In this essay based on his talk at the 2016 Friends Gen. Conference Gathering, Rex Ambler reflects on the current "dark" world situation and what he believes is needed to affect positive change. Citing William Penn, he urges readers to avoid objectifying the world, focus within, and live lives that reflect the truth they discover. Discussion questions are included.

How can we effect positive change in our current difficult world situation? Rex Ambler, citing William Penn, urges readers to avoid objectifying the world, focus within, and live lives that reflect the truth they discover.

I very much enjoyed reading this pamphlet to Pat. I need to read it again to better internalize it. But how we react to the negative events in today's world would seem to reflect how grounded we are in our beliefs as Friends. We cannot simply pay lip service to our Testimonies if we wish them to mean something. In fact, we must trust that the Light exists, both internally in ourselves and in others, but also in the world at large.

Ambler held out a quotation from William Penn I had not before noticed: "True godliness don't turn men out of the world but enables them to live better in it, and excites their endeavors to mend it." ( )

In this valuable pamphlet, that feels highly appropriate to these times, Ambler addresses the question of how we cope with the grief, fears, confusion, and anger that come with living in dark times. He found in the writings of early Friends, particularly George Fox and William Penn, profound guidance for facing the overwhelming darkness and for coming through to acceptance, empowerment to act with love and helpfulness, and peace. The path lies through contemplation, mindfulness, feeling the darkness, opening to the Light, acceptance of what we are shown, transformation, guidance, embracing the Oneness, and faithfully doing what we are led to. Ambler found his own experience confirming the advices of Fox and Penn.
A wise passage deepens our understanding of testimony, as bearing witness to the reality, the spiritual reality, of the relationship of people with each other and the world. Testimony is truth-living.
Ambler writes in a warm personal style. It takes some rereading to grasp all he is telling us, for this is deep inner spiritual work. See also his other PHP, #425. ( )

Based on Ambler's 2016 talk at the 2016 Friends General Conference Gathering.