Lifelines

This program is about Lifelines – those sources of strength that we have found most helpful in times of need. It asks members to examine what has worked for them now and in the past – faith, spiritual practices, a special place, a friend, and so on.

Member Preparation

In preparation for this session, read the following quotes and take some time to think about times in your life when you have needed a lifeline—faith, spiritual practice, a special place, a friend, and so on—to help you get through your times of need.

"Twice in my life I have experienced deep depression. Both times various friend tried to rescue me with well-intentioned encouragement and advice… In the midst of my depression I had a friend who took a different tack. Every afternoon at around four o’clock he came to me, sat me in a chair, removed my shoes, and massaged my feet. He hardly said a word, but he was there, he was with me. He was a lifeline for me, a link to the human community and thus to my own humanity. He had no need to “fix” me. He knew the meaning of compassion." – Parker J. Palmer, from The Active Life

"Prayer invites God to be present in our spirits and in our lives. Prayer cannot bring water to parched land, nor mend a broken bridge, nor rebuild a ruined city, but prayer can water an arid soul, mend a broken heart, and rebuild a weakened will." – Abraham J. Heschel, Singing the Living Tradition Hymnal #497

"Inspiration and wretchedness are inseparable. We always want to get rid of misery rather than see how it works together with joy. The point isn’t to cultivate one thing as opposed to another, but to relate properly to where we are. Inspiration and wretchedness complement each other. With only inspiration, we become arrogant. With only wretchedness, we lose our vision. Feeling inspired cheers us up, makes us realize how vast and wonderful our world is. Feeling wretched humbles us. The gloriousness of our inspiration connects us with the sacredness of the world. But when the tables are turned and we feel wretched, that softens us up. It ripens our hearts. It becomes the ground for understanding others."  - Pema Chödrön, When Things Fall Apart

"If I'm confused, or upset, or angry, if I can go out and look at the stars I'll almost always get back a sense of proportion. It's not that they make me feel insignificant; it's the very opposite; they make me feel that everything matters, be it ever so small, and there there's meaning to life even when it seems most meaningless." - Madeleine L'Engle, Glimpses of Grace: Daily Thoughts and Reflections

These questions provide ways you may want to approach this topic. Remember to focus on just one or two of the questions, if you choose to use them, as this will allow you to explore the topic in more depth.

  • What has helped you in times of need during childhood and adolescence, during early adulthood? What helps you in times of need now?
  • Which of your wellsprings are spiritual and religious, and which are otherwise?
  • Which sources of strength are most comfortable?
  • Which are harder to tap, or less reliably available, or less comfortable?