In Brief: Logos for the Journey

By Sheldon H. Clark. Rock’s Mills Press, 2024. 50 pages. $16/paperback.

This slender book, presented as an “all-purpose carryall,” has been thoughtfully packed by the author with things one might want to reach for on a spiritual journey: Bible verses, quotes from Friends and others, reflections, and prayers, all organized into two-page themed groupings. Logos in the title goes unexplained but is assumed to be the Christian interpretation of the term, meaning “the word of God,” and thus the author uses this framework to explore such themes as eternity, kindness, forgiveness, and sacredness. In the introduction, Clark draws on a memory of when he, as a seminary student, was assigned to be a visiting chaplain in a psychiatric hospital; he recounts an experience in which he and the patients took an imaginary day trip together.

In the section on eternity, readers will find quotes from the biblical book of Matthew as well as from early Quaker William Penn. On the theme of forgiveness, he recalls a prayer group that he led with seven incarcerated women. This section also contains a quote from Beverly Shepard of Hamilton Meeting in Canadian Yearly Meeting, where Clark is a member, which notes that Friends do not participate in formal confession and that Quakers tend to play to their strengths in performing good works. Shepard observes that this tendency is positive but also burdensome, and describes directly asking God for forgiveness as a joyful relief.

The section on kindness includes the author’s reflection on a child’s relationship with a pony, and mentions various realms in which we can be servant leaders. Under the sacredness header is a reflection by Elizabeth G. Watson which contrasts “living unafraid” with “dwelling in safety.”

Readers seeking an enriching devotional will find this book a welcome addition to their personal libraries.

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Sharlee DiMenichi, FJ staff writer