dar334

I started my “Bible in a Year” reading plan on January 1st. Not too far into the year, while still in the first book, Genesis, I had the pleasure of reading the story of Joseph. I love this story! I decided I would see what kind of book I could find on him that would take me deeper and courtesy of a Google search I found a women’s study by Melissa Spoelstra titled “Joseph, The Journey to Forgiveness”. I purchased the Participant Manual and the Leader’s Guide and the wheels started turning. With help from our Education Coordinator at church and a little prayer, the study started August 6th with a group of 10 women. It was an Introductory Class, books were handed out and introductions made. We ended our class with instructions to complete week 1 in our books.

I worked on my daily lessons slowly, reading “into” every verse, and taking the time to read through the study notes that have so much to offer. We met on Monday night and the discussions were amazing. I love studying with this group of women, they have so much to offer, and studying with others gives you different perspectives which are often beneficial. (Although comparing Joseph to the Flint Firefighter calendar photos probably wasn’t the best way to help us understand Potiphar’s wife’s attraction to Joseph).

A question from the video discussion section really got me thinking. “Do you tend to stuff, spew, or leak your emotions? Why is it so important for us to acknowledge our feelings when we get hurt?” Thankfully the ladies feel comfortable enough to share, even though sharing sometimes causes a few tears. When the others were done I told them I was a spewer. My answer to the second question was because I needed confirmation that I had a good reason to be hurt or even angry. I needed confirmation. It was only a second later that I realized I shouldn’t be concerned with having someone else agree with me, I needed to be concerned only with what God would think. That is point one, stay tuned for the rest of the story.

Point two: At some point in our discussions I shared a way in which I get rid of “stuff” without having to spew. I told them about the envelope or folded piece of paper that I have sitting near me at my desk and when I start stewing about something I write it down. Sometimes I can’t write fast enough and sometimes I’m pushing so hard I’m surprised the pencil or pen doesn’t break. At the end of the day, I run that old envelope or scrap paper through the shredder. I have been able to get the things out of my mind by writing them down, and I’m able to destroy those unhealthy feelings with the shredder.

Now here is how God reminded me today as I was working on the class program for this Monday that he is always present:

In regards to point one from above: I was watching the video this afternoon that I will show during class this Monday night when Ms. Spoelstra told us we spew because we want others to agree with us. We want others to “side” with us. She told her audience basically what I told my audience last Monday night.

In regards to point two: The “Optional Group Activity” from the Leaders Guide says, and I quote:

“Bring one or two paper shredders and provide a time of quiet reflection for ladies to pray and think about a situation or person they might need to surrender to God. ASK EACH WOMAN TO WRITE DOWN A SITUATION OR PERSON IN HER LIFE CAUSING HER RESENTMENT OR BITTERNESS. TELL THEM THAT AS THEY ARE READY, THEY CAN COME FORWARD AND SHRED ……… THEIR …… PAPERS ….. IN ….. THE …. SHREDDER!! (Emphasis added).  Be sure to explain that they are not symbolically shredding a person but their bitterness or resentment toward that person or situation.”

Now I’m not suggesting God put these words in this book at this time, but I am suggesting He put those thoughts in my mind as a “Wink” from Him when I read them.

I don’t know where you are in your life journey, but I do know that losing myself in the Bible is getting me through the most difficult time of my life right now. I hope when you hear God knocking at your door, you will open it and invite him in. If you get the desire to study, I will make room for you to study with me.

– dar