From our Readers
At the back of the March / April issue, “Standing In The Tragic Gap,” we invited readers to tell us how Weavings has influenced their life with God. We would like to thank our community for all of the engaging comments we received. With permission, we now share some of these comments with you. Enjoy!
If you would like to submit comments about your experience with Weavings (300 words or less), we hope you will do so. Please send to weavings@upperroom.org, including a 1-2 sentence biographical statement and a note about whether or not we may publish your comments online.
Elaine Roberts:
Mother was the consummate Renaissance woman. She loved classical music, poetry, art and above all, good books. Among her favorite “reads” was Weavings. Upon its arrival she would cloister herself in her room with a freshly brewed pot of tea and Weavings, close her door, and go into what she referred to as “The Silences,” meaning “Don’t bother me—Weavings has arrived.”
After Mother went to her eternal home on Christmas Eve, 2001, I entered my own subscription to Weavings and shared several gift subscriptions with close friends. One of those friends sponsored my husband and me on a “Walk to Emmaus,” a gift that led to a life-changing adventure in a weeklong retreat of the Academy for Spiritual Formation.
Prior to our departure for the Academy, I ran across one of mother’s copies of Weavings, which also contained part of her journal. Mother was a seeker. She longed for a mentor to teach her the mysteries of the ancients—the desert and the early church fathers and mothers in particular. In her search she read of a teacher she felt would be of help. After several fruitless searches for an address, she gave up. Finally a kind librarian located an address and the September/October 1988 issue of Weavings, in which Susan Muto’s book A Practical Guide to Spiritual Reading was reviewed. Mother noted, “I’ve found it!” And after obtaining the book, she wrote, “It is all it is said to be.”
As my husband and I were preparing supper one evening before the Academy began, I recounted this story to him. “I wish I could reach Susan and share the story with her.” He excused himself from the table and returned with a brochure of the Academy presenters…and…one was none other than Susan Muto.
- Elaine Roberts is a retired high school teacher who lives in Dunn, North Carolina with her husband, J.D. Roberts, who is retired from State Government. They have three children, eight grandchildren, and one very spoiled puppy.
Jacquie Reed:
I have every issue of Weavings - my children grew up with me reading Weavings, and if you asked about my favorite spiritual reading, they would answer “Weavings.” The particular blessing of Weavings in my life is this - my husband is a United Methodist pastor. He's had a church for the length of time I've known him (36 years). Throughout the 34 years of marriage we've moved all over southern and central Indiana. We've lived in towns of seven thousand and twenty-two thousand as well as larger cities. The times when I appreciated Weavings the most were during the period of eighteen years when we lived in various small towns where resources for spiritual growth were non-existent. I craved workshops, programs, anything that would nurture me in the faith - but in the absence of these experiences, there was Weavings. Weavings provided retreats, programs, workshops, opportunities for interaction, spiritual direction - anything I needed spiritually during those years I absorbed from Weavings. My children would note that when Weavings arrived - “Mom your Weavings is here,” - I stopped anything I was doing, sat down, and read through the introduction and table of contents - looking forward to the end of the day when I could sit down and read each article. Thank you for nurturing my faith through the years.
- Jacquie Reed is a wife, mother, spiritual director, and Stephen Minister. She lives in Fishers, Indiana, which is just outside Indianapolis. Jacquie enjoys writing, quilting, and baking—“all of which are ways that I pray.”
Sister Camilla Verret:
I have been a Sister of Mercy since 1955. I presently minister with the Diocese of Jefferson City in their Refugee & Immigration Services Office. I have begged and borrowed copies of Weavings over the years; I have had (and presently do have) subscriptions and have given them as gifts. Everytime I think you've done the best edition, along comes another - including this excellent one by Parker Palmer and friends--beyond excellent and, as always, right on target. Keep up the good work. And, please, take time(s) to celebrate the 25th.
- Sister Camilla Verret, R.S.M
Reverend Ruth Nelson:
Weavings has been part of my life and one of my "tools of trade" for almost 22 years. The articles have been (and still are) a source of encouragement and inspiration, as well as information. With its breadth of outlook, the Journal has helped to shape my thinking, while particular writers have become my "friends at a distance".
A selection of Weavings is always at hand for retreats, and various extracts have been shared with small groups and worshipping congregations. Consequently, numerous recommendations have resulted in a ripple effect as others become subscribers. Personally, I have told all who will listen that I would rather go without a meal than without Weavings if had to choose between the two! (So far, not necessary.) Weavings would win!
I appreciate the topics and the format and am not looking for change. However, I recognise that there may be those who have a vision of the future which would benefit us all, drawing us closer to God and each other.
- Reverend Ruth Nelson is a member of the Methodist and the Uniting Church Diaconate in Australia, (Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational = Uniting Church). Reverend Nelson’s chief areas of ministry are school and hospital chaplaincy and Retreat leadership.
