As I reviewed the readings for today, especially the gospel, I was struck by the emphasis on FAITH and transformation. I reflected on the many faith stories I have shared over the years. It seems that the journey of life is replete with such stories (my own and others) if we just open our hearts to see them.
I searched online for how faith is defined and discussed – I found the following that most fit for me:
FAITH means- belief, firm persuasion, assurance, firm conviction, faithfulness. Faith is confidence in what we hope for and the assurance that the Lord is working, even though we cannot see it. Faith knows that no matter what the situation, in our lives or someone else’s that the Lord is working in it.
I find that while Faith may not be able to be seen empirically, it is, indeed, evident all around us. I remember as a very small child having a chain necklace with a small glass ball and inside that glass ball was a mustard seed. As I recall, it came with a card that said something like If ye have faith like a mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible until ye. I think my mother explained it to me about the size of a mustard bush/tree all from this tiny seed. So, having and believing in miracles was ingrained in me.
Today marks the 60th anniversary of my father’s passing away suddenly during the night. Sometimes it hard for me to believe how much time has passed and how little of my life I was actually able to share with my father. While I will not diminish the impact on my life, it was my mother’s faith and prayers that enabled me to cope with this loss and I never felt my life was defined by that. When I was 40 and experiencing other losses in my life, the loss of my father seemed to be looming. I was surprised since it was 24 years before. I was able to “walk and talk” with him one day and tell him of my hurt and anger at all I had loss and all the things that he missed in my life. I “asked” him what he was thinking as he lay dying, he said that he thought about all he would miss in my life and repeated all the things that I had listed.
The healing was enormous, I had no reason to doubt that those were his final thoughts along with what he would miss in my sister’s life as well. The comfort from those thoughts was real and to this day sustain me. About 10 years ago, my cousin’s husband passed away leaving sons, 13 and 15. I remember saying in my compassion for them, I can’t imagine losing one’s father at 15 and then I realized I didn’t need to imagine, I lived it!! Yet, the healing power of prayer and faith had allowed me to live my life without constant sorrow and feel safe and loved in the arms of my heavenly Father with Jesus at my side.
Musician TobyMac lost his son a few years ago yet his faith shines though in all his songs (along with his pain).
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
