Today's Thank You Thursday post goes out to my language instructor, Karla. Karla has invited me into her faith and her home, by welcoming me to a weekly Casa de Paz (House of Peace) that she leads. Each prayer group starts with Christian praise songs, many of which I have heard in English, and have the pleasure of learning now in Spanish. After singing, we listen to a themed topic that leads us to bible readings, and a brief discussion. Next, we share testimonies to the power of God's love and how he works in our daily lives, and then a time of intentions. We close with refrigerio (snacks) and social time, which usually lasts until 10pm or later. This beautiful group is a wonderful way for me to feel part of a small and powerful body of God, while continuing to learn and experience my faith in a new language. One of the things that I love about this group is that although we are not all from the same faith background, we can come together in a beautiful and powerful way through our common beliefs and the working of the Holy Spirit. I love reading the bible and seeing how the stories of old are relevant in our lives today, and how people from all races, religions, and creeds suffer the same struggles of humanness and vulnerability. I also love how we can support and lift each other up, even when we are not always speaking the same language or looking at things in the same way. I don't always pray the same way, and I still cherish going to Sunday mass and participating in the sacraments. However, I love being stretched to perceive the words of the bible in new and enlightening ways, and to share my faith with others. Thank you, Karla, for giving me the opportunity to experience the bond of a small group united in the love of the Spirit. I will always remember your encouraging words, "You are a woman of faith!"
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AuthorValerie Ellis, who is in alignment with the Black Lives Matter Movement and everyone whose life is impacted, now or before, by times of social injustice. Archives
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