Tell Your Own Spiritual Progress Story
If I Had But One Story to Tell
Enter now! Deadline: February 1, 1009
You are hereby encouraged to participate in what could well be an annual event: the celebration of Spirit expressed in human form. For some time now, I have used this approach to reach those I photograph at an even deeper level of self-understanding. Often when in conversation with them I ask this question: “If you had but one spiritual story to tell about something in your life, what would that story be?” For most, this question catches them off guard. Nevertheless, many of the most profound, yet simple, stories are those beautified by some of the people I was privileged to photograph while conducting a photographic survey of poverty in rural Arkansas in the early 2000’s. Some of these are contained in the offering, Swimming with the Mosquitos, for your reference.
I heartily invite you to participate by putting in writing that one spiritual story you would present to St. Peter at the ‘pearly gates’ as your price of admission. Do not fret about your ability to do so. Just show up and your Muse will be highly INspirational–and amusing, I might add–pun intended. And I will be editing the stories for consistency of presentation, so that will take care of any concerns you might have in that regard. My current purpose is to expose you to your own special spiritual moments and, by example, to help open others to the celebration of theirs. Should yours be one of those selected, with your written agreement I intend to establish an annual collection of such rich spiritual contributions. I want to keep this from being some kind of annual competition, but rather would like to think of it as an annual celebration collaboration. While a small fee will be asked to accompany your entry, this will in large part be to contribute toward the cost of publishing the collection annually. Awards will be provided where appropriate.
So, jump right in and get at it! I welcome your first entry to If I Had But One Story to Tell. The first call for entries is November 30, 2006. The regulations for entering are few. Submit only one entry for each category, please. You may submit one or two written stories, but no more than that. Double space any writing you do, for a total of no more than six pages, double spaced, for each story. Place your name on each page; pagination is not necessary.
Please print and complete the entry form (available below), sign it where designated, and mail the form along with a check for $10 for each entry to cover all expenses. Should your work be selected for this year’s compilation you will receive a free copy of the offering for your private collection.
Download the entry form (pdf)