Faith Stories
The ELCA recognizes that faith isn’t something that is dictated to you from a pulpit or that exists within the pages of an ancient text. It is a very real part of our daily lives. It is a gift of God to each one.
Faith manifests itself differently for everyone. Experience just a few stories of faith. When you’re finished, please, share your story.
Sharon’s Story
Blessed with two mothers
As a daycare provider with Lutheran Social Services of Montana, I have seen several open adoptions and foster parenting. One special little boy who turns 6 on Friday and his 2-year-old sister stand out (both adopted). For his birthday many relatives, friends and even his birth mother will be there to celebrate in this grand occasion. The birth mom, now 21, travels some 12 hours across Montana to be center stage alongside the child's adoptive mom.
This beautiful relationship is so unbelievable and breathtaking. People who give the greatest gifts of life will reap great rewards as a result of this program of Lutheran Social Services.
Robert’s Story
Strength in a time of financial need
I have been out of work for about a year and a half. I previously made a good salary to support my wife and two kids, but the job I have acquired since being unemployed has made it a struggle to pay mortgage and monthly bills.
God has blessed us by carrying us through thus far.
Every time I get discouraged, I keep asking God to give my family stronger faith, strength, courage and patience until God’s will is done. I have always been a strong person who previously did not seek God for guidance and I feel our faith is being tested now. I know by praying that God will eventually answer our prayers because God has blessed us by supplying what we need thus far. I encourage all who have not known to seek God to make their lives truly fulfilled. May God bless and keep all who read this testimony.
Gail’s Story
Finding faith in Chicago’s inner-city projects
My daughter's friend Martin plays basketball on his high school team, holds a part-time weekend job and has hopes for college and beyond. He seems quiet and rather shy until you get to know him and he starts to talk about his faith in the Lord. For all his youth and inexperience, Martin is definitely straight with God. I’m sure that this has not been easy for him, because Martin lives in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green development, where gang violence and drug wars are a way of life. But he has the courage of his convictions and the love of Christ to shelter and protect him.
Martin has changed my life. At first I was apprehensive. I shared many people’s fear that "The Projects" are dangerous places. I knew that there were good and honest folks living there, yet wasn’t sure that I was ready to have my daughter become so personally involved. Today I see God reflected in their faces, and I am sorry that I doubted. I’m proud that my daughter has a strong sense of social justice and fairness. While I know she’s been grounded in that at home and in our congregation, she continues to challenge me. She reminds me that if I keep on “talking the talk,” I’d better “walk the walk” as well, and learn to name and face my own biases whenever they arise.
God bless our youth -- the fine and healthy, those at risk, the ones at a crossroads of faith. If we are to encourage them, we need to be there for them, making a difference in their lives. They just might make a difference in ours.
More Stories of Faith
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