FTE’s Festival of Discernment

Visual storytelling is a tradition deeply rooted in our ancestry, serving as a powerful way to share and preserve stories across generations.

This communal art piece by Somatic Scribe Kate Morales expresses the wisdom and beauty of the stories shared by leaders and participants at FTE’s Festival of Discernment.

Each morning of #FTEFestival, Women in the Bible were introduced by featured Biblical Scholar Dr. Samaria Divine to anchor the entire landscape. Beginning on the left, you see how we started with Hagar’s story, who is trying to escape the dark discernment process (left), Naomi, who is guiding Ruth while anchoring mentorship (middle), Esther asking for and receiving blessings for the community as she undergoes her path, and Mary Magdalene holding it down in the dark waiting (right bottom).

On the hilltop (bottom), the statement "all we have is each other" appears. FTE President Stephen Lewis recited it, quoting Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman. It represents the idea that discernment is a communal process, rather than an individual one, and that we need each other to discern, accompany, mentor, and become who we are called to be. It is an invitation to courage and to risk imagining what we might be and do to share a more hopeful future.

Our speakers, preaching panelists, and small group leaders discussed the stages of development for young adults. This is reflected throughout (top left), with sections portraying neuroscience and character development. ​

At the center stands a Cypress Tree with deep roots, highlighted by FTE Festival Art Consultant Rev. Darci Jaret and Preaching Panelist Rev. David Black. Participants said the tree reminded them of connection, uniqueness, and difference. Some cultures see these trees as symbols of hope, resistance, and individuality.

In the middle, a visualization of listening shows what it means to listen to the divine, filter noise, and find meaning. The seashell headphone (top middle) represents the tools leaders give young adults to listen for the "Sound of the Genuine in You." Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman used this phrase to describe the inner voice that guides authenticity, often drowned out by external pressure.

Inspired by the preaching panelists — Rev. David Black, Rev. Dr. Allison Henderson Brooks, Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas, and Rev. Olivia Lane — Kate used color theory to convey strength, beauty, and power in darkness. The black highlights the theme "trust in the dark" (top right). Darkness represents beauty, possibility, birth, and expansiveness. Black was intentionally chosen to show the power and beauty found in dark places. 

On the last day, participants reflected on the artwork and its meaning. They shared which stories resonated most. Themes included asking bold questions and trusting the discernment process. Participants described what they learned from workshops, prayer, and discussions at the Festival of Discernment.