I work with the confirmation class all year and pray they are prepared to confirm the faith their parents expressed when they were babies. Now this is their own faith. Its always an interesting and exciting time to read their statements of faith and view their photo shots of “Where I see God.” Humbling and inspiring to watch young people wrestle with their faith and make it their own.
Every Sunday when I drive to church, I listen to NPR’s audio essays of people talking about what they believe. Some believe in resiliency, kindness, animals, compassion, intelligence and on it goes. I had to write a statement of faith when I was seeking ordination and it was much more orthodox and comprehensive than these radio recordings or the confirmands. It had to cover all the bases. But was it any more heartfelt? I know I believed all the words, but what about my struggles? What about my doubts and agony? Wasn’t that part of faith too? Sometimes our creeds are so antiseptic that they aren’t human at all. I thin God would want us to be honest – not perfect.
I always tell the kids to start with the questions and look for what connects with your heart. For example…Why did I fail? I believe that failure is the result of trying something new. I beleive God keeps stretching my mind to be open to the new – even it I fail.
I challenge you to write down some things that you believe- not everything you believe, but something that has informed and molded who you are today.
I believe…. you can do it.
