A Quiet Spirit

 Henry Ward Beecher, once told of a childhood experience that formed his character and guided him in his pursuit for social justice. "He told of a man who came to his home boiling in rage. He had a grievance with his father. His father listened to the man with great attention and perfect quietness until he had got it all out, and then he said to him, in a soft and low tone, 'Well, I suppose you only want what is just and right?' The man said, 'Yes', but went on to state the case over again.

Very gently his father said to the man, 'If you have been misinformed, I presume you would be perfectly willing to know what the truth is?' He said he would. Then his father very quietly made a statement of the others side; and when he was through the man got up and said, 'Forgive me, Doctor. Forgive me.' His father had beaten the man by his quiet, gentle way. Beecher said he saw it, and it gave him an insight into the power of self-control. Beecher also said, 'It was a striking illustration of the passage, He that rules his spirit is better then he that takes a city' (Proverbs 16:32)." (Cyclopedia of Religious Anecdotes, Fleming H. Revell Co. 1923 / Henry Ward Beecher was an American Congregationalist clergyman, social reformer and speaker; known for his support of the abolition of slavery, and his emphasis on God's love.)

1 Peter 3

In this Lenten season, as we pray and strive to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ and by giving up bad habits that destroy our spiritual and personal relationship, maybe Beecher's story can help in this journey.  Beecher realized as a young man that a quiet spirit is easier on the heart and most certainly a healthier way of life. Henry Ward Beecher had other problems that he struggled with like we all do, but he was able to conquer this demon, the lack of self-control. So the next time you drive in the Atlanta traffic try gentling your spirit. You might find it spiritually transforming.                                                       

© Reverend Dr. Edward E. Judy, Morrow Mirror MFUMC 3.16.2014