Stern Faces
I remember seeing black and white pictures of our Adventist pioneers as a little girl. Then as a Pathfinder learning their names, and details about why they were listed in the “Adventist Hall of Fame”, so to speak. I can’t say I retained too much other than an impression that, to be honest, lingers to this day—our pioneers had stern faces and unwelcoming features. (As a child I did not understand the process of photography of the day—the time required to sit completely still for the exposure to capture an image).
I now have cause to rethink my impression. Were our pioneers stern, unwelcoming or unemotional—like their faces hinted? As my mind skirts around my flickering thoughts, I land on a curiosity to understand the meaning of the word pioneer. Perhaps that will hold a clue.
The Cambridge dictionary explains it simply “to be among the first to study or develop something”. I think of early settlers, and expand the definition further—to trailblaze, try something new, step out into the unknown. Really, would people characterized by these definitions be stern or unemotional? Would a seemingly detached demeanour motivate someone to risk their reputation, livelihood, family or even life, to move against the pull of the crowd? On the contrary, I think they were most likely filled with passion, courage, inspiration, infectious charisma, and extreme dedication to “boldly go where no one had gone before”.
This redefinition reframes my thinking, and I grow in admiration for the men and women, who, in spite of a fear of the unknown, ventured anyway—I expect at times even with a smile!
God says through the Prophet Isaiah: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it. I am making a way. . .” (43:19a).
God is the ultimate Pioneer, and invites us to trailblaze with Him, deeper into His way. It will take us out of our comfort zone, it will require risk and a lot of rethinking, but ultimately promises to bring greater love, hope and freedom into our lives, and to those around us.
I choose to step out into the known unknown!
Verse of the day:
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” Isaiah 43:19 (NIV).
Keryn McCutcheon is the ADRA NZ Country Director. She is enthusiastic about doing life deeply with God and others, and creating environments where people learn and experience a flourishing life, as Christ’s disciples.
