Hello. Artists. I am honored to be here. My name is Shannon.
To lay all niceties aside and get to the point, I am in the middle of a vast spiritual desert right now, and I am searching for an oasis. I have suffered much, and I am need of strength, and healing. I am hoping that I can find support, encouragement, and maybe some direction here in the Network.
I am particularly looking for a mentor, but I don't know the exact protocal for finding one around here. How does one accomplish this?
I am praying that someone is called to come alongside my mind, heart and hand, and help a wounded warrior get back on the field.
If that's you, let me know! =)
Thanks,
Sc
Replies
welcome.
Matthew
I must say first off that desert's are not necessarily negative, though they are often difficult. God's chosen one's, once they left Egypt, spent a great deal of time in the desert, mostly going in circles. Which may not be ideal. They suffered from unbelief and their hearts became hard, so the time was used to break and prepare them for the land ahead. John the baptizer spent a great deal of time in the desert by choice, living simply, and preaching the coming of one greater than he and proclaiming a kingdom not of this world. Then there was Jesus... Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert to be trained, to be tempted, to suffer, and to refrain from serving himself or his own needs for 40 days. It was something he had to do. He was led to do it. And after he persevered and endured and stood fast... after all that. then the devil left him and angels came to attend him and THEN he began to preach.
It's always on purpose. it is part of the plan. it's not comfortable, it's not pleasant, it's hard, but if we let ourselves be trained by it, good fruit will come from that dry time.
that and we must prove our faith. it must be tested. how easy is it to believe when he is pouring through us, crashing powerfully like a divine waterfall... how can you deny that? faith is easy when you feel it. but the dry times... when the only whisper of him may be found in the faint wisp of a midnight desert cloud as it passes silently in front of the moon... the kind of slight mist you can scarcely see even when you are straining your bloodshot, tearstained, eyes ... faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
hang in there. he is always there. he is always with us, wanting for us, even if we are unaware.
psalms is good desert reading. "Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." Psalm 27:14
I'm also the young adult minister at my church (and an ordained minister) so if it's something spiritual, i can try and send some ideas your way. I will say though, Shannon, that since your a lady, i will recomend sprititual mentoring from another lady. That's really the only option there.
Last, if its something with making comics- i will not claim to have any expertise in comics- however, my work is what it is, and i've been doing comics for a little while, now. my site is www.crazygoodcomics.com which has my webcomic and my lists of some of my work.
i wish you the best- and you, too, Doug!
Shannon, I'll keep you in my prayers. And I don't know if I'm a mentor type (lol) or have the time (with a family and work) but feel free to write anytime.
Godspeed.
DK