Stand tall

It is always a revelation to read Robert Peel. His work is a fine combination of sharp, observant scholarship with wisdom and artistry. The result is a rich tapestry of compelling observations about life in general, and Mrs Eddy’s life in particular. I always feel I have learned valuable life lessons after reading him.

Here is something in the early pages of Mary Baker Eddy: The Years of Trial that exemplifies that. On page 10, he writes of Putney Bancroft that “he lacked the stamina and perhaps the audacity to outface the storms that lay ahead”. In the next paragraph, he further discusses qualities of leadership needed in the movement. “They were leaners more than leaders - more, even, than followers” Such succinct writing and observation!

So, the obvious derivative from that is to ask ourselves: Do I have the audacity and stamina to be a leader? Such great words.

Audacity: boldness or daring, especially with confident disregard for conventional thought or personal safety. Dauntlessness, courage, adventurousness. Paul speaks of boldness, doesn’t he.

Stamina: Strength, vigour. Power to endure. Backbone, endurance, energy, fortitude, heart, indefatigability.

I also liked his deeper look at the distinction between Divine Science and science on page 12: that it is eternal not empirical; it requires both past authority and present experience; that, as divine law, it is both insight and power.

All very insightful.

Marie Fox