What is a White Horse Question?

                                                                                     
            Broad-picture- wise White Horse Questions were started for me long ago at Illinois State.  Across the street from Ham-Whit (our dorm) there was a favorite drinking establishment called The White Horse Inn. We gathered there and at some time during the visit each would grab a white napkin and write a thoughtful or funny question (one per napkin). Then we'd pass the napkins around in our circle--each member would add their answer or idea to the question on that napkin. These were our `Life Questions.'

            But personally the joy WH is what happened next after those `life questions’ were passed.  They were and are – for me – the wonder of the embodied community.

            Most every morning before I roll myself out of bed I think about something I’d like to know more about, or something I wonder what others think about, or something that’s just funny.  And soon afterwards I open up Facebook and under my status I write the day’s White Horse Question.  And then just wait and see.

            More often than not, I am grateful for what happens next.  Never in the almost four years that I’ve been doing this has there been the same folks participating each day.  With different question, there are different folks chiming in with her/his opinion or response.  Sometimes (the best of times) folks begin to get to know one another because of their responses.  And that’s the most fun for me.  Because I’ve been knowing these folks in different times of my life (kindergarten or Girl Scout camp; KD’s or seminary, family ~ given and chosen) it’s great to see them introduced to one another.  And it’s often surprising, because I never would have thought of bringing them together ~ yet here they are.  Talking.  Listening.  Wondering.  When folks are introduced and encouraging one another ~ well, it makes my heart sing. 

            Today’s question is in honor of the Irish ~ an invitation to writing a St. Pat’s Day limerick.  Give it a try ~ and welcome to community.