I sensed I was ready this time. I sensed it was a strong invitation from the Lord. So I easily made a promise to faithfully do the process. I had one misgiving. I did not want to do it alone. I do not have the emotional energy for alone right now. I asked God for people to do it with. I started brainstorming people I could mention it to but quickly gave up when an awful dread swept over me. I didn’t want to accidentally become the leader of something. I didn’t have it in me.
The next morning I prayed again about people to do it with. When I finished praying I picked up my phone and seconds later the cover of the book was in my Instagram feed. What?! I looked. It was an ad. It was from someone I’d never heard of before. She was starting a brand new cohort online to lead people through the book in the second half of September. It was free. I almost threw down my phone in a what is happening to me right now kind of way. I chatted with Dave. I read through her website. I listened to a couple of her podcasts and enthusiastically signed up. I did the first four weeks on my own and restarted with the group in September.
But wait that’s not all! A friend I hadn’t interacted with for years and years reconnected in June. When I told her what was going on she decided to sign up and do it with me. Wow. I was amazed and grateful. In a season where my heart is not getting what it longs for on the “big things” this chain of events was remarkable and encouraging.
Here's an overview of the process. There are five components: I do stream of thought writing for three full pages every morning. I go on an artist date to do something I enjoy once a week. I read a chapter and do some exercises. When choosing from the exercises I do at least one exercise I love and one I don’t love. I attend the weekly cohort meeting and spend 30 minutes talking with my friend afterward. It takes around 12 hours a week.
When this leg of my journey is in the rear view mirror my hunch is the timing of this cohort is going to be recognized as brilliant, maybe even pivotal. It’s given me a time and a place to document the terrain of my soul in detail. I’ve written down how God has shown up for me. I have documented, to the best of my ability, stories of inner healing. It's also given me a place to write down all the new perspectives and longings. There has been a lot going on in this soul. I'm grateful for the support and outlet it provides. I hope this work is helping to unstick me creatively and leading me forward.
I’ve completed five weeks of The Artist Way and have seven more to go. To be continued…
All my love,
Cheri
Questions to ponder
Where are you stuck? What is God putting in your path to help you? Who is God putting in your path? How is God Himself showing up? May we all remember God loves helping His children through what seems impossible.
Places to explore:
Update on Dave: We did not do the 12th chemo treatment his body had done all it could stand. He will be going through a series of scans and test to decide where we go from here. Pray for rest and restoration from all the damage that chemo has done to his body. From the bottom of our hearts thank you for doing what you can to bear this with us.
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