Want a Chance to Write at Beliefnet?
Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places is going to be featured on Beliefnet in early December, thanks to the creative mind (and gracious heart) of Joan P. Ball, author of the upcoming book Flirting with Faith: My Spiritual Journey from Atheism to a Faith-Filled Life.
If you post about Stone Crossings between now and then and drop your post link here (or there) so we don't miss you, you'll get a chance to be featured on Beliefnet. Five posts will be chosen for feature over five days. But all posts will be given links, so either way... you're there!
We look forward to hearing your grace thoughts...
[UPDATE: Due to some unavoidable issues, Joan has postponed the feature until January. I'll let you know when the project goes live. Thanks for your patience. :) ]
_______
(Little side note: If you'd like to share in this writing celebration, but you prefer not to be considered for feature at Beliefnet, just indicate your wish. Thanks! Also, if you're wondering what kind of thoughts to share, check out a few of these posts. Each shares a unique voice and experience, and that's what's important... your voice, your experience. Broken Ribs and Stone Crossings, Finding Grace in Hard Places, dribbled with coffee...)
REFLECTIONS:
Glynn's Crossing Some Stones: A Reflection
Bradley's Your Life is Perfect
Mary DeMuth's When Boulder Became Pebble
Monica's Reflections
Labels: Beliefnet, Flirting with Faith, group writing project, Joan P. Ball, Stone Crossings
posted by L.L. Barkat at 9:27 AM
14 Comments:
I don't think my writing would make the cut, but I know of a writer who most definitely would!
(cough - Billy Coffey - cough)
I did more than flirt with faith, but left the fold after too many questions arose.
I suggest that faith does not make a person immune to doubt, and may in fact inspire them to study what they believe far more deeply than ever before, until questions arise, and then one either sticks it out, or leaves a particular religious fold and becomes a deist, mystic, agnostic, or atheist.
Remaining in the fold with one's questions, i.e., "sticking it out" can make a person either more liberal and loving, or turn them into people who reject even the slightest sound of doubts in others.
Lastly, I suspect that many believers in particular religious traditions are torn between being honest and open about their doubts and the wish to remain a part of a social group and not be rejected by them (friends/family, etc.).
There's ministers and priests who have more doubts than they are able to let on to their own congregations.
There's wives and husbands unable to speak about their questions openly with each other, or with their children for fear of all the falderol that may result.
There's spouses who are matched belief-wise when they wed, yet one of whose beliefs may change over time, and the other not follow along, creating great tension in the family.
A lot of religions and even denominations assure people that they and their religion holds the golden ticket to eternal life and paradise. Thus simply questioning aspects of that particular religion or denomination many induce fear and raise falderol.
Kat... well, I think you're quite the original. Who knows? :)
Edward... thank you for your insightful comment. I wonder what kinds of questions caused you to leave (and I have to say that in my head I sometimes leave and come back... in the same way that I do in relationships, thoughts about my personal direction, and myriad other aspects of my humanity). I wonder too why we don't allow each other the questions. Especially since we all know they actually exist.
Doesn't it take a grand measure of faith to be able to ask the questions?
I could post on the book, but seeing as how I have not yet read it (deep sigh)...I am not sure how inspiring I could be. :)
Questions are always present...I would dare think anyone who says that they have never doubted where or who God is would be lying...it is what we do with the questions that makes or breaks us. I am blessed with people that I can take them to...and it breaks my heart to know that so many other people don't have that in those around them. :*(
My writing style (which includes ridiculous run on sentences, mindless tangents and a severe abuse and misuse of punctuation) would send editors into meltdown mode.
But I would be happy to spread the word about your book (congrats by the way! So exciting!).
Ok, so I'm slow. I just realized you linked to my post on the book (and my broken ribs). I read the link to Ann's post as well. Two entirely different pople, living in different countries, reading the book a year apart and having two very similar reactions. That's cool -- and a tribute to the book.
Thank you so much for looking at my blog! I am truly honored. Although I did not win the copy of your book, I just requested it through my school's interlibrary loan service (sadly, they don't have it either!) I can't wait to read it. I wish I could contribute to the discussion about the book, but that will have to wait until I'm done reading.
Again, thank you so much for looking at my blog. Sometimes I feel like I'm a pathetic excuse for a journalism grad student. You really made my day!
oh, L.L...
I am missing my book. I keep hoping I'll win one of those from InCourage, but I think I will have to break down and buy another. I knew it would happen, even as I boxed it up to send it away. But when God tells you someone needs something you have...well, I thought I'd better listen.
Don't enter me in the Beliefnet chance just yet(unless I can re-post my original review in the next few days?) I'll be giving you more publicity as soon as my new copy arrives.
:)
{I have a crush on Michelle after her comment...a girl after my own writing heart...:) }
I stumbled this post to try to get a bit more exposure for this Beliefnet potential opportunity. Gosh, I hope it "works" :).
A reflection on Stone Crossings is posted at http://faithfictionfriends.blogspot.com/2009/11/crossing-some-stones-reflection.html.
My reflection on Stone Crossings...
http://dkam136.com/2009/11/12/stone-crossings-book-review-finding-grace/
Okay, It Is Finished.
Not exactly a book review, per se, but a feature companion to a post reflecting on grace. Does it count?
http://shrinkingthecamel.com/2009/11/22/visions-and-thorns-your-life-is-perfect/
Here's my submission:
http://relevantblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/when-boulder-became-pebble.html
It's called "When Boulder Became Pebble" and it's about your book, Christmas, and simple faith.
Post a Comment
<< Home