So lovely, there does seem to be a new coming together at last, a thoughtfulness, a desire and a growing ability to create prayer moments wherever we are, whatever we are doing. We have been crying out for so long for the world to slow down, for the pain and failure of humanity to stop but we were so lost in it we didn't know where to begin. I have contact across all kinds of spiritual communities and I see a "going deeper", a shared focus and intent which will slow the cart as it runs away downhill. We can't stop things happening but we can be aware of the root causes. The more people who come together with prayerful intent, who attend to the immediate, the local, the better the chance we have of catching the reins and bringing life on our planet back into some sort of control and, dare I say, rebirth
Hello Matthew. What a wonderful piece of writing and depth of experience. As I was reading, my thoughts went back to one of the first articles of yours I ever read where you disclosed what you had so long hidden. That kind of betrayal and trauma impacts flourishing and can quite literally pluck someone up by the roots and thrash them against every hard surface they encounter. You have overcome so much to now be approaching your youthful purposes from a stronger, more whole place. I am genuinally delighted that you are seeking to flourish and sowing with the view to reap beauty. God's best to you. Thank you for sharing.
Yes! Our early experiences can set us “tumbleweeding” out of fear of being trapped— then being rooted and grounded together in love (Eph 3:17) is a gift of long-accumulated time and trust. (I’m also a fan of Paul - have you read NT Wright’s biography from a few years back?)
You are putting out signals and invitations….it seems you have prepared a rich feast. There is bread and there is fish…..thank you, I shall look forward to the feast.
I absolutely loved this essay, Matthew! It resonates deeply as I've also lived in multiple places, never feeling I truly belonged anywhere. Taking roots is about patience, how wise!
I also think an important element of your story is community. Participating, generously in our immediate physical community is a powerful way to strengthen the roots.
So lovely, there does seem to be a new coming together at last, a thoughtfulness, a desire and a growing ability to create prayer moments wherever we are, whatever we are doing. We have been crying out for so long for the world to slow down, for the pain and failure of humanity to stop but we were so lost in it we didn't know where to begin. I have contact across all kinds of spiritual communities and I see a "going deeper", a shared focus and intent which will slow the cart as it runs away downhill. We can't stop things happening but we can be aware of the root causes. The more people who come together with prayerful intent, who attend to the immediate, the local, the better the chance we have of catching the reins and bringing life on our planet back into some sort of control and, dare I say, rebirth
Hello Matthew. What a wonderful piece of writing and depth of experience. As I was reading, my thoughts went back to one of the first articles of yours I ever read where you disclosed what you had so long hidden. That kind of betrayal and trauma impacts flourishing and can quite literally pluck someone up by the roots and thrash them against every hard surface they encounter. You have overcome so much to now be approaching your youthful purposes from a stronger, more whole place. I am genuinally delighted that you are seeking to flourish and sowing with the view to reap beauty. God's best to you. Thank you for sharing.
"If you don't know where you are, you don't know who you are."- Wendell Berry
Rootedness in our culture is never celebrated but I think it is what we need as a society to bring us back to our families and communities.
Great piece Matt.
Yes! Our early experiences can set us “tumbleweeding” out of fear of being trapped— then being rooted and grounded together in love (Eph 3:17) is a gift of long-accumulated time and trust. (I’m also a fan of Paul - have you read NT Wright’s biography from a few years back?)
You are putting out signals and invitations….it seems you have prepared a rich feast. There is bread and there is fish…..thank you, I shall look forward to the feast.
I absolutely loved this essay, Matthew! It resonates deeply as I've also lived in multiple places, never feeling I truly belonged anywhere. Taking roots is about patience, how wise!
I also think an important element of your story is community. Participating, generously in our immediate physical community is a powerful way to strengthen the roots.
Beautiful thoughts! Can’t wait to read more. I love that you’re doing this!
I particularly loved your line:
A tumbleweed travels a lot of ground. It does not bloom.