Seven Words

I was grabbed by a provocative and challenging article in the most recent Christian Century journal (September 5, 2012) entitled, "The Gospel in Seven Words". The CC asked 15 theologians, academics and spiritual writers to explain the Gospel in no more than seven words. Not surprisingly, each of the fifteen had a slightly different take on their descriptions, but all are powerful, insightful and blessed. I've dedicated myself to using one each week in my daily devotional time to see what "pearls of wisdom" I might receive. Additionally, it got me thinking about how I would answer the same question, and more broadly, how I would answer a question of describing my faith in just seven words. Musing on this topic I was also struck by a question of how I might describe my work, my life, all the things that I feel are important and illustrative of who I am as a member of the human family. Over the years I have been on groups that have created mission statements. These statements of purpose are at best supposed to be no more than 9 words in length. Each of those was challenging as one tries to distill down to the essence what it is that the organization is put on earth to accomplish. My own organization, Possibilities Journey Inc, has a mission statement that is 17 words long: "To co-create a model of health care that fully engages faith communities to optimize health, wellness and wholeness." It's probably time to revisit that and see if it truly reflects who we are and who we want to become (or are becoming). This week, I invite you to take the challenge to describe your faith, the Gospel, your spiritual beliefs, the meaning of your life, or another important piece of who you are in seven words or less. It will be challenging, but I know that you will find it a blessing as well. Peace for the journey, Dan