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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Brian, this is beautiful. It's really an ode. You wrote an Ode to the ...... poem. I absolutely believe you could get this published. And this is the type of Christianity that needs to be out there. Thank you for following your heart and writing something so true and unitive.

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BrianSpahrCreative's avatar

Thank you Jeannie, that means a lot to hear. It always feels risky to hit "post" with something like this. I wonder what it will cost? But then, I think about how much more exhausting (and unhelpful) it is to maintain a faith without risk. I've stayed silent too much of my life, and my silence has been far more costly.

I know nothing about publishing, outside of what I've put out on my own. LOL. If you have any wisdom (or if anyone else does), I'm open to learn.

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Write it in poem form (it already pretty much is). I think it is an ode, so look up what kind of rubrics comprise an ode. I would title it “Ode to…..”

Then you can look for publications that take poetry, specifically those that are looking for spirituality or faith topics. IMAGE magazine comes to mind. There may be others. I can help you if you want!

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Sonya C's avatar

Brian, this is so touching. I needed this today. It feels like the world is falling to pieces and knowing In Christ we are One is so encouraging. Say hello to the family! I sure enjoy your writings. Take care.

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BrianSpahrCreative's avatar

It sure does. Every time I look at the news it hurts my heart. Love to you and your family.

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Carole Roseland's avatar

Would it be so. A great litany!

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BrianSpahrCreative's avatar

Amen.

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Nancy E. Holroyd, RN's avatar

I can hear it in my head with a congregation singing, Christ (2 beats) make (1 beat) us (1 beat) one (held for 4 beats).

Then either a leader, or various leaders taking turns on the 4 stanza "verses". The tune, a very simply one is also spinning through my brain. But as soon as I post this, it will disappear into the ethers. But this poem is beautiful and I can see it uses as a singing responsive reading, or a singing responsive prayer for the people. LOL

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BrianSpahrCreative's avatar

Thank you Nancy. I had it in mind as a song as I was writing, but haven't had a chance to sit down with my guitar yet. My thought was a call and response kind of song

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Rev. Christopher Czarnecki's avatar

Brian, this is beautiful and I'm so thankful for the algorithm that made your post appear in my feed and that I decided to click on it. later this month my church is celebrating its 25th Anniversary as an Opening and Affirming Church (LGBTQ+ affirming) and I'm wondering if we would be able to use this litany with attribution to you as part of our liturgy and service that day?

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BrianSpahrCreative's avatar

I would be so honored if you would!! Thank you. Glad the algorithm helped us cross paths. I look forward to reading some of your work!

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