by Angela T. !Khabeb
At some point in our lives, we encounter a hobby, an interest, a cause that intrigues, inspires, or provokes us. Some passions are sparked from within, while others swirl around us, inviting and enticing us to come closer and closer until we are riveted.
Passions are not one size fits all
They come in all shapes and sizes and one person’s passion might be another person’s bane. I have a dear friend who loves to cook. She can spend hours in the kitchen creating edible works of art — while I’m annoyed by the very thought of making dinner tonight.
Sometimes passions simply smolder unnoticed until we recognize them. Other times we stumble upon a passion – a new idea, activity, or career that we didn’t know we would love.
They call us by name and blaze brightly, lighting a clear(ish) path for us to follow. Without explanation, we simply know, “I have to do this!”
That happened to me in my twenties. One day during my morning devotions, I felt the undeniable stirring of the Holy Spirit. My heart was turned toward Mama Africa. I just had to get there! I confidently pursued that passion and before I knew it, I was an ELCA missionary in Namibia! I lived and worked in Africa for over two years.
Looking back, it seems that, to some degree, some passions are time-sensitive. When Mama Africa called my name, I was twenty-something, single, with no kids. Certainly, we can serve God at any age, but global ministry is easier when you have fewer responsibilities. Now that I am married with children, a mortgage, and a mountain of student loans, it might be harder for me to heed the call to serve overseas. However, I trust the invitation to international ministry will reemerge once the kids are grown and I’m retired and ready for a global adventure.
The disciples were well acquainted with captivating passions. Mark’s Gospel teaches us that when Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James, and John, they immediately left their fishing nets and followed him (1:17-20).
Passions that just show up
Then there are some passions that simply barge into our lives violently. They show up uninvited and demand our immediate attention. You discover a lump in your breast and it’s malignant. The obstetrician tells you there is no heartbeat. Your best friend dies by suicide. Then, suddenly, we find ourselves immersed in breast cancer awareness, pregnancy loss support groups, and mental health resources.
I remember when my doctor told me at a routine prenatal visit that our baby had died in utero. Stillbirth was inescapable. After laboring all night to bring forth a baby I knew was already dead, a passion for grief ministry was born in me. Now, many years later, it is my honor to walk with people who are struggling through stifling grief.
It is my experience that when passions are thrust upon us, we are reminded that we are part of something far greater than ourselves.
Years later, when our son Konami was three years old, I remember sitting in front of a team of experts and hearing the words, “Your son is developmentally delayed in every area. We commonly refer to this as global delay.” My husband and I sat there in a silent daze while the experts continued talking for at least twenty more minutes. Our brains simply could not process anything beyond the initial statement. Without invitation, autism was added to our family lexicon.
It is my experience that when passions are thrust upon us, we are reminded that we are part of something much larger than ourselves. In retrospect, I’ve learned some passions are rather expensive. I’d rather be a mom who’s blissfully ignorant about Autism Spectrum Disorder instead of dreading each public outing, worried about the next meltdown and ensuing spectator judgment. And please believe me, I’d rather have a twenty-year-old daughter than a burning passion for grief ministry. But ultimately, we do not choose our passions. By definition, they often choose us.
Perhaps your passion plate is full because you have chosen to fully embrace life. Or maybe you’re still discovering your truth. But like most things in life, our passions have cycles. A passion may dim for a season, but they never die. And so–let us remain open to the breath of new life. The Spirit blows where she chooses and she may have plans to blow a small spark in our souls into a bright and consuming passion.
Discussion Questions
1. How does your baptism shape or inform your passion(s)?
2. How have your passions changed over the years?
3. Do you have passions that have, for whatever reason, ‘cooled’? What would it mean to you if God breathed new life into dormant dreams? After all, we are resurrection people.
The Rev. Angela T. !Khabeb is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Pastor Angela completed her undergrad at Carthage College in Kenosha and graduated from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Angela and her husband, Benhi, have been married for over 25 years and have three wonderful children Konami, Khenna, and Khonni. In their spare time, this vibrant family enjoys world music, creative writing, bike riding, unicorns, mermaids, and glitter.
A version of this article first appeared in the January 2018 issue of Cafe (boldcafe.org).
Some of my passions has saved me many times! As a young Mom I always had something to keep me busy. As a retired Mom the same thing is true. Thank you God for creating in me a passion to learn how to make things, how to want to read and learn more and to relax with them all.
Diane,
Thank you so much for your feedback. Please forgive my late response. But I believe that a sincere thank you is always in good time.
Thank you again!
P.S. I had no idea there were comments-lol
It is true that our passions grow from experience. God prepared me to work with LGBTQ families by giving me two amazing queer children. We are blessed to follow where we are lead.
Thank you Mary Ann,
Please forgive my late response. But I believe that a sincere thank you is always in good time. Your children are so fortunate to have a you!
Thank you again!
P.S. I had no idea there were comments-lol
Thank you for sharing your life with us. Your writing, here and in Gather magazine, inspire me!
Lea,
Thank you so much for your kind words. Please forgive my late response. (But I believe that a sincere thank you is always in good time.)
It’s nice to know that someone besides my Mom enjoys my work!
Thank you again!
P.S. I had no idea there were comments-lol
I’ll be sure to read anything I see written by Pr. Angela Khabeb–I heard her, and saw her enthusiastic witness, at Triennial in Mpls. Now I also know of her grief and loss, her student debts, situations that could have dampened her spirit. Of course they did, but how beautifully she shares love and forgiveness; how we laughed with her during that morning worship service. Thank God for her spunky spirit and dynamic faith!
Dear Carolyn,
Thank you so much for your positive energy! BTW- Please forgive my late response. But I believe that a sincere thank you is always in good time.
Reading your comment was just the motivation that I needed today!
Thank you again!
P.S. I had no idea there were comments-lol
A little over two years ago, here in Japan, my husband, Lutheran pastor and theologian, died. He was still working on another book, that he said was his theological autobiography. Various parts were on his computer. My passion became to see that his book was published. It took some trials but with the help of a friend and colleague of his, it happened, including some memories from others who knew him in various capacities. Thank you for your story.
Dear Gloria,
Thank you so much for sharing a piece of your heart with me. I look forward to reading your beloved’s book!
Please pardon my late response. I have to get used to the idea that people might leave a comment.
Blessings to you on your journey. You are a light!
Sometimes things just pop up in my path that make me reflect and/or maybe hit me over the head and this blog did that for me. I am a mom of 3. I am a mom of 2 adult children my 3rd child died of cancer 2 1/2 years ago. He had Down Syndome and died at the age of 21. My passion for 21 years is lost and I have these 2 adult children that don’t need me as they once did. I was an advocate for a child with Down Syndrome and others who had disabilities. Having children to raise and a son with a disability my passion chose me. So, this article is timely. New year, new time either to seek or be present for what my new passion will be. Thank you for your story, very timely in my present moment.
Thank you, Janet, for sharing! Please forgive my UNtimely gratitude. But rest assured it is sincere. I’m glad to catch a glimpse of your story. It is my honor to know that in a small way our stories are connected.
Many blessings to you!
Angela Khabeb for president!
Oh Teri!
You are a trip! Too funny!
You made my day.
Many blessings to you.
Your article touched my heart and encouraged me this year, 2022. Your article reminded me that we have seasons and sometimes, daily living requires full attention. Passions only rest for a season. I’m a 71 year old Nana with two new grandchildren, who fill my time now. But I know that in God’s time, opportunities to love on others, will happen. Blessings on you and your family!
Thank you for your heartfelt article! It touched my heart as well! Good friends of mine have had similar experiences to yours. One friend had a daughter with cerebral palsy. She was an advocate for her all of her life! Another friend has a little girl, now age 6 who has autism. She is such a wonderful mom and constantly searches for ways to make her daughter’s life easier and more inclusive. Her daughter is a twin. Her brother does not have autism. They also have an older brother, age 8 who does not have autism. I also have a niece who has had 3 miscarriages. They have a daughter who is 11 now and just had another healthy baby girl last April! What a blessing! Although I haven’t personally gone through these experiences, I have supported my friends and family members with love and prayers! Thank you again! I always enjoy your writings!
Angela, God bless you for sharing your experiences and passions with us. You have a gift for writing and preaching! Thanks for the inspiration. I pray that your life might be less challenging as time moves on and that God keeps giving you the passion to share your story with us your Sisters in Christ.