Lent has traditionally been a time for self-denial and penitence, a time to examine the baser aspects of human nature. But the church increasingly recognizes that this negative focus does not always build a relationship with God, especially among women who already struggle with issues of worth and self-esteem. In its wide range of writings, Gifts from Within invites women to spend the time of Lent focusing on their uniqueness and on the gifts of their feminine spiritual nature. This collection points the way for women to deepen their ability to recognize God's love and to live as God directs. Starting with Ash Wednesday and ending on Easter Day, each day's meditation explores an aspect of women's lives, their unique spirituality, and their heritage in the biblical stories. By connecting their own stories -- some sad and some joyous -- with the biblical texts, readers of these devotions may find Lent to be a time of inspiration instead of merely something to be endured. "This collection of meditations by women offers honest, instructive, and touching personal stories and reflections from which spiritual truths are expertly mined. It can become a meaningful companion on your Lenten journey." ―Sue Monk Kidd, author of When the Heart Waits and The Dance of the Dissident Daughter "A Lenten manual designed to feed and stretch the inner life of Christian women fits precisely the quietly rising tide of feminist energy and spirituality in humanity's common life. This manual, prepared by the women of Brigid's Place in Houston, is a girding companion for the inner work to which all people are called who hope for a new world of non-violence, justice and peace. These are the gifts of the Spirit, fostered keenly by women, by which the suffering of a violent world can be borne and transmuted into the aspiring love that St. Paul was certain 'bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things'." ―The Right Rev. Bennett J. Sims "In these meditations, it is possible to see how the incarnation of God's word takes place. First holy words are pronounced over ordinary lives. Then the lives become luminous. Finally someone unafraid to look describes the light in her own words, and the circle is complete. This way, God's word goes on being made flesh, as each page of this book attests." ―Barbara Brown Taylor, author of When God is Silent "These Lenten meditations, written by women for women, may encourage readers to find Lent to be a time of inspiration, a time when they may build their own relationships with God, rather than continuing to struggle with issues of worth and self-esteem, as they may have done in the past." ―Lois Sibley, Episcopal Life "In its wide range of writings, Gifts from Within invites women to spend Lent focusing on the unique gifts of their feminine spiritual nature. This collection points the way for women to deepen their ability to recognize God's love and to live as God directs. Starting with Ash Wednesday and ending on Easter Day, the daily mediation explore an aspect of women's lives, their unique spirituality, and their heritage in the biblical stories. By connections their own stories - some sad some joyous - with the biblical texts, readers of these devotions may find Lent to be a time of inspiration instead of a time to be endured." ―The Anglican bookstore Brigid's Place is a non-profit, ecumenical organization that supports the spiritual development of women through classes, lectures, discussion groups, workshops, and retreats. It is a ministry of Christ Church Cathedral located in downtown Houston, Texas. GIFTS from Within Women's Meditations for Lent By Women of Bridget's Place Church Publishing Incorporated Copyright © 2002 Women of Brigid's Place All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-8192-1895-7 Contents AcknowledgmentsIntroductionAsh Wednesday WeekFirst Week of LentSecond Week of LentThird Week of LentFourth Week of LentFifth Week of LentHoly WeekContributors Excerpt CHAPTER 1 Ash Wednesday ASH WEDNESDAY WEEK Ash WednesdayJonah 3:1–4:11 A dialogue between Jonah and today's psalms: "... cut off my enemies, anddestroy all my adversaries." Psalm 143:12 And the word of God came to me saying, "Get up, go to those you fear, those who,in your grief and rage, you ask me to punish, even destroy. Tell them what Ihave told you. You have another chance. You have yet another opportunity to betransformed." Against my better judgment, I gave them God's message. And I heardthem say, "Happy are those whose offense is forgiven, whose harm to another isoverlooked" (Psalm 32:1). Those arrogant oppressors! They need to be taken down a notch so that they maynever hurt others as they hurt me and mine! Well! They acted like they hadturned around and looked at the world through God's eyes. They gloated, "Let'senjoy God's presence with thanks, let's make joyful noise, sing God's praise!"(Psalm 95:2). Well, it wasn't fair, and was I angry! I went out whe