Excerpt from Luke 21:5-19

"So make up your mind not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict."

Reflection by Felix Carrion

It's so hard to trust that each of us has an original voice, authentic to ourselves. God has placed it there, with its attendant wisdom. The words of this voice flow from this river.

Just last month the authorized ministers of the UCC Northern California, Nevada Conference met in retreat to explore the question of vocation and voice. As the Stillspeaking Coordinator I was invited to offer leadership on this theme. Over the course of twenty-four hours we took up words that became like a mantra for us: "Let Your Life Speak," which is the title of a book by Parker J. Palmer. Its subtitle is "Listening for the Voice of Vocation." True to form, we knew that our lives were speaking as stories of call were shared in that sacred space.

"Ask Me," a poem by William Stafford, guided us along the way:

"I will listen to what you say. You and I can turn and look at the silent river and wait. We know the current is there, hidden; and there are comings and goings from miles away that hold the stillness exactly before us. What the river says, that is what I say."

"Words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict." You need not believe Parker or Stafford, if you choose. But believe the words of Jesus. They are true.

Prayer

O Holy One, I will believe the sacred stream of my life, speaking its truth. This is my authentic self, my original voice, You in me. Amen.

About the Author Felix Carrion is Coordinator of The Stillspeaking Ministry, United Church of Christ.