Words of Faith

Words of Faith

Spirit to Spirit Writing Project

The word Lent comes from an old English word meaning lengthening of days. In Christianity, it refers to the time before Easter, traditionally observed through repentance and learning. It's a season to be intentional about changing and growing. Some people give up items to create space and time for new life and habits to grow. Instead of giving something up, I invite you to try to commit to answering these writing prompts each of the 40 days of Lent. The discipline it takes to set aside time each day to reflect and write about God and your relationship with spirituality is a journey that you will emerge from with a renewed spirit. Every writer has their own special voice to add to this project, whether poetry, prose, essay, thoughts, lists, or through comments, prayer, and encouragement.

How do I participate?
Each day, a writing prompt will be posted. A prompt is a question or statement that is meant to inspire your thoughts in whatever genre you feel moved to write. Post your reflections as a comment under each day's prompt (for further instructions, see 'How To Post' on the right side of the page). It is up to you if you write, read, or pray along with us each of the 40 days of Lent or just drop in from time to time when the spirit moves you to participate. Writing regularly is a discipline that many writers struggle with and this is a way to involve that discipline as a Lenten practice. Through writing and leaving encouraging words for others in this project, we become a supportive spiritual writing community

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Renewal

Write about something that you have seen or experienced lately that has renewed your strength.  It's been a hard Lent this year, it seems, but as Mr. Rogers says, "look for the helpers" in the midst of the wilderness.  What or who are your helpers?  I'm writing this prompt in full view of a riotous bouquet of electric yellow daffodils...

11 comments:

  1. Renewed by Pastor Larry P Morris

    We all have gifts.
    We are all called to serve
    and we give our energies to that work.
    I have seen your toil.
    I have seen that some days
    it is not easy for you.
    You don’t have all the answers
    And some days you don’t have any,
    I know.
    That is when life get tiresome
    and weighs you down.
    In those days creativity
    leaves you and there is nothing to do
    but carry on
    I’ve seen you …
    and you do - carry on.
    You do serve.
    I’ve seen it.

    In those times
    renewal may not come
    until the work is over,
    until the serving is finished.
    It is then when you can breathe deep
    and sleep long
    and refill your soul.
    And in those days
    we will look back together
    and see that we were never really alone.
    And when we talk
    we will both see it
    and be renewed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for this one. I will print it remember it when I feel stalled.

      Delete
    2. That's exactly right. Thank you for those words : )

      Delete
  2. HELPERS AT HAND
    By Marlene Obie

    I’ve seen helpers everywhere throughout my life, in disasters, personal crises and have had my faith in humankind renewed every day. Especially this last month.

    People trained and paid to respond who go beyond a shift—
    throughout this mudslide disaster.
    Neighbors whose instincts as soon as they are safe are to check on and aid the next nearest.
    Volunteers who show up with equipment, food, clothing, money, other resources.

    Hundreds of people attending vigils, services to grieve with and comfort families and each other and honor those who’ve passed on in a variety of circumstances, some unexpected accidents, and some normal transitions.
    Providers of refreshment whose generous sharing fills the tables to more than enough for the crowds.

    Ordinary people living along in their days who leap into action without overthinking when they spot someone in dire straits.

    Advocates for positive changes and those who move to be personally involved in compassionate solutions throughout the world.

    Friends who listen, share wisdom, experiences and connections, help us to laugh and cry, and hold on to us.
    Family angels who always step up to enfold us

    Prayer warriors whose persistence keeps adding to and stirring up the mix as it cooks and releases aromas of love to angels’ wings.

    All faces of God, our Helper, Sustainer, Upholder, Provider to whom I am grateful for showing us who we really are.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Such beautiful words, such wisdom. I love your contributions. Clarene Aitken

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sitting around a table with my sisters of fellowship.
    Alll our kids are in their respective beds
    And a feast awaits us.
    Abundant wine, meat, cheese, desserts
    Some of our kids are sick at home with Daddy.
    Some of our kids are whining about sleeping arrangements.
    Some of our kids are with Grandma.
    But the mothers are here
    Talking,
    Creating
    Envisioning the future for themselves, their families
    Weaving stories throughout the night
    of past lives
    of present difficulties
    of absurdities, good and bad, that cause us to cackle wildly.
    Some of our children come upstairs,
    curious about what these women are doing.
    Why are we having so much fun without them?
    I give them some cake and send them back downstairs.
    This is wild womyn time.
    Time for spinning the future out of laughter, wondering, food and friendship.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for drawing the curtain back, just a bit, for the rest of us! I love it! Pastor Larry

      Delete
  5. Love it all--especially the last line!
    Marlene

    ReplyDelete