LENT THROUGH WRITING — Vivid Artistry

Mark 4:35-41 Haiku Meditation

Even in the storm

My heart shall not be afraid

Have faith, peace, be still

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be Still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4::39

We are putting pen to paper and focusing on writing in week 5 of our Lenten journey. More and more it feels like writing gets pushed out of our lives with our digital world of typing and texting. But writing can be a spiritual practice that forces us to slow down and be attentive in the moment. Our scripture meditation for the week comes from the chapter of Mark when Jesus calms the storm. Such a familiar story to many of us that we can almost forget what it means for our own lives. That Jesus can calm the storm within us and around us with that same power he commanded for the waves to be still.

Where do you need peace right now? Maybe it’s a situation outside of your control that is causing anxiousness or frustration. Jesus can calm the storm in your heart even if looks like on the outside, the situation doesn’t change. Jesus promised his peace and we can cling to that no matter our circumstances. Let us hold fast to the truth about who Jesus is and remember he has authority over the chaos in our own hearts and lives just as he did over the wind and waves.

Spiritual Practice: This week I encourage you to write your own haiku based on the verses in Mark. Haiku is an ancient Japanese art form that was developed to capture a moment in vivid, descriptive words. Its purpose is to focus and be attentive to your surroundings and try to describe it in the most efficient use of words as possible. A haiku is made up of 3 lines that follow the 5/7/5 rule of syllables with the first line being 5 syllables, the second line being 7 and the third line being 5 again for a total of 17 syllables. It can be a very helpful, contemplative practice to quiet the mind and be attentive in the present moment. As you have seen, each Lent reading has begun with a haiku meditation based on the scripture for that week. It can serve as s a distillation of the verses and help certain words stand out that maybe the Lord wants you to see in that moment. See what words from the story jump out at you as you begin your haiku. Think of synonyms and ways you can efficiently convey the scripture and what God is speaking to you about it and remember the peace Jesus promises us.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 1427

Mark 4:35-41

35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.”

36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him.

37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

If you’d like to share your haiku, email it to me at vividartistryco@gmail.com

Haiku by Libby Johnson

May not be used or duplicated without permission