Gladness, bliss, and passion are among the many positive terms regularly invoked in conversations about calling. But the reality of calling is often very different, both for our students and for ourselves. Vocation unfolds within messy and complicated lives—sometimes even in response to unexpected and unwelcome tragedy, debility, or hardship. This session invites participants to consider various dimensions of “callings we don’t choose,” and to reflect on ways to support students and one another with compassionate attentiveness, courage, and hope.
Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of Religion, Psychology, and Culture, Emerita, Vanderbilt University (TN)
Deanna A. Thompson, Director of the Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community and Martin E. Marty Regents Chair in Religions and the Academy, St. Olaf College (MN)
Gloria Urrabazo, Vice President for Mission and Ministry, Our Lady of the Lake University (TX)