The Christian Journey

The idea of the Christian life as a journey has often helped me grapple with what it means to follow Jesus in a world that seems contrary to Him and His ways. There was a time in my past that I describe as a “desert” season because it left me lost, dry, and tired. Disillusionment, resignation, and hopelessness marked that path. Over time, I developed passions and concerns that were out of place in the faith communities I had been a part of; these ideas led to a parting of ways. I found I was walking a new road alone. There were a few sustaining oases, the occasional marker to guide me. One provision kept me from giving up the journey altogether: companions.

After some time, I discovered other people who cared about war, thoughtfulness, justice, and creation. Together, we wrestled with the interplay between holiness and mercy in light of the heavy burdens of orientation and addiction. We ate and played together, talked until the wee hours, challenged each other, argued, realized we agreed, and started up again in the morning. I listened to educated men and women talk about philosophy, feminism, and politics from a “Christian World View.” I hadn’t known there was space for such issues in a Christian world.

My eyes had been fixed on the ground before my feet for a long time. It wasn’t until I heard others’ conversations that I looked up and discovered people walking the path alongside me. I allowed the conversations to penetrate the thoughts in my mind; eventually, I added my voice to theirs. They made space for me in the family. They taught me to see, feel, and hear the truth that Christ is with me, never leaving me alone in their eyes, arms, and voices.

My partners on this journey have had many faces - Mormon missionaries, Catholic monks, and leaders who began their journeys during the Jesus movement of the 60's and 70's. They've been my closest friends and roommates. Some I've admired for their work and been fortunate enough to interact with - are Peter Rollins, Shane Claiborne, Madison Green, and the Psalters, to name a few. They've been people I've never met but have impacted me incredibly. And some have parted ways from me, but I hope their journeys have continued toward love and justice.

I have come to value my travel companions dearly; they keep me honest, safe, and able to walk when the road is hard. I count you all at Imago among my most treasured partners along this journey, and I hope to be part of your formation as much as you are mine.