The first time I heard faith put in the context of the spiritual journey was here at this church. It really resonated with me because for the first time "faith" was articulated in a way that I had seen it all along. Here we travel along on this journey. There are parts of our journey that are stagnate and desolate. There is terrain that is rocky and challenging. There are nooks and crannies that we choose to explore. There are big, open, beautiful spaces in which we rest and breathe. Sometimes we get off track and a little lost and at other times we follow the course.
Confirmation is an important milestone on the journey. It is not a commencement or graduation. Nor is it a beginning, as their journey started several years ago. It is simply an opportunity. It is a precious time carved out to deepen and grow in faith and relationships to church, God and others on the journey. Sometimes it opens up a discourse about doubt and invites questions. And that is a beautiful thing!! I love this quote by Anne Lamott. "I have a lot of faith. But I am also afraid a lot, and have no real certainty about anything. I remembered something Father Tom had told me--that the opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty. Certainty is missing the point entirely. Faith includes noticing the mess, the emptiness and discomfort, and letting it be there until some light returns.” I don't think it can be put much better than that!
This journey with these four exceptional young souls has been so rewarding and such a blessing for me. Each offers a different perspective, but has been open, engaging, honest and committed to the process of confirmation. Let us continue to honor them by inviting their membership, not only in word, but in action. Get acquainted with them and help them to share their gifts within our community of faith and out in the world. Laura, Ethan, Ben and Brooke thank you for your friendship. xoxo
- Amy
Confirmation is an important milestone on the journey. It is not a commencement or graduation. Nor is it a beginning, as their journey started several years ago. It is simply an opportunity. It is a precious time carved out to deepen and grow in faith and relationships to church, God and others on the journey. Sometimes it opens up a discourse about doubt and invites questions. And that is a beautiful thing!! I love this quote by Anne Lamott. "I have a lot of faith. But I am also afraid a lot, and have no real certainty about anything. I remembered something Father Tom had told me--that the opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty. Certainty is missing the point entirely. Faith includes noticing the mess, the emptiness and discomfort, and letting it be there until some light returns.” I don't think it can be put much better than that!
This journey with these four exceptional young souls has been so rewarding and such a blessing for me. Each offers a different perspective, but has been open, engaging, honest and committed to the process of confirmation. Let us continue to honor them by inviting their membership, not only in word, but in action. Get acquainted with them and help them to share their gifts within our community of faith and out in the world. Laura, Ethan, Ben and Brooke thank you for your friendship. xoxo
- Amy
