FAITH STORIES BLOG BREAK
We’ve been inspired by the faith stories of many of our members each week, but during the week of Christmas and the week after, we will be taking a break from posting stories. We encourage you to take this time to read and reflect on the current postings and write or record your faith story to be shared in 2026.
If you are interested in submitting a faith story, you may use the suggested prompts from our handout that can be found around the church to guide you in putting your story together. Stories should be submitted to 100FaithStories@hbbc.org. If you have any questions or difficulty submitting your story, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Kristen Muse (919-645-6722 or kmuse@hbbc.org).
Faith Story | Sally G.
December 16, 2025
My faith story actually began in 1942, the year my grandparents and my mother and her two sisters moved to Raleigh from Gastonia. The Denny family found a church home at Hayes Barton Baptist Church less than a mile from where they lived. My mother, Sarah Denny Williamson, was married at HBBC, and I was raised in this church. My grandparents usually sat on the seventh pew on the right hand side of the sanctuary and for many years my mother, sister and I sat there with them.
I am grateful for the Sunday School teachers I had growing up who taught me familiar Bible stories and encouraged me to memorize scripture and to learn in order the books of the Old and New Testaments and the names of Jesus’ 12 disciplines. I do not remember all their names, but I do remember being taught by Jane Spencer as a young child and Betty Griffin, Crystal Potter, Sue Ashley, Katherine Brady and Shirley Stennis while in elementary school, all of whom invested their time in me and gave up being in an adult Sunday School Class so that they could teach me that by believing in God and trusting Jesus I would gain eternal life and forgiveness of my sins.
I am also grateful for the teachers who taught me during my junior high and high school years, Martha Bunn, Martha McAdams, Jimmy Lassiter and Ed Gaskins, among others. As I grew older and particularly as I participated in in-depth Bible studies, I began to understand that Jesus calls us as Christians to act – to feed the hungry, house the homeless, love the stranger. Not only are we to believe but we are to do.
My favorite Bible verse comes from Chapter 6 (verse 8) in the prophetic Book of Micah in the Old Testament.
He has told you, O mortal, what is good:
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and walk humbly with your God?
I am grateful that there are places in the Raleigh community where I have had the opportunity to live out my faith and serve the children of God about whom Jesus had so much to say.
Faith Story | Julia L.
December 11, 2025
As a Protestant believer, I was discipled in five traditions. Each phase has been an essential part of my life development as a follower of Christ with an ecumenical vision.
I was introduced to Jesus and salvation by Grace through faith in the revivalistic Nazarene church of my childhood era when I was 7. I was nurtured in ways of integrating faith in my life through the Methodist tradition from age 8 to age 19. During that same time frame, I was influenced by my stepmother’s Catholic faith. I was grounded in the evangelistic and missionary vision of Southern Baptists from age 20 to mid life, when I became aware of a call to ministry and was simultaneously introduced to the contemplative pathway.
I knew what it was like to feel as a Christian that I had touched all the bases but still had a sense that there was more in God’s calling. I became disillusioned with the informational approach of studying about the Bible and about Jesus. I didn’t need more information and suspected others did not either. I wanted to know Jesus, in a more experiential walk WITH Jesus. I wanted to be more spiritually alive, formed in Christ, and found that others do, too. I wanted and still want to help those who are hungry for a deeper walk with Christ to enter into it.
II Corinthians 5:17 has been my life verse: “If anyone is in Christ, he/she is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come.” I have been on a relentless search to live into that fully. There have been key movements of Grace in my life, in which the longings of my soul were matched by the work of God’s Spirit – times when I needed forgiveness, assurance of redemption, peace and joy to fill a deep abyss of fear, anger, doubt or guilt that is often the lot of those who are raised in dysfunctional families as I was.
All along the way, the scriptures have been as the Psalmist described them: “a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” And the church at large has been the organic family of God to me.
The single most foundational enlightenment for me was a call to surrender to trust Jesus, not just believe He existed, not just be enamored by his story, not just claim his salvation as a contract. Along with that awareness, was the revelation that Jesus is One with God and therefore His death truly brings atonement, for the Divine One received my guilt into his sinless life and died a death that the sinless one could not otherwise experience, for God has declared “the wages of sin is death.” The wages of righteousness is life. Jesus made a great exchange for us.
My calling into Christian ministry grew out of a longing to help others grow in faith in Christ to the point that they truly follow Him as Lord of their lives. It was, and is, rewarding to help others pay attention to what the Lord is bringing to birth in their lives. When I retired, I knew I was not retiring from that vision but from the formal ministry aspect. My ongoing quest is to satisfy the deep longing in my soul to know God and be attuned to His ways. I have a long way to go as I continue to become aware of ways in which I fail, but I am loving the journey of faith, hope and love.
Faith Story | Ann P.
December 9, 2025
I grew up in the Baptist church. For the first many years of my life, I just followed along with what I was supposed to do. When I got to college, my church activities slowed down, and I’d only attend with my family in Raleigh.
But things changed suddenly, in an instant, so to say.
I went from being an active person to someone with physical challenges that will last for the rest of my life. I felt sorry for myself. Why did this happen? I wanted a do-over.
Okay, so no do-over was in my future, but I did have times when I felt that God was looking out for me in this new iteration of my life. First, my leg rebroke, which allowed doctors to straighten it. That was a prayer answered, even though it took a bit to understand that I had to take the bad in order to get the good. Another strong impression of God’s love and attention came when I physically felt him envelop me, hold me in his arms. It was a peace that I had not experienced in years. I can only explain it through faith.
I know that God has been with me.
Faith Story | Karlyn J.
December 4, 2025
When I was about 4 years old and attended church every Sunday with my parents and three siblings, the name Jesus was introduced to me. In Sunday School I learned about Jesus by listening to my teacher read Bible stories, reciting memorized Bible verses, coloring pictures and singing “Jesus Loves Me.” I was taught to respect, praise, and talk to Jesus by praying with head bowed and eyes closed. Oh, how much I learned about this special man when I was very young. Throughout my childhood I learned more and more about this man named Jesus, from his birth celebrated at Christmas to his death and resurrection at Easter.
As I, now at 91 years old, remember my childhood days of learning about Jesus, I realize how important the stories of his way of life influenced my little mind. Continuing through adolescence and adult life I have learned about Jesus by attending church services, reading and studying the Bible, reading daily devotionals and singing, and listening to church music. Singing words of praise, thankfulness, and adoration always brings me comfort and joy!
In early adulthood my journey with Jesus became more serious, more real. He had become my friend, always with me through the ups and downs of life. As an adult I worked with many different people, different personalities, attitudes and habits. Some of these people seemed to stand out from the others; they seemed happier, more confident and at peace. I soon realized they were on their journeys with Jesus; they were Christians.
It was time for me to decide if I wanted to live as Jesus taught his disciples and followers or as the ways of the world. To live as Jesus taught, I knew I had to truly believe in Jesus, believe his virgin birth, believe he walked on this earth teaching a way of life called Christianity, believe in his healing power, believe he was God’s only son whom God sacrificed on a cross for my sins and the sins of the world that we might have everlasting life, and believe that Jesus was resurrected on the third day after his crucifixion.
Oh, what love and peace I felt when I chose to Believe. It is a love and peace that only God can give!
My profession of believing Jesus is the Son of God, repentance of my sins and acceptance of Jesus as my Lord and Savior was carried out in a baptism service many years ago.
Learning and Believing are never-ending parts of my journey. I practice them every day as I read the Bible, devotionals, and pray. Taking time to talk to my Heavenly Father is so important. Praying to praise him, thank him and even bring him my problems are so comforting. Praying about a problem and then having that problem resolved the same day when I read the Bible or a devotional is truly “answered prayer” and has strengthened my belief and faith in God.
Truly believing in Jesus led me to having Faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 reads “Walk by faith, not by sight,” which means trust in God’s promises and guidance rather than surely on what you see or understand. My faith developed from the Learning and Believing areas of my journey; in other words as a Response to God’s Word.
Jesus taught that Faith comes from Hearing and Believing God’s Word. I have heard, I do believe, and I have faith in God’s promises – and oh, what peace and joy have filled my soul.
Faith Story | Shirley A.
December 2, 2025
My father decided it was time for his family to join the church, so my mother, brother and I were baptized September 16, 1956, by Dr. Kincheloe. We became members of Hayes Barton Baptist Church. My journey to becoming a Christian was just beginning. I remember attending Vacation Bible School, Sunday school, Training Union, choir, drama productions, GAs (reaching the position of Queen Regent.) I helped in the office, took bus trips to choir festivals with our leader, Carolyn Brockwell, attended summer camp at Fort Caswell and participated in the Living Nativity every Christmas. I loved being involved in the church – it was safe being with good, solid believers. This ALL laid a solid foundation for my faith journey.
After I went off to college, I started to drift. In 1969, I was married by Dr. Cashwell and moved to Oregon. My husband was not a Christian and did not “need” church; and my church involvement ended. I reconnected with HBBC when my father died. Through some faith challenges in 2006, Dr. Hailey restored my faith. Our son’s personal search led him to the Catholic Church and, impressed by his peace, my husband was baptized and I converted to Catholicism. Still searching, I joined a women’s group and BSF, where I was hearing about a “loving God” and a personal relationship with Him.
Then COVID hit and everything shut down! I clearly remembered the night before the shutdown being anxious and struggling not to be afraid. That morning, just as I was waking up, I heard Jesus telling me not to be afraid, He was with me and would protect me. I realized I was smiling and felt at peace because I knew I was not alone. Rather than giving into fear, I pulled out our church directory and called each member, letting them know I was thinking of them. It brought such peace to me.
Then Zoom became part of our vocabulary! I located churches across the country, HBBC being one of them. I attended a service each day, but hungered for more. I still wanted to have a personal relationship with Jesus, but I just did NOT know how to connect. I saw Jesus helping others but did not feel worthy. When my husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I went through all the emotions, including anger and resentment! I began to attend a support group I started when my mother-in-law had her memory journey. God had given me a dress rehearsal. A new Alzheimer’s Association facilitator joined us and emphasized that the group was for all of us in the room, NOT just the person at home.
Finally, someone was here for ME! She said if we allowed it, we would experience every possible feeling and emotion. The goal was to look for the “nuggets” along the way and hopefully at the end we would come out stronger and healthier. As I turned to God asking for help, I moved toward surrender and acceptance. With the help of a coach, I am learning to turn to Jesus, and He is bringing healing into my life. I am active again in the church and continue to learn about Jesus and His love. I never had a light bulb moment, but instead the blessing of a solid foundation as a young child, learning Bible stories and the basics. As this year comes to an end, I have been married 56 years and will be 80 years old. I can honestly say I am grateful for the journey God has given me. His provisions have proven better than my requests. His timing is perfect! I know I am where I am supposed to be.
Faith Story | Susan T.
November 27, 2025
My life at Hayes Barton Baptist Church began when I married my husband, Jim, in 2017.
Ironically, my mother was a lifelong Baptist before she married my Lutheran father in 1964. Mother joined Hayes Barton in December 2022, just two months before her death. I was happy she had “come home,” and she was, too.
In turn, I was a lifelong Lutheran before I married Jim.
I came from a church that had a strong music program, strong preaching, and strong programs for all ages — much like Hayes Barton. Mother and Daddy had always sung in the choir at whatever congregation they attended. Mother and I were especially pleased to endow the Shinn-Turner Cello Two Chair in Daddy’s memory, as well as in memory of Jim and Ann Turner, Jim’s parents.
I’d always thought I’d be a lifelong Lutheran. Then I went to Cuba in September 2016 on a visioning trip with Tom Beam, one of my (many) Baptist cousins. There, I met Jim, and we got married four months later — Jan. 6, the Day of Epiphany.
After much discussion between my husband and me as to whether I’d be baptized by immersion — his idea, not mine, as I’d already been “sprinkled” as a Lutheran — I officially joined Hayes Barton on Aug. 11, 2019.
As I wrote shortly afterward, I’d always wondered what I’d find beneath those waters. It was worth the experience.
Over the last nine years, it has been a beautiful experience being part of a such a warm, welcoming — and large — congregation. That means there are myriad opportunities to plug in.
Several years ago, I kind of fell into being a part of the Bereavement Committee. The year 2026 will be my third year of co-chairing one of the teams with my fabulous friend Debra DeCamillis.
First of all, I want to share what a joyful experience this has been. There is joy in serving our fellow members and their families in a time of need. And there’s never a funeral service our team has assisted with that we are not thanked profusely by the family.
But all we do is greet and direct family members and non-members to Hailey Hall or the parlor or the columbarium or the sanctuary or to restrooms. We put out trays of cookies, and napkins, and pitchers of ice water. We clean up afterward.
I’ve thought about this a lot. For me, it calls to mind the Bible verse in Matthew 10:42 in which Jesus says: “If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
I’ve not consulted anyone on our team, but I don’t think any of us is concerned with our rewards in Heaven. It’s just a wonderful opportunity to serve for those of us who are able.
To me, it’s an example of “many hands make light work,” because our team is working together. Maybe not a well-oiled machine, but close. We have learned that, like each person, each funeral or memorial service is different, and we strive to fill whatever needs there are for each occasion.
That saying isn’t a biblical verse, incidentally. It’s from a book of proverbs first published in 1546. So if it’s still being used today it must still be relevant!
But working together does make our task lighter, and dare I say, fun — even at a funeral. It’s a time for our team to get to know one another and catch up with one another.
Thanks be to God!
Faith Story | Marsha H.
November 25, 2025
A Calvary Baptist mom from Asheville and a First Methodist dad from Charlotte got married and had babies. Me included. They moved to a small town for Daddy’s career. What did they do? Joined First Presbyterian of course!
From cradle roll on through high school I learned to love Jesus. I memorized Children’s Catechism in the bathtub with Mama as my coach. Every night we worked on it.
I loved Sunday school and children’s choir and youth group. I was an angel in school plays and the Christmas pageant until I outgrew two costumes.
My parents held practically every church office possible. Often the meetings were in our living room. Nosey me sat quietly in the hall and listened in!
Our pastor, Dr Carl McMurray, was an intellectual. University of Edinburgh and Princeton Theological. My dad talked me through his sermons til I was old enough to “get it.” Dr. McMurray prepared me for profession and first communion in Communicants Class. Membership Matters for kiddos.
I went to a Presbyterian college. Went to First Presbyterian during college years and after. Met a Baptist guy. Had a Presbyterian wedding. Then the push pull. It lasted years! Zig zag from Presbyterian to Baptist over and over. Guess who won out? Hayes Barton Baptist Church.
Thank you Dr. Hailey for coming to our home at my husband’s request and winning me over. I have been at home here 23 years. He said I was predestined to be a Baptist! The friendships and the opportunities to serve my Lord and Savior have been golden.
I love my Sunday school class. Many of them are as treasured aunts and uncles to me. I marvel at their faith and courage and joy as years go by.
So to close, Dr McMurray gave me 2 Timothy 3:14-15 as my verse: “….Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through Jesus Christ.“ Amen.
Faith Story | Meredith K.
November 20, 2025
My faith in Christ has shaped who I am today. It has shaped how I approach every part of my life. Because of my relationship with God, I live with a deep sense of confidence and peace, knowing that I never face anything alone. Life is full of challenges and unknowns, but I trust that God is always with me, guiding my steps and giving me strength for whatever twists and turns come my way.
This confidence is rooted in my belief that, when I ask, God equips me with the one thing I need for life, which is Him. When I step into something new or difficult, I remind myself that His presence goes before me and stays beside me. That assurance allows me to approach every challenge with courage instead of fear, and hope instead of doubt.
My faith was strengthened in a profound way as my dad fought Alzheimer’s. There were days when the weight of it all felt overwhelming. I remember feeling helpless at times, unsure of how to handle the demands. It was during that time that I truly learned what it means to surrender everything to God.
Instead of carrying the worry and fear alone, I chose to put my trust in Him. I prayed constantly — sometimes for strength, sometimes for patience, and often simply for peace. God answered and gave me comfort when I felt broken and calm when life seemed chaotic. Even in moments of sadness, I could sense His presence and His love surrounding both me and my dad.
Being a Christian means that I don’t measure my life by what goes right or wrong, but by how God is working through it all. I’ve learned that every challenge is an opportunity to grow closer to Him, to rely on His strength, and to share His love with others.
There’s a line from the hymn “Because He Lives” that says, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.” This song reminds me that my strength and courage don’t come from my own abilities but from knowing that Christ lives within me. No matter what tomorrow brings, I can face it without fear because I know who holds the future.
Faith Story | Bob H.
November 18, 2025
I didn’t grow up in a church-going home. My first experience with church happened at age eight. Playing outside on a Sunday morning in our small town, I could hear the most beautiful music. I followed the sound a few blocks and sat down on the church steps and was mesmerized. Suddenly the door opened and it scared me, so I ran all the way home.
Fast forward two years. A little girl named Carolyn, a friend and classmate at Winchester Avenue Grade School, invited me to church. So I had a little boy crush on her. But when she told me they had baseball and basketball and scouts, I was all in.
Yes, I met her that Sunday at First Baptist Martinsburg,West Virginia. My mom made sure I was well dressed. As Carolyn and I walked down the aisle, we held hands! A big deal for age 10. Her mom and dad were the greatest. I love them to this day.
Over the years, I became the starting pitcher for baseball and starting forward for basketball. Became a Sea Scout and learned a lot about lakes and rivers and creeks.
At twelve, Carolyn Clohen and I gave our lives to Christ and were baptized together. You may think we ended up together, but it was just a young love thing. After growing up together at FBC, she married a golf pro and I joined the Air Force. Then a degree in Architectural Design from Chicago Technical College.
My membership stayed with First Baptist all the years. In 1985, I got married and for quite a while I thought I would be Presbyterian. But my roots kept calling me back.
It wasn’t easy to get my bride to turn in my direction, but God was in it. Here we are decades later, Marsha and I, serving God together at HBBC. Together.
Faith Story | Polly L.
November 13, 2025
Imagine playing Twister combined with finding Wheel of Fortune’s missing letters while wrestling with Jeopardy’s intricacies. Then you may have some grasp of my convoluted Faith Journey. When I sing “I Stand Amazed in the Presence of Jesus… and Wonder How He Could Love Me,” I reflect on how often I have experienced my Savior’s wonderful, marvelous, unconditional love during turns/detours before I formally joined Hayes Barton Baptist Church in the last year. Jesus long ago decided the world needed another Army brat who, under His guidance, would become a singer, teacher, lawyer, stepmother, and, best of all, mother. Me!!!
At an early age, I learned about Jesus. My churchgoing maternal grandparents were blessings! During Vacation Bible School at their Baptist church, I made my baptism decision at age 7, joining several young friends. Mama, my grandmother, sang hymns with me. Papa, my grandfather, quiet as Mama was chatty, always attended church with us and rejoiced in my very existence. I lost these Saints during law school but smile thinking of them.
During my Raleigh years, following military deployments to Japan (where my sister was born), Alabama, and Ft. Bragg (where my brother was born), I attended HBBC at times, then another Baptist church, then Emmanuel Baptist Church, which Mother joined. College was at Meredith with required religion classes, on-campus chapel, and off-campus church.
My church attendance was sporadic for the one year I taught high school biology in MD. When I returned to pursue my M.A. in American history at UNC-Chapel Hill, I had no interest whatsoever in anything church related. But when I moved to PA to teach high school American history, Jesus knew that my churchgoing days had simply been on hiatus. A singer friend led me to the best church choir in York, PA, at the Lutheran Church downtown. Jesus had led me back to church, mostly for the music, but He was persistent.
If I wanted to attend law school, the time had come. I tackled three years of legal studies, followed by lawyer work. Robert Frost, in “The Road Not Taken,” reminds us that the road chosen makes “all the difference.” God remained present in my life during my PA years. I joined Harrisburg Choral Society, attended a small Baptist church, was married there, then moved to VA, singing in our church choir and helping start a community choral group.
After relocating with my daughter to NC, my marriage irretrievably broken, then facing the death of my brother, I was led to fulfilling legal work plus services for my child. God also encouraged my music interests through Capital Area Chorale and Concert Singers of Cary. During the pandemic, God whispered it was time for church ties. The HBBC broadcast ministry was key to my attending and later joining.
My most significant lifetime event was my child’s unexpected death in the summer, 2024. No grief compares to a parent’s loss of a child of whatever age. But God had been preparing to receive her and has provided many comforts I still need. He has focused me repeatedly on Psalm 18:28, which states, “You, Lord, keep my lamp burning. My God turns my darkness into light.” Equally important is Psalm 46:1, proclaiming, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
A quote attributed to Fannie Brice, Sophie Tucker, and others, says, “I’ve tried it rich, and I’ve tried it poor. And believe me, rich is better.” I’ve tried life with this church, and I’ve tried life without it. And believe me, being at Hayes Barton Baptist Church (and choir singing) is better!
Faith Story | Shirley F.
My mother is the reason for my strong faith. I saw Jesus at work in and through her every day of her life. What a blessing! She was a member for nearly 60 years and missed being a charter member by 2 weeks.
In looking back over the years, I realize how significant the many devoted Sunday School teachers, ministers and Christian friends are who have influenced, supported and loved me. I have been led by 5 senior ministers – all different and special in their own way. Of course, I have some favorites. I have served on many committees during my lifetime and was privileged to have directed weddings for some 40 years.
I have a great love and respect for the Bible. I don’t know that I have a favorite verse but through it all I know that Jesus loves me.
Faith Story | Brian R.
Then, an acquaintance invited me to Sunday school … and somehow, deep down, I felt that was where I needed to be. Yet I balked; “I won’t have slept off my hangover by then, you gotta be kidding me,” and I dismissed it.
But that feeling remained … that I needed to be there. I’d purposefully stay out till 4 a.m. yet was wide awake in time for Sunday school … so I started going. I was instantly aware of the “community” experienced by that group of kind, thoughtful Christians. I enjoyed meeting them and getting to know them. Such a stark contrast to those I met at clubs. This new group cared about each other, on a fundamental level.
I began to think more … where will I be in twenty years? Ten years? Five years? And with whom? I know there are right ways to fly a plane, to be a leader of Marines, to exercise … is there also a right way to live my life, too? And, what if I don’t live that way? Beyond that, I looked at the evidence of the Christian truth claims … history, psychology, sociology, and particularly science (“Intelligent Design” and “Irreducible Complexity”) … and it all fit perfectly.
So, not knowing what I was getting myself into but trusting this God that I was beginning to know, I prayed for God’s forgiveness and that Jesus would indeed be my Savior, to lead me as I sought Him. And I discovered the possibility and the intensity of a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe, who has guided me over the next 30 years, proving Himself over and over.
Throughout my career and after, whether overseas or here in the U.S., I see that it’s not that there are God-forsaken places, it’s that places have forsaken God. And I saw what happens to a society that does so. It’s not that I’ve been delivered FROM challenges, it’s that I’ve been delivered THROUGH them, and I am learning and growing as I do. The meaning of life has been proven to me … to realize there is a loving God, and to spend my life getting to know Him and becoming like His Son, to be able to spend eternity in the presence of a perfect, holy God.
How will our families, neighborhoods, communities, cities, nation, and world thrive, or even survive, without Jesus? I realized that God isn’t keeping any good thing away from us (like Satan alleges in Genesis 3:4), but is giving us a clear path and opportunities (John 10:10) … that life is about what we give, not about what we get.
Oh, and when that acquaintance invited me to Sunday school: His friend said to him, “Why bother inviting Brian … he’s a lost cause.” At one point, I was a lost cause! But Jesus found me. Also, I later learned that my mom had been praying intensely for me as well. No coincidence, just God-incidents. Lastly, my home church of HBBC hasn’t just been a “refuge” to recharge, but also a “launching pad,” where I refit to continue and grow! Romans 8:28, Romans 5:3-5, James 1:25, 2 Timothy 1:7.
Faith Story | Mark H.
Imagine God. If you think you can, you’re really not trying. Our best scientists can’t unravel the atom or this vast universe. So how can one comprehend the creator of the universe, and then add infinite love and the supposition that this God also cares about us as individuals?
Fortunately, along comes Jesus – the incarnation of this incomprehensible God. Fully God yet fully human, we like to say. Sharing our feeble bodies and lovingly helping us wrap our feeble minds around what God wants from us.
This is the basis of my faith. Not the promise of heaven (whatever that might be) or the threat of hell (ditto), but Jesus as the foundation, showing how I might build a life in which I can do at least some good.
It’s odd to think about what “influenced my commitment to Christ.” It’s like asking what made me an American. I’ve been a Christian (and an American) since birth, and I have no intention of giving up on either. But that hasn’t stopped me from growing and doing serious questioning in both roles.
That growth has had twists and turns. As a child, worshiping with my parents, I served as an Episcopalian acolyte and then learned to stay awake during Quaker meeting. I attended a Presbyterian college, married the daughter of a Presbyterian minister (in a New England Congregational church) and became a Presbyterian elder. And now, in retirement, I’m an active Baptist here at Hayes Barton!
Growing in my faith has meant being less afraid to ask questions and acknowledge my doubts. My many doubts. If Jesus’ hand-picked disciples failed to “get it” time and time again, certainly I can be excused as well.
“Foundation” is the word I come back to.
Through my doubts and my uncertainties, Christ is there (even if as a sometimes inaudible whisper), giving me a foundation – for dealing with my fellow humans, making workplace decisions, raising two children (both of whom are now church leaders) and maybe helping others.
Is that a faith story? Maybe just the start of one — with a long, long way to go.