WOMAN AT THE WELL Graced Woman of Joy Graced Women Series Judy Ritter Paper, $9.95 64 pages, 5½" × 8½" ISBN 0-89390-628-X View Table of Contents View Excerpt Quantity:

This book is a compilation of prose, poetry, and visual imagery designed to help women deal with the issue of isolation. It concentrates on the scriptural story of the Samaritan woman at the well who was isolated from her community due to her socially unacceptable lifestyle. The story is presented through a series of reflections on each phrase of a prayer poem about the encounter with Jesus at the well. Also included are discussion and reflection questions, contemporary poetry, and guided meditations.

“A true labor of love! Addresses the feelings and the reality of insecurity and brokenness we all share at one time or another. Offers hope and healing through meaningful prose and poetic reflections.” - Micky Zielinkski, director, Office of Religious Education, Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama

Judy Ritter has won numerous awards for her short stories and poetry, and she is a member of the Alabama State Poetry Society and the Alabama Writers Conclave.

Note: The Graced Women Series also offers St. Scholastica: Graced Woman of Hope

Opening Reflection

Time erased

By life-giving water,

Offered by a man who had no bucket,

Who knew me not, yet knew me well.

My past washed clean

In the spring that I became —

Flowing, flowing through me,

God's instrument.

Never again shall I thirst.

    Judy Ritter

Excerpt

Graced Time

Suggested Questions

1. Have you ever had what you thought was a "chance encounter" that turned out to be a grace-filled event?

2. What things isolate you from the world around you?

3. What perpetuates isolation?

4. What can you do to break that perpetuity?

5. Do you perpetuate bias toward other persons or groups of people?

6. Do you have layers of barriers that make it difficult for God to reach you in a profound way?

7. Can you identify with the woman's isolation?

Suggested Activities:

8. Study the picture of the woman at the well. Imagine her at Jacob's Well speaking to Jesus. Close your eyes for a couple of minutes, and place yourself in her story.

9. Journal on the following topic: "Jesus, speak to me at the well."

10. Complete the following sentence: "Lord, I feel isolated because …."

Reflection

Sometimes I feel burdened by my own sinfulness, and I let guilt from past sins plague me. I reject the peace and joy that God offers me. I know intellectually that my sins are forgiven, but I allow old feelings to bring me down. Like the Samaritan woman, I sometimes feel unworthy. Lord, please break through my barriers, and give me a drink of the living water.

I put aside my cares as I allow the water to take away my feelings of isolation. I let the water renew me once again. I am at peace. I will begin my journey to becoming a graced woman.

Prayer
Lord, I come to the well with my earthenware vessel. I come burdened with the weight of my past sins, steeped with feelings of unworthiness. I stand hidden with my veil of self-deprecation, of rejection. I am an outcast. Travel the short way, Jesus, and directly touch my heart, taking away all the negative feelings of unworthiness. Let me know that your acceptance is all I need for happiness. Fill my vessel with your compassion and love so I may drink of the living water. Visit the wells of other peoples and other nations, and refresh them with your water. Take away our stony hearts and give us natural hearts, ready to accept and love. Let it begin with me. Amen.