We have recently been a part of a new church gathering called “The Following.” I’ve been enjoying getting to know many new people and learning together what it means to follow Jesus moment by moment. I’ve also been getting to know some of the women on a more personal level. We are sharing a book together called “Invitation to the Jesus Life, Experiments in Christlikeness” by Jan Johnson. As the book title states, we will be trying on simple ways of being more like Jesus. I’m really looking forward to walking this together. We also have the opportunity to share our joys, burdens, hopes, and struggles – a challenge and a joy.
A few years ago a friend of mine gave me an ornament as a Christmas gift. I absolutely love this ornament and consider it art. As you can see below, it depicts one woman who is hunched over and the other woman has one arm around her and one arm pointing up. We aren’t always hunched over in sadness as this women is, however, each of us is usually carrying a burden of some kind. It is nice to know that there are others gathered around you to point you back to Jesus and encourage you to stay your ground.
If you’d like, take a few moments with this image. What are some thoughts or emotions that come? With which woman do you most resonate with right now? If you are more like the burdened woman…take a moment to try to enter into God’s love for you. If you are the pointing woman, ask God to help you be an even more wise and caring woman. You may be lead to pray other things…that’s ok. Take your time…
Oh, Gem! So timely. Thank you. May I ask what this figurine is? I would like to find one for myself.
Again, thank you.