Making meaning, calling out Christians, and Danish empathy
5 things worth sharing this week
TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS
RICH WRITES:
“Creativity is a gift from God. It’s one of the ways He allows us to join Him in making meaning out of the mystery of the world we live in.”
CASS WRITES:
A thought on embodied worship:
“Most of us think of worship as something we say or sing. But in Scripture, worship is something we live.”
Let’s not limit, box, or condense our worship. It’s not just a song, but it’s not less than a song either.
Don’t keep the Rapid 5 to yourself…
Share it with a friend and swap your favorite insights.
TWO QUOTES FROM OTHERS
For the early church, their gatherings were vital for life, not a “nice to do, if I can fit it in”. They all contributed… and looked out for each other!!
“Christs followers are not in a hurry; they listen carefully when the word is read and preached, and they patiently call to account straying Christians who attend worship services irregularly…
Each [member], from what he knows of the Holy Scriptures, or from his own heart, is called before the rest to sing to God…
Each one” could bring a Scripture passage, a testimony, a song. This was the setting in which members uttered prophecies and spoke of visions which… were a “normal part of the Christian life.”
The community’s worship was designed to empower all members and to give them a sense of their worth that expressed itself in courageous living and bold testimony.”
Unhurried… patiently calling each other to account… songs from scripture and the heart… prophecies and visions… worship designed to empower all… what are we doing folks!!?!
Source: The Patient Ferment of The Early Church
Imagine we embed empathy into our churches, teams and kids ministries!! It’s Biblical and Godly, yet often missing. Check out the example from Denmark…
“Since 1993, Denmark has made empathy a weekly class for every child aged 6-16.
Not an extra. Not optional. It sits alongside math and science. Kindness isn’t considered a trait. It’s treated as a skill.
Neuroscientists now know empathy changes the brain. Practicing it strengthens the medial prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for perspective-taking and emotional regulation. Kids literally wire their brains to understand and respond to others.
Nearly 60% of Danish school work is done in teams. Over years, collaboration stops being an activity. It becomes instinct. And when competition isn’t the default, children see peers as allies, not threats.
The payoff is measurable.
Only 6.3% of Danish students experience regular bullying, one of the lowest rates in Europe. Long-term studies show children who learn empathy young are more likely to graduate, hold full-time jobs, and maintain stronger relationships into adulthood.”
Source: Ready Set Parent
ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION
Don’t be deceived by the simplicity of the artwork below.
The process is slow and repetitive. The story it tells is full of historical meaning and significance. Reminds us that it often takes more work to make simple and beautiful things… yet the pay off? Well that’s so very worth the effort!
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