When we find ourselves lost in the forest, do not know how to light the sacred fire, or say the special prayer, we can share our stories. How? Write that story!
Hello to you listening in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada!
Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more for a story) for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.
How do we get good at turning toward the uncertain future?
How do we sustain ourselves, and each other?
How can we help each other, even--or especially--those with whom we don't agree, through the revolutions ahead?
I have an idea. We can share our stories. Here’s one.
The great Polish rabbi, Israel ben Eliezer, also known as the Ba’al Shem Tov, deeply loved his people. Whenever they were troubled or persecuted he went to a sacred place in the forest, lit a sacred fire, and said a special prayer asking God to protect his people. It was enough and the people were saved. But in time the Ba’al Shem Tov died.
Later, his disciple, following in his master’s footsteps, went into the same part of the forest and said, “Creator of the Universe, I do not know how to light the sacred fire, but I do know the special prayer; please, hear me! and help your people.” And it was enough.
Generations passed and when the next Rabbi saw how his people were being persecuted, he went into the forest and said, “Oh, Lord, I don’t know how to light the sacred fire, nor do I know the special prayer, but I still remember the place. Help us! Protect the people” And the people were protected.
Decades later, a very elderly rabbi seeing his people being persecuted, spoke to God saying, “I don’t know how to light the sacred fire, nor do I know the special prayer, and I can’t even find the place in the forest. All I can do is tell you this story and hope that you will hear me. Please help the people!” And again the people were spared.
Story Prompt: When we find ourselves lost in the forest, do not know how to light the sacred fire, or say the special prayer, we can share our stories. What else might we do to help each other? Write that story!
You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe and spread the word with a generous 5-star review and comment - it helps us all - and join us next time!
Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:
✓ Check out Services I Offer https://www.quartermoonstoryarts.net/services/,
✓ For a no-obligation conversation about your communication challenges, get in touch with me today
✓ Stay current with Diane as “Wyzga on Words” on Substack and on LinkedIn
Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team
Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts
Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music
All content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.