NORMA JEAN BENNETT WRITER
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Norma’s Substack
About Me
What if learning history could transport you directly into the room where it happened? What if biblical truths could come alive through the eyes of those who lived them? I bring stories to life through dramatic performance and interactive teaching that honors how we were created – in the image of a creative God.
My Approach in Action
When asked to speak on 1 John's profound truth "Love is from God," I don't simply explain the verse. Instead, I become Electa, preparing her home for the early believers to gather. As I work alongside an imaginary servant, I share the weight of recent events – Jesus' death, the ripped temple veil, and the dangerous excitement of this new faith.
Through this dramatic presentation, my audience doesn't just hear about biblical history – they experience it. They feel the tension between Old and New Testament prophecies colliding in fulfillment. They understand the cultural and religious customs that both guided and challenged these early gatherings. Most importantly, they grasp the revolutionary truth that "Love is from God" through the very people who first received this message.
Historical Performances
I bring to life remarkable figures of faith through 30-minute dramatic presentations:
Katie Luther – Martin Luther's devoted wife and partner in reformation
Monica – Augustine's persistent, praying mother
John Knox – Scotland's bold reformer
Gladys Aylward – the fearless missionary to China
These performances serve churches, women's groups, grief support groups, and faith-based conferences, making history personal and faith tangible.
Grief Ministry
My two-hour performance "Wednesday Mourning: A Theology of Grief" offers profound insight into loss, healing, and hope. This show works beautifully as a standalone presentation or as the centerpiece of a retreat focused on grief ministry. It serves both those walking through loss and educators seeking to understand how to compassionately approach grieving individuals.
Educational Workshops
My Storyboarding Workshop teaches both children and adults how to organize thoughts and craft compelling narratives – a perfect fit for homeschool conferences and educational settings.
My Background
With a degree in Christian Education and lifelong involvement in theater, I've served as Theater Director in both collegiate and church settings. My conviction remains unchanged: anything can be taught through theatrical presentation when we honor how people truly learn.
As a proud senior citizen, I've discovered a new voice in writing and speaking about both the delights and challenges of aging. My blog explores this journey with honesty, humor, and hope.
Let's Connect
Whether you're seeking a speaker who can make biblical truths unforgettable, historical figures relatable, or workshops that inspire creativity, I'd love to discuss how we can bring your next event to life.
Follow my blog for insights on aging, faith, and the power of story in our everyday lives.