The Word in the Wings
The Word in the Wings > Dance & Dialogue: Embodied Faith
Dance & Dialogue: Embodied Faith
By: Jessica Noonan
Join us on February 8th for our second session of Dance & Dialogue: Embodied Faith at the Time To Leap Dance Studio in West Chester. This evening promises to be filled with captivating performances and engaging discussions aimed at exploring the meaning of embodied faith in our personal lives and how the arts can enhance our spiritual journeys.
Embodied faith is characterized as “the unity of mind, body, soul, and community in connection with God.” It requires active engagement rather than a passive attitude. Nurturing embodied faith demands intentionality. This relationship with God is not confined to Sundays; it permeates every aspect of our lives. It involves a continuous act of surrender and a deliberate choice we must make repeatedly.
As I prepare the dancers for this upcoming performance through scriptural reflections and song lyric analyses, I find myself contemplating my own spiritual journey. What does embodied faith manifest as in my life? What is God asking of me, especially when I feel I have little to offer? What keeps us motivated to persevere?
A wise friend once told me, “Your faith is never stagnant; you are either moving closer to God or drifting away.” This idea resonated deeply with me. If I become complacent, I am distancing myself from the Lord. When I neglect to communicate with Him or seek His presence daily, I am moving away. However, when I approach Him in my brokenness, offering only my devotion, I am moving TOWARDS Him. Praising Him even in the darkness is a step closer to Him.
"Simply envisioning jesus helps me regain composure and make wiser choices."
So, what actions am I taking in my life to ensure that my faith is embodied every day, not just on Sundays?
First and foremost, I reflect on my thoughts. How often do I focus on my Lord and Savior? In which areas of my life have I surrendered control to Jesus? When He is at the center of my life, I find myself scrutinizing my actions more closely, driven by a desire to please Him and emulate His character. The age-old question, “What would Jesus do?” serves as a helpful guide for my decision-making, especially when my patience wanes and frustration rises. Simply envisioning Jesus helps me regain composure and make wiser choices.
I also ask myself how I allocate my time. Am I dedicating my days to glorifying Him? Am I supporting others? Am I nurturing my family and striving to be the best mother and wife I can be? How am I serving? How can I reflect Jesus’ light to those around me? Taking time to evaluate our daily activities and thoughts is both healthy and essential.
"Taking time to evaluate our daily activities and thoughts is both healthy and essential."
I am eager to delve deeper into this topic and discover how the arts can assist us in addressing these questions in our own lives. Each performance will include dedicated time for questions and discussion, allowing us to engage thoughtfully with the themes presented. To conclude the evening, we will have an opportunity to ask the dancers about their personal faith journeys, enriching our understanding of embodied faith through their experiences.
Sign up for our mailing list
Receive updates about Glorify Performing Arts, including upcoming events and ways to get involved.
