Friday's Five

Name a ...

1. Book:
There are many, but right now I am reading, "practicingpeace" - a devotional walk through the Quaker tradition - by Catherine Whitmire. It is so practical and deeply spiritual and personal. You can find yourself in it. I highly recommend it. It offers a challenge at whatever level of peacefulness you have attained....and then some.

2. Piece of music:
A hymn of ours in "Voices United" is one that states "we belong to God" , but in the new "More Voices" there are many good ones. but one that speaks clearly for all humankind is "God Weeps". It is saying that God weeps at violence done to any human for any reason any age, any gender. A challenge to overcome violence....first in us.

3. Work of art:
Works of art could be written, drawn, painted, woven, shaped on a potter's wheel, sewn, stitched, photographed and more. I cannot come down any single thing that moves me most. A quiet scene of mountains, or a sunset catch my eye. WE too, are works of art! These things remind me of that.

4. Film:
Some of National Geographic's films are wonderfully moving. They seem to capture the essence of God at work. Whether it's a face, a scene, or a volcano erupting...it brings you into the scene. That can make you think of what you might do, or be in that place because sometimes it's so obvious people have chosen to put these people of God in those situations. They don't seem to care.

5. Unusual engagement with populuar culture.
Walking down the street to shop, or just to the parks here you are often asked for change...mind you very politely. Once I gave a man twice what he asked for...not big on my part it's what I had...the man wept. Now that was a different response than usual. A challenge to me, to all of us, to not pre-judge, or, not to pass by on the other side. Many of the people on the street have been attacked by others...society...US!

That have helped/ challenged you on your spiritual journey.

Bonus: Is engagement essential to your Christian faith, how and why:
Most definitely. Engagement is necessary, or we are not out in the world. Jesus engaged people at every level of need and of arrogance and of helpfulness, they may be holding within. He helped those who did not see it in themselves to look deeper and worked to bring change. All the while checking in with God himself to guage how he was doing...so he engaged God in doing his ministry. No one can do that for someone else, they can only offer a path, or possibilities and support. We each have to work on the inner things we own. Spiritual Direction is a wonderful help in doing this.

In prayer we too engage the Highest Source of love to work in us and with us.... go for it!