(For the girl I lit the candles for)

When the 9/11 attacks happened, I was barely a few weeks into law school, with an uncertain future in front of me – wrestling with what to pursue and wondering whether any route chosen was even possible.  Watching the devastation, fear, and palpable anger solidified my leaning toward a career in service, specifically to address and combat evil. 

Amidst all the songs written in response to the attacks, Bruce Springsteen’s The Rising stands out as a song of resilience and life.  His line “I was wearing the cross of my calling” strongly resonated.  

I have often wondered what my true calling was – Teach?  Seek justice?  Protect?  Lead?  All of the above?  And the scariest and craziest sounding one – to be a prophet of God?

I don’t think I’ve ever fully embraced my calling, whatever it actually is or may be.  I was frankly just too distracted, scared, immature, and weak to do so.  Even now, I still look for an easier route.  But it is our callings that open up the road to salvation and the true opportunity for the rising.