## Five Things Friday: Finding Your Center in a Chaotic World
It’s Friday, and the world feels like it’s spinning faster than ever. Between the constant news cycle, social media overload, and the everyday hustle, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. But what if there was a way to find a sense of calm and purpose amidst the chaos? This week, we’re diving into the timeless wisdom of the Anabaptist movement, specifically the core values held dear by the Quakers. Get ready to explore five powerful principles that can help you find your center and live a more intentional, meaningful life.
Quaker Core Values – Anabaptist World
Morningpicker explores the Quaker perspective on simplicity, individuality, and unity in diversity. As a member of the Religious Society of Friends, we delve into the concept of simplicity and its various facets.
One size does not fit all: Simplicity looks different for different people
Simplicity is often misunderstood as a one-size-fits-all approach. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to seek first the Kingdom of God, and simplicity means setting aside anything that gets in the way of seeking the Kingdom. This understanding of simplicity is deeply personal and varies from individual to individual.
For Catherine Whitmire, author of Plain Living: a Quaker Path to Simplicity, simplicity meant reducing work hours, letting go of some possessions, and making her yard easier to take care of. This allowed her to spend more time with her family and in prayer. Her journey began with a conversation with God, demonstrating that simplicity starts on the inside.
The importance of individuality: Quaker perspectives on plain dress and modesty
The concept of plain dress and modesty is often associated with Quakers. However, it is essential to recognize that individuality plays a crucial role in this aspect of simplicity. Margaret Fell Fox, an early Friend and the wife of George Fox, emphasized that requiring everyone to conform to uniform standards is a “silly poor Gospel.” Instead, she advocated for being “covered with God’s Eternal Spirit, and clothed with his Eternal Light, which leads us and guides us into righteousness.”
In Morningpicker’s Quaker community, dress codes are not uniform, and individuals are encouraged to express their simplicity in unique ways. Some Friends attend worship in long dresses and suspenders, while others wear jeans. This diversity is celebrated, as it reflects the individual’s personal journey towards simplicity.
Unity in diversity: Celebrating unique expressions of simplicity
Despite the varying expressions of simplicity, the Quaker community finds unity in their shared values. The practice of waiting in silence, which began during a time of religious and political turmoil in the 1600s, is a testament to the power of unity in diversity.
Lessons from the Margins: An Anabaptist’s Experience in a Juvenile Detention Center
Morningpicker explores the failures of the prison system, the need for trauma-informed care, and the impact on staff and students in juvenile detention centers.
The failures of the prison system: Correcting the myths and misconceptions
The prison system claims to correct and rehabilitate individuals, but the reality is far from it. As an Anabaptist working in a juvenile detention center, I have witnessed firsthand the revolving door phenomenon, where high rates of recidivism render the system ineffective. According to an official report, 35.1% of youth return to custody within 12 months of release, and 47.5% within 36 months.
The need for trauma-informed care: Healing instead of punishing
Rather than punitive punishment, the kids in juvenile detention centers need trauma-informed care. They have experienced violently broken families, drug addiction, poverty, mental illness, and developmental disabilities. The detention center’s approach of breaking them down to rid them of bad behavior is misguided. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
The impact on staff and students: Breaking down the cycle of trauma
The detention center’s environment affects not only the kids but also the staff. The lack of sunlight, negativity, and heavy atmosphere take a toll on everyone involved. The turnover rate for detention staff is staggering, indicating that nobody should feel good about doing what they’re expected to do to kids who misbehave.
Hope and Resilience in Dark Places
Morningpicker highlights the good people making a difference, the power of redemption, and embracing the marginalized in juvenile detention centers.
Finding light in the darkness: Good people making a difference
Despite the darkness of the juvenile detention center, there are good people working towards positivity, transformation, and new life. These individuals believe in the power of redemption and are committed to making a difference in the lives of the kids.
The power of redemption: Transforming lives in juvenile detention centers
The detention center is designed to squash hope, but God has a special interest in places where the marginalized are especially abused. As Arundhati Roy wrote, “Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. Maybe many of us won’t be here to greet her, but on a quiet day, if I listen very carefully, I can hear her breathing.”
Embracing the marginalized: God’s special interest in places of neglect and abuse
Morningpicker believes that God’s special interest lies in places where the marginalized are especially abused. The juvenile detention center is one such place, and it is essential to recognize the good people working towards redemption and transformation.
Conclusion
As we’ve journeyed through the core values of Quakers, rooted deeply in their Anabaptist heritage, a profound message emerges: simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality are not mere ideals; they are guiding principles shaping a life lived with purpose and compassion. From the quiet power of silent worship to the unwavering commitment to social justice, Quakers demonstrate that faith in action can truly transform the world.
These values, while specific to the Quaker tradition, resonate far beyond their walls. In a world often consumed by complexity and division, they offer a timeless blueprint for individual and collective flourishing. Embracing simplicity can quiet the noise and allow us to focus on what truly matters. Cultivating peace requires us to challenge violence and seek understanding, even in the face of conflict. Integrity compels us to live authentically and ethically, building trust and fostering genuine connection. A strong sense of community reminds us that we are not alone, and that together, we can achieve more than we ever could apart. Finally, striving for equality recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of every human being, regardless of background or circumstance. The Quaker legacy calls us to embody these values, not just in our personal lives, but in our interactions with the wider world, creating a more just and compassionate future for all.
Let us heed the call, embrace the Quaker core values, and together, weave a tapestry of peace, equality, and love, thread by thread.