A Word Nerd’s Take on Transformation
SUSAN HAGAN
Before I describe some transformations that have occurred in my life, let’s define some terms that all involve change. These are the words that came to mind for me and what I found out distinguishes them from each other.
Transformations are internal, mindful, and impactful, while reinventions are often associated with external behavior only.
Metamorphosis is a transformation with supernatural or magical implications. It is not a choice.
Evolution is the process of accumulating change. Evolution is much slower than transformation.
Many years ago I decided to run a marathon. At a previous point in my life, namely during junior high, I hated running. I couldn’t run around the track once without getting a pain in my side. In order to transform my body into a body that was capable of surviving 26 miles (5 hours) of running, I chose to follow a training plan. This successful transformation didn’t happen by magic; it was a logical result of the steps I took in the months leading up to the event. However, since it did take months, was this a transformation or more of an evolution?
By contrast, when I became aware that a new friend believed that Jesus literally rose from the dead, I realized that although I had grown up in church, I hadn’t understood the belief in the supernatural. Once I grasped that, my mind was opened and I suddenly was supernaturally transformed into a believer. It felt like something that happened to me and wasn’t something I had to work at. According to the definition of metamorphosis that says it is a transformation with supernatural or magical implications, my experience definitely seems to qualify as a metamorphosis. But more like a tadpole into a frog than a caterpillar into a butterfly, as one of the results was that I stopped putting as much emphasis on my exterior (makeup and jewelry). Another outward evidence of interior change was that I became able to easily pray out loud. I also had the desire to start tithing and serving, reading the Bible, and studying it in groups. My entire personality changed.
When I became a mom, my body transformed again (or maybe evolved again, since it took longer than my marathon training). My mind changed once Abby was born as well. Keeping her safe, healthy, and happy became my top priorities; and since I’m not great at multitasking, I quit my job, further transforming my life.
When Abby became a teenager, she began questioning some of the teachings of our traditional church. Her concerns made sense to me and I transformed from a traditional Christian to an affirming Christian.
Most recently, I was transformed from wife and mother into widow and single parent. Or should I say metamorphosed since it wasn’t a choice?
These are the major transformations I have personally experienced in my life so far. I encourage you to reflect on your own transformations.
Romans 12:2- Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Susan Hagan lives in Morton with her daughter, Abby, who is a commuting Illinois Wesleyan freshman, and her two cats Meap and Meeko. Susan is the Payroll Manager at the Center for Youth and Family Solutions in Peoria. She enjoys watching musical theatre and playing Scrabble.