Funny how a title or ‘position’ can play to one’s sense of identity. We may even wear an educational or vocational label as a badge to validate our existence – “I am credentialed; I qualify as part of the human race”.
Our approval to launch a new campus organization, International Student Ministries, was granted in short order. Taking in the crisp photo image on my freshly awarded Tulsa University I.D. card, I drifted into momentary head-talk. So, who am I now? One day a retired missionary misfit – next day. . .
Fingering the blue and gold (school colors) ID, I couldn’t help muse over it with an element of pride. And relief. Still, divorcing the plastic card bearing my mug shot from my actual sense of personal worth would require time. Gaining a new lease on life vocationally gave rise to a fresh spring in my step.
The work of university chaplain in our day often calls for stewarding a rich spiritual legacy while navigating waters of an increasingly secularized institution. Not a task for the faint of heart. Newly installed Rev. Jeff Francis reflected qualities that most attentive hiring body might petition God for during evening prayers. The just-right fit. It was through Jeff I met and later forged a camaraderie with other ministry heads.
One such person occupied a patch of physical space in the heart of the campus on Fifth Street.
While things like title and position often do hijack and dilute many a leader’s identity, such a threat wouldn’t stand a chance with the large-as-life pony-tailed guy daily stewarding souls at the Wesley Foundation.
©2023 Jerry Lout
Not sure I would ever call you a ‘misfit,’ but this is another great piece of your journey. Thanks for posting.
Thanks, Rebecca