What happens when Southwest alumni take what they learned here out into the world? The Southwest Five is our new alumni spotlight, offering a glimpse into the lives, ministries, and perspectives of Southwest graduates. Each month, we’ll catch up with an alum to hear what they’re carrying with them, where their vocation has taken them, and what is inspiring—or challenging—them today.
Kicking off the series is the Rev. Minerva Skeith ’19. We’re delighted to hear from Minerva about her time at Southwest, her life and ministry since graduation, and the questions, ideas, and sources of hope that are capturing her attention these days.
1. When you think back on your time at Southwest, what is one moment, person, or place that comes immediately to mind, and why has it stayed with you?
There are many people who impacted me during my time at SSW. One person in particular stands out because of their willingness to be vulnerable in a way I had not experienced before. They suffered from chronic depression. I would have never known if they had not been willing to share their experience with their classmates.
One morning as we were gathering before one of our classes, we were all checking in with each other asking how we were doing. They, without any shame or trepidation, shared that they were concerned because they were going to the doctor later that day to get their medication for depression adjusted.
At that moment, they taught me how to talk about mental illness in away that I couldn’t before. Because of them, I have been able to have conversations with the parishioners with mental illness or whose loved ones are dealing with mental illness without feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed for them.
2. What did Southwest teach you that you did not fully understand until you were out in the world doing the work?
The concept of being present is something that I learned in my head, but did not fully understand nor had experienced its power. As a pastor, there are many struggles and sufferings that people share with me. I have come to better understand and feel the power of holding someone’s hand because there is nothing else that can be done. I am not able to organize to address the issue, I am not able to write a check from the discretionary fund, I am not able to offer a remedy, I do not even have any words. Yet, my being there, with them, is transformative for both of us.
3. Where has your vocation taken you since graduation, and what is energizing or challenging you most in your life and ministry right now?
I currently serve as the rector of St. John’s in Austin. It is a blessing to be part of this faith community that tries to live out its mission. As part of Central Texas Interfaith the congregation works to impact the lives of people in our neighborhood and the city. Last year the city bought land from St. John’s and committed to build a neighborhood park. St. John’s had learned about the need for more greenspace from its neighbors during conversations with the neighborhood association and neighborhood walks. This effort has brought energy to both our congregation and our neighborhood.
Unfortunately, St. John’s is being challenged by the current increased deportation efforts. The Texas State Troopers are closely working with ICE agents to arrest and deport as many people as possible. A state of fear is very present in our community. St. John’s is located in the middle of several well known areas that are frequently getting staked out for immigration raids. This fear is keeping people isolated from one another and away from the communities they were a part of.
4. How are you different because of your time at Southwest? Was there a particular experience that changed the way you understand yourself, your faith, or your calling?
SSW introduced me to group spiritual direction guided by Jason Minnix. It was a new experience for me and I was not sure what to expect. I am so grateful for this introduction because it opened for me a new way for me to reflect on what I was experiencing. It was not about fixing or finding solutions, but about looking for God in the midst of life.
Thanks to SSW, I continue to meet with Jason every other month. This opportunity allows me to reflect on how God is working in my life and the life of the people I care about.
5. What is capturing your attention these days, whether a question you are wrestling with, something you are reading or listening to, or a source of hope you keep returning to?
The current political, economic, and social struggles facing our community can at times feel overwhelming. I am grateful for serving in a community of faith that continues to encourage me and remind me of all the blessings in my life and the life of our community. Their deep faith in Jesus deepens my own faith. They remind me that our God has always walked alongside us and has always heard our cry. God not only hears our cry but responds to us.
Stories of people’s trust in God, reinforce my strong belief that God will always make things right. All the pain and suffering will be transformed into joy. “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be our shepherd; ‘he will lead us to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from our eyes.’” Revelation 7:17.