Holiness in our Midst: Session 64

SESSION LIIX: ON MISSION FIELDS

Late last summer I went to a funeral in a church I had not attended before. As I was leaving the parking lot, a sign greeted me: You are now entering the mission field. The message on the sign stayed with me and prompts the story circle question: Where is my mission field for this New Year? My mission field for the New Year is informed by the limits imposed by my cancer journey, which began last June. After chemotherapy and a successful mastectomy, I will undergo radiation from late January through March. I remain dedicated to my local community mission causes of hunger and homelessness awareness and to the denomination’s international mission sites, but, by necessity, my mission field this year will be myself. I will dedicate time to exercise, healthy eating, positive self-talk, and attention to appearance and fashion. When I re-enter the public arena, hopefully, it will be from an enhanced self-awareness and the ability to sustain a life of advocacy with even more strength.

STORY CIRCLE PROMPT: What mission field are you being called to during the New Year?

FOR PERSONAL/JOURNAL REFLECTION:

1. Read the above reflection.
2. Picture Jesus handing you a personal invitation to join with Him working in a new mission field this year. What does the invitation say? Did you say ‘yes?’ Write about the spiritual exercise.

FOR GROUP STUDY:

1.   Read aloud Session LIIX.  
2.   Ask each person to answer the Story Circle Prompt.

[View Past Sessions Here]

Note: Holiness in Our Midst: Sharing Our Stories to Encourage and Heal is a monthly on-line feature created by Janis Pyle to facilitate sharing of our personal experiences, thoughts, beliefs, and spiritual practices with one another, especially through stories. Barriers are broken down when we begin to see all persons, even those with whom we disagree ideologically, as sacred and constantly attended to by a loving Creator. Each column is accompanied by a “story circle” prompt and study guides for personal and group reflection. To share your stories, contact Hannah Button-Harrison at communications@nplains.org. Janis Pyle can be reached at janispyle@yahoo.com.