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What do you think of when you see someone riding a motorcycle on the highway? Do you think “rebel”?


	Karris Golden on her bike.

Have you ever dreamed of owning a bike? Do you ever think about the gleam of the chrome and the loud roar of the engine?

The sound of a motorcycle is distinct to its make and model. Harley-Davidson, a legend in motorcycles, has built its reputation around its loud and unique sound. That thunderous rumble expresses emotion, passion, and enthusiasm.

If your faith made a recognizable sound, how would others describe it? Would they think it was bold?

LOUD AND UNIQUE
Like a Harley-Davidson engine, is the sound of your faith the stuff of legends? Whether you are shy or outgoing, adventurous or cautious, your faith has a sound that transcends your personality. Do you turn up the volume of your faith? Or do you mute it or use it as background noise?

Does the sound of your faith celebrate you — the unique, special child of God that you were made to be? Does your faith make a sound others want to listen to? follow? replicate? Is it a sound you want others to hear?

UNCOMMON RIDERS
Like the roar of an engine, America’s motorcycling cultures have spawned many uncommon rabble-rousers. There is the perception that motorcycling is a brotherhood, but without the sisters, it would have never become a lifestyle.

I like to ride my bike — a Harley-Davidson Springer Soft Tail. I know some may look twice at a woman of color tooling down the road on a bike. Some friends wonder about the apparent paradox of a woman who writes about faith “but” rides a motorcycle.

Well, these stereotypes were shattered long before I rolled onto the scene.

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Faith Reflections by the Rev. Joy McDonald Coltvet

Visit the study page for ideas for discussion and further reflection.

What is the sound of your faith? Three qualities of sound emerge from the pages of scripture:
It’s recognizable.
It’s distinctive.
It moves us.

Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I speak to you in some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? It is the same way with lifeless instruments that produce sound, such as the flute or the harp. If they do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is being played?
I Corinthians 14: 6–7

Voice has always been important to me. When I was younger, I took voice lessons and learned how to sing more confidently in front of people. Later, I learned to proclaim the gospel —- at first, it was a terrifying experience —- but later, it became an act of faith in God. So, the invitation and command to give voice through revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching, to give a distinct note, has been a clear and compelling call in my life.

One might say that Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, advocates for having a distinctive sound. It’s also important for others to be able to recognize it. Maybe it’s so the whole community can sing along or move to the music together.

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