Where Love Breaks us Open…

… And Spirit pours in.

We have all sat at tables this week.

Tables with crayons where we colored and created inside and outside of the lines. We didn’t ask permission to color outside of the lines we just did. We knew someone may ask us, if they noticed, why we didn’t stay inside the lines. Why we didn’t follow the rules of perfect picture making. Why we would teach our children or others that it was permissible for them to think outside the lines.

We knew someone might judge us for making space at the lunch table with a friend whom some labeled ‘sinful.’ So we reserved the most open and public table in the town square and poured love into her lap. Allowed it to seep into her skin. Then watched it flow within her as she walked away.

We have sat at arms length across tables this week where friends or loved ones have forgotten our names. Ones who are losing a battle. Those who are weak, frail, and using oxygen resources to help take their next breath.

• At Table Conversations on Wednesday we placed our weighted questions about faith, hope, and love on the table. Questions and thoughts of how we used to think about Eden, Eve, and the story of original sin. We leaned into mystery and then allowed ‘certainty’ to fall from the table to the floor. No one reached down to pick it up.

• Questions and deep places of ‘coloring inside the lines’ about the Bible, the stories we were cast in and the stories we have been cast from. We performed and we stayed inside the lines. Until we realized our questions alone were too much for some so we have found ways to expand our faith, our hope and our love.

• Questions and thoughts for how we embrace Jesus, Spirit, and Love. How this longing is expanding us to see Jesus’ words “You have heard it said, but I say to you …“ as the words of his table, his voice, his inclusion and even his mystery. His practice teaches us to move towards the margins. To color outside the lines. To set a more expansive table.

What tables have you prepared this week? Who did you make space for? Who needed your time and attention and you made room at your table, or theirs to do so?

These are the gifts of God for the people of God… these Tables… where love breaks us open and Spirit pours in.

Love Expands the Table ~ Shelly

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GirlChurch

First, let me say thank you to

Colette Eaton

for sharing her story of how the Feminine Spirit of God expanded her. How in her grief she needed ‘Mother God’ and found Her as a steady guide and comfort. You can listen here to her story. It was a gift to partner with her on this expansive journey.

Secondly, I want to ask for grace as I learn how to use the Substack Live technology and platform. I thought I had lined every piece up perfectly and ready to go. I learned that in scheduling the GirlChurch Live Event that there are a few extra bells and whistles that I need to pay attention to. I believe I have those ironed out now. Thank you for your patience.

I had intended to offer the GirlChurch Live Event from the “GirlChurch Substack” but it went live on my “The Table Substack.” Again, I believe I have that all dialed in going forward. My apologies for stacking your inbox on Thursday.

If you would like to listen to, be notified of the GirlChurch Live Events, and receive the free messages about GirlChurch simply add your name to the GirlChurch Substack here.

Lastly, I have invited Spirit to lead and shape this space at GirlChurch. Those who will share from this space have Her Spirit within… we are all listening…

Table Conversations

To join Table Conversations on Wednesdays simply reply to this email for the details for how to do so or follow Table Chat. Perhaps you need a place to lay your weighted questions down.

Table… Where Love Pours In…