Even Small Steps

In 2017 a Faculty Commons staff member visiting Florence gave me a copy of A Grander Story. God used the testimonies in that book to remind me that teaching is far more than a job—it is a calling.

When I was in Rome eight years later, I attended the very first Faculty Commons conference for Italian academics. At the time I didn’t know any other Christian academics in Italy—I thought I might be the only one.

I was shocked to meet 10 other professors who shared my faith in Jesus. Here were fellow believers who could encourage and pray for one another. It felt as though God had opened a door that I never knew existed.

Bless the Colleagues

At the conference we each received the newly translated Italian edition of A Grander Story. I took several extra copies of the book back home to Florence. At first I assumed I would just wait until I met other Christian colleagues before giving these away.

But then, and I’m convinced the Lord brought this question to my mind, I thought, “Why wait? Why let the books collect dust in a corner? Why not act naturally and simply bless the colleagues God has already placed in front of me, whether they know Jesus or not?”

Then this year in March  the Lord gave me an opportunity when Aaron Thomas from  the University of Montana came as a guest of Faculty Commons. He taught one week of my multi-week course on how to give presentations in English. On the final day, as we said our goodbyes, I gave each participant a copy of Una Storia Grandiosa gift wrapped with a handwritten note. 

We Have the Privilege

Among other personal encouragements, my note said:

“This book helped me see that teaching is a calling and a part of God’s grander story for my life. Every student is special, and we have the privilege of both loving our subject and loving our students. I am praying this blessing on you as you give your brilliant presentations to your students.”

Their responses deeply encouraged me. One colleague wrote, “Thank you for your precious gift! Your kind inscription made me emotional.” 

Another replied, “I will keep the book on my bedside table and hope to read it in the next few weeks and write you back to let you know my opinions about the book.”

A Simple Step of Faith

Their words of appreciation reminded me that we rarely know what God may do through a simple step of faith. 

I am convinced that few academics would ever throw away a book that was written by other professors and given as a gift by their teacher. It could become an invitation to deeper conversations and open new spiritual possibilities. So, be courageous! Stepping out in faith means walking into His joy.

“Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” – Romans 10:18 (NIV)