Volunteer Renewal: "Going To The Well"

The journey of peace is a joyful one. But sometimes, the well runs dry. We feel lonely, frustrated, paralyzed by the pain of a world where many suffer from spiritual dryness and so many others are literally dying for a drink.

The Peace X Peace global community of women know the highs and lows of trying to build better worlds for themselves, their families, and communities. We all want to be there for our sisters when they thirst for motivation, energy, and encouragement. And we want to be reminded often that the patient work of shaping something new together and within ourselves is actually making a difference.

Going To The Well is a space that you can come to alone, quietly ... where you take a bucket or a sip, sit a moment in the shade, and share what you have with your sisters. The water level will change as many women bring refreshment through words of encouragement, favorite bits of poetry, and reflections on the long, juicy journey that is peace. We'll share encouraging words from famous peacemakers, wisdom from various faith traditions - and perhaps your words, born of your own unique experience.

When you encounter a dry patch, dip into the wisdom on this page. Restore, refresh, and renew yourself. Bring your favorite finds to your circle and reflect on them together. And whenever you can, leave something you love for the next visitor. Submit your contribution by clicking here.

MUSIC

"Peace X Peace," by Penelope Salinger

"She Rises," by Penelope Salinger

QUOTES

"There is no way to peace. Peace is the way." - A.J. Muste

"People talk about not being victims, but, rather, survivors. I say, 'We are not only survivors, we are leaders." - Betty Makoni, Director of Girl Child Network of Zimbabwe

Prophets of a Future Not Our Own
(Attributed to martyred Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador)

It helps, now and then, to step back
And take the long view.
The kingdom is not only beyond efforts,
It is beyond our vision.

We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of
The magnificent enterprise that is God's work.
Nothing we do is complete,
Which is another way of saying
That the kingdom always lies beyond us.

No statement says all that could be said.
No prayer fully expresses our faith.
No confession brings perfection.
No pastoral visit brings wholeness.
No program accomplishes the church's mission.
No set of goals and objectives includes everything.

This is what we are about:
We plant seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations that produce effects beyond our capabilities.

We cannot do everything
And there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.
This enables us to do something,
And to do it very well.
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way,
An opportunity for God's grace to enter and do the rest.

We may never see the end results,
But that is the difference between the master builder and the worker.
We are workers, not master builders,
Ministers, not messiahs.
We are prophets of a future not our own.