Trudy Burenheide
President - ldccwpresident@gmail.com
402-801-1837
I found a new favorite book titled “God is Beauty”! It is based on a retreat then Bishop Karol Wojtyla led for artists during Holy Week of 1962. Not until 2016 was it discovered and commissioned to be translated to English by Christopher West. It’s apparent that his words aren’t specific to the artist but to all who have a deep desire for their lives to be transformed to a beautiful work of art through God’s grace. The book begins with the transcript of Wojtyla’s retreat, followed by reflections from authors who are known for their contributions to theology and art.  
The following sentence found in the reflection by Christopher West is my inspiration for the story that I will leave you with. “Beauty emerging from pain, ugliness, or messiness is indicative of an authentic Christian life, it’s indicative of real holiness.” It’s a rather simple story of an eleven-year-old girl sewing a 4-H project with her Grandmother. Eleven is a special age in a young person’s life. Very much wanting to please parents and at the same developing their own interests and passions while observing and questioning their experiences of life. After spending most of a day in cutting, pinning, and sewing it was discovered the size chosen was too small. What to do now with only a limited amount of fabric left? This could have been a very trying moment with tears and frustration. The opposite was clear. I saw beauty in patience, understanding and perseverance. After sorting out confusing threads dangling from the ends of seams, pins falling on the floor, thread clippings scattered throughout the house, yes, and even after moments of ripping and resewing beauty would emerge in the form of excitement, trust, and anticipation of our finished project. A mess we steadily worked through resulting in the crafting of a stylish attractive dress. While working we prayed, we listened to Christian music, the Divine Mercy Chaplet along with other music and books. God’s presence was experienced. The sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and joy were clearly apparent in the final dance around the room styling in her new self-made dress! What effect does this story have for us? In this experience I see God’s beauty through her! What story can you tell about the effect of God’s beauty? 

Trudy Burenheide 2022 - 2024