My husband James and I met as students at the University of Florida. Four years ago, we were grateful that God led us back as faculty, opening opportunities to engage with current students, and join my home department of Microbiology and Cell Science.
For several years, on each of my birthdays, I seek a word to guide my personal and spiritual growth.
Previous words – jubilant (my 50th), selah, salt, ripples – have inspired my walk to follow Jesus and serve others. This year as I patiently (somewhat) waited on God to reveal the word through reading His Word, praying, and consulting with mentors, a theme emerged: listening. Walking across the sprawling campus, I prayed for the multitude of faces passing by, students I did not know and who may not know Jesus. I felt called to hear their voices.
Called to Hear
During a visit to MIT, I observed a young man sitting on the steps holding a sign: “Free Listening.” He had become a fixture on campus, offering an open invitation for conversation. Also, an impactful assignment for a seminary evangelism class I was taking required us to engage people with profound topics without offering opinions or sharing the gospel unless prompted.
These experiences created a desire to be present (here) and to give attention (hear). I finally had my word(s) for the year: Here to Hear!
My husband crafted a “Here to Hear: Someone to Listen” logo as my birthday gift, and I took it to campus, sitting down at the spot where we had first met.
I nervously propped up my sign next to me, took a deep breath, and prayed silently as I smiled at each person that passed by the busy area. Yet no one stopped. The hours passed and doubt crept in. Had I misheard God?
Called to Persevere
Despite initial discouragement, I returned repeatedly. One evening, after another attempt without anyone stopping, a cashier at a local store recognized me and apologized that he had not had time to stop to talk, but he appreciated that I was there. I thanked God for this affirmation through the student’s words!
A few days later, a student walked past me, then pivoted and mumbled that he normally takes the elevator but was prompted to go down the stairs and felt drawn to talk with me. He confided about his struggles and later expressed interest in exploring Christianity.
Through this, I saw God working- not only in his life but in mine, refining my trust in His words.
Called to Pass It On
Others in Faculty Commons at the University of Florida expressed interest in similar initiatives, expanding opportunities for connecting across campus. While I am not a licensed counselor and must be clear about abiding by the mandated reporting laws, God is equipping me to be a presence to care and listen to students.
As a faculty member, it’s easy to confine my contribution to the wellbeing of the university to my lectures and research. But this year, I am grateful that the Lord is calling me to take a step of faith and has given me the words and the heart to be “here to hear.”
Elizabeth Gadsby
Microbiology and Cell Science
University of Florida