Good morning…
Yesterday I took magazines, glue sticks, scissors, and evocative pre-cut images to our PAWkids therapeutic community group. I also shared my growing deck of Soul Collage cards, providing an example of our creative activity for the day. When we checked in with one another, as we do each week, one woman quickly picked up the card above, a card I had created the night before as I was prayerfully processing news from my ‘soul friend’ who lost her husband to early onset Alzheimers on Saturday.
“This image reminds me of the six people who died in the shooting on Monday at a small Christian school in Nashville,” the faithful group member said. “A good friend of mine had a daughter in that third grade classroom. My friend and her family were supposed to spend next week on spring break with one of the families who lost their 9-year-old daughter. I am so sad for my friend, for her daughter, and for this shocked and grieving community. I pray that all of the victims are healed and whole in heaven, like the happy children in this image.”
Shared disbelief and grief began our soulful discussion.
To express our wide range of emotions, we each chose images from magazines, cut them out, glued them on thick cardstock, and protected them beneath a transparent covering. Through our wide variety of created cards, together we gave voice to our deepest hurts, our strongest hopes, our most pressing emotions.
One friend shared about the powerful and painful cycle of addiction – the horrible shame of making a poor decision, a willingness to get on one’s knees and crawl back up to standing, and the strength that comes from the encouragement of others. Another talked about the welcoming home he dreams about in his future, filled with family, friends, a big porch, and relaxing music. Another friend talked about beginning to work out more, actively strengthening himself inside and out, and planning to get away this summer with his young family. Still another talked about the grounding energy of her puppy, how the roots of trees grow as long as the branches, and the deep bond with her family as they continue to process and heal from some very, very hard losses. Another loyal group member remembered exploring a driftwood beach when he was a child and the risky adventure of going out on a limb. He made a second card depicting the full-bodied joy on the smiling face of a seasoned woman of faith. He planned to write a note of thanks on the back of the card, giving it to a person who has shaped his life profoundly.
Sharing life together with this group, honestly and authentically, is one of the most life-giving hours in my week.
It hurts to be human. In an ordinary week, what are some of your most life-giving hours? Who is usually present? Where do you gather? How do you creatively process the very, very hard aspects of being vulnerably human? Honestly, it really hurts to be human. That is why God has given us the gift of each other.
The lamp of the Eternal illuminates the human spirit, searching our most intimate thoughts (Proverbs 20:27, VOICE).
…Sue..
P.S. Jerry Landers, a beloved, longtime Northside member, received a challenging report from his most recent scan. He and the pastors have organized a healing service for tonight in the sanctuary at 6:30 pm. If you want to gather together for a time of Holy Spirit healing prayer, lifting in solidarity the many pressing needs in our hearts, our homes, our world, please consider joining us tonight at Northside Church (2799 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30305).
P.S.S. Please be praying for the women recovering from homelessness and addiction who are on the Ignatian Spirituality Retreat at Ignatius House Retreat Center today, tonight, and tomorrow. Thank you to those who quietly donated items for the welcome bags and baked fresh yummy banana bread. What a joy to share in tangible ways the colorful love our Creator.
