No Need to Fear the Faltering

Final exams are just around the corner, and close on their heels? Graduation! The author of our third entry on chapters 18 and 19, Autumn, is graduating, and you might have guessed from her picture, that she is just the tiniest bit happy about it. She's clearly had the support of her husband, and I think you'll appreciate information in her entry below that explains just how thankful she is for that. Happy reading!

Priscilla, Suzanne, and Ranya are three women who inspired me to try something new through their stories and courage. Each woman made great points in chapter 18 and 19 that helped me reflect on my own faith. Chapter 18 was called Faltering Faith, and Priscilla expressed to readers that her faith faltered when her sick mother came to visit her family. Priscilla’s body became weak from stress, and her faith was tested. I enjoyed reading Ranya's response to Priscilla's story about taking care of her mother. Ranya shared that "Ultimately it's a choice we make as individuals-to have faith" (Ranya, 2006). Just like Priscilla's story, there have been many instances over this last year where I have found myself faltering in my faith. It is harder for us to remain faithful and believe that God has a purpose for the painful situations of life. Just this last November, I felt as though the world was coming to an end when my husband lost his job, forcing him to find a new job in San Jose. Stress attacked my body and my own faith in God was hanging on by a string. I have been able to make it through this difficult semester without my husband constantly by my side because of my dear friends, just like Priscilla was able to fight through her difficult and stressful moments with Ranya and Suzanne by her side. I feel that friends are a big help when it comes to faith. They are the people that can keep us remain accountable and offer encouragement when our own faith falters.

Chapter 19 is called From Here to Eternity. Suzanne's discussion about where she stands with her faith reminded me of what I learned in CFS 134 this semester. She expressed that no one should judge another person's faith. Accepting others and not looking down upon them is something that Suzanne learned from her faith club friends. After listening to all of the guest speakers this semester, I have become more culturally competent and more accepting of other faiths. I had always thought that my faith should be experienced by everybody, but many individuals are happy with their own faith and now I fully accept that.

During the reading I found myself being drawn to Ranya's stories. I think it may be because of the common Muslim stereotype that has consumed our country since 9/11. I wanted to know more of what a Muslim’s life is like, including their faith. She surprised me by being a very strong woman who supported her faith with her whole heart. When beginning the reading, I thought Ranya would have been the woman in the faith club that had the most trouble with faltering in her faith, but I was wrong. In my opinion, Ranya showed the most love for her faith by defending it and positively representing it. I hope one day I can be as confident with defending my faith as she was.

This reading made me think of children who I may come into contact with during my future career, and being considerate of the different religions. Understanding different religions and cultures is important, and respecting others’ faith is crucial for building a relationship with students and their parents. After Professor Reid shared the letter that Adam, one of the speakers from our gay parent panel, sent to her about little T.J.'s school, it really opened my eyes to see how significant it is to be respectful of others just like the three women in the book did with each other.

I am glad I had the opportunity to read a book like this. It made me happy to see Ranya’s, Suzanne’s, and Priscilla’s faith and friendship grow in different ways. They inspired me to reexamine my own faith, and my opinion on others with different beliefs. They also reassured me that I am not the only person that struggles with a faltering faith. It is very touching that a group of women from such divergent backgrounds can have a mutual respect for each other, and furthermore a tight bond of friendship.