Many years ago, before my eight years of college, I knew my calling was in the church and that I was going to go to seminary.
In April of this year, I was accepted into McCormick Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Chicago.
6 weeks ago I was going to defer because I could not afford the moving costs.
Now, I am leaving tomorrow morning with my two dogs and a moving truck for 5537 South Kimbark Avenue in Chicago, Il, because of the people here.
There is no way I could have made this move without you. You are the reason I am going to seminary right now. You are the reason I knew I was meant to serve the church. You are part of the reason I am still here today.
In times such as these, I often wonder how the church survives. Things are so unstable in our world. But then I look around. I look at people I do not know and those that have changed my diapers. And I know I am loved. I know I am supported. And I thank you. I don’t know how to thank you properly, but I will do my best.
When I was studying under my mentor, Dr. Mark Tietjen, a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary and one of my Philosophy professors, I read a great book by Soren Kierkegaard called “Works of Love.” A book that changed my life. It talks about love never being deceived, because no matter what, love expects everything that humans can throw at it. Love is a concept, Kierkegaard says, that as humans, we have trouble grasping. And we do, I believe. I don’t know that my trouble is grasping love so much as how to deal with overwhelming love. The overwhelming love I have been shown by the people here.
I not only go to seminary to work for God, but I go as a representative for Stockbridge and Carrollton Presbyterian Churches. I am honored to do this, and will do my very best. I will fall, and I will pick myself back up; but I will do so knowing that I am loved by the people here.
I cannot thank you enough for what you have given me. Money is only a human object, but love, love is Godly thing.
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