I have just returned from the Spirit of Life Exhibition in Manchester where Tim (husband) and I set up a stand of his art work, a mixture of images of Christ, and a box of scripture promises, inviting folk to take one and then talking to them about the words and their response to them.
It was a really good day, and it was great to catch up with folk who I would normally work with in the Mind Body Spirit Exhibition Arena. The Exhibition today differed in that all of the spiritualities represented were Christian, carefully chosen and vetted by the Cathedral Authorities; that said we showed a wonderful diversity of expressions and colour. There was a prayer tent, some folk using the Jesus Deck, others offering massage and healing prayer. There was a Labyrinth and an opportunity to connect with Icons, Taize Chant, and dance... the list goes on. Workshops and talks were well attended and were on subjects like angels, healing and the nature of God...
We were visited by people of all ages and spiritualities, from young children to elderly ladies, christians, pagans and curious atheists and all flavours in between; one lady remarked how inclusive the whole event felt, that everyone was willing to talk to her, and MORE IMPORTANTLY I think, to hear her story. Some folk asked questions while others simply browsed, the images of Christ opened many conversations especially as people engaged with some of the more challenging and uncomfortable ones ( Christ as Wisdom and one of the pi-eta images).
There were protesters of course, following the Daily Mail's coverage that is hardly surprising, but when I stepped out into the sunshine for a bit at lunchtime I had a very civilised conversation with one of them, we ended by praying then I shook his hand and said bless you. Others were more intent on being combative, which is sad, because being willing to listen so often removes barriers that are silly in the first place. BUT and it should be noted that it is a big BUT, Christianity has been diverse for a long time, it comes in many different flavours, colours and expressions, the sooner we deal with that and even dare to celebrate it the better.
As for me I really enjoyed the day, and am reminded that there are spiritually thirsty people out there longing for clear cool water to drink, and many of them are not church folk. We must strive to meet them where they are, we must learn a language that connects and communicates effectively, we must continue to ask ourselves if the shape of today's church is appropriate for those we long to reach but somehow miss; one lady I spoke to said that today's event was a healing experience, others received prayer. Many took information, many remarked how appropriate the scripture promises they received were to their current situation; a second lady remarked how she had received the same message from every stand she had visited and thought it was time to go and do something about it...
And there were no Fortune Tellers and no Crystal Balls!
Looking down through our stand, Tim talking to Jo who was doing some drawing of her own...
The Promise Cards.
