Have
you ever heard of the band LFO? It was a nineties rap group. I really
don't remember them, but the reason I bring them up is because I was
listening to a testimony by the only remaining member of the group, Brad
Fischetti.
In
his testimony Fischetti incidentally offers a little history into what
it was like to be in a "boy" band trying to "make it." Today he is a
pro-life, Catholic husband, and father working in Church ministry.
Whenever
he is on stage, though, he gives a tribute to his two best friends and
band mates who died a few years ago. He also gives a testimony about
his belief in God. His journey--like most--swerved a little over the
years, but now he has come full circle.
Listening
to him reminds me of how important it is for each of us to give our
testimony of faith. Before you roll your eyes and dismiss yourself
because that is not something you could ever do, listen to this . . .
Sharing
your own story of faith requires only two things: knowing your story
and a willingness to talk about it in easy conversations.
Knowing your faith story may require a little thought:
How did you come to faith?
Did you ever walk away from it? Why? What brought you back?
Why is your faith important to you today?
How do you practice it?
These are not really difficult questions, but they are worthy of reflecting upon.
Most
of us will not be called to talk about our faith in front of thousands
of people like Fischetti has. For most of us, "giving our testimony" is
nothing more than having the occasional faith-filled conversation with
family, friends, and even strangers.
The answers to these questions reveal who we are.
The
beauty of introducing faith into a conversation is that it might become
a sharing between two people of faith, which can be a wonderful Holy
Spirit moment. Also, it will never open you up to arguing with someone,
because no one can argue with one's personal journey of faith. It is
what it is!
Remember,
we're not talking about trying to persuade or convince someone that
your way is right and that they are lost. We are just making room for
God to be with us, which may require some degree of vulnerability on our
part. Be open to his work.
Often
it just begins with an easy comment. I encourage you to give it a try
because it can open you up to great moments where you have the
opportunity to learn--or express--a lot.
Janet Cassidy
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