Photo Courtsey of Angel_Ina on Flickr
The pressure to embrace being bold first arose within the context of my faith. It as though God continues to bring this to mind through conversations with friends, church services, small groups, and my personal Bible Study. It is the context in which “bold” first came to mind. All the verses I shared in the introduction post are based on the idea of the Christian faith being worthy of boldness, regardless of the cost.
While I don’t have to worry, most likely that is, about my faith costing me my life or putting me in prison, I do worry about the impact it will have on my career. I have never said that in public. It is true that Christians, right along with Republicans, get a really bad rap in my profession, and I am terrified that some of the aspirations I have professionally will be inhibited by the fact that I’m a Christian. A Christian who believes in the Bible nonetheless. The truth is, while more and more people groups are becoming off limits to jokes, Christians are still fair game. I know professionals in my field who have specifically chosen not to hire student employees because they are open about being Christian. Someone once said “they {referring in general to all Christian students, not a student this person actually knew} won’t be able to relate with students from other religious backgrounds”.
I have never really known how to respond in those situations, but that is just ridiculous. Not to mention untruthful and hurtful. Sometimes I’ve tried to respond well, usually the good points come to mind much later. I’ve just kept my mouth shut mostly.
But I feel like I am coming to a crossroads where I have to decide what’s most important- my faith, or my career. (Don’t read too much into that, I cannot imagine a time in life where I am not working in higher ed unless I’m 80…maybe 70). I know what the answer is. I know which is most important. This year, I’m stepping out declaring it. I love working at faith-based institutions, but I do wish to get deeply involved within the overall profession as I grow professionally. However, I want to be bold and confident in my faith in Christ, even if that means I do not have a seat at the broader association levels in higher education.
I know that I am a better professional because of my faith, not to mention the obviousness of being a better human being, friend, etc. It is my faith that gives me compassion, empathy, and a desire to help students in crisis. It is my faith that spurs me to push myself and those I work with towards continual improvement. It is my faith that causes me to deeply value what makes each individual incredibly unique. My work as a professional has a much deeper meaning than just the student experience, I believe it has eternal value. Faith and spirituality is central to who I am as a person and how I interact with others.
So this year, I will focus on being a better representative of the Christian faith to the world around me. I will continue to make my relationship with Christ a priority in my life. I will trust His word, and His plan for my life in all circumstances. No matter the cost.
And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. -Philippians 1:14
