HOLY HERETIC DEVOTIONAL- Aug. 18, 2016-SOLITUDE
Compiled by Mercy Junction Council Member Maddie Nix
“When they are alone they want to be with others, and when they are with others they want to be alone. After all, human beings are like that.” — Gertrude Stein
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Laugh, and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone. For the sad old earth must borrow its mirth, But has trouble enough of its own. Sing, and the hills will answer; Sigh, it is lost on the air. The echoes bound to a joyful sound, But shrink from voicing care.
Rejoice, and men will seek you; Grieve, and they turn and go. They want full measure of all your pleasure, But they do not need your woe. Be glad, and your friends are many; Be sad, and you lose them all. There are none to decline your nectared wine, But alone you must drink life’s gall.
Feast, and your halls are crowded; Fast, and the world goes by. Succeed and give, and it helps you live, But no man can help you die. There is room in the halls of pleasure For a long and lordly train, But one by one we must all file on Through the narrow aisles of pain.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Today’s Action: At the top of a sheet of paper, write the words “Solitude” and “Company.” Now, for five minutes, write down all the words that come time that are beneficial parts of being in solitude; now, do the same under the word company — writing down words that are the positive aspects of being with others.
Sharing: We’d love to see your lists. Please comment on our Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/HolyHereticZine
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** Don’t forget your gratitude journal at the back of your print edition of Holy Heretic!
To learn more about becoming a member of the Fellowship of Heretics and receiving our print daily devotional guide each month, visit http://www.mercyjunction.org/fellowship-of-heretics
Mercy Junction Justice and Peace Center 