Mr Scrimshaw plays the collaboration card
I am not a long distance runner. In fact, I am not really any kind of runner. Last time I had a sabbatical I took it upon myself to train for a 10km run, injured my ankle, and was eventually told by a doctor that it was the wrong kind of exercise for me, and pulled out of the event.
At present I am in the midst of an ‘event’ from which I have no intention of departing early. As explained in a previous post, I am engaged in writing a book entitled: Jonah: poet in extremis. The book’s aim is to rescue the story from the children’s book basket into which many have tossed it, and to bring its frightening and adult themes to life.
The book is now half-way written, and I am beginning to flag. I have touched on all the key themes which made me write the book in the first place, and now I need to deepen and lengthen what I have to say about them. At this point, I have decided to turn to the collaborative intention which led to the foundation of the Scrimshaw Group. You will find my request below the video.
First of all, a little explanation of this film. I showed it as part of the recent Disciple’s Way series, when we were considering the topic of ‘companions on the journey’. For many attending the course it symbolized the absolute necessity of companions on the journey, especially when the going is tough.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZlXWp6vFdE?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
I am asking all readers of this blog to let me know the ONE reason why the book of Jonah means something to you. In so doing, you will be my companions on the race – and enable me to complete it. If you have access to Twitter, please tweet @MrScrimshaw using the #jonah1 hashtag. If not, your comments below would be appreciated.
Thank you for your companionship.
I think Jonah’s such a wonderful character because he’s rebelling against God, and most people seem to be able to identify with his grumpy attitude against authority. If you were writing promotional material for a religion, or even compiling a collection of stories about exemplary saints, who in their right mind would choose this story? My favourite line is 4:2, which I think is an excellent response to those who want God to be nice to everyone – there are always some bad people who we think really ought to suffer!
Ian
Love your honesty here. One of the things I shall deal with in the book is ‘schadenfreude’ – our real (and reprehensible!) joy at the come-uppance of others. Sometimes you just can’t help it though, can you?
This story is one of the clearest reminders to me that disobedience has consequences. Somehow we always think we can hide from God or avoid obeying fully, but the results come. The story is also a true reminder of God’s grace- he blessed Jonah to speak on His behalf in the end.
Great idea inviting others along! I ran my first half marathon last fall, and there’s no way I could run the full distance without friends at my side. I can’t imagine a project that shouldn’t be tackled by the help of others’ input.
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