Semper fidelis has been the motto of the United States Marine Corps since 1883. It is a Latin phrase that means “always faithful.” The phrase has been on my heart a lot lately because of two journeys–one that is my sister’s and brother-in-law’s and one that is mine.
My sister married a Marine three years ago, and he is currently serving our nation on his second tour of duty, this time in Afghanistan. Since the day he joined up, semper fidelis has been a part of our family and a way of life for my sister and her husband (or as my sister says, more accurately, semper “gumby”–always flexible!) The phrase, however, has become a more personal motto for me as I begin a new journey. I am going to seminary.
Whenever I tell someone I am going to seminary, I am almost certain to get two questions: (1) why are you going to seminary? and (2) what are you going to do after seminary? Until lately, I have found both of those questions difficult to answer. One answer, however, is becoming clearer and clearer.
I am using the term “journey” to describe the next three years that I will spend at seminary. And, well, I guess you could say I am in the “packing and preparing” stage of that journey. I expect there will be many stages to come and many lessons to learn. But, in the “packing and preparing” stage I have learned one very important lesson–the God we serve is always faithful to those who will follow the call that has been placed before them. There have been many questions and roadblocks in this stage of the journey. Where will I live? Will I find a roommate? Where will I work? How will I afford rent, tuition, and books? But no matter what seemingly dead end I run into, God has always provided a way.
So, while I still can’t tell you what I will be doing after seminary. I can tell you why I am going. I considered going to seminary because I felt a call on my life. I am going to seminary because God has provided a way. And I believe with all of my heart that God will continue to provide. I know this because the lover of my soul has never failed me yet. My God is always faithful.
Semper fidelis–not just for the Marines.
Aimee Day is a first-year student at McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia, and she is also the newest staff member of Baptist Women in Ministry. She will serve as the executive assistant. God is indeed faith and provides a way–for this next step forward for BWIM and for Aimee.