Book Description
"The most valuable aspect of religion," writes
Robert Lawrence Smith, "is that it provides us with a
framework for living. I have always felt that the beauty and
power of Quakerism is that it exhorts us to live more simply,
more truthfully, more charitably." Taking his
inspiration from the teaching of the first Quaker, George
Fox, and from his own nine generations of Quaker forebears,
Smith speaks to all of us who are seeking a way to make our
lives simpler, more meaningful, and more useful. Beginning
with the Quaker belief that "There is that of God in
every person," Smith explores the ways in which we can
harness the inner light of God that dwells in each of us to
guide the personal choices and challenges we face every day.
How to live and speak truthfully. How to listen for, trust,
and act on our conscience. How to make our work an expression
of the best that is in us. Using vivid examples from his own
life, Smith writes eloquently of Quaker Meeting, his decision
to fight in World War II, and later to oppose the Vietnam
War. From his work as an educator and headmaster to his role
as a husband and father, Smith quietly convinces that the
lofty ideals of Quakerism offer all of us practical tools for
leading a more meaningful life. His book culminates with a
moving letter to his grandchildren which imparts ten lessons
for "letting your life speak."