Women in Ministry Retreat

This weekend I took a break from the Internet by going to our district campground for a retreat for women in ministry. Typically, there aren't many women who attend--around 30 or 40--so we are able to enjoy a more intimate retreat, with a lot of time for fellowship and connection with other women. I came home with good ideas from other churches, and some unique ideas of my own. You can count on reading more about that throughout this week.

I'm about to head out to run some errands, including returning a library book that I thought would be worth a mention. What Have You Changed Your Mind About? is a compilation of essays written by some of the nation's most high-powered thinkers. The essays were in response to the title question, posed on Edge.org, a website dedicated to "intellectuals in action."

I picked up the book, thinking that it would be a thought-provoking read. Just the title alone grabbed my attention, causing me to question what I had changed my mind about over the years. By mind-changing, I don't mean simple things like, "I now prefer baking soda toothpaste," but a true reversal of a value or a belief I once held.

I couldn't really say that I had changed my mind about any of my spiritual beliefs, although I have changed my mind about techniques and systems that promote those beliefs. I haven't changed my moral views, although my greater experiences in life continually cause me to expand my grace rather than my judgment about morality.

After a great deal of thought, I realized that I have changed my mind about my responsibility for recycling. I used to figure it was something for "someone" to do, but not necessarily me. Living in Europe, in a society more dedicated to personal ecological responsibility, I began to commit more to recycling and a lower carbon footprint.

I challenge you: what have you changed your mind about?
Ariel Rainey3 Comments