Being and Doing – 17 July – Personal Responsibility
THERE is work for all of us. And there is special work for each, work which I cannot do in a crowd, or as one of a mass, but as one man, acting singly according to my own gifts, and under a sense of my personal responsibilities. I have a special work to do, as one individual, who, by God’s plan and appointment, have a separate position, separate responsibilities, and a separate work: a work which, if I do not do it, must be left undone.
RUSKIN
THEREFORE, though few may praise, or help, or heed us,
Let us work on with head, or heart, or hand,
For that we know the future ages need us;
And we must help our time to take its stand.
Each single struggle has its far vibration,
Working results that work results again;
Failure and death are not annihilation,
Our tears exhaled will make some future rain.
R. A. VAUGHAN
oooOOOooo
These quotes are from ‘Being and Doing’ A selection of helpful thoughts from various authors arranged for daily reading.
Collected by Constance M Whishaw and first published in 1908 for members of the Being and Doing Guild whose object is to do all they can for the relief of suffering and misery.
Most of the writers are 19th Century Christians from Britain and Europe who were committed to living their faith through deeds as well as words – Being AND Doing.
For many years these words have kept me company and encouraged me on the journey of faith. I hope they will encourage others also.
Suffolk Vicar 