As the preview pages from my Amazon account exceeded the limit, these are my own translations from the Chinese version of Marva Dawn's book. =P (As only the Chinese translation is available from my church library...) Any mistake is mine. =P
In the chapter Embracing Intentionality, Marva Dawn mentioned what we think is important. And we need to reconfirm out status as God's people, even after suffering, humiliation, disappointment and failures. For Jews, keeping Sabbath reminds them of their own identity even when the Temple is no longer present.
Marva Dawn also mentioned an organisation for developmentally disabled named l'Arche, what we can learn from them on how to celebrate.
Michael Downey emphasizes that the celebrations there continue "no matter how deep the suffering"-that, in fact, the celebration "intensifies as suffering deepens". We do not need to wait until suffering is over to celebrate, and the festivity itself can improve our communication with God. Sabbath must include celebration, even during the Holocaust, and celebrations on the Sabbath helped the Jews in concentration camps to maintain their courage.
Celebration is not compensation, joy from profound suffering will be nurtured during celebrations. Celebration means accepting life and seeing that life is indeed precious.
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