When I was a freshman in college, I belonged to a Christian group that met every Friday night in someone's home in the community. I also attended a small group Bible study. Dave, a member of our group, had a beautiful singing voice and played the guitar as well. He led our singing at our meetings and taught us all the contemporary Christian folk music of the time. Towards the end of the semester, a person from one of the homes where we had met called and asked if our group could send someone to their home and teach a group of young couples to sing the new music. Dave was not available and the person called me as the backup. I knew the songs and could sing and play the guitar but did not feel as qualified as Dave and these were people I really didn't know. Initially I said no and the person expressed their disappointment. Our Bible study had been studying Ephesians, and I learned that our purpose in life was to praise God (Ephesians 1:12). Then our Bible study group looked at Ephesians 4:7-8, Therefore it is said that, "When he ascended on high, he made captivity itself a captive," he gave gifts to his people." The chapter goes on to identify the roles in the church related to these gifts and how the gifts can be used by speaking the truth with love to join the whole body together, building itself in love.
This really spoke to me and I recognized that everything we have is a gift from God and God expects us to use them. I called the person back and said I would come and meet with them and share the music they requested. That Sunday night I met with about twenty people and we praised God as we sang together. I now recognize that this was a turning point in my faith, a recognition of the musical gift God had given me, and my purpose in life was to praise God.
Nancy Hall
This summer, we invited members of our Eastridge community to explore ABCs of Faith: Simple Stories for Complex Times. In this series, we will be exploring stories from the Bible that tell us about God and God’s people. But our faith is also carried through our own stories.
When someone asks, “What’s your story?” they’re asking about the moments that shaped you: the people, experiences, challenges, and turning points that made you who you are. Scripture is full of such stories—and so are we.
Throughout the series, we’ll offer prompts connected to the themes we’re exploring. You’re invited to share a brief reflection on any prompt that resonates with you—especially a moment that changed your mind, your heart, or your life. Selected stories may be shared (with your permission) in our newsletter, devotionals, or even during worship.
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