Faith and Feminism by Helen LaKelly Hunt Ph.D

Author:Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: 2004-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

The Action of Lucretia Mott

Whether you are studying the beginnings of the women’s movement, learning about antislavery societies, or reading about philanthropic efforts to ease the suffering of the poor, you will find Lucretia. She was everywhere on the political scene, formulating strategies, preaching transformation, writing letters, smoothing ruffled feelings, and nudging people toward better behavior. And her action also took the form of her commitment to prayer and Quaker practice. Her success in life seems to have sprung from a few simple convictions. Everything followed from these.

She believed that we are put on earth to follow the teachings of Jesus. We are steered by the Bible and by the divine voice that speaks to us when we wait quietly for guidance. Her theology was straightforward and her advice to the people around her was practical. She believed everyone had the opportunity and duty to be God’s eyes, ears, and hands on earth.

The questions raised by Lucretia’s life are “How are you called into action?” and “Are you faithful to that call?” Your actions might be public or so quiet they are never noticed, which Emily would have applauded. Your act of courage might be taking the time and developing the spirit to reconcile a relationship. Or it might be simply getting out of bed if you suffer from depression or going to that first A.A. meeting. You might be quietly writing letters to political prisoners through Amnesty International or sending an anonymous donation to help the orphans in South Africa. You might take time each week to go to the hospital nursery to rock the neglected babies with AIDS. You may have a strong desire to cultivate your own garden and participate in growing the food you eat, allowing time for your inner spirit to grow and be nurtured as well. You may be protecting and valuing time as a parent.

It is not important whether our actions are considered large or small; it is important that they stem from the center of our being. When we learn to live from our own authenticity, we activate our still inner voice. Although Lucretia was a lead singer on the world stage, she would have been perfectly happy singing backup for someone else—as long as the music was right and all the people were included in the dancing.

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