By Alyssa Bormes
I doodle “W’s” in cursive writing—as in the letter “W” …in cursive. I know it’s odd, which is why I began thinking about it in the middle of a lecture on discipleship right as I doodled one more “W” on the side of my notes.
Oh—I get it—the cursive “W” is my life as a disciple!
Oh my—are there any readers left? Have I scared them off with yet another little rendezvous in my brain?
Stick with me.
The first sort of swoop was my return home to the Church after the dark years. I was absolutely broken and needed a place to rest, a place to lay my head. The gentle curve of that swoop was a cradle to me. The Church allowed me to just sit quietly in the pew with my broken heart, with all my wounds. She began to minister to me through the Sacraments and Adoration in the middle of the night.
Before I knew what was going to happen, the excitement began. In homilies, I would have the Word opened to me, which was even wilder when I began to study the Scriptures. In Adoration, I relearned my prayers that had been neglected for years, the Rosary, especially the Hail, Holy Queen, and there were books, lots of books in the chapel. My introduction to the Saints began, the Catechism had answers I had sought in dark years – only my journey then only left me with more wounds.
My newly acquired knowledge led me on journeys—not away from the Church—but deeper into Her treasures. I went to an Ordination Mass, the first Mass of a priest, and I visited churches all over the city. Then I went on pilgrimage to Italy. I saw the Pope at an audience, prayed with relics, and in what seemed like the next minute, found myself getting a Masters in Catholic Studies.
These moments were the three sharp angles of the “W”—each moment more exciting and head-turning than the last, especially because they all connected.
However, it is that last arm of the “W” that is perhaps most unexpected. The journey started in a loving embrace, a cradle, and had been connected to the excitement of learning, followed by a running leap and act of trust. It was as if God were saying to me, “Hurl yourself into My work. I have you. Now, trust me and go be a disciple.”
Wow! Is this fun! It’s a little nerve-wracking, but when I go all-in and trust, it has been the best time of my life – being His disciple. I spend my days telling others of His glory!
When I look at the “W” now, I see the individual moments of each piece, yet I also see the whole of it. He still cradles me in His arms, He still teaches me, and even if there are millions of people more able, He still asks me to trust and hurls me into the unknown of being a disciple -all at once.
Wow—“W’s” are great, which I suppose WINE has been telling us all along. Now doodle a few and then follow their call to discipleship!
Prayer
Dear Jesus – Help me navigate the ups and downs in my life with complete and utter trust in You!
Call to Action
Next time you doodle – remember, you are called to be a disciple.
GOLD! LOVE! Holy Moly, I am a W!
Thank you for being a W!
What a wonderful way to witness in the letter W!
HAHA…. Looks like WE think alike
Kelly – being a W will be a new call to all the Women of Wine!
I dig all your W’s – you must be a W as well! Wahoo!
I enjoyed your thoughts. May your daily be blessed.
Thank you! May each day of yours be blessed as Well!
Your writings are always a joy & inspiration to read. Thank you for your “W” doodle! You are an evangelist and a blessing to many!
Thank you, Kathleen! Most days – my brain is dancing With all sorts of Whacky-ness that some how Wiggles out and becomes Writings.
I love the whimsical way your wacky weird brain works! Always wonderful to wake-up to well-founded wit and wisdom on a wintery morn. Wish all women would witness with such witty words. Wow! We, at WINE, welcome your wild, whirlwind of thoughts whenever! Wonderful! Just wonderful!
Wahlquist – your Wit is Wonderful – Wonderful that you started WINE!
Both of you ladies are such a gift to all of us! Love the words of wisdom through humor and real life! Thank you!!
I love how your mind works!
Thank you, Mary. It is often a wild ride – but that is half the fun!
Hi Alyssa, Thank you so much for your doodling meditation! I too am a doodler, but had never taken the time to actually think about my doodling habit. I retired last week and was asked to give my last lecture. Upon reading your meditation I immediately knew the content and title of my presentation; Full Circle. Based on your reflection I noticed I always doodle circles. My career as a neonatal intensive care nurse and then educator came full circle when my own grandson was born extremely premature and cared for by the very people I had been entrusted to teach. Thanks be to God he is a healthy 2 year old!
Thank you for your inspiration! I was even able to share a bit of faith in my lecture as I acknowledged the source of my lecture title.
Wow – how beautiful! Thank you for sharing this. I love how Jesus works. I have doodled W’s for years – and never thought anything of it – but just days before this article was published, I felt compelled to write about my doodling W’s. This in turn gave you an inspiration – which touched the hearts of those listening to you. Jesus needed to talk to them – so He gave the two of us an odd inspiration to do so — He’s amazing!
Plus – I love that your career came for circle – that those you taught cared for your grandson – again – Jesus is amazing!