Staatenlos

It’s often thought that people  pass on talents or affinities through DNA . Then there are aberrants who become masters of their craft seemingly out of the blue. Alas, here the nature versus nature theorists come into play. As a frustrated artist, then, any of these explanations could account for my childrens affinity for visual, technical and performing  arts. Both have chosen to pursue creative careers.

It was fascinating to me when during my brief encounter with my biological mother, she sent me a photo of a picture she painted and told me of her love for the arts. My sister has sent me several gifts that she handcrafted  including a sculpture that she made representing the bond we are building between the two of us. Nothing could have prepared me for what I experienced yesterday I viewed her latest video. There on the screen was a framed leaf she referred to as an “elephant leaf” on which she had vividly painted a parrot. I was awed.

While I must leave preaching to the preachers, I wouldn’t be able to share my journey without addressing what directs my spirit. I confess to being a sinner saved by grace. I have been at my present church for more than half of my life where I raised my children.

Those persons other than my parents and my pastor who have strongly influenced my personal theology are St. Therese de Lisieux, Corrie Ten Boom, Oswald Chambers & Soren Kierkegaard. Each day begins with tending to the Kierkegaarden & sending out a Daily Bloom to my list members. Then Fr. Bob leads me to St. Therese’s Little Way. Corrie & Oswald have been close companions over some pretty long & bumpy roads.

I also identify closely with Francis Thompson as depicted in his poem: The Hound of Heaven .