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Write Now!
This blog started as a 'Lenten Writing Project', where we wrote each day in Lent. Now that Summer is here, let's keep up the discipline of writing with a weekly writing challenge! A prompt will be posted each week and anyone is welcome to join in and post their writing here or participate just by reading it.
Every writer has their own special light to add to this blog and all of your writing offerings are appreciated, whether poetry, prose, essay, thoughts, lists or comments and encouragement.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Lenten Writing Prompt #28
If you could have a conversation with one person in the Bible, (besides the Trinity), who would it be and what would you say?
In all the Bible he had one of the most intimate relationship with God. He enjoyed God's blessings, he was challenged by Satan's work. He remained faithful through it all, or so he thought, even as he listened to the council of his friends. As a result of their council and perhaps because of his own beliefs, he accused and challenged God to explain Himself. Job received a direct, personal reply, one which few people ever do. I think he received this reply for all of us, as we have all stood in his shoes at one time or another. Job listened to God and realized the errors of his ways, the errors of his beliefs, and was able to come to a better understanding of God and our relationship to Him. As a result, his blessings were restored. Job, to me, represented all of mankind in asking the questions that we all have asked at some point in our lives. We have all received council from others, well-meaning though it may have been. We have also believed in error. We have tried to remain faithful to our beliefs but have sometimes lost our way.
I often go back to this story and re-read God's reply. His words help me to put life in perspective once again.
My conversation with Job would have been to have just listened to his experiences, to have tried to understand what it meant to have confronted God in this way and how he came away from it a changed man.
Lastly, I may have thanked Job for what he did, as his experience has helped so many others throughout history.
I really would like to talk to Mary. You know, THE Mary, the Mother of Jesus. First, I would like to know her history. We don't really know who she was, except that she was a virgin (which back then meant unmarried). Then, I would like to know, from her, what happened during Jesus' early life -- the time before His short ministry began.
I would ask her what kind of a child He was. Did He seem perfect and kind of weird; or was He normal and sweet, but maybe a bit quirky (bringing dead animals alive and things like that)? Did He really go to the Far East in His young adulthood to study or did He stay close to home to help His Mother?
What was it like for her after His Resurrection, and then after His Ascension? It must have been hard for her to have Him leave her twice; yet He must have left her the second time with some Peace of heart to keep her going. A true loving child just wouldn't be able to leave her without that.
Finally, I would like to know what she did in her final years. Some people say she moved out of the country. She certainly led a unique and underrepoted life, as most women did and do; yet she was one of the most, if not The most important women in the hisory of the world. s.h.
I would love to spend a day or two with Mary Magdalene. I would tell her that I admire the way she followed Jesus, walking along with him as he taught, sticking with him through the crucifixion, and being the first to see Jesus after his resurrection. I would ask for her encouragement.
I admire how she was able to keep walking in spite of people making false accusations about her. She committed her life to following Jesus, at a time when women were not supposed to be out and about doing things like the men. Jesus healed her of what probably was some mental health issue, and that carried a stigma. She was not a prostitute, although there were some who confused her with another Mary who had been a prostitute. In any case, Mary of Magdala was often misunderstood, and accused unfairly. I know how difficult it is to be misunderstood for who you are and what you are perceived to have done. I think we could talk a long time about how Jesus walked with her and strengthened her.
I admire how she stayed with Jesus through his trial and his death sentence from Pontius Pilate. She saw him humiliated and beaten by the crowds. Finally, she accompanied Jesus and witnessed the crucifixion. She was following him to a place where “nice” women did not go, but she was willing to risk her reputation in order to be there with Jesus. I have not always had the courage to go where I should and to speak up as I should. I would like to have Mary’s courage.
I admire how Mary of Magdala got up so early in the morning after Jesus’ burial, going to the tomb to finish what needed to be done. She was startled to see the empty tomb, but she didn’t doubt – she ran and told the others and continued to give testimony to the risen Christ. I want to have Mary’s commitment and faithfulness.
I too would pick Mary Magdalene. For reasons RuthAnn has mentioned. Mainly because I think she could reveal more about Jesus than we get from the men's version. I believe she wasn't listening with an agenda motivated filter. Also, I'd like to know more about her activities later. There are reams of speculation and theories. My inquiring mind wants to know about this and all Jesus taught her specifically.
I would like to talk to and find out more about Miriam, sister of Moses. She protected her little brother, watching over him as he floated down a stream and had the courage to speak to a queen. What was her role when her brother was leading the Israelites out of Egypt? When she led the women off in dance and praise for the parting of the Red Sea, where did they go? What did they do? Was Miriam really jealous of Moses or were there social and family dynamics at work that were hard for her? What was her role with the women of the wandering tribe.
If I could visit with “one” person in the Bible it would be the three women named Mary in the New Testament. The first, of course, is Mary the Mother of Jesus, then, Mary of Bethesda, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, and Mary Magdalene also known as Mary of Magdala.
We would meet in a setting much like the one in the book, The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant. Or, perhaps, we would meet at Mary and Martha’s house because Martha is a good hostess. That way I could experience the food and daily environs of these women. I imagine, the woman, of that time, were not accustomed to having a gathering to eat and visit just for woman. However, this is my dream, and I can arrange it as I wish.
First, I would ask Mary, Jesus’ mother to tell her story from the time of the Angel’s visit telling her of the birth of Jesus up to the time of his death. I would ask her about Joseph, her other children, their “un-recorded” life and all the wonders she saved, pondering in her heart.
Then, I would ask Mary of Bethesda, about her life. How was it that she, her sister Martha and brother Lazarus lived in the same house together? Were they young adults or older? Where were their parents? Were any of them married? How was it they became close friends of Jesus; so close that he often came to their house? How was it she had the courage to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to him and then go to the house of the Pharisee with expensive oil and let down her hair to wash the feet of Jesus? These actions were not what women of her time were free to do.
Next, I would ask Mary Magdalene or Mary of Magdala who she was and how she came to know Jesus? How did find herself following him and becoming one of his inner-circle? I would nudge around the thinking that she was a prostitute, even though the Bible does not say she was. I would ask about the current notion of some today, that she may have been an apostle of Jesus. Is this true? How could that be for a woman in her time?
Finally, I would ask the three women called Mary to share their experiences with each other and about their relationship. What about the three days of Jesus’ trial, death, and resurrection. What actually happened from their perspectives? Are they able to even put to words how the heart break of the Crucifixion felt physically, emotionally, and spiritually? What happened that following day, Saturday? How was it they each went to the tomb on Sunday morning? What were those details and again what that was like?
I would end my time with them sharing that the Story and God’s truth remains, and is told and retold to each generation. And that the Believers –descendants are as many as the stars in heaven. I would assure them that because of Easter- It Will Never Be the Same.
by Pat Mason
ReplyDeleteJob.
In all the Bible he had one of the most intimate relationship with God. He enjoyed God's blessings, he was challenged by Satan's work. He remained faithful through it all, or so he thought, even as he listened to the council of his friends.
As a result of their council and perhaps because of his own beliefs, he accused and challenged God to explain Himself.
Job received a direct, personal reply, one which few people ever do. I think he received this reply for all of us, as we have all stood in his shoes at one time or another.
Job listened to God and realized the errors of his ways, the errors of his beliefs, and was able to come to a better understanding of God and our relationship to Him.
As a result, his blessings were restored.
Job, to me, represented all of mankind in asking the questions that we all have asked at some point in our lives. We have all received council from others, well-meaning though it may have been. We have also believed in error. We have tried to remain faithful to our beliefs but have sometimes lost our way.
I often go back to this story and re-read God's reply. His words help me to put life in perspective once again.
My conversation with Job would have been to have just listened to his experiences, to have tried to understand what it meant to have confronted God in this way and how he came away from it a changed man.
Lastly, I may have thanked Job for what he did, as his experience has helped so many others throughout history.
Lenten Prompt #28 Tuesday March 19 2012
ReplyDeleteI really would like to talk to Mary. You know, THE Mary, the Mother of Jesus. First, I would like to know her history. We don't really know who she was, except that she was a virgin (which back then meant unmarried). Then, I would like to know, from her, what happened during Jesus' early life -- the time before His short ministry began.
I would ask her what kind of a child He was. Did He seem perfect and kind of weird; or was He normal and sweet, but maybe a bit quirky (bringing dead animals alive and things like that)? Did He really go to the Far East in His young adulthood to study or did He stay close to home to help His Mother?
What was it like for her after His Resurrection, and then after His Ascension? It must have been hard for her to have Him leave her twice; yet He must have left her the second time with some Peace of heart to keep her going. A true loving child just wouldn't be able to leave her without that.
Finally, I would like to know what she did in her final years. Some people say she moved out of the country. She certainly led a unique and underrepoted life, as most women did and do; yet she was one of the most, if not The most important women in the hisory of the world.
s.h.
I would love to spend a day or two with Mary Magdalene. I would tell her that I admire the way she followed Jesus, walking along with him as he taught, sticking with him through the crucifixion, and being the first to see Jesus after his resurrection. I would ask for her encouragement.
ReplyDeleteI admire how she was able to keep walking in spite of people making false accusations about her. She committed her life to following Jesus, at a time when women were not supposed to be out and about doing things like the men. Jesus healed her of what probably was some mental health issue, and that carried a stigma. She was not a prostitute, although there were some who confused her with another Mary who had been a prostitute. In any case, Mary of Magdala was often misunderstood, and accused unfairly. I know how difficult it is to be misunderstood for who you are and what you are perceived to have done. I think we could talk a long time about how Jesus walked with her and strengthened her.
I admire how she stayed with Jesus through his trial and his death sentence from Pontius Pilate. She saw him humiliated and beaten by the crowds. Finally, she accompanied Jesus and witnessed the crucifixion. She was following him to a place where “nice” women did not go, but she was willing to risk her reputation in order to be there with Jesus. I have not always had the courage to go where I should and to speak up as I should. I would like to have Mary’s courage.
I admire how Mary of Magdala got up so early in the morning after Jesus’ burial, going to the tomb to finish what needed to be done. She was startled to see the empty tomb, but she didn’t doubt – she ran and told the others and continued to give testimony to the risen Christ. I want to have Mary’s commitment and faithfulness.
I'd talk to the prodigal son's older brother and say, yea - I think you got the shaft, too.
ReplyDelete;-)
...Still thinking of our 'fireside chat with Pr. Katy' last week, eh? ; )
DeleteIt Would be Mary Magdalene
ReplyDeleteMarlene Obie
I too would pick Mary Magdalene. For reasons RuthAnn has mentioned. Mainly because I think she could reveal more about Jesus than we get from the men's version. I believe she wasn't listening with an agenda motivated filter. Also, I'd like to know more about her activities later. There are reams of speculation and theories. My inquiring mind wants to know about this and all Jesus taught her specifically.
I would like to talk to and find out more about Miriam, sister of Moses. She protected her little brother, watching over him as he floated down a stream and had the courage to speak to a queen. What was her role when her brother was leading the Israelites out of Egypt? When she led the women off in dance and praise for the parting of the Red Sea, where did they go? What did they do? Was Miriam really jealous of Moses or were there social and family dynamics at work that were hard for her? What was her role with the women of the wandering tribe.
ReplyDelete...and I have some questions for Lillith as well, but are we including the Gnostic books in this? She was pretty cool...
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Delete...Just a draft issue...nothing serious : )
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteMary
ReplyDeleteIf I could visit with “one” person in the Bible it would be the three women named Mary in the New Testament. The first, of course, is Mary the Mother of Jesus, then, Mary of Bethesda, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, and Mary Magdalene also known as Mary of Magdala.
We would meet in a setting much like the one in the book, The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant. Or, perhaps, we would meet at Mary and Martha’s house because Martha is a good hostess. That way I could experience the food and daily environs of these women. I imagine, the woman, of that time, were not accustomed to having a gathering to eat and visit just for woman. However, this is my dream, and I can arrange it as I wish.
First, I would ask Mary, Jesus’ mother to tell her story from the time of the Angel’s visit telling her of the birth of Jesus up to the time of his death. I would ask her about Joseph, her other children, their “un-recorded” life and all the wonders she saved, pondering in her heart.
Then, I would ask Mary of Bethesda, about her life. How was it that she, her sister Martha and brother Lazarus lived in the same house together? Were they young adults or older? Where were their parents? Were any of them married? How was it they became close friends of Jesus; so close that he often came to their house? How was it she had the courage to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to him and then go to the house of the Pharisee with expensive oil and let down her hair to wash the feet of Jesus? These actions were not what women of her time were free to do.
Next, I would ask Mary Magdalene or Mary of Magdala who she was and how she came to know Jesus? How did find herself following him and becoming one of his inner-circle? I would nudge around the thinking that she was a prostitute, even though the Bible does not say she was. I would ask about the current notion of some today, that she may have been an apostle of Jesus. Is this true? How could that be for a woman in her time?
Finally, I would ask the three women called Mary to share their experiences with each other and about their relationship. What about the three days of Jesus’ trial, death, and resurrection. What actually happened from their perspectives? Are they able to even put to words how the heart break of the Crucifixion felt physically, emotionally, and spiritually? What happened that following day, Saturday? How was it they each went to the tomb on Sunday morning? What were those details and again what that was like?
I would end my time with them sharing that the Story and God’s truth remains, and is told and retold to each generation. And that the Believers –descendants are as many as the stars in heaven. I would assure them that because of Easter- It Will Never Be the Same.
DyAnn Dennie