Words that Become Flesh

Usually, you hear about preachers waxing semi-eloquently about "the Word made flesh"...

In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. IN him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5)

But Henri Nouwen flips that around and writes of "words that become flesh."

Words are important. Without them our actions lose meaning. And without meaning we cannot live. Words can offer perspective, insight, understanding and vision. Words can bring consolation, comfort, encouragement, and hope. Words can take away fear, isolation, shame, and guilt. Words can reconcile, unite, forgive, and heal. Words can bring peace and joy, inner freedom and deep gratitude. Words, in short, can carry love on their wings. A word of love can be one of the greatest acts of love. That is because when our words become flesh in our own lives and the lives of others, we can change the world. 

Jesus is the word made flesh. In him speaking and acting were one. (Bread for the Journey, June 22)

As we prepare to read through "The Story," we believe it's of utmost importance that our reading doesn't remain just that--simply reading the words assigned to us that day ... and then putting them aside until next time.

We want this adventure with "The Story" to be words made flesh for you--for what you are reading to affect the way you are living! We need WORDS and ACTIONS for faithful living and obedience to Christ. 

To help you with this, each Monday morning, a set of questions will be posted. These will be divided into three parts:

1. "Checking Your Comprehension" Are you REALLY paying attention as you read? Are you getting the gist of the content of the chapter? 
2. "Digging Deeper" This section will contain a couple of questions that go beyond content to really struggling with an idea or question or suggestion. More than just yes or no answers, these answers are meant to stretch your brain and your heart a bit. Here's where your flesh will become words. 
3. "Personal Action"  Here's where your words will become flesh. Each post includes a suggested action for you to take at some point that week.  

You are welcome to answer any of these questions in the comments under each post. (You are also welcome to post any QUESTIONS you may have!) In particular, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the "Digging Deeper" questions as well as if you attempt the "Personal Action" for the week. (Tina and Allison will be monitoring these comments and will respond as they are able.) 

And YOU are welcome to respond to someone else's comment if you would like. We do ask that because we want this to be a safe place to share our fears and questions (and perhaps even doubts), please be gentle with your words when you are addressing someone else. 

These posts will be identified by the title "Chapter ___: Questions." If you don't get to the post on Monday morning and can't find it, check the blog archive on the right hand sidebar of the blog. You should be able to find the post that you're looking for. (Also, each post will be tagged by "questions," "digging deeper," and "personal action" so you can search for it using the tags as well.) 

Happy reading!