Reflections at the 1/3 Mark: A Journey with the Nashville Fellows Program
As we approach the one-third mark of the year, I've found myself in a rich season of reflection—a time to meditate on our experiences in the Nashville Fellows Program and how they align with the deeper truths we grapple with in our faith through our classes and the National Fellows Initiative Conference in Washington, DC, earlier in November. My thoughts center around a profound theological understanding: the implications of Jesus' transformative power and His promise to renew rather than just initiate anew.
In a world often characterized by despair and disillusionment, it’s easy to wonder about God's intentions for the earth. Many of us may wrestle with the idea of a fresh start, wishing He would wipe the slate clean and begin again. However, the beautiful truth of the gospel speaks differently. Jesus will not wipe away all of creation, but rather, He will join heaven and earth together, perfecting and renewing what already exists. This concept enriches our perspective on life and gives our days meaning and purpose.
During our time in the Fellows Program, we have been diving deep into the implications of this truth. The act of renewal invites us to participate actively in God’s work rather than passively waiting for a miraculous reset. It challenges us to consider what it means to embody renewal in our daily lives: engaging with our communities, nurturing relationships, and stewarding the world in our careers, no matter the field.
Each Monday, as we gather to share our insights and experiences during classes and Round tables, I have felt a growing sense of responsibility to become an agent of renewal within my sphere of influence. As I consider the medical world as a physician, I cannot help but imagine my role in bringing the kingdom of heaven to those I treat.
This insight has profound implications for how we pursue our work and relationships. The kingdom is not simply a future reality but is also breaking into our present. Every act of kindness, every moment of patience, and every decision to love is a building block in the kingdom’s architecture on Earth. It encourages us to view our work as an outpouring of our faith into the world rather than a mere task to accomplish.
Moreover, this understanding of renewal elevates our struggles and triumphs. It reassures us that our efforts have lasting significance. Our successes are not merely for our glory, nor do our frustrations signal failure; instead, they contribute to a larger narrative of redemption and restoration that God is weaving throughout history.
I have loved exploring this new world of thought with my new friends, brilliant teachers, and the amazing mentors and community members I have had the privilege to meet thus far. And I cannot wait to see what God will make of this year and what efforts from this year will be perfected in glory at the coming of Christ.
Carpenter Mooney, Class 12
Hometown: Tampa, FL
University of Florida Graduate
