'Released' Women's Conference TBC 31 Jan 2015

It was a pleasure to have been part of the programme at the 'Released' Women's Conference held at Tonbridge Baptist Church today. The worship at the start was incredible, the speaker, Jenny Baker, presented a discussion about gender equality, image and empowerment, and the lunch included a wonderful rustic bread and cheese spread. My eyes widened on seeing what looked like a French dinner table scene. In the afternoon, I had been asked to lead a workshop on 'Released to Create', in which we explored a range of ways to release our creativity with words. I used Isaiah 55:8-9 as inspiration to reach higher than our normal self-imposed limits, whilst Isaiah 55:10-11 was used to encourage those who felt less confident in their potential:

Isaiah 55:8-11 New International Version (NIV)

 

⁸ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
⁹ “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.¹⁰ As the rain and the snow
    come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
    without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,    so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
    It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

 

Having the pictures of enlarged flowers in my mind to represent the buds flourishing, I had a go at an overdue creative project and made some giant paper flowers, formation and materials courtesy of Pinterest and a wonderful trip to Hobbycraft. Some lovely women participated in the workshop, reminding me that gold can be found in the fewest of words, whilst experience and context can make some writing styles more accessible for some than others. It was a precious time of personal reflection and intimate sharing. Feedback as we worked our way through various word play techniques included: 'It was fun! I did things I did not think I could do.' Thank you for making it enjoyable to lead.

 

  

 

 

Abandoman - Improvisation

This evening I went to see 'Abandoman', described as 'Ireland's top comedy hip hop improv team with their biggest show to date'. They have performed at the Edinburgh Festival and have supported Ed Sheeran on his UK tour. Improvisation, story telling with the use of audience participation and flowing words create an entertaining evening of word prowess. I felt exhausted for him. It's quite hard work thinking up rhymes for an hour solid. Yet he managed, despite some unfortunately placid audience offerings, and, ably accompanied by his musician 'band' mates, he fed off those who offered richer pickings for his word gymnastics. It was an hour, so short, but intense and held your attention throughout. I'd like to see them with a different audience to see how they adapt to the different context.