Suffering and Savouring

Over the past year I have ventured into the world of screen-writing, first downloading a screen-writing course on my Kindle and then using the exercises in the workbook to attempt writing a script for a video, for CVC Media. I then started writing narrative for short films for a new website, to be launched soon, together with content for link pages. Many of these pages are dealing with what is known as 'apologetics', discussing difficult issues, or objections people have against the Christian faith. 

There's a lot of material available on the web by many Christian organisations, churches and individual believers, but our searching has shown that much of it is too long-winded for the average seeker to plough through, or too deep theologically to be easily understood.  We wanted something in plain, simple English that could be understood by those for whom English is not necessarily their first language, and something to draw them onto the journey of finding God for themselves.

It's been a tough road, reading some of the best material already in the public domain (books, journals, web pages and blogs) and then trying to write a succinct piece, usually in less than 400 words! 

Recently, I've been attempting the question 'Why does God allow suffering?' focussing on what our suffering can produce, if only we can see it. Yesterday, I finished a first draft, sent it to Andy and then quickly checked emails.  Imagine my delight to find a friend had forwarded this inspiring video, which encapsulates the answer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiDoYIflqAY

It speaks of perseverance in the face of adversity and of a willingness to allow God's infinite creativity to grow within and then be displayed for others to learn from.   

As if to reinforce this message, last night, Andy & I saw 'Nutcracker on Ice' at Artscape Theatre, in Cape Town.  What a magnificent spectacle of colour and movement, to Tchaikovsky's wonderful music, stiring the senses and emotions.  It was a treat to savour, and further confirmation of hidden treasures for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.