e*sf Week 4

Essentials in Spiritual Formation Week 4 Discussion Q&A

Question:
This third week we looked at “Water,” and have turned our reflection to the aspect of “community,” and it’s importance in becoming like Christ across the challenging pathway of a lifetime.

Drawing insights from Jesus’ life, what are the “Water” habits that you feel like you are currently strong in, and which are those areas that you feel weak? What strengthened you from your readings/media this week? Share your ideas on “the communal life” that have worked well for you, and draw wisdom in your areas of weakness from others’ posts.


Answer:
I lean toward being an introvert, which is often a surprise to people when they find out because I am very expressive as an artist and as a leader. In all honesty, however, I recharge alone, or with one or two of my closest friends.

I will work a crowd if necessary, and will be quite comfortable doing so. I have many opportunities where I lead worship and speak publicly to groups of people, but time spent with a trusted friend or two, with whom I have equity and trust, is critical.

Recently, I was given some information that was very difficult to hear. I was at the beginning of a 4-hour drive alone in my car when this information connected me to places of deep grief and loss that had happened over the past 2 years. I know my tendency in these situations is to tuck in and indulge the grief, to let my thoughts run wild, perhaps making things worse than they truly are. Often our imagined truth is far more painful than actual truth. Taking our thoughts captive as the Bible says is not always easy to do when left to our own devices. (1)

I have learned in these times to reach out to one of a few trusted people in my inner circle of friends, with whom I have great trust and equity. I called one of them and let it all hang out, so to speak. It was met with loving words and encouragement, along with hope to keep moving forward.

This is a communal life. I need to know that I have those in my life I can fall on in times of distress and know they will catch me with no judgment, yet will also speak truth to me in love.

1) 2 Corinthians 10:5