PlainSpeech Messages | Find YOUR way to GRACE.

I recently read a message I’d given in 1984 and felt a mixture of embarrassment and surprise. Embarrassed because it seems inadequate now, and surprised by how much my worldview has changed. Twenty-five years from now, I might read these messages and have a similar reaction. I offer no guarantee that my work or words will endure the eroding effects of time. I can only assure you these thoughts have been helpful to me, and perhaps a few others, today. With that qualification, I offer them to you.

~ Philip

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Quaker Qualities (Not Just Integrity, but Integration)

Quaker Qualities (Not Simplicity, but Generosity)

When I was 32 years old, I received a phone call from the Friends World Committee for Consultation, asking if I would serve on their Executive Committee. This was a big deal in Quakerism, like being asked to serve on the college of cardinals and pick a new pope. I was...

Quaker Qualities (Not Just Integrity, but Integration)

Quaker Qualities (Consistent Compassion)

This past week, I was at the bank and noticed the young woman working as a teller had her preferred pronouns, "she/her," written on her name tag, just after her name. I thought, “Well, that’s just because she’s young and idealistic,” but then I noticed all the tellers...

Quaker Qualities (Not Just Integrity, but Integration)

Quaker Qualities (Democratic Discernment)

It was my birthday this past week. I turned 63 and thought it important to have a little preventative maintenance done on my chassis, so Monday had my teeth cleaned, Tuesday had six pre-cancerous lesions frozen off, fasted on Wednesday, in preparation for a...

Quaker Qualities (Not Just Integrity, but Integration)

Quaker Qualities (Osmosing)

Many years ago, I had the opportunity to meet a prominent Quaker who had studied at several of our Quaker colleges and universities and had written extensively about Quakerism. He was a pre-eminent expert on all-things Quakerism and would tell you so if you talked...

Quaker Qualities (Not Just Integrity, but Integration)

How to Die Before You’re Dead (11) 

I know those people who were counting on a stunning come-from-behind victory for Vivek Ramaswamy are surely disappointed after his departure from the presidential race this week. I think we can all agree our nation has been well-served by billionaires with no...

Quaker Qualities (Not Just Integrity, but Integration)

How to Die Before You’re Dead (10)

It is good to be back with all of you, our friends. Our visit to Texas went well. Joan drove the entire way, every mile. 2,400 miles, round trip. Did you know once you become president, you are never again permitted to drive on a public road? You have a driver for the...

Quaker Qualities (Not Just Integrity, but Integration)

How to Die Before You’re Dead (9)

VIEW VIDEO  When we moved to Danville, 25 years ago, most of the houses now in our neighborhood weren’t yet there. We were pioneers, along with the Comers, who lived on the other side of the neighborhood, we could just see the smoke from their cooking fire. In between...

Quaker Qualities (Not Just Integrity, but Integration)

How to Die Before You’re Dead (8)

VIEW VIDEO  One of humanity’s biggest problems is that people who think they’re wonderful often aren’t, and people who are wonderful seldom believe they are. It’s nearly impossible to persuade a narcissist of his need to grow. And similarly, it’s incredibly hard to...

Quaker Qualities (Not Just Integrity, but Integration)

How to Die Before You’re Dead (7) 

VIEW VIDEO  I’ve been thinking this week about family traditions, which we used to have in my family until my granddaughter was born and tradition went out the window. When my siblings and I were young and had birthdays, we received one present, a cake, and Mom would...

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