Being and Doing – 8 October – Bearing Sorrow

OUR veiled and terrible guest (trouble) brings for us, if we will accept it, the boon of fortitude, patience, self-control, wisdom, sympathy, faith.   If we reject that, then we find in our hands the other gift, – cowardice, weakness, isolation, despair.   If your trouble seems to have in it no other possibility of good, at least set yourself to bear it like a man.   Let none of its weight come on other shoulders.   Try to carry it so that no one shall even see it.   Though your heart be sad within, let cheer go out from you to others.   Meet them with a kindly presence, considerate words, helpful acts.

G. S. MERRIAM

I THINK that the retrospect of sorrow is, with most persons, not very sorrowful.   They see that sorrow is the great chastener.

Sir A. HELPS

SORROW seems sent for our instruction, as we darken the cages of birds when we would teach them to sing.

RICHTER

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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.