Enduring Faith

by Becky Dorrell

I was raised in the Episcopal faith. When I left for college, I knew God would always be there for me, I only had to ask. I did not actively seek him out for the next ten years. But at 28, I was driving my car in Palm Springs, California and was stopped at a traffic light when I looked up at the sky. God came to me at that moment and said, “It’s time for you to come back to church.” It may have been that I had just gone through my first earthquake, and it left me feeling quite unsettled. But my foundation in the Episcopal church from my youth, gave me the knowledge that I needed to reach out to God. I did and he answered. Mother Kate, I believe, used the term, “living in the wilderness” and for those ten years I probably was, to some extent. It was wonderful to come out and back into a safe space. I have attended church faithfully ever since.

In the late fall of 2005, my husband, Jeff, was diagnosed with Stage 4, Colon Cancer. He fought very hard but in September, 2006, Hospice was called in. During this time with Hospice, I would get a few minutes of respite each day and would take our family dog Molly for a walk. When I took this time for myself, I could feel Jesus with me. Again, the strength that this provided to me was immeasurable. Jeffrey went with our Lord on September 22, 2006.

My faith community has been a gift since I was a child in church and during the hard times, I would tell you that God brought me to St. Simons and to Christ Church. I feel God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit often here. The community of Christ Church is very welcoming, there are fantastic growth opportunities and quiet moments to feel, hear and respond to God’s Call. I am blessed that God has sent me to this beautiful Island and wonderful Church.