© 2019 SoulScape. All material is the property of SoulScape / Dr. Deborah Bower and may not be published elsewhere without consent. Website by Webstudio.
The Soulscape blog takes 3 forms; whether you are wanting something a bit more in-depth which opens up Scripture (Reading with Dr D), or perhaps something on emotional and spiritual growth (SoulScaping), or just some encouragement with a short message (I’ve been thinking), you will find each blog offers something for you.
To find out a bit more about each thread watch these short video introductions, which will explain the idea behind each.
Date: 22nd December 2017
When you, or I, read we are constantly remembering what’s gone before in the narrative, although this is quite often done at a subconscious level. Therefore if we are attentive readers we will be inclined to remember what’s been happening. We are helped in this process by the author who puts subtle hints into the story that help us recall what’s already been mentioned, while at the same time adding, or foreshadowing events that are about to unfold. This is crucial for our reading of Mary, and the other women we will encounter in this series, because Luke is assuming that his audience is familiar with the scriptures of Israel. The whole story of Jesus is based on the promise of restoration God made to Israel, beginning with Abraham!
Mary stands at the beginning of Luke’s gospel as a nascent Israel ready to embrace her destiny in God’s unfolding plan of salvation. She stands at the beginning of a new line that will be better and greater than that of Israel’s predecessors.
Date: 2nd December 2017
Fear is humanities’ greatest threat. Our fears, whether perceived, or real, have the power to destroy us. Some fears are birthed from physical abuse, or emotional neglect. Other fears are around our ego, and our sense of self. Phycologists have noted that ‘fear of abandonment’ sits at the root of all our human fears. Now I’m not talking about being left alone, and uncared for, although that can be very real for children. Fear of abandonment can be described as fear of being humiliated, or not being heard. It can be a feeling of inadequacy, or fearful that someone will discover that we are flawed. We are unlovable and without meaningful connection to others.
Date: 25th November 2017
Just imagine this woman who has been married five times, only to be rejected five times. Each time hope rising that she would produce a child, only to be disappointed again. With each rejection her shame increases. Finally she settles for the only option available to her, to live as a prostitute. She is no longer eligible for marriage.
Date: 8th November 2017
I don’t know about you, but there have been times in my life when I have felt isolated from the other people around me. Nothing is glaringly obvious, but somewhere deep in my soul I’ve felt a profound sense of rejection. Our need for meaningful connection is a very human trait, but sadly sometimes we MORE »
© 2019 SoulScape. All material is the property of SoulScape / Dr. Deborah Bower and may not be published elsewhere without consent. Website by Webstudio.