Comments on: Lent 5: Unbinding Words http://paintedprayerbook.com/2008/03/07/lent-5-unbinding-words/ Artist and writer Jan Richardson explores the intersections of word & image & faith. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:35:08 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Bob Pearson http://paintedprayerbook.com/2008/03/07/lent-5-unbinding-words/#comment-175 Bob Pearson Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:20:27 +0000 http://paintedprayerbook.com/?p=85#comment-175 The practical, down-to-earth treatment of the story of Lazarus was both unique and helpful but also challenging. I must this very day be about eliminating some of the 'things' from my living and, as well, consider non-material aspects that need elimination (by the grace of God). The practical, down-to-earth treatment of the story of Lazarus was both
unique and helpful but also challenging. I must this very day be about eliminating some of the ‘things’ from my living and, as well, consider non-material aspects that need elimination (by the grace of God).

]]> By: Bonnie http://paintedprayerbook.com/2008/03/07/lent-5-unbinding-words/#comment-136 Bonnie Sun, 09 Mar 2008 13:38:00 +0000 http://paintedprayerbook.com/?p=85#comment-136 Just yesterday I was browsing the bookshelves that line one of the walls in our living room...books sticking out in every which direction and there is simply no more room to add anything else. It is time to clean out!! Seven years ago, when my husband changed calls - requiring a move across the state - we sorted through our library then, and made a healthy donation of unwanted books to the local library used book sale. How is it that we have accumulated so many books in such a short time? As I perused the shelves, I quickly realized that sorting and tossing would not be easy...which ones to keep?...which ones to let go of?...how is it that we find ourselves in this situation so quickly? And I was reminded of how this season of Lent (for me) has been a spiritual cleansing - of letting go of old ways, habits, thoughts, beliefs, perceptions, etc. Your words and questions are timely. Thank you. Just yesterday I was browsing the bookshelves that line one of the walls in our living room…books sticking out in every which direction and there is simply no more room to add anything else. It is time to clean out!! Seven years ago, when my husband changed calls – requiring a move across the state – we sorted through our library then, and made a healthy donation of unwanted books to the local library used book sale. How is it that we have accumulated so many books in such a short time? As I perused the shelves, I quickly realized that sorting and tossing would not be easy…which ones to keep?…which ones to let go of?…how is it that we find ourselves in this situation so quickly? And I was reminded of how this season of Lent (for me) has been a spiritual cleansing – of letting go of old ways, habits, thoughts, beliefs, perceptions, etc. Your words and questions are timely. Thank you.

]]> By: Pamela Czarnota http://paintedprayerbook.com/2008/03/07/lent-5-unbinding-words/#comment-134 Pamela Czarnota Sat, 08 Mar 2008 12:55:57 +0000 http://paintedprayerbook.com/?p=85#comment-134 Much of Northeastern Ohio is snowed in today. We sit in our homes, unable to proceed with self-determined goals and expectations for these days. Some are exasperated...gnashing teeth, wringing hands, because they are unable to do what they want to do. Others are resting in the peace and joy of time that is given to simply "be" snowed in. The habit of doing what I want, at the pace that I want, in the sequence that I determine can bind me in a lifestyle that is totally focused upon "my will". Over time, that can be a life that is limited in scope, spiritually myopic. Over time, that habit may lead to death. I give thanks for days when the world is literally forced to stop. I give thanks for the breath of life....the fresh freedom my spirit is being given on this snowy, blowy day when the world of northeastern Ohio must slow down, perhaps even stand still. Much of Northeastern Ohio is snowed in today. We sit in our homes, unable to proceed with self-determined goals and expectations for these days. Some are exasperated…gnashing teeth, wringing hands, because they are unable to do what they want to do. Others are resting in the peace and joy of time that is given to simply “be” snowed in.

The habit of doing what I want, at the pace that I want, in the sequence that I determine can bind me in a lifestyle that is totally focused upon “my will”. Over time, that can be a life that is limited in scope, spiritually myopic. Over time, that habit may lead to death.

I give thanks for days when the world is literally forced to stop. I give thanks for the breath of life….the fresh freedom my spirit is being given on this snowy, blowy day when the world of northeastern Ohio must slow down, perhaps even stand still.

]]> By: HeyJules http://paintedprayerbook.com/2008/03/07/lent-5-unbinding-words/#comment-133 HeyJules Fri, 07 Mar 2008 23:35:34 +0000 http://paintedprayerbook.com/?p=85#comment-133 I found you last week during Christine's piece on your artwork and I just wanted to say how much I am enjoying your Lenten series. I love it to no end when people add depth to what I am reading in the Bible and your insights have been such a blessing! I found you last week during Christine’s piece on your artwork and I just wanted to say how much I am enjoying your Lenten series. I love it to no end when people add depth to what I am reading in the Bible and your insights have been such a blessing!

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