The following article is a part of the “Letters to…” series written by the 2023-2024 SOLA Writing Cohort, composed of college students and recent grads receiving mentorship to grow in their ability to express their faith through writing. The cohort members were given various prompts with the challenge to write an open letter to a specific recipient but one that would encourage and challenge a broader Christian audience. The prompt of this article is “Writing a Letter to Someone That Has Personally Affected My Walk With God.”
Dear Jackie,
Oftentimes, I thank God for delivering me such an amazing girlfriend.
Despite your impressive achievements of graduating from MIT, exploring all 50 states, and even gracing the Jeopardy stage with your passion for trivia, your humility shines through. You are slow to discuss these worldly accomplishments in conversations, recognizing that true significance lies in holiness rather than earthly tact (1 Corinthians 1:18-31).
I am also amazed by your faithfulness: You consistently immerse yourself in God’s Word during lunchtime and sacrifice precious sleep to set up the church’s audiovisual system early on Sunday mornings.
Through your example, you’ve not only demonstrated humility and dedication but have also significantly influenced my own faith. You’ve challenged me to be more content but not comfortable.
An Attitude of Contentment
I remember when you turned down a dream job offer in Japan because the location didn’t provide a good opportunity to find churches. Your sorrow of a dream deferred was real, yet your heart has never entertained “what ifs” or “if only I…” Little did we know staying in Pittsburgh would lead to our relationship.
You chose to be with me, a guy physically struggling after his brain tumor operation. You continued doing the painstaking work of cooking, cleaning, and spending long hours with me as my caregiver. You found contentment in serving and loving me.
During my recovery, I’ve complained daily about how my body’s fatigue restricts me. Now, I’ve been learning to model your perspective, considering God’s view in my current situation. Every time I begin to covet the productivity of others, I strive to remember your example.
Because of you, I’m reminded that despite my wrestling with dissatisfaction, this “light momentary affliction” is preparing me for “an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Challenging My Comfort
I always thought I was a “good” Christian before dating you. However, your life-speaking rebukes have brought my pride to the ground.
Before I dated you, I often argued with my parents. I felt extreme levels of shame for not pleasing my parents, but I never saw my need for change because I thought it was natural to feel like this. However, I remember how you approached me with the direct words, “I think there’s a problem.”
Your confrontation helped me to realize that my shame is indicative of my deep struggle with idolatry.
I argued with them because my desires wage war (James 4:1-3). My desires to be right in every argument, to have perfect peace in the family, and to have independence from them have overtaken my desire to honor God. You also let me know that while my shame is real, I must measure myself against God’s Word, not my parents’ standards.
While I’ve tried to pity myself as comfort, you have gracefully sat next to me in silence, never saying, “It’s okay,” to justify my feelings of entitlement. My fight with sin is painful, yet you’ve encouraged me to persevere through this good fight. This may be a life-long battle, but I’m grateful to you for not letting me be too comfortable with my faith.
Moving forward, will I struggle to be content, “rejoicing in all circumstances”? Probably. Will I feel “comfortable” in my faith and forget my need for a Savior? You know I will. However, I am grateful that God has placed you into my life to model His life-changing Word, and I’m excited for us to continue sharpening each other toward a life of Christ-likeness.
While the world may say, albeit slightly cheesy, “I am a better man because of you,” I can say, “I’m a more godly man because of you.”
Thanks, and happy two-year anniversary,
Love, Matt