence as central tenets of my faith and practice. Inspired by the Quaker Peace Testimony, I am committed to resolving conflicts through dialogue, understanding, and compassion. I believe in the power of peaceful actions to bring about positive change and strive to be a peacemaker in my community and beyond.
Service and Compassion
As a Chaplain, I stand for compassionate service to others. I am dedicated to providing spiritual support, comfort, and guidance to those in need. My role involves listening, empathizing, and offering a nonjudgmental presence to those facing life’s challenges. Through service, I seek to embody the love and grace of the Divine, making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Social Justice and Equality
I stand for social justice and equality, advocating for the rights and dignity of all people. My commitment to justice is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves fair treatment and opportunities, regardless of their background or circumstances. I am dedicated to working towards a more just and equitable society, challenging systems of oppression and discrimination.
Integrity and Truth
I stand for integrity and truth, valuing honesty and transparency in all aspects of life. I strive to live authentically, aligning my actions with my values and principles. Integrity involves being true to oneself and others and fostering trust and respect in relationships and communities.
Education and Personal Growth
As a student of Global Grace University, I stand for the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. I believe in the importance of lifelong learning and the continuous exploration of spiritual and intellectual understanding. Education is a pathway to growth and transformation, enabling me to better serve others and deepen my connection to my faith.
Community and Fellowship
I stand for the strength and importance of community and fellowship. I believe in the power of communal worship, shared experiences, and mutual support. Being part of a faith community provides a sense of belonging and encourages collective growth and service. Together, we can achieve more and uplift one another.
Environmental Stewardship
I stand for environmental stewardship, recognizing our responsibility to care for the Earth and all its inhabitants. As part of the broader Quaker commitment to sustainability, I advocate for actions that protect and preserve our natural world. This includes promoting eco-friendly practices and raising awareness about environmental issues.
I stand for many things. A few being,
Love.
Peace.
Truth.
Honesty.
Justice.
Kindness.
Gratefulness.
Share your blessings. Help where you can.
Stop the greed.
Be kind to Mother Earth. ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Peace.
That’s what immediately came to me.
Nonviolence, caring about the feelings
and experiences of others.
When I was teaching, I would say to the children,
just be nice,
or just be kind.
It’s not that hard, and it makes you feel good.
I could try to go deeper or further with this question,
but for me it’s as simple as that.
What do I stand for? Today’s question is enough to shake you in your boots! After reading it, I read R. Rohr’s daily meditation written by Mirabai Starr and knew I had to share the link. https://cac.org/daily-meditations/our-families-are-teachers/
Basically it answers today’s question for me. I stand for the willingness to accept “What is” and the belief that Life is trustworthy and will show me a way to grow and make the best of whatever my situation is. Eckhart Tolle’s writings have taught me not to turn a situation into a problem.
Today I plan to make some apple sauce muffins to share with my physical therapist–a bright young woman who turns 27 this week and has survived what many would call insurmountable issues to become a PT. She is an inspiration for a much, much older woman (ME!). Also, plan to make some carrot soup. First time trying this recipe. Wish me luck.
Temp is -8 right now with a windchill of -15 and I am so thankful for my new furnace and my warm home. May you all have a blessed day.
Thank you, Carol for your words of wisdom and thoughtfulness. You always give me something to think about.
Oh my! It is very cold where you are. My husband and I are on our way to Texas for a month…and now we are in La. outside of Baton Rouge…and WOW!!! it is very cold ..a high right now of 28..feels like 15 (not that I have been out). We are in our motorhome which is not ideal in cold weather…and oh did I mention SNOW? We have about 6 inches now…and La. does not own snow plows we are told! We are due to head out on Thursday…God willing. If the roads are not good – we certainly cannot leave.
I am so happy you have a new furnace and are warm. I have been praying for all the people and animals that are out in the cold. Your soup and muffins sound delicious. Wishing you a very good day.
I lived most of my adult life in Louisiana and snow is extremely rare and they do not have the equipment to clear roads. That said, nature will take care of the snow and ice quickly as tje artic air mass is to move out of our area in Kansas and the Louisiana area beginning tomorrow morning. It’s even been colder than normal up here in Kansas for a couple of weeks now. We are usually in the mid-30s this time of year. Stay warm and be safe. The carrot soup is good but extremely rich. Would make a good appetizer but too rich for a meal for me. I will freeze it in small helpings. The muffins are always good.
That’s really cold!!
Florida is cold today too!
Love, love Eckhart Tolle’s
don’t turn a situation into a problem.
I will copy this into my journal along with a few
heart opening words from Joseph today.
Apple sauce muffins and carrot soup?!
Oh , yum Carol. That sounds sooo good!!!⛄️🍜
Mary, Luckily, after two weeks of this, it is suppose to warm up to at least freezing tomorrow. The carrot soup is good but very rich. I’ve been making the muffins for several years and they are a keeper!
Answering the question of what I stand for requires deeper reflection, but for now, I would say I stand for honest self-reflection and personal accountability. I believe that those that have enough should help those that do not have enough. I value creativity, the power of choice, wisdom, and respecting all beings.
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Fairness
kindness to animals and people
taking care of the planet
learning and growing
being present and aware
c0nnection with loved ones
Honesty
Mildness
Discernment
Goodness.
Truth.
Beauty.
Welcome back Elaine 🙂
Hi Elaine!
It’s good to see you!
I strive for being ethical, kind, honest, faithful , loyal & peaceful . Giving back to those in need, service to community.
Seek justice
Love mercy
Walk humbly with your God
I had to look it up – “what does it mean to stand for something?” One definition is “to support” something. Then, there’s an “or.” “Or represent something.” That got me thinking. I used to stand for all kinds of things, or at least I thought I did. Meaning, I supported all kinds of ideas and values. I had a “side” and I had no trouble telling others what it was. I took a long Facebook break when I realized all it was for me was a way to spout my opinions about this or that. I had so many opinions. I really thought they mattered. I was very proud I could use my facility with language to say pithy things. But as much as I loved my own fine words, they weren’t always loving. They didn’t build up anything or anyone.
Now I hope I can “stand for” something in the sense of representing it. Being the face of Christ and seeing it where I am. I try to live the words of Francis of Assisi, “Preach the gospel constantly. Use words when necessary.” With the people God has put in front of me. I hope I represent or mirror love. “Just love them all,” were my marching orders. “Do the next loving thing.” I don’t have any big mission or banner or position other than learning to be that person, one day at a time. To be the person God intended me to be.
Such a beautiful transformational story, Elaine. Thank you.
Truth
I stand for caring for people in my care, for friendship, for helping others onward through listening deeply and possibly say something if required.
I stand for my faith, my care for all people and animals to be treated with kindess, equality and care. I try to be a good stewart of the earth. I am not the best but I try to be aware of my actions. Sometimes people make me question whether I should care at all about them…When people are nasty, unkind and act in ways that can hurt others…I just want to be with animals. But no-one is perfect and all is not perfect in the animal world. I just do the best I can and love and treat other beings as I wish to be treated.
I still stand for “being” as enumerated in the Beatitudes, and I still stand for “doing” as enumerated in the Works of Mercy. That still seems like an optimal, appropriate, or fulfilling way to live; and defend/account for one’s way of living on this earth.
Beautifully said…and something for me to learn from. Thank you for this lesson.
What Do I Stand For?
As a Quaker, a Chaplain, and a student of Global Grace University, my values and principles are deeply rooted in my faith, commitment to service, and pursuit of understanding. Here’s an exploration of what I stand for:
Faith and Spirituality
I stand for the fundamental belief in the Inner Light, the divine presence within each individual. This core Quaker principle guides my interactions and decisions, reminding me that every person has inherent worth and dignity. My faith is a source of strength and guidance, shaping my worldview and grounding me in a sense of purpose and connection to the Divine.
Peace and Nonviolence
I stand for peace and nonviolence as central tenets of my faith and practice. Inspired by the Quaker Peace Testimony, I am committed to resolving conflicts through dialogue, understanding, and compassion. I believe in the power of peaceful actions to bring about positive change and strive to be a peacemaker in my community and beyond.
Service and Compassion
As a Chaplain, I stand for compassionate service to others. I am dedicated to providing spiritual support, comfort, and guidance to those in need. My role involves listening, empathizing, and offering a nonjudgmental presence to those facing life’s challenges. Through service, I seek to embody the love and grace of the Divine, making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Social Justice and Equality
I stand for social justice and equality, advocating for the rights and dignity of all people. My commitment to justice is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves fair treatment and opportunities, regardless of their background or circumstances. I am dedicated to working towards a more just and equitable society, challenging systems of oppression and discrimination.
Integrity and Truth
I stand for integrity and truth, valuing honesty and transparency in all aspects of life. I strive to live authentically, aligning my actions with my values and principles. Integrity involves being true to oneself and others and fostering trust and respect in relationships and communities.
Education and Personal Growth
As a student of Global Grace University, I stand for the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. I believe in the importance of lifelong learning and the continuous exploration of spiritual and intellectual understanding. Education is a pathway to growth and transformation, enabling me to better serve others and deepen my connection to my faith.
Community and Fellowship
I stand for the strength and importance of community and fellowship. I believe in the power of communal worship, shared experiences, and mutual support. Being part of a faith community provides a sense of belonging and encourages collective growth and service. Together, we can achieve more and uplift one another.
Environmental Stewardship
I stand for environmental stewardship, recognizing our responsibility to care for the Earth and all its inhabitants. As part of the broader Quaker commitment to sustainability, I advocate for actions that protect and preserve our natural world. This includes promoting eco-friendly practices and raising awareness about environmental issues.
Edwin, I have often been curious about the Quaker faith. I took the time to jot down the tenets you shared for further thought. Thank you.
I stand for many things. A few being,
Love.
Peace.
Truth.
Honesty.
Justice.
Kindness.
Gratefulness.
Share your blessings. Help where you can.
Stop the greed.
Be kind to Mother Earth. ❤️🙏🏻❤️
“Just a box of rain, wind and water
Believe it if you need it”
Hunter/Lesh
Beautiful,
and well said,
dear PKR . . .
in a nutshell.♥
Peace.
That’s what immediately came to me.
Nonviolence, caring about the feelings
and experiences of others.
When I was teaching, I would say to the children,
just be nice,
or just be kind.
It’s not that hard, and it makes you feel good.
I could try to go deeper or further with this question,
but for me it’s as simple as that.
What do I stand for? Today’s question is enough to shake you in your boots! After reading it, I read R. Rohr’s daily meditation written by Mirabai Starr and knew I had to share the link. https://cac.org/daily-meditations/our-families-are-teachers/
Basically it answers today’s question for me. I stand for the willingness to accept “What is” and the belief that Life is trustworthy and will show me a way to grow and make the best of whatever my situation is. Eckhart Tolle’s writings have taught me not to turn a situation into a problem.
Today I plan to make some apple sauce muffins to share with my physical therapist–a bright young woman who turns 27 this week and has survived what many would call insurmountable issues to become a PT. She is an inspiration for a much, much older woman (ME!). Also, plan to make some carrot soup. First time trying this recipe. Wish me luck.
Temp is -8 right now with a windchill of -15 and I am so thankful for my new furnace and my warm home. May you all have a blessed day.
I had the honor to attend a talk with Maribai Starr. She is so real.
Thank you!
– 14 here at the house this morning.
Thank you for sharing Eckhart Tolle’s writings and your thoughts, so true.
Thank you, Carol for your words of wisdom and thoughtfulness. You always give me something to think about.
Oh my! It is very cold where you are. My husband and I are on our way to Texas for a month…and now we are in La. outside of Baton Rouge…and WOW!!! it is very cold ..a high right now of 28..feels like 15 (not that I have been out). We are in our motorhome which is not ideal in cold weather…and oh did I mention SNOW? We have about 6 inches now…and La. does not own snow plows we are told! We are due to head out on Thursday…God willing. If the roads are not good – we certainly cannot leave.
I am so happy you have a new furnace and are warm. I have been praying for all the people and animals that are out in the cold. Your soup and muffins sound delicious. Wishing you a very good day.
I lived most of my adult life in Louisiana and snow is extremely rare and they do not have the equipment to clear roads. That said, nature will take care of the snow and ice quickly as tje artic air mass is to move out of our area in Kansas and the Louisiana area beginning tomorrow morning. It’s even been colder than normal up here in Kansas for a couple of weeks now. We are usually in the mid-30s this time of year. Stay warm and be safe. The carrot soup is good but extremely rich. Would make a good appetizer but too rich for a meal for me. I will freeze it in small helpings. The muffins are always good.
That’s really cold!!
Florida is cold today too!
Love, love Eckhart Tolle’s
don’t turn a situation into a problem.
I will copy this into my journal along with a few
heart opening words from Joseph today.
Apple sauce muffins and carrot soup?!
Oh , yum Carol. That sounds sooo good!!!⛄️🍜
Mary, Luckily, after two weeks of this, it is suppose to warm up to at least freezing tomorrow. The carrot soup is good but very rich. I’ve been making the muffins for several years and they are a keeper!
Answering the question of what I stand for requires deeper reflection, but for now, I would say I stand for honest self-reflection and personal accountability. I believe that those that have enough should help those that do not have enough. I value creativity, the power of choice, wisdom, and respecting all beings.
Beautiful, Suzanne!
You said so much with just a few words!