Walking with God is a shared labor

"Companions can point out things we might miss or relieve our fear of contemplating new ways," wrote Judith Jenkins Kohatsu. Sometimes it helps to have someone listen with us. In what ways might your companions on the journey into the unexpected help you go forward with confidence?" 

Writing this week's meditations in the Upper Room Disciplines 2014, Kohatsu refers to Judges 4: 1-9.  Barak enlists the help of a woman, Deborah, the judge. He will go into battle only if she goes with him. It's kind of amazing, how "a woman confidently leads a patriarchal nation as though it were an everyday occurrence." 

Kohatsu suggests that we all might need to invite a companion on our spiritual journey, that "shared creativity" is valuable. "Are we shy about asking for companionship, or are we determined to do it ourselves?" 

 Even Jesus in the desert had the Holy Spirit as a companion. "Companions can point out things we might miss or relieve our fear of contemplating new ways. Sometimes it helps to have someone listen with us. In what ways might your companion on the journey into the unexpected help you go forward with confidence?

Of course, by going with Deborah, Barak gave up the right to singly boast of victory. "The spiritual journey isn't about rewards,..but about living ever more fully into God's way with attendant benefits for all creation." 

"Ever-patient Companion, challenge us to dare to accomplish your work in this time and place..."

Sondheim's Witch: Bernadette, Meryl, and -- Jillian

Congratulations to Jillian!

 

She has been cast in the Bonn International School production

                of Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods," slated for next fall.

 

 

 

The role originated on Broadway with Bernadette Peters

 

and Meryl Streep starred in the movie.

In an article published in 2012, Peters urges future witches to "feel the passion!"

“[The Witch] is intense, so I think it should be an actress who can be intense,” Peters told Broadway.com.“I think she has great passion because she’s very passionate about her daughter and passionate about the last midnight,” the actress added. “So I think [the right choice] is somebody who can have a lot of passion.”

Jillian, this is your chance:

• ou played a dreamer, Audrey, in Little Shop of Horrors, 
• and you sang as the wholesome, innocent Sandy in Grease  

Now you can unleash the passion!

Katie as Cinderella!

 

It is so exciting that Katie has been cast as Cinderella in the Bonn International School Production of Into the Woods!

Kim Crosby originated that role on Broadway, after three years of understudying in Guys and Dolls!

 

 

In the Broadway production, Cinderella is the second character to appear, after the narrator, and in Act I she sings "A Very Nice Prince" with the Bakers Wife and "On the Steps of the Palace" as a solo. In Act II she has two songs: "Your Fault" with Jack, Baker, Witch, and Little Red Ridinghood," and "No One Is Alone" with Jack, Baker, and Little Red Ridinghood, plus the finale -- which will be led by the WITCH, none other than her sister, Jillian Taylor Fox!

 

Katie, we hope you have just the most marvelous fun as you learn your role and rehearse for Into the Woods! We'll sing along with you at home!

 

Love, Grandaddy and Gramma Fox