From a Word from Becky, my monthly newsletter to my readers
Dear friends,
Yesterday’s Gospel holds one of Jesus’ “I am” statements and a guiding line of scripture for me the last three years, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6).
It was a comfort to hear and read these words as Jesus offered them to me on a long walk around my neighborhood in May 2020 at a time when I was feeling lost, confused, and seeking direction in discernment. I walked and talked aloud to Jesus, sharing with him all of the pieces I saw and felt. I named the desires of my heart. I shared where my heart was breaking seeing other’s suffering. I brought him the pieces that felt clear and the pieces that didn’t yet make sense. I walked. I talked. I prayed. I begged.
I cannot imagine what my neighbor’s thought if they saw me walking and talking. In the middle of that walk as I begged for clarity and help finding my way forward, Jesus reminded me, “I am the way!” While I did not get the full path ahead of me lit up in neon lights, Jesus gave me the pathway forward in hope. With him. He is, was and always will be the way!
Today, there is exciting news to share! A fruit of that long walk around my neighborhood three years ago is coming to life. We are submitting our 1023 form today to the IRS to apply for non-profit status for Ignatian Ministries. Another milestone to mark on Ignatian Ministries’ way to come to life: May 8, 2023.
May 8th is a special day because it is my grandparents’ wedding anniversary. My Boppy and B, which I affectionately called them, were such an instrumental part in discovering and being able to live my greater yes and call. In the last part of Boppy’s life, he had me promise that I would share the Good News with others. B, too, encouraged me to continue on this path and keep sharing what I received with others. Ignatian Ministries is a tangible and HUGE step in living that promise to both of them and calling people deeper in their walk with Christ.
I could not have told you back on that walk three years ago that what Jesus was stirring in me was to birth Ignatian Ministries. I had no idea the people God would bring along to help make this happen. I would have never dreamed that the call to tend to the sorrow and longings I heard would lead to creating a non-profit. Jesus’ dreams were bigger than mine.
Incorporating as a non-profit will enable us to expand and invite more people to hold the mission with my team and me. We cannot hold this big dream Jesus has for renewing the hearts of people through the gifts of Ignatian spirituality without you. Our joy is your joy! We cannot wait to share the fullness of Ignatian Ministries with you!
Please join us in praying for this next piece of the journey. In a special way, please join me in thanking the people who helped us get to this milestone: Kathy Powell, Deena Pavinato, Jenéne Francis, Chris Eldredge, and Ethan Bush.
Know of my prayers for all of you as you pray with us!
Peace,
Becky
Photo by Blaire Harmon on Unsplash
Becky Eldredge
May 8, 2023