Beautiful People Profile: An Open Gateway to Wisdom...David Ord of Chandler, Arizona

When you interact with David Ord, you get the feeling
that you're walking through an Open Gateway,
inviting you into its wisdom and truth.

As I began writing this piece, too, that's the full
impression I got as I thought of this man, David Robert Ord, editorial director, writer, author, luminary and former preacher.

It helps, too, that I've never personally
met the man. So, impressions are ALL I can
use to gauge his Spirit.


Yes, definitely you get the feel of the vastness of
this gateway and the large width that it spans when it opens.
Naturally, this is a gateway that opens from the inside out.


This is a gateway, too, that is solid and made of the finest
grain of wood available to man...with an ageless
beauty that gets more refined as time passes.

You wouldn't want to paint this gateway. You know
that nature has done, and will continue to do, a
perfect job.



Like the David in history who slew the giant, Goliath, with
a mere slingshot and five stones, you have the feeling that this David,
too, has slain some other giants in life. In this case, it's
the giants of challenges, pain, brokenness... and the issues
of day-to-day living.


Yes. You simply KNOW that he 's
afraid of nothing that life would, or could bring, him now.
He's put those giants to sleep!

He confirms this, too, when he says, "I want to experience
the whole of what life offers me, closing myself off to none of it.
And that's not just the really pleasant things, but the
whole gamut.

"I want to feel the deepest depths, whether those feelings
are happy ones or sad. I have learned that when I react to
something, or avoid something, it's because a part of me is shut down;
the energy is trapped, stuck. I want to open to all of it.
So my essential philosophy is to engage life
fully in each moment, no matter what the challenge."

Getting to this stage in life when you feel and KNOW that you've
conquered life's greatest trials and you've arrived at a place
where you feel nothing BUT wholeness must make him
feel triumphant. But it was not an easy road for David Ord.
"It's been a long journey to find my true being, through a great deal
of pain, but I have been blessed with the right books and the people
coming into my life. Everything has come to me when required
---when I was ready for it."

As the editorial director at Namaste' Publishing, Vancouver, British Columbia, which first published the renown Author Eckhart Tolle, and continues to publish his books in first-run, David Ord has been blessed with being exposed to some of the greatest minds in the "enlightenment" community.

He said that his life has been touched by many.
[Author Eckhart Tolle]


[Constance Kellough, publisher and president of Namaste Publishing, and author of "The Leap."]

[Michael Brown, author of the Presence Process]


"Sebastian Moore, Dr. David Schnarch, my seminary professors Herman Waetjen and Robert Coote, and more recently Eckhart Tolle, Constance Kellough, our publisher and president at Namaste, and especially, Michael Brown with his Presence Process, have helped awaken me.

"Free of concepts of God, I find myself living a divine life that's truly fulfilling."

When the persons have shown up in his life, David says, he's simply responded to what they offer. To grow and keep growing, he says that "I actually read, and read again, and reread yet again the books that came to me. I spent time talking with those who guided me. I invested myself in things like the Presence Process, doing it again and again. So, really it's my willingness to be responsive to the grace that has adorned my path that has been my part [to play in the growth process]."

The openness that I first discerned continues to flow through from David Ord because, he says, "I have learned the importance of being true to myself---saying no when I mean no, with no fudging, and also an unqualified yes. I don't live with the giant 'no' to so much of life that I had for many years. This means I open myself up to every opportunity that comes my way and resonates with my heart. In my work and in all my activities, the crucial thing is to come from the felt-resonance of the heart."

If you're as curious as I was about the path that Ord took to get to this place of centeredness, here's his background:


He was born in Yorkshire, England, thus has a delightful British accent. He was educated in England and obtained his bachelor's degree there. At age 38, having by then relocated to the United States, he went back to school to obtain a four-year degree at the San Francisco Theological Seminary and then went on to the Graduate Theological Union of Berkeley, obtaining a Master of Divinity degree.

But, he says, most of his "real" education about the Spirit within "was self-taught through extensive reading and the key contacts and people who were able to guide me."


You understand Ord stating this when you understand that for him, "God is the ground of all being, the source of everything, incomprehensible to us because we are finite and God is infinite and yet ultimately the most personal reality there is because we participate in God's own being and therefore are manifestations of the divine Presence!

"In other words, God is the heart of my being---the essence of who I am---although I am only one sunbeam streaming from the giant sun."

This image of God shows the evolution of David Ord from the boy who attended the Anglican Church,(the Church of England), and also sang in the church choir there, eventually becoming "head boy." In his teens, he followed the teachings of Billy Graham, then moved into more fundamentalist teachings.

Ord finally "broke out of all this. For a time, I didn't really have much in the way of beliefs, not even sure about the divine.

"This didn't last long however. About 32 years ago, I began to recognize the divine in everything---and especially in us. After coming to the United States, in due course, I became a Presbyterian minister.

"Funnily, as my understanding has grown, I have moved to about where retired Episcopal Bishop John Shelby Spong, author of many books but especially his new one called, 'Eternal Life,' finds himself: the divine is consciousness expressing as us."



David moved to the Phoenix metropolitan area in 2007 from Louisiana. He now attends the Episcopal Cathedral of Arizona in Phoenix and is especially inspired by Nicholas Kniseley, dean of the Cathedral. He lives in Chandler with his love, Jennifer, whom he says is "a lot younger than I am."

David says that he plans to allow life to "prompt me, lead me, inspire me in each and every moment, and to respond to all its invitations that resonate with the heart.

"I am blessed with the most exciting work, in which I get to write a great deal and also edit some of the finest material being given to us as a species in terms of the evolution of our consciousness and the development of a fulfilling life."



If he could choose, Ord says, he would have his 25-year-old son, Julian, whom he mostly raised by himself, living close to him in Chandler. Actually, David believes Julian will move nearby in 2010, bringing their 14-year old Norwegian Elk Hound, Ashley, whom David has not seen for almost two years. He is also hoping that the home he and Jennifer now rent will eventually be theirs; he wants to spend time writing on the coast of Italy during the warm months, and continue to add to the extensive travel he's already done. (This has already begun; he, Jennifer and Julian have an early December trip planned to Yorkshire for his niece's wedding being held there.)

This man, David Ord, who has such an openness to offering his wisdom, has touched my life in two fundamental ways:

Through one of his many books*, "Your Forgotten Self: Mirrored in Jesus, the Christ," I fell deeply in love with Jesus!

Then, at his insistence, I, too, underwent the "Presence Process" by Michael Brown in 2008 and found myself altered in mind, body and soul!

I'm sure he has likewise touched many of the lives of people with whom he's interacted. For as he says it best himself, "I want to be present each moment so fully that love, joy, and peace suffuse my life. As I am true to who I am in everything, not compromising myself, I become of service to my family, my community and the world. In other words, I have moved away from trying to 'help people,' which would have been my answer some years ago, to living with the kind of integrity to my own being that makes me valuable to others."

Without a doubt, through the loving nature and Beingness that I know is YOU, David Ord...I'd say you HAVE succeeded! May the peace, love and joy you so freely share with others return to you many fold.

With a birthday coming up soon, I say now: Happy Birthday, friend!
Namaste',

Che'
NOTE: David Robert Ord is the author of: "Is the Bible True? Making Sense of the Bible for the 21st century." (May 1993); "Inside the Mind of Jesus." (with Sebastian Moore; May 2001); "Alligators in Evening Dress." (May 2006); "Finding Self, Finding Love." ((June 2006) and "Your Forgotten Self: Mirrored in Jesus the Christ." (October 2007). You can read David Ord's daily blog, "Compassionate Eye," @ http://namastepublishing.com.

Led by Spirit: This Society Will Make You "(Qu)ake" for Their Friendship and Truth!

"I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father." [John 15:14]

They are known as the "Society of Friends" or simply "Quakers." I'm sure that when, like me, you learn the truth about this group of "friends," you may yearn for the straightforwardness of their ways and teachings.


The name "Quakers" comes from a 17th Century court case, where George Fox , one of the early founders, is said to have told the Judge (Bennet) and others to "tremble at the word of God." Long gone is that image. Today with these "friends," no one need tremble at this group's practices and the rights to freedom they support.


From rights of slaves and prisoners to gay rights and women's rights, "The Society of Friends" has fought for the freedom of groups far and large in their public life.

"I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts....They shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest ...
I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more."
Jeremiah 31:33-34 & Hebrews 8:10-12

I was wowed by the easygoing nature and loving spirit of this religious body. Perhaps that's because my image of Quakerism had always been that of the Pennsylvania Dutch who wear traditional garbs from days gone by. Now I'm beginning to know that even if Quakers did wear those outfits, it must have just been a camouflage for not attracting too many of the "wrong friends."

The truth is that the Quakers are often confused with the *Amish Mennonites, as they both co-exist and were established in Pennsylania. Even if the garbs were worn by Quakers, they belied the profundity of this group of spiritual seekers.

Who They Are
Quakerism was founded in England, principally by non-conformists to the heavy form of Puritanism there. Quakers believe that humans are led by the spirit of God within them. And in the early days of the Quakers formation, they were known as "Children of Light" or "Friends of Truth," among many others, like "saints," that the group assumed to try to reflect their truth. Finally, in 1827 the name "Religious Society of Friends" became official and still is used today, though "Quaker" is often placed in parentheses.

"The Religious Society of Friends" holds a "belief in the possibility of direct, unmediated communion with the Divine" and hold a "commitment to living lives that outwardly attest to this inward experience." But there is no consensus in the overall style of how these two core principles are applied, thus leading many to believe that the Quakers have no beliefs and that "anything goes" in Quakerism.


This is a fallacy, according to the official "Friends" Website:
"Most Quakers take the absence of a creed as an invitation and encouragement to exercise an extra measure of personal responsibility for the understanding and articulation of Quaker faith. Rather than rely on priests or professional theologians, each believer is encouraged to take seriously the personal disciplines associated with spiritual growth. Out of lives of reflection, prayer, faithfulness, and service flow the statements of belief, both in word and in deed."


Varying Factions

People trying to discern Quaker practices often are challenged by several separations, begun in the early days, in the "Religious Society of Friends" that still are reflected today. There is no one standard for conducting and establishing "Yearly Meetings," the name given to the different national and regional organizations that follow Quaker teachings and practices.

According to 2002 figures, there are about 338,000 people in 60 countries who subscribe to Quaker teachings and beliefs. Thus, the practices obviously differ in culture, national allegiance and language. In the United States, there are four features that clearly distinguish one type of Friend group from others. These range from the manner of worship to affliating with various groups.


.Worship. This can be unprogrammed, which is silent worship without formal clergy or "programmed" or "pastoral" worship guided by a pastor; there may or may not be a period of silence.

.Theological Emphasis. There can be the strongest emphasis on the authority of Christian scripture vs. "liberal," which places the strongest emphasis on the "Inward Light."

.Evangelism. Some groups may focus solely on evangelistic activities. In these organizations, missionary or evangelical work is undertaken and social service work as well.

.Affiliating Organizations. There are three principal bodies through which "Friends" in North America are affiliated: Friends General Conference, Friends United Meeting, and Evangelical Friends Church International. Even there, some "Friends" make a choice to are affiliate with more than one or with none at all.


Quakerism in Practice: Testimonies


Since Friends believe that each person contains God, much of the Quaker perspective is based on trying to hear God and to allow God's Spirit free action in the heart. Isaac Penington wrote in 1670:

"It is not enough to hear of Christ, or read of Christ, but this is the thing — to feel him my root, my life, my foundation..."


The Bible is not taken as literal truth but is seen by "Friends" as subject to man's interpretations. They believe that [the] "Christ," instead of the Bible, is the Word of God. For this reason, Quakers try to bear witness or testify to their beliefs in their every day life - an expression of "spirituality in action." The ways in which they testify are often known as "Quaker testimonies" or "Friends' testimonies."



When Friends testify to God's activity in their daily lives, testimonies fall into the following areas: Unity, Community, Compassion, Justice, Truth, Stewardship, Sustainability, and the testimony against time and season. Specifically in the United States, Children and Friends school students are often taught the acronym SPICES: Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality and Stewardship

In the United Kingdom, the acronym STEP is used, or more affectionately, PEST: Peace, Equality, Simplicity and Truth, often equated with Integrity. In recent years the environment has also come to be regarded by some in the UK as an "emerging testimony," one that is respected and valued.

Mysticism
Quaker mysticism is primarily group-oriented, rather than focused on the individual. The Friends' traditional meeting for worship may be considered an expression of that group mysticism, where all the members of the meeting listen together for the Spirit of God, speaking when that Spirit moves them.


The forms can vary and take shape however they unfold in the group and individual. The only unity seems to be that they are not consistent and over the years, they have challenged "Friends," yet provided guidance for them.

Practices

To "Friends," every day should be seen as a celebration of life, so days like Christmas and Easter and times such as the Lenten Season are not held any more sacred than each day we are allowed to live and breathe.

Since"Quakers" believe that life and the living of life is sacred in and of itself, there is not much emphasis placed on the traditional sacraments and rites by other religious bodies.




There are no formal baptisms, christenings or rites for marriages. Even memorials are conducted as a part of a regular meeting.


Children born to Quaker parents do not automatically become part of the "Religious Society of Friends." Rather, the children are allowed to choose when they are old enough, or as an adult, whether they want to join a Yearly Meeting.

Meetings: Certainly like No Others!


A marriage conducted in a "Friends" meeting is similar to any other "unprogrammed" Meeting for Worship. The couple marry each other in front of witnesses, and after they exchange vows, the meeting returns to open worship. At the end of meeting, all the witnesses, including the youngest children in attendance, are asked to sign the wedding certificate. Quakers have their own registrars for marriages.

Memorial services for Quakers are also held as a form of worship and are known as memorial meetings. Because Friends believe that the spirit is more important than the body, the coffin or ashes of the deceased are not present; burial takes place at a separate time. At memorials, Friends gather for worship and offer remembrances about the person who has died. Memorial meetings can last over an hour, particularly if there are a large number of people in attendance, thus giving everyone a chance to remember the deceased in their own way.


Meetings on business matters are held on a local level once a month. Here again, a business meeting is conducted in the forum of worship. Instead of voting, the Meeting attempts to discern God's will. Members listen God within themselves and, if led, contribute their insights to the group for reflection and consideration. A decision is made when the members feel that the "way forward" has been discerned or there is a consensus.

Quaker Position on Education

Quakers have an appreciation for education, having founded many schools and colleges around the world. Yet Quakers are cautioned against honoring humans instead of God and using education as a substitute for a personal relationship with God.

Two well-known Friends' institutions support education: Friends Council on Education (FCE)and Friends Association for Higher Education (FAHE) . The former supports primary through secondary levels of education, and the latter supports Friends post-secondary institutions.

Not without Conflict


Establishing a religion such as the "Religious Society of Friends" certainly did not come without conflict. In the Massachusetts Bay colony, Friends were banished on pain of death. Mary Dyer is one famous Quaker who was hanged on Boston Common for returning to preach her beliefs, but so were many others. In England, Friends were effectively banned from sitting in Parliament at Westminster from 1698-1833.


The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn, as a safe place for "Friends" to live and practice their faith. One of the most radical beliefs he introduced there was religious freedom for everyone, as well as fair dealings with Native Americans. "Quakers" in Pennsylvania also opposed slavery.


Wow! what a revolutionary idea!

Despite persecution and other forms of harrassment, the "Religious Society of Friends" grew steadily in the United States and around the world.

Thank Goodness!

For truly, the world needs more "Friends" like these!

Namaste',

Che'
NOTE: Go to the official Quaker Website for more information: http://www.quakerinfo.org. *In December, we'll take a look at the Amish Mennonites.

OTHER NOTES: A recent shooting at an army base in Fort Hood, Texas, has Muslims across the country "quaking in their boots," because the shooter "has a Muslim last name." Many are fearful that they will be targets of a backlash from angry fellow Americans. Why are we constantly being judged by the color of our skin...and anything that marks us "different" from each other? Is a last name indicative of a person's Soul? No less than the United States government recently had to pay out millions in four separate lawsuits brought by Pakani and other Muslim and Arab nationals, because of the actions it took, detaining these individuals for several months and, some, more than a year, immediately following the September 11 attacks. Today, and every day, know this: you are an individual on your own path and here for your own divine purpose; even those who share the same DNA, the same last names, the same history, the same religion, the same...are on their own paths as well. "Yet, family all are we!"