A couple of days ago, I started this doodle on a scrap of paper during a Lectio Divina reading of Psalm 139:13 -16
The media and hearts of many were still buzzing from the shooting that took the lives of some in a community and caused terror to many more.
One of the members of my group shared that her heart was drawn to pondering the intimacy with which God created each of us. And in light of the recent local incident, she was burdened by the rash loss of 49 of those at the shooting. Her thoughts took me back to my contemplative doodle.
Sometime that same day, I read an online interview with Pastor Joel Hunter
(http://religionnews.com/…/joel-hunter-on-nightclub-shootin…/)
and something he said resonated with me. The bottom line, he said ‘is that they are treated with respect… and they’re given every opportunity to live their full lives, that they’re as precious in the eyes of God as anyone who has ever been made.”
Yes. Every life, every single life snuffed by injustice, war, and strife, is so intricately and carefully made by our Creator God.
I began to re-draw the doodle on a bigger paper. I began drawing 49 lives and then expanded it to many other circles of people and communities who are not being given ‘the opportunity to live their full lives.’ My mind was given headlines from different parts of the world as I prayed for people to be given the opportunity to live their full lives.
still praying, still pondering.. so much to be done in the city and in the world.
This doodle has circles of warli people. They are doodled in flowers and flourishing leaves as a sign of Life—a life with hope and good plans for the future, for abundant Life. My heart aches for the lives that were cut short, those that were not allowed to live and thrive as God’s precious image.
Hmmmm I like the ring of that name! Maybe our Joel will be a Rev!