Questions to Consider

Chapter One & Two

1. On page 37, a story is shared about how a child had to “practice courage”. Then Barbara Brown Taylor asks this question: How do we develop the courage to walk in the dark if we are never asked to practice? In what ways has your life taught you courage? Where have you had to practice this in your life? And, where do you sense you may be invited to practice courage in your life right now?

2. What images of darkness were you given as a child - from your family of origin and from your religious upbringing (if applicable)? How do you think this has impacted you?

3. Please re-read the paragraph on page 42 starting with, “I was suffering from a full solar version of Christianity…”. Were you offered a similar version of spirituality? If so, how was it helpful, and how was it not? Think about the spiritual maps you were given to follow and where it has led you to today. (Notice, Barbara Brown Taylor acknowledges both the positive and the negative of these maps.)

4. Are there any bible stories that come to mind when you think of the power and presence of God in the dark, or at night? What speaks to you today in those stories? (Reread pages 44-47 for some ideas)

5. “…when we run from darkness, how much do we really know about what we are running from? If we turn away from darkness on principle, doing everything we can to avoid it because there is simply no telling what it contains, isn’t there a chance that what we are running from is God? (pg. 57) Is there any darkness that you’re running away from? If you were to stop, what does that feel like? Is there a chance God could be found in what you’re running from?

6. Take a look at the quote above (one of Christa’s favorites!) Now, what strikes you about that quote?

Contemplative Practice

A Lunar Practice: How the Moon can help us

The ancient rhythm of ebb and flow of the 28-day moon cycled has inspired, been honoured, and followed by humans for our entire existence. Us modern, western, types struggle to pay attention and be graced and instructed by the gifts of the moon. For those of us who grew up in a Protestant Christian context, the moon felt a bit “off-limits”. It was the fascination of “pagans” and “witches”, and should be revered “from a distance”.

But, didn’t God create the moon in all her glory? Why would we keep a deep embrace of this brilliant orb in our night sky at arm’s length?

I’m suggesting this simple Lunar Practice can help us ground in God and show us how to walk in the dark.

Let’s heed John Muir’s words: “I go to nature to be soothed, healed, and have my senses put in order.”

The Practice:

1. Take a moment to consider how familiar you are with the cycles of the moon. Did you know what cycle the moon is in right now? If not, why do you think that is? If you’re looking for a great app to help you track, I use My Moon Phase, and you can also check out the moon calendar here.

2. What is the given name of the full moon we are closest to, and the next approaching one? Learn more about the beautiful indigenous-given names of the Full Moons here.

3. If you were to give the name moon cycle, what would you name it and why?

4. Every human being will have the same experience of the moon tonight, tomorrow night, and the next. Consider that for a moment? We are connected in more ways than any pandemic virus. When you look at the moon, can you bring to mind people in other parts of the world, and stand in solidarity with them during this global crisis?

5. The New Moon is when the moon is dark and hidden from site. It’s as if something is waiting to grow into fullness. What might be wanting to grow into fullness in you? Is there a project, a personal value, a desire, grief, a conversation that remains hidden in you today, but can grow as it’s supposed to, over these next 2 weeks? What do you sense that is? What can you do to allow it to wax towards maturity?

6. Then, two weeks later the moon has waxed to its fullness - the Full Moon. Perhaps it can be a reminder or celebration of what has ripened and come to fruition in your own life. What has grown to fullness and how might you celebrate and remember what was required to get there; both the letting go of something old and the allowing of the new to be born in you.

7. As the Full Moon wanes back to its un-illuminated state of the new moon, perhaps you can take time to consider this: what needs to be let go of in your life to make room for the next cycle of growth. What must you allow, surrender, drop, limit, consent to, that will open up space to flourish for the coming season?

Here are some example taken from my book, Life’s Great Dare (pg.72)

• Selfishness must die to make room for generosity

• Anxiety must die to make room for peace

• Lies must die to make room for the truth

• Pride must die to make room for compassion

• Perfection must die to make room for “I’m enough”

• Addiction must die to make room for love

• Fear must die to make room for joy

8. What “two-weeks-on-two-weeks-off” rhythm would be helpful to adopt into your own life at this time? In other words, can you bring a routine into your monthly calendar where half of the month you are more present to what is growing and becoming brighter in your life, and the other half where are you are more present to the aspects of your life where you’re being invited to let go.

9. How about bringing some of this radical presence to your life, just like the famous children’s book, “Goodnight Moon”. (Your kids might like this!), or read St. Francis of Assisi’s poem, Canticle of the Sun, written in 1225.

10. Finally, enjoy this gorgeous choral rendition of “Goodnight Moon” (found on our Spotify Playlist) - let the music wash over you…no need to worry about the lyrics. Better yet, find a way to listen to this song while you watch the moon from the comfort of your home or on a walk this week.

Consider the power, light, beauty, and

reliable presence of our Sister Moon.

What a gift.

Interview with Wendy Janzen

Throughout the book club, you’ll get to enjoy three short interviews with women I want you to know about. Each are fans of Barbara Brown Taylor and her books.

First up is Wendy. (You can learn about the other two guests here).

(Bio from 2021) Wendy Janzen grew up in the Canadian prairies where the vast skies and wide view of the horizon shaped her spiritual landscape and understanding of God as a spacious and open Presence. She has always loved all things outdoors - hiking, camping, canoeing, snow shoeing, gardening, campfires, stargazing - and has sought to add depth to time spent in creation through nurturing spiritual practices in nature. 

Wendy’s passion for the natural world led her to start an outdoor faith community, Burning Bush Forest Church in 2016. Connected to that she is one of the co-founders and leaders in the Wild Church Network. She is a spiritual director, public speaker, retreat leader, innovator, poet, and an ordained minister in the Mennonite Church with 22 years of pastoral experience.

Wendy lives in the Grand River Watershed on the Haldimand Tract (in Kitchener) with her husband Chip, two sons, and a friendly orange tabby cat.”

Additional Resources

Still looking for something more? Why not expand your knowledge and experience by feasting on these additional resources.

• One of my favourite podcasts is “On Being”. Don’t miss this remarkable interview with Barbara Brown Taylor from 2023.

• If you’re really loving podcasts these days, here are a few more with Barbara Brown Taylor to check out.

Spotify Playlist: enjoy an hour of music while you read and reflect!