We’ve all heard the phrases: “Run to your Father,” “You are a child of God,” or the familiar opening of the Lord’s Prayer, “Our Father...” I’ve heard these truths my entire life, but if I’m being honest, they never felt real to me—at least, not until my time as a Charlotte Fellow.

In our Seminary class, we’ve been discussing the idea of common grace which is what the Apostle James is speaking on in this verse. His reminder is simply this: every good thing we experience ultimately comes from God. 

I found myself in a conversation with my host dad recently about God’s character and his heart toward his children/me. He challenged me with a question, “If you really believe that God desires to give you good gifts and see you live purposefully in your job, why wouldn’t you pursue something you really love?”

During the Welcome Retreat in September, our Director Kathryn, mentioned a phrase that would stick with me to this day.

“Remember, the pressure is off.”

I laughed at first. It felt wrong to accept this phrase. I had just come off putting in my two weeks at my corporate finance job after two long grueling years. Now I'm 25, living in a new city once again, and considering becoming a teacher (I think). In summary, life has recently been full of “What are you doing?” questions from everyone. How can the pressure really be off? 

When people asked what I wanted to get out of the Fellows program this year, my answer was always the same: I wanted to truly feel God’s presence in my life – not just mentally know He’s there. Naturally, I assumed that would happen through more intentional quiet time, prayer, or through involvement at church, but God had a different idea: feeling His presence through my dependence on Him.