I’ve always known the call to write. Mom supported my efforts, placing a small table in the dormitory-style room that held beds for me, my siblings, and our grandmother. The writing space didn’t last long; getting into closets on either side required sliding the desk one way or the other. But the message was clear: Mom knew I was a writer.
I wrote away, crafting stories in class instead of doing assignments, sending articles and poetry to magazines and contests. When I became a young mother, working around loads of laundry and late-night feedings, I filled journals and wrote what was in my heart.
“Someday I’d like to have a column,” I confided to a friend. His response was that I didn’t have the credentials or enough published work. Undeterred, I continued submitting work.
Persistence paid off. A few articles were published. One led to a book contract. Eventually, the editor of this paper offered the opportunity to write a column. I said “yes” then spent the next few weeks worrying how to find topics for a year’s worth of column inches.
I thought about my writer’s journey recently – small steps taken without courses or credentials, just trust in a knowing that stirred within – after reading a line in Mark’s gospel. Having finished speaking from a boat to a crowd on shore, Jesus asked his friends to take him to the other side of the lake. He needed some downtime, and they obliged: Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them, just as he was.
What did that mean – just as he was? What was the alternative? Giving him time to go home, pack some food and grab another tunic? Wasn’t Jesus always ready, just as he was? Aren’t we all?
It’s tempting to think we can move forward only after becoming better prepared, but despite feelings to the contrary, deep down, we are ready to take next steps in our lives. Jesus knew that. He didn’t look for perfect people to join in his work. He didn’t wait until they had studied up on their scripture or understood everything he was saying. He called them, just as they were, trusting they’d learn and grow as they walked with him.
We will, too. We’re called to contribute to the holy work of building the beloved community, just as we are.
We might be full of fear and anxiety. Maybe we’re burdened by the weight of injustice or buoyed by unrecognized privilege. Maybe anger saps our energy or optimism gives it a boost. Whatever we carry, wherever we stand, when we give ourselves to it, the journey will change us. One way or another, it offers what we need to take another step, no matter how small. It may require a change of direction or going places we’d rather not go. (In Mark’s story, Jesus and his buddies were unknowingly headed into a storm.)
I write this after a momentous two weeks. White supremacy, hate, division, and violence were on display during the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol Building. U.S. deaths from Covid-19 topped 400,000. The inauguration of the new president and vice president proceeded without incident, but in a city fortified with thousands of troops. In his speech, President Biden called for healing and unity in meeting “these cascading crises.” Amanda Gorman called us to be brave enough not only to see the light but to be the light in her poem The Hill We Climb.
These times call for action. From everyone. These times pose questions: How to bend the moral arc towards justice? How to root out systemic racism? How to combat the coronavirus? How to restore respect and commitment to the common good? I can’t wait until I’m “ready.” None of us can.
We have to go, just as we are. Now. And trust in a few things: Love dwells within each of us. Sinking into to quiet, connecting to that Presence, we are empowered to share that Divine spark. When we do, we help transform the world, bit by bit. We are enough. We are a work in progress. Together, we are The Work in progress.
When life is overwhelming, I remember: I don’t go alone. None of us do.
© 2021 Mary van Balen
Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
attributed to Martin Luther King Jr. by Marian Wright Edelman in Mother Jones 1991
Great, Mary!
Glad you liked the column. We have much work ahead, but together, and with God’s help, we can do it!
Nice, Mary.
Thanks, Nancy. As always, it’s good to hear from you!
Hello Mary, I am Nancy Kelley. We have met at various times but never had a chance to talk for long. I like this column and wonder that happened to the paragraph that was left out. In fact, for many years, we only remained on the list to receive the paper because of your column that was consistently well done and inspiring. I also wonder why Mr. Weigel appears in a Diocesan Paper. He consistently makes negative remarks about Pope Francis. How do we remove him from the Staff of the Catholic Times? Thank you for sending this complete copy of your article. Keep up the good work. Sincerely, Nancy Kelley
Hello Nancy. Glad you liked the column. I do remember meeting and am pleased to hear that you have enjoyed my column over the years. Mr. Weigel is a nationally syndicated columnist. You could write to the Bishop, tell him your concerns about Weigel’s column (I know others – including me – feel the same way.) and ask him to have it removed from the Catholic Times. You could also write to the editor of the paper expressing your concerns. Thank you for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it.
Thank you again for your inspiration!
You are welcome, Kathy. Your work is an inspiration to me. I hope you stay safe and well. Thanks for sharing your comment.
Mary. Your words are always inspiring and comforting to know that we come to do the holy work of the beloved community just as we are. Keep writing. Linda
Thank you for your comment, Linda. Yes, it is good to remember we don’t have to have everything “together” to do good work, and that we do it together. Thank you for yours!
Thank you, Mary! What a precious gem (via London Writers’ Salon)
Thank you, Linh, for taking the time to check out this post. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It was great hearing from you.
Hi Mary,
Happenstanced across this blog (or perhaps divinely led to it).
Your message affirmed me in moving forward with a decision I have been struggling with, asking myself whether I am ready or ready enough to leap into the “unknown” again.
I like what you say about “He [Jesus] called them, just as they were, trusting they’d learn and grow as they walked with him.” I needed to hear this and other words in your blog.
Thank you for your writing and being an instrument of hope and inspiration.
Thank you for your comments, Mary Ellen, and you are so welcome. I’m glad these words provided affirmation and encouragement. Stepping into the unknown is always difficult, but you will do well as you move forward with faith and openness. You always have.