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.
Charles Scalise:
For the past twenty-five years I have slowly digested each word of Weavings. No other resource of contemporary or classic spiritual writing has remained beside the Scriptures on my bedside table for so long. Weavings has creatively called me to join in thoughtful Christian reflection with an ecumenical community of fellow strugglers seeking spiritual renewal.
In gratitude for the gift of Weavings in my life, I have given copies of Weavings to my students. My wife and I have presented gift subscriptions to friends who have been reacting against the cultural Christianity that passes for biblical spirituality in many churches. We have also commended Weavings as a study guide to educational and support groups in the churches where we serve.
I am grateful for the dedicated commitment of John Mogabgab and other members of the Weavings staff to this vocation. I hope that the leaders of Upper Room ministries will continue to cherish this rare treasure they sponsor. I pray that our Lord will bless the next twenty-five years of the ministry of this "journal of the Christian spiritual life" with faithful meditation upon "the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God" (Romans 11:33).
- The Rev. Dr. Charles J. Scalise is Professor of Church History at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Louise McRae:
Weavings impacted my life shortly after I lost my husband. My pastor’s wife loaned me her latest Weavings journal, and it was overwhelming in that it gave voice to all the emotions I was experiencing at the time. God seemed near yet elusive, and that particular issue dealt with these feelings. The essayists each had words that spoke directly to me.
Since that time (now 15 years later), I have subscribed, and each volume has topics that I find compelling and timely. God speaks to me in a new way each time! The impact of Weavings is that I learn from each issue, grow in my relationship with God, and then I share with friends who need to hear the lessons as well.
Each of the authors has shared their deepest emotions about their relationship with God; some confess a "loss" of God, and that is real too.
Thank you for Weavings , may it continue for years to come.
- Louise McRae is a 72 year widow, with 4 children all grown, 1 grandchild, and a large circle of friends. Her solitary life includes the Weavings journals to which she looks forward each quarter.
Judy Fitchett:
Years ago, a pastor and friend journeyed with me along a painful road to recovery. During a short interruption of our time together, I picked up a copy of Weavings at her home and began reading. I don’t remember much about what I read at the time, but it touched my heart enough that I wanted more. My friend offered the copy to me, and I soon became a subscriber.
I have since moved away from the state in which my friend lives, but I continue to keep in regular touch with her. I also continue to receive Weavings. I cannot claim to have read every issue cover to cover nor that every issue has moved my heart in a memorable way, but the issue I read today (May/June 2009) has touched my heart in many ways. Each article seems to "hit home" for me as I read about journeying, transformation, wide rivers, shadows, time, community and God’s grace. For me, the journey with my friend has resulted in part in my sensing a call to attend seminary and pursue a Master of Divinity degree which I will begin in August at the age of 60 wonderful years.
How I loved Henri Nouwen’s words near the end of the publication, "If we are to be truly ready for a new task in the service of God, truly joyful at the prospect of a new vocation, truly free to be sent into a new mission, our entire past, gathered into the spaciousness of a converted heart, must become the source of energy that moves us toward the future." Thanks be to God and to all the people who share their gifts in word, editing and publication of Weavings.
- Judy Fitchett is a retired Pharmacist and a new student! She lives with her husband in Mundelein, IL They are the parents of 3 sons and the grandparents of 3 (2 girls and 1 boy). Judy and her husband are looking forward to how God will continue to work in their hearts and life.
Jacqueline Somerville:
I have subscribed to Weavings since 1987. I have made the dusty, thirsty trek from the deserts of Arizona, pastoral ministry, and "long dark nights", to the healing, inspiring, confronting, and always calling voice of God through the words and people of Weavings.
It was the day before I was to leave for a gathering to hear John Mogabgab, Weavings’ editor, (whose words always go deep into my soul) that my 2 brain aneurysms were discovered, and I had to cancel my trip...but Jerry Haas, another Upper Room staff member, called to pray with me. Then later, when I decided to retire early, I felt lost, and Weavings brought comfort and light. For a while, you all were my community and my church. The body of Christ. And the issue "Standing in the Tragic Gap" (March/April 2009) was an in-my-face challenge... (My husband and I were so involved in discussion about an article, we never made it to church!).
I’m so thankful to God for all of you and your ministry. I’m excited about your new format; May God continue to lead and bless you all!
- Jacqueline Somerville was educated at California Western University, UC Berkeley, Peace Corp. training, University of Florida, and Claremont School of Theology. She has lived in Colon, Panama and Bogota, Colombia. Her occupations have included teaching pre-school, teaching the basics of French cooking, and pastoring churches in Tucson and Phoenix. Her greatest learning experiences have come from the children & elderly in her churches, cancer patients, her Spiritual Academy brothers & sisters, her five grandchildren, and prayer time in her "Roberta Bondi" red chair with Weavings and the Holy Spirit!
