There is in every person an inward sea
And in that sea, there is an island
And on that island is an altar
And standing guard before that altar
is the angel with the flaming sword.
Nothing can get by that angel to be placed upon that altar
unless it has the mark of your inner authority.
Nothing passes the angel with the flaming sword
to be placed upon your altar
unless it be a part of the fluid area of your consent.
This is your crucial link with THE ETERNAL.
“Hailed by Life magazine as one the great preachers of the twentieth century; a spiritual leader to Martin Luther King, Jr., Sherwood Eddy, James Farmer, A. J. Muste, and Pauli Murray; the first black dean at a white university; cofounder of the first interracially pastored, intercultural church in the United States; Howard Thurman (1899–1981) was a man of penetrating foresight and astonishing charisma. His vision of the world was one of a democratic camaraderie born of faith, and in light of today’s global community, one of particular importance.”
SEED QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: How do you relate to the notion that we can only touch our sacredness with our inner authority and consent? Can you share an experience you’ve had making an offering to your inner altar? What helps you realize the power of your inner authority and consent?