Abstract:
This article is written in the style and method of an autoethnography that focuses on the
author’s spiritual journey with God while living with chronic pain. The labyrinth is used as a
metaphor and spiritual tool to describe this journey. The author’s personal experience with
religion and spirituality is described as well as the choice of moving from thinking about
God being ‘out there’, far away and looking upon God’s creation (supernatural theism) to
discovering God within – God ‘right here’ (panentheism). The affects and effects of living with
chronic pain are discussed in reference to the process of walking the circuits of a labyrinth. The
role of different people who played a part in this journey is highlighted. This way of writing
corresponds with a narrative way of living which concentrates on deconstruction of dominant
discourses and looking for outcomes that may lead to hope and transformation. The difference
between rainbow hope and reasonable hope is explained and the consequence of choosing
reasonable hope is discussed. Transformation of the person through the journey becomes
apparent in the article.
Description:
Dr Lishje Els is participating in
the research project, ‘Gender
Studies and Practical
Theology Theory Formation’,
directed by Prof. Dr Yolanda
Dreyer, Department of
Practical Theology, Faculty of
Theology, University of
Pretoria.
