I became a follower of Jesus in 2020 at the age of 40, seven years into my faculty career. The COVID-19 pandemic was my blessing in disguise.
As the rest of the world went into lockdown, my family sought fellowship in a new way—by attending church for the first time. Thankfully, I found true and everlasting fellowship in Jesus.
After accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior, my inward transformation was profound and steady as I grew my prayer life, joined Bible studies, and was adopted into a new family of brothers and sisters in Christ!
My New Identity
However, outwardly…I looked the same. I went to work each day, wore the same clothes, taught the same classes, and researched the same topics. I wanted my colleagues and students to know about my new identity, but I wasn’t sure how to tell them.
First, I focused on “living out” my faith at work. My research lab flourished as I learned to lead and work by Jesus’s example- with love, truth, and a focus on bringing Him glory in all I do. I prayed fervently, “Lord, let someone notice that I (and my lab group) are different and ask me why, so that I may share Your good news.” But weeks turned into months and the colleagues who did take note commented that I must have “good luck,” and moved on.
Speaking Up – Uncharacteristically
My next step in faith was to speak up. Social-political issues were increasingly being pushed into faculty discussions and my colleagues sought to codify their ideology into our governing policies. Through the discernment of the Holy Spirit, I recognized the danger in this. I (uncharacteristically) spoke up boldly against the proposed ideas which contradicted the moral teachings of Jesus. God honored this act of obedience, and the new policies were never adopted. While this event exposed my difference from the group, it still didn’t reveal the reason behind it.
One Sunday my pastor’s message hit home: it’s not enough to “live out” my faith, I must take the critical next step of telling people why I’m different.
Afraid of Being Pigeon-holed
It sounds silly, but I became emotionally embattled over whether to start wearing a cross necklace to work. This symbol would effectively tell people “Whose” I really am, but in a world obsessed with labels and identity, I was afraid of being pigeonholed by people with a false understanding of Christianity.
Ultimately, I did start wearing a cross necklace to work. I also started accumulating small items (pictures, nicknacks) in my office that point to Jesus.
I’ve become more comfortable introducing myself in class as a believer, and I’m learning to speak more naturally about God, blessings, and gratefulness in everyday conversation.
Being Sought Out
My increasing willingness to identify with Christ has opened many new doors. Several Christian students have thanked me for unashamedly mentioning my faith in the classroom and have shared their testimonies with me. Ironically (without knowing my story), one student shared that he used to always wear a cross necklace, but he took it off when he left home for college. He said that my example encouraged him to start wearing it again. Non-believing students have also sought me out for spiritual conversations, and I’ve shared the gospel with a few.
Today, not everyone at the university knows about my new identity as a child of God, but I am prepared to both show and tell them about it when the opportunity arises.
