The Holy Imagination

40 Essays in around 100 words #11

One simply cannot have a deep relationship with God without an active imagination. Why? Imagination allows us to talk with someone not physically present. Imagination allows us to dream of a different world, a different future. Imagination is the means of finding hope, looking towards, perhaps, a Kingdom where God is the true ruler. A world where the poor, sick, and sad are blessed. When I look around, it’s obvious that we need powerful imaginations for that.

Caprice Applequist

Sometimes I wonder about the imaginative vision in Rickshaw drivers that inspires them to add a bit of fringe or a disco ball

The Man Who Did Things Differently

40 essays in around 100 words #10

Imagine the setting of Jesus for a moment–One Messiah after another had shown up, usurping power, gathering a mob, being defeated in a bloody battle with the empire. Then a Messiah came who didn’t need to gain power–He contained it all within Himself. He didn’t need angry rebels, zionist Zealots. He chose the defeated cripples, the demon-possessed, dishonorable women. He chose the hungry and the sad who thought they were cursed. He told them they are blessed in the Kingdom of God. The empire tried to trick, deceive, and kill him. But they couldn’t kill a man who chose to give his life away.

Can I Work Through Trauma Via My Cat?

40 essays in around 100 words #9

I have a traumatized cat. Truly, I do. She endured abuse at the hand of a narcissistic man, while being absolutely adored by the women of the household. Despite that love, she struggles to trust. She runs and hides at the sound of a man’s voice. She has attachment issues. I find myself speaking to her the way my therapist says I need to talk to myself–assuring her that she is loved and she does not need to be afraid. And it makes me wonder, can talking to my cat serve as a means to trauma healing?

My cat waffles enjoys passing her time staring at the birds outside. For the record, she can go outside, but she's just a bit too risk averse for that.