Discernment – Feminism and Religion

This past weekend I had the privilege of officiating for the wedding of a dear friend. Despite having undertaken all of my graduate and doctoral degrees at a seminary, I had not seriously considered ordination since the beginning of my master’s program when I discerned that my calling was to the academic side of theology rather than to leadership of word and sacrament. When my friend called me nearly two years ago to ask that I officiate her wedding, it never occurred to me that something as simple as an online ordination process would push me toward further vocational discernment… and yet, I think, just maybe, it has.

As a long time church musician I am accustomed to being a part of people’s special days. I have certainly played or sang for more than a few weddings, as well as other services that mark some of the various stages of life – baptisms, confirmations, funerals. I’m no stranger to carefully (and prayerfully) crafting these types of services to fit the families and individuals involved, but I imagine I do leave a certain amount of professional space between myself and these events in most cases.

Continue reading “Discerning is the Journey by Katie M. Deaver”

If you follow your heart, you’re going to find that it is often extremely inconvenient.” -Acharya Pema Chödrön

Like most folks of mystical bent, I spend countless hours trying to discern God’s will. It’s becoming second nature, as much a part of my life as walking and talking. I was late in coming to this effort; my youth and adulthood were marked by an avoidance of conflict born of both gender norms and outright necessity. Of the latter, suffice it to say that people-pleasing was a useful strategy to dodge the violence I lived with as a child. As an adult, however, it had the opposite effect, and after being rendered a doormat one too many times, it was suggested that I develop discernment. So I commenced regular meditation practice, hoping, like Elijah, to hear that “Still Small Voice” of Spirit lighting my path.

There was a spiritual honeymoon, when friends were happy to see my efforts, actively encouraging me. But then discernment led me to places I didn’t necessarily want to go, to actions that upset people. What to do when God leads us to boldness? How do we hear the whispers of the Divine over the criticism of others? Maybe it’s practice, maybe it’s following in the footsteps of those who’ve gone before. Continue reading “When Discernment Meets Duress by Diane D’Angelo”