What is your wilderness?

One metaphor that is used for Lent is entering a wilderness.  Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days before he began his ministry.  Noah was in a wilderness of water for 40 days buffered on all sides by all the animals of the world (try not to think too deeply of those logistics) before he was blessed with a rainbow and a promise.  The Israelites walked through a wilderness for 40 years before they were able to enter their their land of Milk and Honey.  What is your wilderness?  What do you think is on the other side?  A promise?  A better life?  A ministry?  Or something else?

Faith Story - stranger or good Samaritan?

Today, write about an example of a stranger (or someone who you did not know very well), who affected your faith.  Was it a community helper?  A stranger on a trip?  Someone who helped you in a time of need?  What happened and what are your thoughts about the experience?

Buckle up - Its going to be a very somber ride...or is it?

As we embark on this writing journey together in the 40 days of Lent (plus some Sunday prompts - more on that later...), what is the feel of this liturgical season for you?  Is it filled with penitence and self-denial? A return to roots or expectations of obedience?  Rebellion against old ways or broken systems in order to reclaim this time with God in a different way?  Or does it leave a bitter taste - sort of meh, and you're not sure how - or if- you want to jump in.  God is big enough to encompass all of our feelings and gather us together here in the written word. 

Ash Wednesday Rolls Around Again...What Does This Mean?

We kick off our Lenten Writing Project with a late (technically it's now Thursday, but God's grace is magnanimous) Ash Wednesday post.  Read the sidebar for directions on how to participate, and I hope that you do!

If this blog inspires you to post thoughts you have on faith, welcome!
If you want to post things you have written in the past that are relevant to the day's topic, welcome!
If you only post a few times, welcome!

One of the great things about this project is that, in setting aside time to write about your thoughts about God, your relationship with God, and God's creation (including yourself) and God's world, you are deepening your connection with the divine.  As writers, we are always looking for ways to have more discipline in our writing.  What better season to do this than Lent?

So start right now.  Commit to *try* to write each of the 40 days of Lent.  If you fall short, guess what?  God is still there, cheering you on for your next piece - and so is a whole community of Spirit 2 Spirit writers.

Today's writing prompt is about what you think Ash Wednesday is all about.  Does it give you the creeeps with the ashes on the forehead and reminder of mortality?  Is it a time of denial or of theological curiosity?  Is it a time that you look forward to or that you have deep wounds or bad feelings about?  What is your understanding of ashes on foreheads? Do you envision any link to stardust?  Tell us everything you want to share!