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Tag: abuse

Isaiah’s Invite

August 6, 2020September 15, 2020 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ Leave a comment

A poem about working at an abusive church.

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My name is Melanie, and I’ve worn many labels over the years: poet, pastor, teacher, student, immigrant, #ChurchToo survivor. I’ve learned, however, that the label that fits best is “child of God.” One day that phrase will be my epitaph. Until then, you’ll find me at my best resting in a hammock, biking on local DC green ways, or enjoying a fire by the hearth on a cold winter’s night.

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Imagine the soundtrack of this picture: clanging hammers, children squealing with glee, and the sound of bells. But there are no bells here—just boulders. Last week, I visited Ringing Rocks Park in Pennsylvania, to experience the strange phenomenon of boulders that ring when struck with a hammer. I didn’t pack my hammer for the trip (I only learned this park existed a day before I visited!), but I did hum that old folk song “If I had a hammer,” especially the lines, “I got a hammer, and I’ve got a bell, and I’ve got a song to sing all over this land. It’s the hammer of justice, it’s the bell of freedom.”

This poem, from the collection “Original Love” by Molly Peacock, summarizes how I’ve often been feeling the past few months. #nationalpoetrymonth #poetrycommunity #poetrylovers #churchtoo

Labyrinth. Spiritual Practice. What do these words mean to you? Whether it’s in Oxford, England, Chiang Mai, Thailand, or Williamsburg, Virginia, I’ve had transformative experiences journeying through labyrinths that all act as “thin places” where the veil between heaven and earth seemingly dissolves. I’ve recently written a poem called “The Next Labyrinth Journey” (#linkinbio) that not only chronicles a particular labyrinth practice in nearby College Park, Maryland, but also contrasts that labyrinth practice with previous ones. No two labyrinth journeys are the same, yet somehow when I look down at my feet at the opening of any labyrinth, time and place melt away.

Happy National Poetry Month! I’ve recently written an article on the sacred value of poetry feedback groups (article link in bio). This blessing concludes the article. Have you ever participated in a poetry feedback group? If so, what did you think? If not, what hopes, fears, and/or questions do you have? I’ve found God in a unique way through leading poetry feedback groups this year, and my article (and blessing) speak to that encounter. I’d love to hear what you think! #nationalpoetrymonth #nationalpoetrymonth2021 #poetryprocess #poeticprocess #poetry #poetrycommunity #poetrylovers #poetryofinstagram #poetryislife #blessings #blessing #blessings🙏 #poetrymonth #poetry#artandspirituality #artandfaith #poetsofinstagram #poetsofig #poetscommunity #contemplativeprayer #contemplativelife #contemplative #contemplativechristianity #contemplativepractice #contemplativewriting

A Miracle’s Tension

Does not wisdom call,

Imagine the soundtrack of this picture: clanging hammers, children squealing with glee, and the sound of bells. But there are no bells here—just boulders. Last week, I visited Ringing Rocks Park in Pennsylvania, to experience the strange phenomenon of boulders that ring when struck with a hammer. I didn’t pack my hammer for the trip (I only learned this park existed a day before I visited!), but I did hum that old folk song “If I had a hammer,” especially the lines, “I got a hammer, and I’ve got a bell, and I’ve got a song to sing all over this land. It’s the hammer of justice, it’s the bell of freedom.”

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© Melanie Weldon-Soiset, 2021. This web site is the online home for my creative endeavors. The content offered here does not necessarily reflect that of my church, and/or any other employment that I have. To quote excerpts online, please link back to my original article. For all other uses, please contact me. Thank you.

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