A New Group--Two Questions!

A New Group--Two Questions--

You would think that writing about an event in life would be an easy thing to do.  Sometimes it is, and sometimes it isn't.  There are times when I sit down at the computer, place my fingers on the keys and wait.  And wait.  And wait.  What is that about, anyway?

Words can be elusive little things.  All one has to do is string letters into words, words into sentences, sentences into paragraphs and soon it all begins to make sense, right?  Well, there are times when the fingers on the keys simply do not function.  They hover over the keys as the brain attempts to make sense of the jumble of thoughts and ideas that are floating around the gray matter upstairs.

For several days I have attempted to write about a coming together that happened at my house.  Each time I sat down to form those words, sentences and paragraphs, nothing came.  Oh--there were thoughts but nothing firm for the fingers to write.  Finally, this morning it came together.

Recently some women gathered in my living room.  We formed a small, intimate circle of chairs and sofa around a hope chest used as a coffee table.  On that table was a platter of cheese, sliced ham and turkey and crackers.  Each of us had our drink of choice.  Seven women gathered to visit.

Seven women coming together from different backgrounds, different ages, different interests.  Each carrying their own set of challenges.  This was not simply a social gathering.  It was also a gathering to learn from one another.  In the course of this evening, we would set a different course.  A course that will challenge us.

The original intent was a book group.  You know the drill.  Select a book, read it, and then come together to discuss what you "got" from the book.  There are many small groups who do this.  It is a great way to discover a new author.  It is all good.  This group made a one-eighty from that direction.

So often in our world we take little time to discuss really important issues that touch us.  If we carefully examine our conversation, we probably see how shallow our interactions with one another truly are.  Of course, all conversations do not need to be serious.  That is a given.  But, what a pleasant change when we actually come away from a conversation feeling as if we have been given a new way of looking at something.  We do not change or grow when every conversation presents no challenge to our present views.

Back to the group--In anticipation of the group's decision, I pulled a couple of questions from a book.  The book is Pub Theology 101.  It is an e-book.  As the title suggests, it is a book of questions about how religion/beliefs impact every part of our lives and culture.  The questions are designed to help us rethink.  To open ourselves to other's thoughts and to possibly change our own minds.  Now, that is a scary thought, isn't it?  We love what we think.  Sometimes we might even think we have all the answers and don't need to be bothered with anyone else's thoughts or beliefs.  But, what if a belief we have held for years is simply wrong?  What if a belief/thought of ours helps another on their journey?  Honestly, it is much easier to remain shallow in our conversations, isn't it?  There is no fear that the ground we stand on will be shaken.

So, a sheet of paper was passed around with a few questions.  Everyone read the questions, and then we discussed two of them.  One I slipped in just for fun.  Ask me about it sometime!!  The rules are simple.  Listen to one another.  If there is disagreement, be respectful of the other person as you state your own thoughts.  That's about it.  Engage in conversation.  Be open within yourself to hearing another point of view or belief.  Enjoy the opportunity to actually talk with others about significant things.

It was wonderful.  You could tell by the body language of everyone that there was trust within the circle of women.  No one felt intimitated by another.  All points of view were shared openly.  And this was the first night of two questions!  What a fabulous evening.

The women at the gathering came together to learn.  To form friendships and share life experiences.  There were tears, laughter and looks of understanding and agreement. There were gentle disagreements.  Who could ask for more?

We will meet each month.  Two questions may become the name of the group.  Two questions that will cause us to think outside the box we have so carefully and lovingly placed ourselves in.  Two questions that will cause a little discomfort as they stretch us to move to new understandings.  Two questions that will help us see another point of view.  Two questions that will help us love one another more deeply.

What about you?  Are you ready for some deep conversation about really important issues in life?  Then take this model and form a group.  Chase fear out the door and open yourselves to a new adventure--the adventure of knowing yourself and others.

Talk again soon.