“If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.”
- Jesus, in the much-disputed Gospel of Thomas
One day at preschool, I was coloring a nature scene with a purple crayon, and Mr. Dan came by to assess my progress. I was so engrossed in my task, I didn't notice him looking over my shoulder.
“Anni, trees aren’t purple.”
Anni: (looking intently at my artwork, then meeting Mr. Dan’s disapproving gaze) “Mine are.”
Mr. Dan:
Anni:
Learning to honor our deep knowing is a beautiful process, but it doesn't always come as easy as it did for me that day in preschool.
For a long time, I learned to do what other people wanted me to do rather than what I felt in my heart was my true work. So I did. It was just easier to conform rather than speak my mind. Maybe you can relate. I would love to hear how you're learning to listen in to your deep knowing. If you have any questions you'd like me to address, I'd love to hear from you.
About Anni
Anni Ponder is a writer, teacher, speaker, and deep thinker. Following a fulfilling 16-year career as a classroom teacher, she has turned her attention toward writing and speaking about feminine spirituality.
Anni grew up within the context of fundamental Christianity but often had hard questions and observations that did not align with the dogma she learned in church. A free spirit with a great love for the world, its people, and animals, Anni struggled to find harmony within traditional Christianity. While her search for truth and wisdom has led her away from strict adherence to orthodoxy, she and Jesus can't get enough of each other. What delights Anni most is pursuing restored connection to the Divine Feminine, whom she most affectionately calls "Mama God."
Having wrestled with mental illness, disillusionment, grief, and loss, Anni’s heart overflows with gratitude for the immutable reality that she has never walked alone. Most days, she revels in her office writing, dancing, singing, praying, and conversing with friends. She lives with her magnificent husband, spectacular daughters, and marvelous dogs in the Pacific Northwest.
Barely Christian, Fully Christian.
A Blog for Seekers
Grab your favorite beverage and circle up. This conversation centers on genuinely following Jesus, searching for Mama God, and letting go of what no longer serves. Seekers of all traditions--including and especially those who cannot stomach "religion"--welcome!
