Practicing Hope, week 2 - Emergence

AWM

Emergence notices the way small actions and connections create complex systems,
patterns that become ecosystems and societies.
adrienne maree brown

I answered the phone. “Hi,” she said. “Will you lead a woman’s evening Bible study?” Who me? I’ve never done that before. I don’t know what to do or how. Let me pray about it (delay tactic!). I accepted.

I’ve heard it said, it is better to know what than how. My what was to lead some women in studying together. The how I learned along the way. Little did I imagine our time together would turn into 12 years of learning and growing. We became our own little ecosystem that each one has carried out into the world.
In retrospect, this marked the beginning of an emerging change in my life ~ one that led to becoming a spiritual director (companion) and ultimately seminary and formalized church ministry.
That phone call, along with other formative moments, continues to call me into more whats. Stretching myself when I’ve had no idea how to do the what before me, I continue to learn along the way. Krista Tippett says, “Strengths and certainties are rarely the most reliable catalyst for transformation.” Leaning into places I have felt most uncertain and unqualified has been transforming me day by day, shaping my work in the world. And the people I meet, the connections we weave, encourage me to grow some more.

Thank you for that phone call my friend. Little did I know what would emerge. But I do know it is what led me here.

Listen to Krista’s message and conversation with adrienne maree brown here or where you prefer to listen to podcasts. She then offers these questions to contemplate:

·      Do you believe that imagination has real-world consequences? Trace its reality in the lives of people you admire and in your own.

·      Ponder emergence. Consider how moments when what you did not plan or control became a catalyst for your growth.

in this together with great hope ~
Amy