Your Response to Session 4?

What Jay and Helena shared with us this morning was so rich, deep and personal….it completely inspires me they way they have grappled with faith in the toughest of circumstances… and to have the courage to share some of that journey with us.

Having worked alongside them the past few years, I continue to be deeply impacted their honesty and real-ness in whether on stage or off stage. I feel completely inadequate to even comment on their extraordinary expression this morning.

And then, Donald….that was one of the most challenging (in the best of ways!) and mind-stretching (brain-stretching??!!) talk that I’ve heard in some time.

While much of my day (maybe like yours) gets consumed with the work of “executing” my art….figuring out what works and why it works….evaluating and systematizing and structuring and doing….To step back and think about the mystery of art was so life giving and reminded me why I’m an artist at heart.

Donald completely challenged me on so many levels: to embrace the mystery on my own personal journey, to allow enough time in my life to experience art to its fullest, to release some of my quests to “understand it all,” to have all my questions answered.

How ‘bout you? What impact did Donald or Jay and Helena have on you? What are taking with you from this time?


Here are some links we thought might be helpful:

The Geometry of Love book

Rembrandt Self-Portraits

The Brain: Amygdala

The Age of Enlightenment

G.K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy

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On Truth & Meaning: Session Four

Growing up my pastor always signed his letters to the congregation “expectantly”. I LOVED that. It was hopeful and thoughtful and made you want to pay attention.

When I saw Nancy’s video about why she was looking forward to Don Miller’s session, I felt her sense of holy expectation. It makes me want to pay attention and pray along with her for what God will do. I love the moments at a conference like this when the music is hot and the enthusiasm of the people is off the charts. But, more than that, I love it when we take a breath and invite God into the depths of who and where we are.


So I’ll be the guy worshiping like it’s his job when Crowder takes the stage, but I’ll also be the guy listening with all my heart and soul on Friday morning.

Expectantly,
Ray

By the way, check out Don Miller’s responses below to some questions we asked.

Have you read Don’s books or heard him speak? What has he already meant to you?

Questions with Donald Miller

Music: Who are you listening to these days?
Devotchka

Books: What are you reading?
Making Waves by Llosa

What is one thing you would say to artists and leaders who are just starting out?
I think artists and leaders both, who are working in an evangelical culture, would do well to establish community outside of Christian community. This will round out their perspective so they have something to offer evangelical culture. This is not so difficult. A part-time job at a bookstore, starting a book club, cooking club or joining a neighborhood association are all ways to connect with people outside the church.

What is one thing you would say to artists and leaders who have been involved in ministry a long time?
I could only offer the same answer as the previous question, that is … to broaden our perspectives by broadening the kinds of stimulation we receive as artists....
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Excited About Session 4

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