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Day Thirty-Six Lent Meditation: Compassion That Creates in The Wilderness, A 40-Day Spring Prayer - Autism Acceptance Edition
- Andrea Angie (GA)
- Apr 13
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 14
SOULjourner,
Today, we contemplate the compassion that creates in the wilderness—a Lenten space of embodying Yeshua’s compassion + creativity. This meditation explores how empathy fuels the creative process, connecting us to God, ourselves, and others through life, sacrifice, and resurrection.
I use compassion + empathy interchangeably—a sacred thread in the tapestry of creativity. It allows us to engage deeply with the world, transforming our experiences into meaningful expressions of God’s redemptive work. Through empathy, we return to our belovedness and reclaim what was lost or misappropriated—a process beautifully captured by the spirit of Sankofa: “go back and get it.”
Compassion in Scripture: Womb + Deep Movement
The Hebrew word for compassion, rachamim, is rooted in rechem (womb), symbolizing deep, nurturing compassion. This imagery reflects God’s tender care for humanity, as seen in Isaiah 49:15: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you.” The rachamim of I AM embodies a nurturing, steadfast love that will never abandon.
In Greek, it conveys being moved deeply in one’s inner being—often translated as “compassion.” This word is frequently used to describe Yeshua’s response to humanity's suffering (Mark 6:34).
His empathy leads Him to teach, heal, and restore—a creative act of love that transforms lives.
Yeshua’s life exemplifies empathy that creates. His compassion is not passive but active, moving Him toward sacrificial love. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He invites us to embody this same creative empathy in our own lives, personally + collectively.
Compassion + Autism in the Creative Process
For autistic + AuDHD souls, empathy often manifests uniquely but no less profoundly. Traditional definitions of empathy may overlook the depth of connection expressed through creativity—whether in art, writing, problem-solving, or acts of service.
These expressions of empathy mirror God’s image by challenging traditional norms and enriching the Body of Messiah. For neurodivergent souls, the creative process frequently includes an intensified sensory involvement + emotional connection with their environment.
This sensitivity can lead to deep insights into beauty + truth—qualities intimately aligned with God’s nature that encapsulate empathy, fostering connections between inner experiences + outward expressions.
Life, Sacrifice, and Resurrection: A Compassionate, Creative Process
Rooted in Yeshua’s Life - Creativity rooted in compassion starts by being grounded in the Source of Life. Yeshua calls us to immerse ourselves in His presence—a fountain that quenches our thirst for meaning + purpose (John 4:14). By abiding in Him, our creativity is nourished by His life-giving Spirit.
Meditate: Ponder how your creative life reflects your connection to the Creator.
Plant Sacrifice (Gifts) - The creative process invites us to plant/release to allow new space for growth. Similar to Yeshua’s sacrifice/gift, divine empathy encompasses both surrender + emergence. Sacrifice is wholehearted giving—a form of gift-giving focused less on what we relinquish and more on what we gain as we continually cultivate regenerative spaces where gifts flourish from the ground of surrender.
Meditate: “Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice (gift) of praise to God” (Hebrews 13:15). Ponder how releasing/sharing your gifts can serve as an act of praise.
Harvest of Resurrection - God brings forth resurrection harvests through our surrendered creativity. Just as a seed must fall to bear fruit (John 12:24), our creative offerings—when given sacrificially—become vessels of new life. Yeshua, the Firstfruit (1 Corinthians 15:20), reveals this divine rhythm: what is buried in trust, God resurrects in abundance.
Meditate: Where do you see resurrection life breaking through in your creative acts? How might your "plantings" today become tomorrow's harvest?
A Blessing - Empathy That Creates in The Wilderness
This Lenten season...
May you embody Yeshua’s empathy as you navigate your wilderness journey—connecting deeply with God’s heart and reflecting His compassion through your creativity.
May you notice the courage to compassionately create boldly—through life, sacrifice, and resurrection—as you co-create with "I Am," who delights in your being.
Amen + Asé
For April's National Autism Acceptance Month, affirm: "In this inclusive collective, I am seen, heard, and valued. Autism is not a limitation but a source of empowerment + self-expression. I will celebrate my so-not-typical self."
A Special Free Gift for You
To deepen your journey into sensory awareness + sensing pleasure, I invite you to download my complimentary PDF guide, Savoring Sensuality with Soul.
This pastoral guide explores the importance of presence, surrender, and gratitude in experiencing life's replete pleasures more fully. It offers pastoral care on how to engage your senses and celebrate your neurology.
Download Your Free PDF Here:
As you explore this resource, remember that your unique journey is a celebration of soulful living. May you find daring shalom + sensual pleasure in every moment.
With soul,
Pastor Angie
SOULjourner, go Deeper on my Autism+ page for more resources.
A Gift Set SOULution
Featuring The So Not Typical Soul Care Kit
A so-not-typical gift set to celebrate neurodivergence. Being typical is not the standard. Acceptance is. It's more than a gift set—a soul care sanctum.
As you embark on this journey with The 'So Not Typical' Collection, remember that Neuro ARTvocacy + empathy matters.
You're investing in a somatic practice of soul care to amplify your peace.
INCLUDED IN THE SOUL CARE KIT GIFT SET: Free Gift Wrapping included
1x - 8oz Non-toxic, Luxury Coconut Soy Wax, Candle (pick your essential oil scent)
1x - Pair of socks
3x - Assorted Greeting Cards: My momma is autistic, So not typical, Infinite spectrum of acceptance - 4.25 x 5.5 tent-style cards with luxe, embossed envelopes, nestled in a satin peach drawstring pouch
1x - College-ruled Journal, Bingo-guided back cover, ridiculously soft covers
1x - Faux Feather Pen
1x - Gold Electric Candle Warmer
Or you can BUILD YOUR OWN GIFT SET >>
Until next time,
Gift from your soul.
✧
Deepen Your Soul Care Journey
Beloved SOULjourner, as you continue to nurture your gift-giving practice, discover sustainable gifts designed to embody intentional gift-giving + connection.
Soulful gifting for social change in the soul care boutique be inspired to amplify your ARTvocacy through peace + play vibes.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only as I share my pastoral care, my journey, and bring to you valuable research. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing any medical concerns or symptoms, please seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
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