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This book is a compilation of prose, poetry, and visual imagery designed
to help women deal with the issue of isolation. It concentrates on the
scriptural story of the Samaritan woman at the well who was isolated from
her community due to her socially unacceptable lifestyle. The story is
presented through a series of reflections on each phrase of a prayer poem
about the encounter with Jesus at the well. Also included are discussion
and reflection questions, contemporary poetry, and guided meditations.
“A true labor of love! Addresses the feelings and the reality of insecurity
and brokenness we all share at one time or another. Offers hope and healing
through meaningful prose and poetic reflections.” - Micky Zielinkski, director,
Office of Religious Education, Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama
Judy Ritter has won numerous awards for her short stories and poetry,
and she is a member of the Alabama State Poetry Society and the Alabama
Writers Conclave.
Note: The Graced Women Series also offers St.
Scholastica: Graced Woman of Hope
Opening Reflection
Time erased
By life-giving water,
Offered by a man who had no bucket,
Who knew me not, yet knew me well.
My past washed clean
In the spring that I became —
Flowing, flowing through me,
God's instrument.
Never again shall I thirst.
Judy Ritter
Excerpt
Graced Time
Suggested Questions
1. Have you ever had what you thought was a "chance encounter" that
turned out to be a grace-filled event?
2. What things isolate you from the world around you?
3. What perpetuates isolation?
4. What can you do to break that perpetuity?
5. Do you perpetuate bias toward other persons or groups of people?
6. Do you have layers of barriers that make it difficult for God to
reach you in a profound way?
7. Can you identify with the woman's isolation?
Suggested Activities:
8. Study the picture of the woman at the well. Imagine her at Jacob's
Well speaking to Jesus. Close your eyes for a couple of minutes, and place
yourself in her story.
9. Journal on the following topic: "Jesus, speak to me at the well."
10. Complete the following sentence: "Lord, I feel isolated because
…."
Reflection
Sometimes I feel burdened by my own sinfulness, and I let guilt from
past sins plague me. I reject the peace and joy that God offers me. I know
intellectually that my sins are forgiven, but I allow old feelings to bring
me down. Like the Samaritan woman, I sometimes feel unworthy. Lord, please
break through my barriers, and give me a drink of the living water.
I put aside my cares as I allow the water to take away my feelings of
isolation. I let the water renew me once again. I am at peace. I will begin
my journey to becoming a graced woman.
Prayer
Lord, I come to the well with my earthenware vessel. I come burdened
with the weight of my past sins, steeped with feelings of unworthiness.
I stand hidden with my veil of self-deprecation, of rejection. I am an
outcast. Travel the short way, Jesus, and directly touch my heart, taking
away all the negative feelings of unworthiness. Let me know that your acceptance
is all I need for happiness. Fill my vessel with your compassion and love
so I may drink of the living water. Visit the wells of other peoples and
other nations, and refresh them with your water. Take away our stony hearts
and give us natural hearts, ready to accept and love. Let it begin with
me. Amen. |
