Space to write, space to create and space to let the spirit speak.
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.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Lenten Writing Prompt #40
How do you participate in fellowship and what does it mean for you? How do you connect that to God?
I love to hang out around people in lots of places - "fellowship" as a way to encourage faith and be encouraged. At worship, confirmation,facebook, writer's group and where ever two or three are gathered. I get energy from being with others and I think one of my gifts is to encourage.
I also know that I am an extrovert. More and more I wonder what fellowship, in a healthy way, looks like for introverts. How does it feed and nourish them? What do they need to get and give in those relationship times? What is helpful and what is unhelpful for those folks (different than me)?
I don't know - but I think it would be helpful for me to be aware...
Larry, thank you for asking this question about introverts!
Fellowship is more difficult for those of us who are more introverted especially in a world where extroversion is not only more prized but even expected.
I can only speak for myself here but sometimes I do not feel comfortable in group situations, this is not where I draw my energy and at times too much social contact can be very tiring.
For someone more introverted, opportunities for fellowship may take more introspective forms such as this writers group or volunteer opportunities that involve more one-on-one and less large group involvement. For example, I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a Small Group Confirmation Guide. I did well in the small group setting but did not contribute much in the large group gatherings and Guide meetings.
The need for fellowship is still strong however and those more introverted may find themselves satisfying that need in less public ways. They may be the 'quiet volunteers'. They may not have a large social circle but the circle they have will be close, long-lasting, and fulfilling.
The introvert is very observant and sensitive to others feelings. Their spirituality may be very deep and personal and it may be difficult to put into words. When I say 'words' I mean the spoken words. Speaking personally, I find I am better able to express myself through writing than through conversation. Others may feel the same way and may use the arts like music or painting, deep prayer or some other form to express their feelings. Or they may be those of whom it may be said, 'Actions speak louder than words'.
We do speak, we do express ourselves, and fellowship is important to us as well. With a discerning ear you may hear the speech of the introvert all around you.
This is so well-stated and so important. I am also an introvert and I have had to work very hard to try to be more out-going. But that is exhausting! Thank you for bringing this up.
Thanks to both of you for the personal responses. We do sometimes get caught up in the 'rush' of the extroverts and can miss the significance of the introverts 'in our fellowship'. I appreciate your thoughts.
At the heart of the "religion" I choose to be part of, is Jesus, The Heart. I can accept and believe. However, this is a organ of muscle I don't consciously control. It keeps beating involutarily, keeping me alive. How much longer, I do not know for sure.
Through the arteries, veins, and capillaries of fellowship, His vital oxygen blend flows constantly through me and keeps every cell functioning. I receive inspiration and motivation along with abilities to emote, articulate, and engage with active flow.
Fellowship, many different settings--animated or contemplative, commonly connected or challengingly sanding, carry God, (Thank God) throughout my temple.
I, too, find it easy to be an introvert, could just stay here reading, writing, listening--but realizing I also need to absorb some Vitamin D, sun outside, extension of Son inside, or I will languish in paleness, I push out to be sunned by human contact.
Fellowship is what saved me when I had post partum depression the first time. I joined a parent-baby group and the cameraderie and knowledge that we were all going through the same things, literally saved me. That is how powerful fellowship can be. Fellowship combats isolation - an ailment that is prevalent in this world especially right now. I strive to reach parents and un-isolate them, but they are one of many people that need to be reached out to. It is a way of saying you belong because you are you and part of my call is to use that tool to give people hope, meaning and an amnesty of fellowship from all that isolation.
Fellowship with God
ReplyDeleteHappens in community,
That all may be one.
Bear each other’s heavy loads,
Comfort for our lonely roads.
by Pat Mason
ReplyDeleteJesus said, "Feed my sheep."
It isn't enough that we are enriched spiritually by God's teachings. We are also called to enrich others as well.
This may take on many forms, designed not only by what we know but also by what others may need to hear.
We are called to be in community, to listen with the heart and to react accordingly in the spirit of love.
Pat, Thank you for the weay you said this - it is perfect.
DeleteI love to hang out around people in lots of places - "fellowship" as a way to encourage faith and be encouraged. At worship, confirmation,facebook, writer's group and where ever two or three are gathered. I get energy from being with others and I think one of my gifts is to encourage.
ReplyDeleteI also know that I am an extrovert. More and more I wonder what fellowship, in a healthy way, looks like for introverts. How does it feed and nourish them? What do they need to get and give in those relationship times? What is helpful and what is unhelpful for those folks (different than me)?
I don't know - but I think it would be helpful for me to be aware...
Larry, thank you for asking this question about introverts!
DeleteFellowship is more difficult for those of us who are more introverted especially in a world where extroversion is not only more prized but even expected.
I can only speak for myself here but sometimes I do not feel comfortable in group situations, this is not where I draw my energy and at times too much social contact can be very tiring.
For someone more introverted, opportunities for fellowship may take more introspective forms such as this writers group or volunteer opportunities that involve more one-on-one and less large group involvement. For example, I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a Small Group Confirmation Guide. I did well in the small group setting but did not contribute much in the large group gatherings and Guide meetings.
The need for fellowship is still strong however and those more introverted may find themselves satisfying that need in less public ways. They may be the 'quiet volunteers'. They may not have a large social circle but the circle they have will be close, long-lasting, and fulfilling.
The introvert is very observant and sensitive to others feelings. Their spirituality may be very deep and personal and it may be difficult to put into words. When I say 'words' I mean the spoken words. Speaking personally, I find I am better able to express myself through writing than through conversation. Others may feel the same way and may use the arts like music or painting, deep prayer or some other form to express their feelings. Or they may be those of whom it may be said, 'Actions speak louder than words'.
We do speak, we do express ourselves, and fellowship is important to us as well. With a discerning ear you may hear the speech of the introvert all around you.
This is so well-stated and so important. I am also an introvert and I have had to work very hard to try to be more out-going. But that is exhausting! Thank you for bringing this up.
DeleteThanks to both of you for the personal responses. We do sometimes get caught up in the 'rush' of the extroverts and can miss the significance of the introverts 'in our fellowship'. I appreciate your thoughts.
DeleteCardiac Rehabilitation
ReplyDeleteby Marlene Obie
At the heart of the "religion" I choose to be part of, is Jesus, The Heart. I can accept and believe. However, this is a organ of muscle I don't consciously control. It keeps beating involutarily, keeping me alive. How much longer, I do not know for sure.
Through the arteries, veins, and capillaries of fellowship, His vital oxygen blend flows constantly through me and keeps every cell functioning. I receive inspiration and motivation along with abilities to emote, articulate, and engage with active flow.
Fellowship, many different settings--animated or contemplative, commonly connected or challengingly sanding, carry God, (Thank God)
throughout my temple.
I, too, find it easy to be an introvert, could just stay here reading, writing, listening--but realizing I also need to absorb some Vitamin D, sun outside, extension of Son inside, or I will languish in paleness, I push out to be sunned by human contact.
That's my cardiac agenda and I'm sticking to it.
Fellowship is what saved me when I had post partum depression the first time. I joined a parent-baby group and the cameraderie and knowledge that we were all going through the same things, literally saved me. That is how powerful fellowship can be. Fellowship combats isolation - an ailment that is prevalent in this world especially right now. I strive to reach parents and un-isolate them, but they are one of many people that need to be reached out to. It is a way of saying you belong because you are you and part of my call is to use that tool to give people hope, meaning and an amnesty of fellowship from all that isolation.
ReplyDelete