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
The Mysticism of Fingers-
ReplyDeleteI keep thinking about fingers, and how amazing it is to watch someone learn something new. As I think about the complexity of the process of dexterity, I see it as part of a much larger web of design and purpose. In learning a new piece of music on the guitar or trying to use a new kind of tool, I am part of an imminent and continual expression of God. I am kenotic by nature and look for God in his creation. But rather than finding it in a great vista in a passive way, here it is revealed in fingers that are reaching out to learn something that had been passed on by others. God’s mind and expression are not only something we look at like a painting, or admire in church. It can be activity we share and become part of. If we were not gifted with understanding, then it might be said that we were only made for God’s enjoyment, even entertainment. But we are given understanding, and that binds us both with the creation and the creator in a process that extends through time. Doug Millar
The beauty of the Christian faith and the key tenet that has held me here through the most turbulent storms is that God became human. This is the God to whom I speak, cry, lash out.
ReplyDeleteThirty three years of life on earth as someone's child, brother, cousin, playmate, friend, love interest, student, colleague, neighbor, teacher. Carefree fun-loving child, studious adolescent, awkward teenager, faithful young man, child of God. He must understand, right?
So when I ask my questions, I'm asking them to someone who's lived it all - someone who I assume has asked many of the same questions; has felt betrayed, hurt, loss, grief; has doubted his purpose; has asked God to take it away.
This is the God, as our pastor says, who walks into the deep, dark places with us, with me.