By: Kristen Barnes-Holiday
Recently, I engaged in a deep dialogue with one of my students regarding her calling—the God-given path that she undoubtedly knows that God pre-ordained for her. As we explored her calling, spirituality and her multifaceted journey, she inquired about my calling—to which I responded that I am dually called as a professor and to the ministry.
While I always refrain from discussing my spirituality in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious environment, through her engagement, dialogue and questions, I felt compelled to share—and as she prompted—explore.
While it took me decades to pursue ministry, I knew my calling at just 10 years old, but I did not find peace with my calling until I was well into my third decade of life.
Are you working within your calling or have you even considered your calling lately?
According to a 2024 article written in The Conversation, 1 in 5 Americans attested to their work being synonymous with their spiritual calling. But let’s face it, there are many Americans, practicing spirituality in some capacity, and they are operating in a space of employment that is not in alignment with their calling. And while this is not the wrong approach or maybe even the most ideal approach, fulfillment oftentimes lies in doing work that brings us joy, peace and closer to Jesus Christ or the Superior Being that you proclaim to worship.
But as a practicing Christian, who has remained committed to living within my calling and executing my gifts, I am reminded of how the Son of Man walked unapologetically in His calling. Jesus was sure, and prophetic as he walked in His truth. Not prophetic in the sense that He knew what might happen next or to an individual as He approached them in the streets—which He knew these things as well—but prophetic in the sense that He disrupted the status quo, called out institutions of power and even came to earth to bring division instead of peace, as highlighted in Luke 12:51.
Jesus was a radical in thoughts and actions.
Although Jesus’ ministry did not officially begin until He was 30 years of age, He appeared to have begun ministering as early as in utero, as the appointed mother of Jesus, Mary, was blessed to carry Gods promise; she was Holy Spirit filled having the ability to have firsthand knowledge of God’s promises (Luke 1:39-45).
Jesus was called to the earth at such a time to ultimately gift His people salvation.
Sure, none of us are Jesus Christ and not all of us are called to minister, at least within the church BUT we all are called to ministry.
Ministry can happen within the classroom, within the corporate setting, within the park, unexpectedly. Never forget that you are called to something, and perhaps only you and your Higher Being are privy.
Until next time…
Love and Blessings
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