Yourself a newborn bard of the Holy Ghost, cast behind you all conformity, and acquaint men at first hand with Diety. Look to it first and only, that fashion, custom, authority, pleasure, and money are nothing to you, -- are not bandages over your eyes, that you cannot see, -- but live with the privilege of the immeasurable mind.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, Divinity School Address
[From The Portable Emerson]

Emerson delivered this message to the graduating class at Divinity College in Cambridge in 1838. As I prepare to enter seminary tomorrow, these words still speak deeply to a modern day student of religion.

Money has always been at the root of my frustrations in life. There was never enough of it. I grew up in a housing project, aware of the poverty in my home and all around me. I swore I would never be that poor again, that I would rise above it and one day be wealthy. It hasn't happened yet.

The career decisions I have made have not brought me great wealth, but they have brought me great joy. I don't make much money in radio, but I love it, and I always will. When I decided to pursue other goals and challenges, seminary was a natural choice. Again, it's not a field where I can expect to become rich.

I get frustrated that I'm not a magnet for money, but Emerson reminds me, that's not the point. I am aiming to be a newborn bard of the Holy Ghost. I want to acquaint people with the Diety, with the divine in the world. That is the ultimate goal. I must put aside fashion, custom, authority, pleasure and money so that I can see the divine. If I cannot see the divine, I cannot communicate it to a world sorely in need of divine guidance.

Instead, God has blessed me with the need to stretch my mind and my beliefs. Emerson tells me that's a privilege, and I believe it. Whether I ever have money or not, I will always have the privilege of the immeasurable mind. That is blessing enough.

Blessings,
Candace