“I believe I was called to ministry. That is the truth, but saying it feels discomforting. Nothing seems to put up a firewall between clergy and the rest of us, between pastors and ordinary, sane people more than this idea of call. It’s as if normal people become stockbrokers, lawyers, or bricklayers for mundane, rational reasons like making money, saving society, or following the family trade - but not pastors. No, we are, it seems, spiritual tuning forks vibrating to divine reverberations missed by the ordinary round of folk. We are a special tribe who somehow get whispered to in the midnight hour by white-robed Star Wars figures with flaming swords who speak in sepulchral voices, “Go to seminary. The Force will be with you.” - Author Tom Long
I was privileged to be able to speak at at Wednesday evening worship service at Bethany UMC Austin during Lent this year. I love that we invite our members to share personal stories of faith and transformation. What better way to stay connected and focused on our own spiritual pulse than to hear the first-hand witness of your very own friends who have experienced God in various ways in their lives? Stories are holy and are a part of who we are. We all have a story, and each of those stories is beautifully weaved into God's greater story. I was honored to be able to share a bit of my own story on how and why I left where I was to be where I am. Perhaps you, too, have felt a nudge toward a new space that is being created in your own life where you can best fulfill what's next in your journey. I encourage you to listen, reflect, speak it aloud, and be prepared for the movement of the Holy Spirit.
Bethany UMC Austin - Wednesday Lenten Speaker Series
Blessings and grace abound,
Kelly
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