” Cuando alguien encuentra su camino, no puede tener miedo. Tiene que tener el coraje suficiente para dar pasos errados. Las decepciones, las derrotas, el desánimo, son herramientas que Dios utiliza para mostrar el camino”–Paulo Coelho, Brida.
I’ve always loved Paulo Coehlo. For some reason every time I’ve read one of his novels I’ve left feeling pensive and spiritually satisfied. It so happens that before I began my journey this summer with Seminary I read one of his books called Brida. The story follows the journey of a young woman named Brida who’s in the pursuit of knowledge. Her interest lies in learning about magic and how to help others. What unfolds is a series of meeting wise individuals who help cultivate her faith and discover her inner strength. She begins her adventure with meeting her mentor who helps her overcome her fears and anxieties; furthermore, he teaches her about seeing the goodness in the world and in humanity. She later encounters a wise woman who teaches her how to “dance to the music of the world” and discover the power of prayer.
This touching and moving novel allowed me to reflect on my beginning path at the seminary. I remember the excitement and anxiety of starting a new job, living in a new city, and meeting new people. In addition, I also reflected how my path was a parallel process for students beginning their journey at the seminary. Throughout the past few months I have been here, I’ve heard several individuals say, “I took a leap of faith” or “this is something I’ve always wanted to do.” This new beginning can be scary, uncertain, and exciting. You were called to be here.
Like Brida, we all came to the seminary seeking something beyond ourselves. For some, initially, it was simply because there was a need for knowledge, or to learn how to help others. At the end of the day when we truly allow ourselves to be authentic and vulnerable with others, we learn that this path we are taking is beyond knowledge, and more about shedding ourselves; shedding the idea of just being here to help others and more about being, less of knowing about others and more about knowing ourselves, and even less about waiting for things to happen and more about doing…and further, learning how to accept the mystery of your own adventure and that every decision we are making is an act of faith.
So I leave you with these questions:
1. In what area in your life do you feel you need to grow?
2. What continues to be an act of faith for you?
“[Brida] había comprendido que la mayor grandeza que un ser humano puede experimentar es la aceptacíon del misterio. “–Paulo Coelho, Brida
Dr. Stephanie Ramirez is Assistant Professor of Counselor Education. Her research interests include counseling outside of U.S. borders, social justice and multicultural awareness and diversity. She has counseled clients in a variety of settings including providing counseling and advocacy services for undocumented women experiencing domestic violence, worked with senior adults and caregivers, and has recently worked with at-risk youth.
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