Wisdom Viewpoints

Our viewpoints come from our ability to see from a particular place or range of vision. Unfortunately, many live within unsafe ranges due to war and other traumas. Fortunately, my family is healthy and wealthy in family/friend connections; we continue working on being wise. We don’t mind changing a bit of the ole’ proverb, as Ben Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack repurposed the proverb from a 1639 book authored by Rev. John Clarke. I follow the initial words – “Early to bed and early to rise.” Winter sunrises are a special treat these days.

My urburb (urban suburb) is a special kind of town. Recently it has become a sanctuary for immigrants sent here from Texas. Many of the newcomers are from Venezuela and arrive without winter clothing. It is an amazing story that brings them to the U.S. One might argue with the Texas governor’s approach to immigrants but realistically, one state cannot take in everyone who crosses the Texas border. The church members in Oak Park have poured their compassion into housing, feeding, and clothing immigrants. The long lines of tables holding clothing and blankets at a local Catholic church were incredible this fall. Volunteers sort through bags of donations that just keep arriving. With weather changes, the sorting operation moved into the spacious sanctuary with the pews overflowing with winter supplies on weekdays.

When were your ancestors the immigrants? Wasn’t it just a few generations ago? I have most details about my maternal grandfather, Joseph Edward Whitacre. Our ancestor, Quaker John Whitacre (1678-1737), was born in England and traveled to Philadelphia, PA on the ship Brittania in 1698-1699 according to a ship passenger list. One individual’s view of this 14-week voyage of Quakers seeking religious freedom is really chilling to read – of the 140 passengers, 56 died at sea and at shore another 20 died. There had been an epidemic in the Philadelphia area (presumed to be yellow fever). Within a 10-week period, nearly 200 Quakers died (this was occurring at the time of the arrival of the Britannia which was dubbed “that sick ship from Liverpool”). The Quaker Meeting folks took care of the numerous orphans.

Yellow fever was lethal to many English settlers who continued a steady stream of border crossings following the “Pilgrims” who arrived in 1620, but this disease was especially devastating to Native Americans (see 11-20-23 blog). Have you collected your immigrant stories? They provide a special point of view.

In ancient Egyptian views, the Eye of Horus carried significance as the “good eye,” a symbol of healing, protection from harm, and knowledge. Wisdom is precious and hard to find in much of our planet’s politics today. Let’s aim our “good eye” toward collective wisdom. The original Christmas story told of three wise men, but undoubtedly there were wise women as well. Let’s increase the numbers of both!                                                             

Pearls of Peace (PoP) Quiz

245. What stands out in your immigrant family stories?

246. How do you increase your wisdom on a daily basis?