Confessions of a Reluctant Firefly

Dear reader,

Today, I found myself pondering the nature of faith and testimony. It all started when I stumbled upon two Bible verses that really struck a chord with me:

"For you will be His messenger, telling everyone about what you have seen and heard." - Acts 22:15

"Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent His Son to be the Savior of the world." - 1 John 4:14

These words got me thinking about my own faith journey and the responsibility that comes with it. I had this vivid image come to mind: a dark, vast forest, and me standing there with a brightly burning torch. It was like that torch represented everything I've experienced in my relationship with God - all the moments of clarity, the times I felt His presence, the ways He's changed me.

But then I realized, it's not enough to just stand there holding my torch. What good is light if it doesn't spread? I started imagining what would happen if I used my flame to light other torches in that forest. The darkness would retreat even further, and suddenly, paths that were hidden before would become visible to everyone.

It made me think about the early Christians, especially someone like Paul. His testimony wasn't based on hearsay or abstract theology. He spoke about what he saw on that road to Damascus, what he heard when God spoke to him. It was real, raw, and powerful because it was his story.

I've been guilty sometimes of keeping my faith journey to myself. Maybe out of fear of judgment, or thinking my experiences aren't "spectacular" enough. But today, I'm challenging myself to be braver. My encounters with God - finding peace, experiencing forgiveness, witnessing small miracles in my life - these are all flames that could light someone else's torch.

It's a bit daunting, but also exciting to think that by sharing my story, I'm part of this unbroken chain that stretches back to Jesus himself. My little light, joining with others, pushing back darkness and doubt.

So, here's my commitment, dear journal: I'm going to look for opportunities to share my faith journey more openly. Not to preach or convert, but simply to offer my flame to others who might be searching in the dark. Who knows? Maybe my small light will help ignite a blaze that continues long after I'm gone.

Time to be a torchbearer.

Until next time

Chaplain Mark