The Sound of Joel

I am really not a big fan of studying literature. But again that week in Sept where we focused and read the book of Joel was GREAT! First off I feel so blessed to get to even look at scripture in a literature class or a class at all. This class day was so spiritual to me which I would have never of thought to have a spiritual lit class. We discussed in class two major focal points that we dealt with while reading Joel and they were Sound and Visual. We read the book of Joel more than once and discussed on topics likes: what can one gain by looking at scripture as literature. What was most important or central lines to the meaning of Joel and does speaking aloud or proclaiming passages give you more that just reading them.  For me, I know I forget at times that the bible is literature and I loved that Corrigan let us read a version without the number so that we could see it more for what it is, a poem. I know I’m the type that does not like to read aloud. So when the exercise to go outside for 20 minutes and read the passage of Joel was presented and Professor called on me in class if this seemed to me to be a good activity. I smiled and said mmhmm. But really thought it was a dumb idea. However, it actually became one of my favorite activities we have done in class. At first I felt stupid outside reading aloud a passage from Joel. But then I realized that in a way there is so much power when you speak out loud. I had an encounter with God as I was reading his word aloud and not just in my head to where they could get altered from my own thoughts. Because truly in that exercise I learned that you don’t always comprehend what you are really reading because our minds wonder and your not focus to what’s on the page. But when you read it aloud your focus and I know and can understand what I am are reading.  During my read, I began to feel the presence of God and by reading outside I was also in his creation with nature it was such a great experience. God at times my use nature, sorrow, or other common occurrences to draw us closer to Him. I even got to sit with Shantel and discuss some of the things from the passage and how we encounter God, along with other spiritual topics and what we believe. This activity that we did was defiantly focused on sound. Hearing the passage, aloud, proclaiming it, along with hearing Shantal’s thoughts and even hearing it from my heart.  God covenant with His people will endoure forever!