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Grounded in faith
Tania had always been involved in her church back home. She yearned to be part of a faith community while on campus. The night before classes began, as the two women were dreaming and scheming over life, Tania boldly spoke of her faith and her desire to grow spiritually. Liz, who had attended many churches but never connected with any of them, was fascinated and curious about Tania’s beliefs and relationship with God. In the early morning hours—at the dawning of a friendship—two women engaged in a faith conversation that never ended. Liz and Tania’s friendship grew and they became sisters in faith.

Over the course of their college careers I watched as Liz and Tania, who were once shy about engaging in conversations of faith and theology, blossomed into women of faith who were not timid in proclaiming their love for God. They constantly encouraged others to share their faith stories and they were magnanimous in inviting others into the faith community.

Talking about what matters most
Early in their relationship, Tania took a leap of faith by talking to her new friend about faith. It was not an easy thing for her to do. But her love for God and her desire to grow in faith were so important that Tania was compelled to speak. In her speaking, in her actions, in her relationship with her new BFF, Tania—and Liz—were blessed. And, these are the same blessings of which many young women on campus speak:

Karen, a college freshman: "Sharing my faith with [others] is like giving a part of myself away…it helps me grow closer to whomever I've just met by sharing something so heartfelt and intimate with them…it also helps me grow strong in my own faith."

Nicole, a college junior: "Engaging in faith conversations are exciting and scary at times, but I think sharing your faith with new people is a way to enter into a great conversation that helps both people grow."

Amy, a college senior: "Sharing my faith with new people is part of my daily life…I have made my home among people of all sorts of faith. I believe the questions that people of different faiths bring back to me strengthen and affirm my own personal faith."

Kim, a grad student: "When I make a new friend or start dating someone new, typically the topic of my faith always comes up because it plays such a prominent part of my life. I hope that sharing my thoughts, feelings, and faith will not only strengthen my faith, but also help the other person deepen their faith or start to build it…which is awesome!"

Bold to speak out
In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul asks, “And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:15) Like Karen, Nicole, Amy, Kim, each of us is sent off to college, into the streets of our communities, into the corners of the world to share our faith. And when we are bold enough to speak out about that which plays such a prominent part of our lives, we are blessed in ways that are powerful. In sharing our faith stories, our personal faith grows. In proclaiming him we experience the joy that comes in leading others to a deeper relationship with Christ. In reaching beyond the fear and promulgating our life in Christ, our faith is affirmed.

Another school year is upon us along with many new opportunities to share faith stories with friends. Jesus commends us to seize such opportunities and speak out. “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent.” (Acts 18:9b)

As you embrace another beginning and encounter friends—old and new—may you be empowered to share your faith boldly. And in this sharing, may relationships grow from BFF to sisters in faith!

The Rev. Diane Dardόn serves as campus pastor at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. In addition to her ministry with young adults, her love for writing, and joys of parenting, Diane and her husband, Estuardo, are building a school in Estuardo’s hometown in Guatemala.

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Fiath Reflections by Diane Dardón

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

When I finally got to the classroom door, I successfully pried Cathryn loose, gave her a hug and kiss followed by words of encouragement. I dashed away quickly, hoping for the best. A few moments later I snuck back to the classroom and peered through a crack in the door. My heart broke as I made out the bent head of my dear child and saw a tear fall onto the table.

Walking through the door
I wish I had a dime for every time I’ve heard a young adult tell me how afraid he or she was to walk through the doors of the campus ministry center for the first time! I’ve tried to make the entrance to the ministry center seem more welcoming. Our signs are cheery and bright. The Facebook and e-mail invitations are always upbeat and assuring. And yet, young adults—by the dozens—seem paralyzed when it comes to opening the door and walking into our place of worship and fellowship. In fact, one woman confessed that she had to walk around the block six times before she could manage enough courage to push through the door!

The first time
Once a ministry colleague told me about an 83-year-old woman in her congregation who was moving from her home of 50 years to a retirement center. This particular center was very exclusive and catered to active and healthy seniors. Lila had met all of the physical and financial requirements to move into the center and she was delighted that her home had sold quickly. Even though the move meant that she would leave her church friends behind, Lila rejoiced over the fact that she was moving only blocks from her children’s homes. On the last Sunday before she moved, her pastor asked her if she was nervous. Lila replied, “The only thing I’m nervous about is walking into the dining room for the first time. I have no idea what I will say to a group of strangers staring at me!”

Pushing forward
It seems that no matter what stage people are in life, the thought of walking through a door, developing new relationships, or engaging in new adventures often comes with healthy doses of anxiety and stress. I can remember a few times in my life when even I, an adventuresome extrovert, felt daunted by the faces and possibilities lurking behind a closed door. And yet, like a frightened 7-year-old, a determined college student, and a seasoned octogenarian, I pushed forward. I remember, though, that I was bold enough to walk ahead only after I gave myself a little pep talk:

If Jesus came to his disciples when they were huddled in fear behind a closed door and cheered them on with words of peace, surely Jesus will be with me—surely I will be at peace as I push this door open!” (John 14:14–24)

If Jesus showed up on the road to Emmaus at a time when his disciples were anxious and sad, then surely Christ will accompany me along my path! (Luke 24:1–53)

It is not easy to meet new friends, to venture to new places, to begin new chapters in our lives. And yet, as daunting as these things may be, we are assured that we are never alone. We have the promise of a Savior who accompanies us along all paths of life and reassures us in the midst of our fears and uncertainties. In faith we call out, and Christ comes to our aid. Our path may be difficult, our hearts may be pounding, our way may be tumultuous, but Christ is with us, calming us and bringing us peace.

The Rev. Diane Dardόn serves as campus pastor at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. In addition to her ministry with young adults, her love for writing, and joys of parenting, Diane and her husband, Estuardo, are building a school in Estuardo’s hometown in Guatemala.

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When you and your friends, classmates, or co-workers meet to discuss this issue of Café, try out the questions for reflection on our study page.