From "Let the Bones Dance" - Marcia W. Mount Shoop - in a section called 'Disposition of Interdependence: Embodying Relationality.' Dispositions of interdependence adjust to the entangled nature of existence by embracing creativity with surrender and self-assertion like the birthing body. Dispositions of interdependence are receptive to how we are all conditioned by all else that is, as well as to how we impact all that is. Just as a mother giving birth needs support, affirmation of her strength, and people who see her and care for her, dispositions of interdependence practice such modes of connection within faith communities. How do we empower and affirm? How do we honor and trust? How do we surrender and assert? This kind of interdependence is often missing in the church. It is as though each family or household is merely connected by being in attendance. And yet, the body calls for all of us to risk being a vital part of the whole body. That will come to mean that we do find ways in which others can be supported and held and healed. It also means that we allow ourselves to be supported and held and healed by others. It can become so easy for the church to simply mirror the communities of the world where each is to make it on their own. As we can see on the news, some communities rally around a household in distress. This is news! And yet, this is to be the everyday experience among the followers of Jesus. Is it? Connection: I'll simply repeat these questions: How do we empower and affirm? How do we honor and trust? How do we surrender and assert? Gather us as one, O God, and remind us of the way you created us to be a people whose lives shine like your glory - forever abiding with each other in love - even at great risk. Amen. |
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